Dear Parents and Carers
As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to thank you for your continued support and kindness. There has been a great deal to celebrate this term. The school examination season went very well for all year groups, whether that be in school exams, or GCSE, AS and A level. It has been a good end to the term, with a wonderful prom for Year 11, a very successful transition day for Year 6, a thoroughly deserved reward trips day, and a competitive and much enjoyed Sports Day. I hope your child has enjoyed these opportunities, and I am sure you will join me in thanking staff across the school who have planned and organised these events.
There have been a number of school visits including to Chinatown, London for those pupils who have been learning Mandarin, a joint SRB and Trinity Fields visit to Bristol Zoo, and competing at the regional Maths challenge. It was delightful to celebrate the achievements of so many pupils over the past few weeks with Headteacher Letters of Commendations, and Headteacher Award Assemblies, recognising the hard work, endeavour, and excellence of so many of our pupils.
Our school year ends on Wednesday 20 July 2022 at 1455, the end of the school day.
In readiness for the new autumn term, please note
Thursday 18 August 2022 - A level Results (9am to midday in the Main Hall)
Thursday 25 August 2022 – GCSE Results (Year 11 from 9am to midday in the Main Hall / Year 10 from 10am to midday in the Main Hall))
Friday 2 September 2022 – INSET Day (Staff only)
Monday 5 September 2022 – Year 7 and Year 12 return including their school photos
Tuesday 6 September 2022 – Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 13 return
Thursday 8 September 2022 – School photos for Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13
I will write to you early in the new term, including important dates for the school year such as Parents Evenings and details of our School Development Plan 2022/23.
School uniform
As the summer term progresses, it is understandable parents do not wish to replace school uniform items until the summer holidays. As such, uniform standards across the school this half term have not been as high as usual. As you will expect, we will be returning to our high standards and strict expectations for all pupils in September.
Please ensure that school uniform comply with our policy (which is on our school website). TSS (Total Sporting Solutions) in Caerphilly is our school uniform supplier for the compulsory school blazer and compulsory tie, as well as the optional school jumper, cardigan and tank top. Shirts, skirts, trousers and shoes can be purchased from any shop. However, please take note of our uniform expectations regarding these as some shops label items such as leggings as school uniform which they are not. We will be insisting on a return to the highest standards of uniform in September.
For those families who qualify for the PDG Access Grant, a text was sent on 29 June regarding this. An online form is available on Caerphilly Council website or, if you require assistance, you can phone their helpline 01443.863052. The grant is worth £300 for Year 7, and £225 for Years 8-11, and can be used to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for your child. Please contact CCBC if you have any queries about the PDG Access Grant.
If you have any unwanted, good quality uniform items, we would very much welcome these as donations to the school for us to share with those in need. Please deliver any items to school reception. Thank you.
Equipment, mobile phones and headphones
All pupils need black ink pens for their written work, as well as the usual school equipment (pencils, ruler, protractor, compass, scientific calculator, colouring pencils, etc). These are available to purchase from the school if required.
The Pupil Senedd will be reviewing our policy with regard to mobile phones and headphones next year. However, as a rule of thumb, neither should be seen nor heard on school site.
Attendance
We continue to monitor attendance closely, working with our CCBC Education Welfare Officer to support attendance and punctuality for all children. All children should aim for 100% attendance, as every day that they are absent from school means five hours of their learning have been missed.
In line with recent Welsh Government announcement, our Governors have agreed we will reintroduce Fixed Penalty Notices from September as a last resort.
Please note all students are expected to be in school in good time for the start of the school day. The first bell rings at 8.30am and all students should be on site in readiness for assemblies and form time at 8.25am without fail.
School buses
If your child is currently in Years 7-12, you should receive a bus pass from CCBC. We understand bus passes for new pupils will be sent out over the summer holidays. Please note all pupils are expected by CCBC Transport to travel on the bus that is designated to them by CCBC. Please contact CCBC if you have any queries about school buses or taxis.
Staff changes
Mr Sass, Assistant Headteacher, is leaving after 25 years exemplary service to our school community to join the Ministry within the Salvation Army. Mrs Gray, Welsh Baccalaureate Coordinator, is retiring after 35 years dedicated teaching at our school. I am certain you will join me in thanking Mr Sass and Mrs Gray for their many years of diligent service, and wish them each every happiness in their new ventures.
Mrs Gaskin (Teacher of Maths), Mrs Marshall (Teacher of Science) and Miss Mayo (Cover Teacher) have all secured posts in other schools, and we wish them each success in their new roles.
From September, Mr Jones will be Assistant Headteacher (Skills, Timetable and Curriculum Support). Mrs Buswell will be Head of Year 7, Mr Corke will be Head of Year 10, and Mrs Croll will be Head of Year 12/13. Mrs Parks will be our MAT Coordinator.
We have a number of new staff joining us – Miss Williams (Science), Miss Holly (English), Mr Chapman (RVE), Mr Tram (Maths), Mrs Forsyth (Welsh Baccalaureate), Miss Alexander (Class Assistant), Mr Matthews (Class Assistant), Mr Fallaize (Class Assistant), Mrs Owen (Class Assistant), Mr Hopkins (Pupil Support Officer) and Mrs Nisbet (School Counsellor).
On behalf of everyone at St Cenydd, I would like to thank you for your continued support, encouragement and kindness.
I wish you and your family an enjoyable and happy summer.
With thanks
Miss Collins
Headteacher
