Dear Parent/Carer(s)
Just to confirm that the autumn term ends at 2.55pm on Thursday, 22nd December 2011. Monday, 9th January 2012 will be a staff training day. Therefore, the spring term will begin for pupils at 8.30am on Tuesday, 10th January 2012.
The autumn term has been a busy time for staff and pupils. In mid-September the School held its annual Prize Giving Evening at Greenfield Chapel. The event was well attended and celebrated excellence and effort in the academic, sporting and cultural life of the School. November saw the School enter a float in the town’s Christmas carnival parade. The event demanded a great deal of preparation but was enjoyed by all who took part. In early December, our Parents’ Association organised a curry evening in support of School funds. Towards the end of the month, the School’s Music department staged a Christmas Spectacular at Theatr Elli. The event show cased the work of our 80 strong choir, many talented musicians and the GCSE Drama group. The performance was well received by a full house of parents, staff, pupils and family friends.
Coedcae FM Radio was launched in partnership with ‘The Wave’. Parents and pupils can look forward to future programmes being compiled and streamed through our website. Autumn has also witnessed the launch of mini-enterprise companies at School. Year 10 pupils participated in the Swansea Bay business competition and were highly commended for their efforts. A highly successful company has recently launched producing personalised mugs. The high quality of their finished product has led to a flood of orders and a promise to deliver all items before Christmas. Eva Bowers of Year 8 designed a school Christmas card which was professionally reproduced by MCP Printing. Eva’s card was sent to the many people and agencies who support our pupils.
Once again this term the generosity of Coedcae pupils and their families has been in evidence. ‘Operation Christmas Child’ is a charity which aims to provide children living in impoverished countries with a small box of gifts. This year our pupils collected enough gifts to fill in excess of 300 boxes for children living in Liberia. This was an astonishing feat and all involved deserve to be congratulated.
In September 2012, we will welcome a new cohort of Year 7 pupils to Coedcae. Their work with the School has already begun with Year 6 pupils from Bigyn, Bynea, Halfway, Lakefield, Maes y Morfa, Penygaer and Stebonheath primary schools working with the PE, Art and Music departments. In competitions, Bigyn School were the proud winners of the Five-a-side football while Lakefield pupils took the honours in Netball. Well done to all concerned.
The School website ( www.coedcae.com) is now fully functional and updated on a weekly basis. It carries a great deal of useful information about the School.
In January 2012, Mrs Tracy Senchal will take up her post as Head Teacher of Coedcae School. Her appointment will open a new and exciting chapter in the School’s development and we look forward to working with her in the New Year.
May I take this opportunity to thank pupils, parents and staff for their support during the present term. I hope that you all enjoy a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Rob Davies (Acting Head Teacher)