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Haverfordwest: Parent governors ‘outraged’ at Council’s sixth form plans

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Out in force: School plans sparked protests in January

THE PARENT governors of both Secondary Schools in Haverfordwest are outraged and have united to try and ensure the retention for 6th Form choice in the county town.

Current proposals are that sixth form provision will be in future provided at Pembrokeshire College. The governors have released a statement following Pembrokeshire County Council approving the second stage of the consultation exercise into the reorganisation of secondary school education in the county.

The governors are also encouraging parents, and friends of the schools to attend a meeting at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm

In the statement the governors said: “The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are extremely concerned with the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School and that Post 16 Education will only be provided in a new integrated Sixth Form Centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College.”

“A public meeting has been called at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday 2nd March 2015 at 7:00pm and the focus of the evening will be about 6th Form Choice retained within the school environment.
The Parent Governors want to retain the option for CHOICE and need everyone to engage in the consultation process which is due to commence on 10th March 2015 for an eight week period.
The main concern of the Governors of both schools relates to the proposed loss of a “Sixth Form” element within the school.”

“Sixth form students – with their maturing outlook – help to round off a school. They are often looked upon as leaders by the younger pupils and they do have immense influence within the school.”

School changes: Taskers site could become a new Welsh Medium School

School changes: Taskers site could become a new Welsh Medium School

“Their attendance not only assists the financing of the school but their learning abilities also stretch the staff within the school. The mere fact that a sixth form exists within a school ensures that from year 11 onwards the continual educational development of the pupils and students is maintained. Where strengths are identified invaluable guidance can be provided for sixth form choice.”

“The joint Governing Bodies of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools are concerned that the removal of sixth form provision from the new 21st Century School will have a detrimental effect, not only upon the school as an entity, but also upon students opportunities thereafter. This argument will be put to the County Council during the consultation process.”

“The public meeting has been called at the Sir Thomas Picton School Hall on Monday the 2nd of March at 7pm and we trust that you will pass on this information to the families of those youngsters who are already on the ladder to secondary education – as it is these pupils who will be amongst the first to encounter the radical proposals of change.”

“We understand that the next meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council is to be held at County Hall Haverfordwest on Thursday the 5th of March at 9am.”

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Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club

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A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

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Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.

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Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying

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MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.

Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.

On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.

Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.

Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.

The inquest continues.

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