News

Catholic schools federation consultation call backed by cabinet

Published

2 years ago

April 27, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CONSULTATION on the potential federation of Pembrokeshire’s four Catholic schools was backed by senior councillors earlier this week.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on April 24, backed a recommendation that authority be delegated to the Director of Education to start a statutory consultation on federations for Haverfordwest’s Mary Immaculate Catholic School and Tenby’s St Teilo’s Catholic School, and Fishguard’s Holy Name Catholic School and Milford Haven’s St Francis Catholic School.

A report for Cabinet members stated: “Due to various headteacher vacancies and a growing inability to recruit, the current status and headship arrangements at the schools are outlined in the following table. Currently, there are informal arrangements in three of the above schools, with a recruitment process being necessary in the fourth.

“It is necessary to ‘formalise’ these arrangements, and the relevant governing bodies and the Diocese of Menevia have expressed a wish to consider establishing federations.”

The report said St Francis has been without a permanent headteacher since September 2022. Since then, St Francis and Holy Name have been in an informal collaboration, with the headteacher of Holy Name acting as an executive headteacher across the two schools, following several unsuccessful recruitment rounds for St Francis.

Members also heard Mary Immaculate School will need to recruit a headteacher for September and St Teilo’s has been without a permanent headteacher since January.

The report added: “Since then, St Teilo’s Catholic School and Tavernspite/Templeton Federation have been in an informal collaboration, with the headteacher of the Tavernspite/Templeton Federation acting as executive headteacher across the schools.

“Following several recruitment rounds, the arrangement was established as the governing body at St Teilo’s was unable to appoint a headteacher for the school.

“The governing body of St Teilo’s, supported by the Diocese of Menevia, would like to consider a formal federation with another Catholic school.”

Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Guy Woodham stressed the potential federation was “not an amalgamation, a takeover, or a route to school closure,” adding the schools would remain as separate establishments.

He moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack.

Council Leader David Simpson recalled the success of the federation of the Tavernspite and Templeton schools in his own ward.

“I cannot emphasise how good the transition was and how good the schools are now; an excellent way forward.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.