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Education

Mary Immaculate School school welcomes glowing Estyn report      

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HAVERFORDWEST’S Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School has welcomed a recent Estyn report praising the work of the school.

Headteacher Sarah Mansfield took up her position in November 2021 and inspectors found that the school is well led by a dynamic and committed headteacher.

Estyn’s report notes that “she has worked with parents, staff and pupils to create a vision that is specific and appropriate to the needs of the school” and works tirelessly with the staff to improve pupil outcomes and well-being.”

Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School has a wonderfully caring and nurturing ethos underpinned by strong values and virtues, inspectors found, along with a distinct focus on equity of opportunity for all.

The report highlights that a broad range of engaging and interesting activities are planned by teachers across the curriculum with a good pace of learning, development of understanding and promotion of thinking skills on the whole.

Recommendations made by Estyn were to ensure that outdoor learning develops pupils’ skills effectively and provides a suitable level of challenge for all pupils and to ensure that feedback from teachers targets the next steps in pupils’ learning.

Cabinet member for Education and the Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham said: “This is a fantastic report from Estyn and staff and pupils at Mary Immaculate Catholic School should be extremely proud of their hard work.”

Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School Headteacher Sarah Mansfield said: “It’s pleasing to see everyone’s hard work recognised. I am very proud of everyone in our school community and would like to thank our wonderful pupils and staff for their desire to make Mary Immaculate the best it can be.”

Also highlighted was the prominent role that children at the school play in improving aspects of school life for all pupils, such as in their roles as members of Y Senedd and its sub committees.

Two of the school’s Pupil Leadership Team, Kayla Kplomedo and Leah Thomas, said: “We are really pleased to see our Senedd work highlighted in the report as it is such a massive part of our school. Rydyn ni’n y llais, we are the voice.

“Even though we will take our voices to the high school, we are confident that the new pupil leadership team will ensure that all pupils are heard and taken seriously. We know this as we will train the next First Ministers and Faith Ambassadors before we leave.

“They have looked up to so many before them and understand the importance of their roles including their responsibility to support the continued improvement of our school.

“The future is bright for the pupils at Mary Immaculate.”

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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Education

Don’t miss out on help with school essentials

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88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours?

Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7. It could also mean extra funding for your school.

There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for this year’s funding now before applications close on 31 May.

You can apply every year for each of your children. Pupils from all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are aged 5-16. This applies to pupils in all schools and settings, including special schools and pupil referral units.

Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones, explained how the grant helps pupils at his school: “You want every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to have the same experiences. These grants do help, so that all children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not just those who can afford it.”

The grant can be used to pay for:

  • school uniform, including coats and shoes.
  • school activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports kit and equipment for after school activities.
  • classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.

Even if your child already receives a Free School Meal, you still need to check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant and extra funding for your school. To find out more about the Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs | GOV.WALES

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Charity

Bags of Books returns to Milford Haven and surrounding areas this Easter

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THE INFAMOUS Bags of Books is set to return to Milford Haven and surrounding areas over the Easter holidays.

Milford Haven School who launched the project with Milford Youth Matters over 3 years ago are continuing in their bid to improve literacy skills and encourage a love of reading for pleasure by giving away over 700 books.

Thanks to funding from the South Hook LNG Community grant they have purchased books for young people of all ages and reading abilities and will be hanging them on the fences of the schools in their catchment area.

The community are invited to come and choose a book from the following locations over the Easter holidays:

  • Neyland Community Primary School – Monday 25th March
  • Johnston Community Primary School – Tuesday 26th March
  • Coastlands Primary School – Wednesday 27th March
  • Gelliswick Primary School – Tuesday 2nd April
  • Milford Haven Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April
  • St Francis Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April

Milford Haven Secondary School will also hang over 150 books on their fence after the Easter Holidays on Wednesday 10th April for those in our community who cannot attend the other locations.

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