Education

Milford Haven School crowned Exceptional Community Champions

Published

1 year ago

July 5, 2023

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has made history by becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to be awarded the prestigious Gold Calon Y Gymuned (Heart of The Community) award. The school’s outstanding commitment to family and community engagement has earned them this remarkable accolade, presented by the Foundation of Community Engagement.

The assessment took place on Tuesday, when Sue Davies, representing the Foundation, visited Milford Haven School to evaluate their community initiatives. Impressed by their exceptional efforts, Davies not only awarded them the Calon Y Gymuned Heart of The Community award but also commended their hard work, dedication, and named them Exceptional Community Champions.

The morning was filled with excitement and pride as Davies shared her enthusiasm, stating, “What a wonderful morning we had at Milford Haven School. A school with a defined community culture, vision, and values. There is an ethos of no excuses, a collective responsibility, and a clear understanding that success is only possible if all community members are involved. There is a strong focus on building mutually respectful working relationships. This was exemplified by the wonderful Prefect Team and their amazing input into the Community of Milford Haven. MHS is a true Canol y Gymuned. The Foundation thanks you all for your hard work and dedication to your community.”

Milford Haven School, the sole secondary school serving the town, takes immense pride in being a community school. Recognizing their crucial role in shaping and supporting the local community, the school operates with a deep sense of responsibility. They diligently and creatively establish and nurture a robust network of connections throughout the town, ensuring the flourishing of their students and their families.

Ms Morris, the Headteacher, expressed her pride in the school community’s achievement, saying, “I am very proud of our whole school community. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication that our pupils, staff, and community put in every day to ensure that our young people and their families can thrive and take advantage of every opportunity. The Milford Haven community is extremely supportive and generous, and we are very proud to be a part of it. I would like to take this opportunity to say Diolch yn fawr to those in our community who continue to support us, and my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved that has led to us successfully receiving this award.”

Milford Haven School understands the significance of engaging and empowering their school community, especially in these challenging times. By fostering strong community support and collaboration, they provide invaluable experiences that enable their students to achieve success on their educational journey. This recognition serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to placing the community at the heart of their school.

The Calon Y Gymuned award not only signifies the exceptional efforts of Milford Haven School but also serves as a symbol of their dedication to the betterment of their community. As pioneers in community engagement within Pembrokeshire, they have set a high standard for schools across the region, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Milford Haven School’s achievement stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and supportive community for all.

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.