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Education

Friendship extended as school is gifted artwork by celebrated illustrator

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A STRONG friendship between celebrated illustrator Margaret Jones and Prendergast Community Primary School is continuing more than 20 years on.

In the early 2000s, the pupils and staff of Prendergast Junior School forged a strong relationship with Margaret when they studied her fantasy book, ‘Nat’.

A group of pupils met her at her home and interviewed her and during this visit, Margaret revealed that she had written a sequel to the book, but it had not been published.

Keen to find out what happened next, the pupils lobbied the publisher and encouraged Margaret to release the sequel.

A friendship began that enriched the pupils’ educational experience and brought them closer to Wales’ cultural heritage, inspiring them to write and draw.

When released, ‘Nat and the Box of Gifts’ was dedicated to the staff and pupils of Prendergast Junior School. The fondness Margaret felt for the school was evident when she gifted all the original artwork from the books to the school.

This art hung proudly on the walls of the new Prendergast CP School, when it opened in 2007.
Recently, the school contacted Margaret to enquire as to how these works of art can be shared more widely and enjoyed by the people of Wales.

Margaret’s son, Mark, visited the school to receive the artwork and he was keen for the school to retain some of the pieces.

Louise John, Headteacher of Prendergast CP School said: “We are thrilled that Margaret and her family would like us to keep some of the artwork as testament to the historic relationship between her and the school.

“The art will be a reminder of our ongoing commitment to promoting Welsh culture and literature. The retained artworks will continue to be proudly displayed at the school and this generous donation stands as a beacon of Margaret’s remarkable contribution to Welsh arts and literature.”

Margaret Jones, now approaching her 105th birthday, has been a pivotal figure in Welsh visual arts.
Her illustrious career blossomed later in life, as she began painting professionally at the age of 60. She is best known for her enchanting illustrations of Welsh myths and stories, which have played a significant role in defining the visual mythology of Wales.

Her works, characterised by their vivid imagination and intricate details, have captivated audiences young and old, bringing the rich tapestry of Welsh folklore to life.

It is hoped that artwork by Mrs Jones will be put on display at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Pictured: Margaret Jones’ son Mark, is pictured with Prendergast CP School pupils and some of the original artwork.

Education

Supported employment learners take off on airport adventure

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A GROUP from the Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme (PSEP) enjoyed a memorable day out at Haverfordwest Airport this week as part of their continued education activities.

The visit gave learners the opportunity to explore a wide variety of aircraft and gain hands-on experience with the airport’s emergency services. Highlights of the day included sitting inside a fire truck and trying on some of the firefighter uniform.

The group said they particularly enjoyed learning new facts about aviation and seeing planes up close in real life – a first for many. The trip helped build independent learning skills and teamwork in a fun and engaging environment.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Everyone had a great day! It was an exciting and educational experience for all involved. Thank you to Haverfordwest Airport for allowing us to visit the site.”

PSEP, supported by Norman Industries, continues to offer valuable opportunities for people with disabilities in Pembrokeshire to gain life skills, explore new interests, and build confidence.

Photo caption: Taking flight: Learners from the supported employment programme enjoyed their day at Haverfordwest Airport (Pic: PSEP).

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Education

County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

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PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. 

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie. 

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated. 

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.” 

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell 

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

 HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble

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Education

Nursery place application deadline reminder from Local Authority

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PARENTS and guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 are invited to apply for a Nursery school place for January, April and September 2026 by the closing date of 30th April 2025. 

Applications received after 30th April 2025 will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether the child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that no school place will be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.  

For information on which term your child would be due to join nursery, please follow this link to our  Information to Parents  which sets out the terms based on your child’s date of birth and which school you are applying to.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form.  You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section. 

Parents/guardians are reminded that attending a Nursery at a school does not guarantee a Primary place (to start in September 2027) and a separate application does need to be submitted for this. This application can be submitted at the same time as your Nursery application.

Parents/guardians will be notified of Nursery places by 31st July 2025.

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