News
New lesson times proposed for schools
TWO Pembrokeshire schools are consulting with parents and pupils about a proposed change of lesson times.
Pembroke Dock Community School and Pembroke Comprehensive School want to start earlier in the morning and have a half day on Friday.
The proposed changes to Pembroke Dock Community School would be as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 8:45am – 3:10/3:25pm (depending on year)
Friday: 8:45am – 12:05-12:15pm (12:40/12:45pm if staying for lunch)
Pembroke Comprehensive School, which is soon to be renamed Henry Tudor School, would have the following hours:
Monday: 8:30am – 3:50pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30am – 2:50pm
Friday: 8:30am – 1:20pm
Letters sent to parents state that the new hours would allow for increased family team, and also a better work/life balance for staff at the schools.
However, some parents have voiced concerns that the earlier leaving times could cause a problem for parents who work.
The schools have stressed that this is just an idea which is being considered and no official changes have been made.
They are looking for parents to provide feedback on the proposed new times.
A letter sent out to parents said: “An earlier finishing time on a Friday would also enable pupils, parents and staff to benefit from improved wellbeing through increased family time.
“There would also be opportunities to benefit from long weekends to spend time with friends or engage with sport, hobbies and informal learning.
“It would further support our parents who run and work in local businesses and mirror the flexibility in shift patterns shown by major employees in the local area.
“Teaching staff would have an additional two hours professional development training every fortnight (budgeted for from the directed time budget).
“It could take many different forms and could be used to work as a professional learning community (PLC).”
There have also been reports in the national press today (Jan 30) about St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Isleworth, which is also proposing to cut down the school day on Friday ‘in a bid to save cash’.
The Sun reports: “A primary school in West London could become the first in the country to cut down to a four-and-a-half day week in a desperate bid to save cash.
“St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Isleworth has come under fire after proposing that the school week could end at 12.45pm on Fridays.”
Local Government
Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard
A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.
Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.
Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.
The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.
No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.
Cover pic:
Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.
Community
Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day
MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.
The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.
The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.
Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.
Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.
During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.
The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.
Local Government
Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall
A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.
The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.
Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.
Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.
Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.
The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.
Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.
Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.
The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.
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