Dear all,
I am writing to pupils and 6th form students in particular at the end of this term.
Events over the last few days and the decision to move learning on-line for this last week of term and the requirement for certain year groups to self-isolate; has meant that we didn’t get the opportunity, as staff, to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year at the end of term.
I therefore want to personally, on behalf of all the staff, thank you for your support since we returned in September. This has felt like the longest term ever. The response from pupils and students when asked to self-isolate has been outstanding. Diolch o galon!
Normally, as a school, we would celebrate the end of term with school assemblies, the Christmas Fayre and the Carol Service. The non-running of such events reminds us all of how different the challenges have been this term and how different school has been. I feel immensely proud of the way in which you have responded to the changes that we have put in place, especially our zoning arrangements, to make the school as safe as possible for learners and staff. Let us keep this up in the New Year – keep your face coverings safe!
I have been impressed by the way, in which each year group has responded to the need to support one another and the generosity of pupils towards others. This was seen in initiatives such as the foodbank appeal and the sending of letters by Year 9 to Care Home residents. The response to assembly tasks across the school, that have focused on Health and Wellbeing matters, supporting the two Health and Wellbeing days that took place this term, has been fantastic.
Year 7, the beginning of your journey with us has been so different; however, you have been amazing and resilient and have become important members of our school community.
Year 8, you are developing as excellent learners and there is a great future ahead for so many of you!
As staff, we will work in partnership with those of you due to complete external exams over the next few months, ensuring that you achieve all that you deserve. Staff in both Pencoed Comprehensive School and Penybont 6th Form College are committed to supporting you when we return in January. Staff will guide you through the assessment arrangements put in place, due to COVID-19, once these are in place. However, for now, take the Christmas break to unwind and catch up with a few Netflix box sets.
For those of you in Years 12 and 13 make sure you take account of the feedback provided on your progress. Feedback is only valuable if you take the advice provided on board!
As we are now in the last week of term, I would ask that you all stay safe and continue to follow the COVID-19 guidance over Christmas, so that you can protect yourselves and your families.
Staff will work with you during this last week of term as we move learning online. Make sure you sign up to lessons on Google classrooms, following your normal timetable. Make sure you check in for registration each morning between 8.40 and 8.55am. Watch out for messages from your Progress and Wellbeing Leaders and teachers who are here to support you. I hope that there will be some fun activities thrown in.
School re-opens in the spring term for all pupils at Pencoed Comprehensive School and students at Penybont 6th Form College on Tuesday the 5th of January 2021, as there is an INSET day for staff on Monday the 4th of January 2021.
Again, I am sorry that we did not get the chance to get together at the end of term and hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas with your families. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd!
We can be proud of what we achieved together this term. Staff and pupils working together in partnership makes Pencoed Comprehensive School such a great please to work and learn in. I so look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Yours sincerely
Edward H Jones
Headteacher
On behalf of all the staff.