RP gets behind community efforts
Rydal Penrhos’ project to produce PPE for NHS staff and keyworkers across the region hit another milestone recently.
Design Technology teacher, technician James Bonser and Sixth Form pupil Jamie Lavery have been busy over the last six weeks, making protective masks that have been distributed across the community to assist in the fight against Covid-19.
The project has now surpassed the 2,000-mask mark thanks to their sterling efforts throughout the coronavirus pandemic closure.
The school has received messages of thanks from those that have received the masks, which have proved exceptionally useful in this unprecedented time.
Gerwyn Jones, Practice Manager at Bethesda Medical Centre, said: “On behalf of the Doctors and all the staff at the Medical Centre, I wish to convey our thanks for the very generous gift of 10 face visors which were delivered yesterday.
“Thank you very much – your kind gesture is much appreciated.”
A crowdfunding page set up to increase production reached its £2,500 target thanks to a wealth of generous donations, and the Friends of Rydal Penrhos parent group donating £1,000 to further aid the fantastic work.
John & Margaret Haydon, Directors at Bryn Marl and Coed Isaf Nursing Homes, added: “We were very grateful to receive the delivery of the Visors for our staff to use during this awful time dealing with Covid-19.
“We and our 115 staff at Coed Isaf and Bryn Marl thank you for your generosity. Keep up the good work.”
Anyone with any materials to spare can email SJames@rydalpenrhos.com with the relevant information.
Those requiring PPE can also email Miss James with their specific request.
Those wishing to donate to the project can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sarah039s-campaign-for-rydal-penrhos-limited.
Rydal Penrhos has opened up its boarding accommodation for critical frontline keyworkers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision comes after a local firefighter, who lives with an elderly relative, came to the school requesting assistance as he is unable to go home due to the risk of infection.
Coincidentally, the firefighter is also a former pupil and Rydal Penrhos will now offer this service to the wider community to assist further in the community effort relating to Covid-19.
Executive Principal John Waszek, said: “It is our duty to provide the community with whatever they need to help them during these unprecedented times.
“The world is in a difficult place and it is by working together and supporting one another that we will complete this journey.
“Our critical frontline workers are doing such a fabulous job throughout the region, and they deserve our help and gratitude.”
The school will respond to requests on a case-by-case basis, and this is the latest initiative organised by Rydal Penrhos.
Rydal Penrhos School is now offering free childcare for critical keyworkers of non-parents during the coronavirus pandemic.
The school has been providing care for children of Rydal Penrhos parents since last week but is now opening the offer to the wider community after contacting Conwy county council to offer their assistance during this difficult time.
John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “Whilst as an independent school our staff are not technically part of the public service, I consider our moral responsibilities to the community mean that we must operate as if we are.
“To do otherwise would, in my opinion, be utterly disloyal. In addition, the school’s mission calls us to service, as does our charitable status.”
The service currently runs from 8.30am-5.30pm from Monday-Friday and those using the provision should bring packed lunches and snacks. Children will be kept busy with projects and outdoor activities under the supervision of staff.
The school is also willing to open earlier from 7am and stay open until 10pm if needed due to shift patterns. The age categories are from Pre-School to Year 9.
Two-year-olds are also being accepted but need to be potty trained. The school is not accepting turn-ups on any specific day due to staffing ratios.
Those attending must meet the critical frontline worker criteria outlined by the government, which can be found online, and trained first aiders are on site each day.
Prep School head Lucy Davies, who is coordinating the care provision, added: “We are practising social distancing at school but it is not practical to keep young children at a two-metre distance so there will be some instances of closer contact.
“We are carefully sterilising the environment each day and taking the temperature of all staff and pupils upon arrival.”
