The RP Weekly: 14 October 2022
The digital weekly newsletter from Rydal Penrhos School - 14 October 2022 edition.
The RP Weekly
14 October 2022
Holiday Club
Booking open for half-term adventures
October half-term Holiday Club
The October Half-Term Holiday Club will run from October 24 to November 4 (Monday to Friday).
For those aged 5 to 12, the Holiday Club is open for external children.
For current Rydal Penrhos pupils, the Holiday Club is open for Pre-School to Year 8.
The cost is £45 per day and includes all trips, activities, sports and crafts as well as two snacks, a packed lunch and a fresh-cooked meal.
To book now as a current parent please log in to your Schools Buddy App.
To book now as a family who does not attend Rydal Penrhos click here.
Childcare vouchers are also available to use.
For any further enquiries contact holidayclub@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155.
Open Day 2022
Did you miss it?
Did you miss the Rydal Penrhos Open Morning?
Anyone that was unable to attend the school’s Open Morning can book a private tour of the school. This can be done by contacting one of our admissions team on 01492 530155 and via email at admissions@rydalpenrhos.com.
Alternatively, you can enquire easily in just a few steps by using our online form.
Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Editon)
Last chance to secure tickets!
Rydal Penrhos' upcoming amateur production of “Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Edition)" which is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatres Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
The amateur production of Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Edition) will take place on Sunday 16 October, Monday 17, and Tuesday 18 in the Memorial Hall. Sunday’s performance will begin at 7.30pm, with Monday and Tuesday’s set for a 7pm start.
Tickets are priced at £5 per person. Rydal Penrhos pupils and staff can attend the production free of charge. Pupils in Year 9 and above can attend and refreshments will be available. Anyone wishing to purchase their tickets can do so at the following links:
Parents
Pupils and Staff
Open Day 2022
A fantastic showcase of what Rydal Penrhos has to offer
It was fantastic to see so many prospective pupils and their families descend on Rydal Penrhos for a special Open Day event on Saturday 8 October.
Teaching and support staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes ahead of the occasion, which was a roaring success and showcased exceptional professionalism across the school.
Upon arriving on-site, those in attendance were given a warm welcome by staff before being taken on a tour, which took in rehearsals for the upcoming amateur production of Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Edition).
There was a host of things for visitors to enjoy at the Open Day, with pupils taking part in some exciting activities in Science, Art, Design Technology and English.
Mrs Freeman even set up her own classroom apothecary, which proved to be a major hit with our visitors.
Exhibitions were set up in the Memorial Quad for anyone wishing to find out more about Rydal Penrhos’ Sailing, Combined Cadet Force or Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, with the newly refurbished Fitness Suite on display as pupils were put through their paces by sports coach Louisha Doran.
Those interested in Pre-School-Year 6 were taken on tours of the stunning Prep School site, with activities in areas such as Forest School, Art, and Gymnastics arranged throughout the event.
Following the tours, there was a chance to speak with key staff including Executive Principal John Waszek, Deputy Principals Phil Sutton and Lucy Davies, as well as the school’s Admissions team on the next steps to becoming a member of the Rydal Penrhos family.
We would like to thank everyone that attended our Open Day and congratulations go to pupils and staff for a job well done!
Sailing
National titles galore from pupils!
Rydal Penrhos has a rich Sailing history. Its been part of the school’s extra-curricular provision for more than 60 years and remains a core part of our ethos to this day.
The school’s Sailing and Water-Sports Centre is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association. Sailing also forms part of the curriculum for younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community – another fine example of staff utilising our incredible location on the North Wales coast to the benefit of pupils.
This has brought a significant amount of achievements regionally, nationally and even during prestigious international competitions. Pupils develop their skills under the experienced eye of the school’s training staff, with the programme organised exceptionally by Petrina Blomeley, Sailing Principal of Rydal Penrhos.
A large number of aspiring stars competed against other gifted talents from across the country at the RYA Cymru Wales Welsh Youth and Junior Championships, which took place at Pwllheli Sailing Club.
The fleets were very strong throughout. Most of the Welsh national pathway classes were represented with 88 boats at the event. Despite facing stiff competition, it was another outstanding performance from Rydal Penrhos’ sailing core en route to some impressive results and national titles aplenty.
Llion Morris, Sailing Commodore at the school, turned in a fantastic effort to secure the ILCA 7 Welsh championship to further enhance his credentials ahead of a busy winter training programme with national squads.
There was further cause for celebration as Freddie MacLaverty, who recently represented Team GB at the ILCA World Championships in Portugal, finished first in the ILCA 6 Welsh Championship event, making it a memorable double for two superb sailors in a competitive environment.
Tom Sinfield was another that shone at the event. The Year 8 pupil displayed tremendous grit and determination to finish atop the podium in the RS Tera Sport boys’ category, making it a national-championship treble for Rydal Penrhos.
The progression displayed by sailors was further demonstrated by Ben Sinfield, who won the RS Feva event with sailing partner Millie Greenhalgh. The duo also finished third in the General Handicap Fleet.
Flur Pierce and Keira Luke have long been female role models within Rydal Penrhos’ sailing provision. The tandem came third in the RS Feva event and eighth overall in the General Handicap Fleet, which represents a notable accomplishment for the Year 10 pupils.
Prep School
Leadership Team aiming to inspire
Giving our pupils a voice forms a key component of day-to-day life at Rydal Penrhos. We strive to ensure every child is safe, happy and thriving in their educational surroundings, which leads to strong performance both in and out of the classroom with consistently impressive results.
This also makes pupils feel part of the process, enabling them to voice opinions, express their feelings on school matters and boost key skills such as listening, communicating and debating.
It bares more significance in Year 6, where pupils can earn prestigious positions within the Prep School as part of the Leadership Team consisting of Heads, Deputies, Prefects, House Captains and the Mental Health/Anti-Bullying ambassadors.
Pupils work hard to attain these roles. They take the responsibility seriously, becoming outstanding role models for younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community and representing the school in an exemplary manner.
Many who attain these roles often go on to secure leadership positions upon reaching Year 13 as part of the school’s Senior Prefect Team. Another fine example of how beneficial early leadership skills can be in later life.
We are now thrilled to announce this year’s Prep School Pupil Leadership Team, who’ve already begun their newfound roles and are currently thriving with additional expectations on their shoulders.
Everyone would like to offer sincere congratulations to the group and wish them the very best of luck during the 2022/23 academic year.
Prep Head Boy & Girls
- Head Boy – Harrison Simmons
- Head Girls – Ela Lloyd-Bloom and Ella Craig
In charge of the School Council and Prefects.
Prep Deputy Head Boy & Girl
- Deputy Head Boy: James Altoft
- Deputy Head Girl: Hattie Bennett
In charge of the Eco-Committee.
Prep Prefects
- Jack Stuchfield
- Clara Donohue
- Odin Griffiths
- Ethan Pollard
- Pippa Sinfield
Prep Mental Health Champion
In charge of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors:
- Harrison Hogan
- Lissy Williams
- Isaac Morton
- Buddy Thompson
- Alfie James
Prep House Captains
- Brecon – Connie Ratcliffe and Oscar Kennedy-Evans
- Pembroke – Ella Ffowcs-Williams and Freddie Griffiths/Ashton Calvert
- Snowdon – Archie-Glyn Chesworth and Beatrice Brookes-Fazakerley
In charge of House Reps.
Community
Donations wanted for annual Harvest Food Drive
Rydal Penrhos has always been proud of its close association with the community. This has formed a core part of the school’s ethos throughout its history, something that continued when Rydal School and Penrhos College merged to become the thriving education establishment it is today.
Pupils of all ages work closely with the school’s staff during community-based initiatives that range from charity fundraising days to volunteering their time to worthy causes.
In addition to this, each academic year two Year 7 and two Year 12 fully-funded places are awarded to bright children, currently in a state school, who live in North Wales and who are financially eligible.
This time of year sees the school come together for an annual Harvest Food Drive, which is once again seeking donations from the Rydal Penrhos family before the half-term break.
There will also be collection trays in both Senior and Prep sections of the school for pupils, parents and staff to leave goods should they wish. Items donated will be distributed to the Colwyn Bay Food Bank by the Reverend Dr Rob Beamish, Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos.
Food can be brought right up until the Harvest Service on Friday 21 October, which will be on display during the end-of-half-term celebration before being transported. This cause is especially important this autumn with the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills making it extremely difficult for families.
We hope that the entire Rydal Penrhos community gets involved in the cause. It would be greatly appreciated.
Leadership
Deputy Head Boys thriving in new roles
Being a Rydal Penrhos sixth former is much more than just studying for A Levels. It’s preparing for the next step, building life skills and becoming inspirational role models for younger pupils who will one day enter Years 12 and 13 themselves.
The Senior Prefect Team play a huge part in this. They are fantastic ambassadors for Rydal Penrhos during their final year at school before heading off into higher education or the working world.
This is done by keeping spirits high across all year groups, lending their support to community events and also raising money for worthy causes across the North Wales region and beyond.
Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to announce that Josh Stewart and Tristan Martin have been appointed joint-Deputy Head Boys for the 2022/23 academic year.
Tristan and Josh are valuable contributors across all areas of school life. Something that’s much appreciated by teachers and their peers alike en route to their well-deserved appointments.
Josh is no stranger to leadership positions having held the title of Head Boy as a Prep School pupil. He is also the school’s Senior Rugby Captain for the current season.
After starting his Rydal Penrhos journey in Year 10, Tristan has thrived under the guidance of staff. His polite demeanour and willingness to assist in whatever capacity have been the hallmark of his time at the school so far, with his performance in the recent Dramatic Society production of Matilda the Musical Jr. nothing short of extraordinary.
Josh and Tristan have fitted in seamlessly into their newfound roles, working closely with the Deputy Head Girls, Head Boy James Copeland and Head Girl Ester Ball-Iversen on building the right foundations for a successful few months across a diverse range of areas.
Congratulations to both on their appointments. We know you’ll continue to represent Rydal Penrhos positively.
Girls' Hockey
U18 squad secures North West Wales qualifying success
Sporting success has been evident throughout Rydal Penrhos’ illustrious history. Something the school’s girls’ hockey sides are looking to emulate during the current campaign.
The school has secured a plethora of national titles in recent years. Rydal Penrhos is also proud to have developed many international-calibre hockey players such as current Wales U18 squad member and Year 13 pupil Alex Starling.
Despite some testing weather conditions, the U18 girls’ hockey squad held their nerve to emerge victorious from the North West Wales qualifying heat, which is the first step on their quest for the Welsh Schools’ Championships in the coming months.
Hosted at Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional facilities, the home team got their tournament off to the best possible start thanks to an impressive 3-0 win over Ysgol Eirias, which was swiftly followed by an emphatic 5-0 triumph over Ysgol Llangefni.
Further momentum was built thanks to an 8-0 victory over Ysgol Friars. Rydal Penrhos made it four in a row with a 2-0 success against Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn.
After a 0-0 draw versus Ysgol Brynrefail, the championship hinged on the final contest between the two remaining unbeaten sides – Rydal Penrhos and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen from Caernarfon.
After a hugely competitive affair with little to separate the two sides, a well-worked set piece proved to be the difference as the hosts won 1-0 to clinch the overall title.
The talented squad will now begin preparations for the Welsh Schools’ National Semi-Finals on Thursday 1 December in Newton. If Rydal Penrhos is one of the top two teams at the event, they progress to the national finals in March 2023, which is taking place in Cardiff.
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate our U18 girls’ hockey team on their tremendous efforts and the staff that guided them superbly every step of the way.
Year 2
Great outdoors explored during Forest School session
Rydal Penrhos has the most incredible woodland area available on site. It is a natural progression for us to have a comprehensive Forest School provision as part of the well-rounded education offered.
This exciting natural environment focuses on providing a safe outdoor learning experience. One in which children are encouraged to explore, discover, investigate and take suitable risks.
What could be a better way for children to learn than being outside and discovering things for themselves? And Rydal Penrhos has the facilities available to accommodate this essential part of learning.
A chosen theme could be based on a personal attribute, such as co-operation or creativity; helping to encourage personal development; or it may be based on a curriculum topic –mathematics, history, art or science.
It could even be more overtly about the forest – wildlife, habitats, trees, sticks, or weather-related. Whatever the theme, our Forest School offers all the children wonderful opportunities for learning at many levels.
Year 2 got the opportunity to explore the great outdoors during their latest Forest School session recently. This was a source of great excitement for our eager learners and brought enthusiasm, teamwork and determination in equal measure.
Pupils were given activities and tasks, working within groups to develop communication and enhance key skills under the supervision of staff. Something that saw each child tackle with an outstanding attitude, producing memorable results along the way.
Pre-School
Activities for Mental Health Awareness Day
In addition to the outstanding academic and extra-curricular education provided at Rydal Penrhos, the school also implements a Pastoral system that is second to none and enables each child to feel happy, safe and supported.
This enables them to get the very most out of their time in the classroom. We are always striving to maintain excellent standards in areas such as well-being and mental health, topics that are becoming increasingly important in an ever-changing world.
The school’s exceptional teaching staff are always on hand to lend support in whatever way is needed. They also do an outstanding job of using awareness campaigns and special events to get pupils taking.
It starts from a very early age. Something that was evident once again this week as Pre-School children participated in a series of activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Day, which was held on Monday 10 October.
Under the supervision of caring staff within the department, the youngest members of the Rydal Penrhos community spent time discussing emotions, what they represent and their significance.
This was followed by the group listening to stories relating to emotions that provoked some fantastic discussion from the enthusiastic learners.
Relaxation techniques were also prominent throughout the session, with Pre-Schoolers taking part in a special online yoga class that was a source of great excitement and something new for them to experience.
It was another worthwhile exercise for the children, who got the opportunity to delve more into their feelings, express themselves and become more comfortable from a personal perspective and within their surroundings. Well done to all and thanks to go the Pre-School staff for their efforts.
Stars of the Week
14 October 2022
Stars of the Week
Reception – Rosanna
Year 1 – Ebenezer
Year 2 – Evangeline
Year 3 – Casey
Year 4 – Jack and Leslie
Year 5 – Louisa
Year 6 – James
Performer of the week - Lissy
CONGRATULATIONS!
Gallery
Under Milk Wood (The Definitive Edition) dress rehearsal
Gallery
Prep Pupil Leadership Team
Vacancies
Teacher of Business Studies
Science Technician
Rydal Penrhos Vacancies
We have two exciting opportunities to join our staff team at Rydal Penrhos.
Full details and how to apply can be found in the digital documents below.
Catch Rydal Penrhos at the Venue Cymru Wedding Fayre on Sunday!
