From the Principal and Chair of Governors
Mr John Waszek
Welcome to Issue 39 of the Rydal Penrhos Society Newsletter, which this time centres on the theme of journeys.
As pupils, parents and staff now enjoy a well-earned Easter break, attention is quickly turning towards Trinity Term, the final stage of this academic year. For our GCSE and A-Level exam classes, a two-year pathway towards public examinations culminates in a final few weeks of revision and preparation. For our Year 13s in particular, the coming weeks mark the end of their journey through school; thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and educational support staff, our leavers will set out into adulthood thoroughly prepared for university and working life.
Rydal Penrhos recognises that every child and young person in our care charts their own course through life driven by their character, enthusiasm and ambition. Our aim is to provide a structure of support that ensures our pupils remain safe, happy and thriving as they learn and grow.
As a member of our alumni, we hope that you consider Rydal Penrhos to be an important and defining part of your life, no matter how far removed you may be, in distance or time, from your school days in Colwyn Bay. As our school continues to add to its 140-year heritage, our former pupils will remain a central part of our community and tradition.
“May I wish you all a blessed and holy Easter.”
- Mr John Waszek, Executive Principal
Ms Deborah McKinnel JP
I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the Rydal Penrhos Society Newsletter once again. Over the past few weeks I have been fortunate enough to attend many fantastic school events that serve to emphasize the enormous strides that we have taken towards post-Covid normality. I was struck by the enthusiasm and joy of our pupils, staff, parents and visitors during the recent Spring and Four Choirs Concerts and U16s Rugby Sevens tournament, which were truly fantastic occasions for all involved.
Recaps of those events are included within this issue of the Newsletter, alongside a wide variety of fascinating articles regarding pupils past and present. Reading about the fundraising efforts of our pupils towards Comic Relief and the Ukraine Crisis, I was reminded how much of a privilege it is to be involved in such a charitable and compassionate community.
The life journeys that our former pupils share in the newsletter are always a highlight and this edition is no exception. Alex Sharples and Jack Bowley’s experiences as a pilot and train driver offered a fantastic insight into those exciting careers. Ollie Sharples’ presentation to current pupils regarding degree apprenticeships, based on his experience with Jaguar Land Rover, was an interesting introduction to a very different and often-overlooked post-school pathway. I want to thank Ollie for sharing his knowledge with our pupils, it is a perfect example of the invaluable contribution our alumni can make towards the success of our next generation.
“I hope that you enjoy the newsletter and have a very happy Easter.”
- Ms Deborah McKinnel JP, Chair of Governors
