From the Executive Principal and Chair of Governors
One of the recent highlights in school has been the Jubilee events.
The school’s Jubilee events, including the whole-school picnic lunch on Sports Day, offered a welcome opportunity for the entire community to join together and not only enjoy a wonderful social occasion but also celebrate the Queen’s seventy-year reign. In that time Her Majesty has not only led the way on the world stage but served as an extraordinary ambassador for our shared values and a powerful force for good in communities up and down the country.
We look to recognise similar qualities of leadership, ambassadorship and charity in our pupils, which are demonstrated in their pursuits both in and outside the classroom. Year 11 and 13 pupils have focused on navigating the exam season; for some Year 13s this meant external examinations for the first time. To account for this, the school organised two rounds of mock exams, providing a welcome boost to pupils’ preparations. With Year 7s and above taking part in their own formal style assessments, we can look forward to future GCSE and A-Level candidates sitting their exams with extra confidence and assuredness.
In terms of extracurricular activities, the recent Rydal Penrhos Colours Awards highlighted the excellent standards our Year 11 to 13 pupils have reached in sports, clubs, drama and music. We celebrated similar feats at the Rydal Penrhos Awards for Years 7 to 10, which shone a spotlight on pupils who have made a positive impact on their local communities.
Our younger pupils have also been exhibiting leadership, resilience and a culture of kindness both inside and outside of the classroom. They were important contributors to our recent Walkathon in aid of Blind Veterans UK, Year 6 have risen to the challenge of Snowdon recently and Year 3 to 6 have been working as a team to create the wonderful production "Paws and Claws" which we were all treated to.
As a charitable entity, Rydal Penrhos always seeks to advance the public good and encourages pupils to act with the same intention. Fortunately, our pupils can look up to our alumni and the incredible work you are doing to improve lives; not just those of you involved in charities and NGOs, but our industry-leaders, public-sector workers, entrepreneurs and creatives. Your achievements continually renew the fantastic standing of our school out in the world and for that we are truly thankful.
- Mr John Waszek, Executive Principal
I am delighted to be able to introduce this latest issue of the Society Newsletter, which contains a wide range of articles, photographs, music and videos that explore Rydal Penrhos’ fascinating past, eventful present and exciting future.
As both Chair of Governors and a current parent, I am delighted to see and hear examples of our pupils’ impressive spirit, creativity and resourcefulness every day. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Senior Concert where pupils demonstrated their musical talents, honed by hundreds if not thousands of hours of practice.
Musical performance is an incredibly important feature in the life of the school, from the various concerts across the year to the outstanding musical routines in drama productions.
Many of these events have been on hold due to the pandemic so it is a joy to see them return to the calendar. Music really has a unique ability to touch people’s hearts, bring joy and change lives.
Singing also played a key part during Sports Day and the Jubilee Picnic, with powerful renditions of both ‘God Save the Queen’ and ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ from pupils, parents and staff.
More information about Sports Day and the Jubilee Picnic can be found later in the Newsletter alongside a variety of articles including a retrospective on royal visits to the school and an exploration of the newly restored Osborn Hall. I am sure you will find this edition to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
- Ms Deborah McKinnel JP, Chair of Governors
