YOUTH SPEAK SUCCESS
After our fantastic success over the last two years in Rotary Club of Pontllanfraith Junior Youth Speaks competition, it seemed unlikely that we would be able to live up to our reputation. Yet again, a team from Pontllanfraith participated in this year's event on Thursday 26th January against our neighbouring schools and, yet again, Pontllanfraith simply stole the show - winning all four categories! Pontllanfraith's team - including Adam Trott, Sam Woodford and Ryan Witts from Year 9 - debated on the Olympic inspired topic ‘Ambition is absent in adolescents'; the team breezed through to the next round - with Ryan winning Best Chairperson, Sam sharing the win for Best Speaker and Adam winning Best Vote of Thanks - on top of their team's win! The team will now go through to the Area Final on 8th February in Bethel Baptist Church in Pontyclun.
MUSIC SUCCESS
On January 21st, Charlotte Parry and Jack Mainwaring competed at the District final as part of the Young Musician Rotary competion. Previous to this, Jack had battled his way through two heats and Charlotte was one of the first to be involved in the new vocal element of this competiton. The event was held at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in the Dorastoutzker Hall. The afternoon saw a selection of highly talented young people compete for a place in the area final. Charlotte was the youngest contestant who was competing against previous Eisteddfod winners and A-Level Music students. Although Charlotte did not place 1st or 2nd, she was given a special mention as someone who would win the compeition in the future and awarded 3rd place. A fantastic achievement for someone who has only been singing to audiences since 2009 and is in year 10.
The evening compeition was also of an extremely high standard. There was a harpist who had given International performances, Eisteddfod winners and all currently play in high level orchestras/bands. Jack, who achieved grade 8 distinction at the age of 13, played 3rd Movement of Bachs Sonata, which was a favourite from his exam pieces and a challenging contempoary piece by Ian Clarke. He gave a memorable performance which engaged the audience and showed he was already a very experienced player. Jack didn't place this time, but was a credit to himself and the school.
We are very proud at Pontllanfraith to have such talented and ambitious pupils.
School Closures
The decision to close a school is not taken lightly, but we have to ensure the safety and well being of all pupils and staff. The Local Authority has a set policy for school closures and this has been adopted by our Governing Body.
If I decide to close the school due to inclement weather for Health and Safety reasons, a decision is normally made between 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. and information can be obtained from the Caerphilly County Borough Council website on www.caerphilly.gov.uk – click on the pink banner and go to School Closure updates
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