Ysgol Uwchradd Y Drenewydd Newtown High School

Caring Yields a Flourishing Learning C A N U U AC N CYFLE Environment

Diana Award for Ex Head Girl

Newtown High School is delighted to announce that Rhian Jones has been publically honoured with the Diana Award. The Diana Award is a unique lifetime honour presented to individual young people for their compassion and outstanding and selfless contributions to their communities. These exceptional young people are positive role models for their generation by challenging existing stereotypes of young people. Award holders automatically become members of the Diana Alumni programme which provides them with the skills to develop to their full potential. Rhian Jones has been chosen for the Award because of her commitment and hard work. Mrs Harris, who nominated Rhian for the award said: “We at Newtown High are extremely proud of Rhian, and consider this prestigious reward a very fitting recognition of a wonderful head girl. Maggie Turner, Chief Executive of the Diana Award says “This highly prestigious award gives young people of all abilities, circumstances and cultures, recognition at a time when their life choices are still to be made encouraging them to develop to their full potential. As individuals Award holders change lives but as a group of community entrepreneurs have the power and ambition to build cohesive society in which we would all like to live.”

Newsletter December 09 Remembrance Day 2009

On Wednesday November 11th, it was Remembrance Day where the whole country remembers all those who have given their lives in battle since the First World War. We were unable to hold our annual Remembrance Day assembly, but the school still commemorated the end of the First World War and ongoing conflicts around the world. The History department made sure that the day would not go unmarked by putting up displays in the Humanities corridor. These included a story about the members of a local family who fought during WW1, a 'Poppy-field of Remembrance' for the pupils of the old Newtown schools who were killed during the World Wars and a display on where the money raised by the British Legion is sent. The Humanities corridor was turned into a 'poppy field' with big poppies made by many of our Year 7 pupils. Miss Pryce was collecting for the Poppy Appeal by sell- ing poppies throughout the day. The whole school participated in a minute's silence at 11am in memory of those killed, to make sure that the sacrifice of those who have given their lives will not be forgotten.

Rewards Day for Clean Slater's

For this term’s reward, the people with 100% Clean Slates throughout the term received a free non-uniform day, an early lunch and to watch a DVD of their choice. Pupils decided on Twilight, The Proposal, Harry Potter and the Half Blood prince, Monster’s inc and Shrek the Halls. They also had the choice to go and play Wii games and Board Games in the Resource Centre. All the choices were voted by our pupils., and the day was a tremendous success . What the 5x60 projects been up to

For 5 weeks, 9 pupils from school attended kayaking sessions at Llyn Clywedog every Wednesday evening, learning a range of skills, including correct paddling techniques, steering and controlling kayaks and canoes, and also how to capsize! Due to their hard work and commitment, they have been awarded with a BCU 1 Star Award. The award recognises that individuals can demonstrate basic boat control and foundation skills.

The students who achieved it are;

Reuben Lloyd Ryan Steele Ryan Groves Thomas Bromley Kloë Jarvis Tom Griffiths Holly Walters-Smith Robbie Lloyd Ryan Jones

Teacher raises funds for Children in Need

This year Mrs. Bonsall dressed up in a very colourful outfit to raise money for Children in Need. Mrs. Bonsall dresses up every year for the charity. As well as raising money for the charity, Mrs. Bonsall also brings a smile to everybody’s face. Well done Mrs. Bonsall! NEWTOWN HIGH EXCELS OUT OF SCHOOL

Ffion Butler Makes a Splash!

Ffion Butler from year 7 represented Wales at the recent DSE Swimming Championships. It is the second time that Ffion has been selected to swim in the Welsh team. The Championships were held in Sheffield on the weekend of the 20 th — 22 nd of November. Ffion was the youngest member of the Welsh squad which included Para-Olympic champions Matthew Roberts and Ellie Simmonds. She achieved 4 personal best times out of the 5 events she was entered for. Ffion has been swimming from an early age, attending lessons at the Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool, and is a member of New- town and District Swimming Club, training with them two evenings a week. Since she has been selected for Welsh Development Squad she travels down to Swansea one weekend a month to train at the National pool. Huw Griffiths, the National Disability Swimming Development Officer said , “I placed her under the wing of Steph Millward (Paralympian) for the weekend and I think that helped her a lot. She should be really proud of her performances, she did us very proud .” Keep up the good work Ffion!

Urdd Gala- Megan Davies Megan Davies will be competing in the Urdd gala, swimming the 100m backstroke, 100m individual medley, and if she gets through will go and compete in Cardiff. 5 schools competed in the gala, and the event was very competitive. Well done Megan!

Dancing Champions

Montgomeryshire's Got Talent

Two of our pupils won the recent Montgomeryshire’s Got Talent competition with their rock and roll rou- tine to ’Candyman.’ All schools in the area were in- volved in the auditions and performances leading up to the final. The completion was a mixed event with acts such as singing and dancing. The girls first auditioned in Newtown Youth Centre and were one of only 14 acts to go through to the final. Congratulations girls! Chairman of The County Council’s Award

On Wednesday 16th December we welcomed the Chairman of the County Council, Councillor David Price to the school to give a special Chairman’s Award to two of our Year 11 pupils.

Matthew Jones, who is battling against ill health, still manages to attend school, more often than not with a smile on his face despite the gruelling nature of the treatment he has to endure. Matthew was recognised for his sheer courage and determination in the face of adversity. Matthew was described by his Learning Coordinator, Miss Alana Lane as a shining example to us all.

Jonathon Hellard who is one of our Cyfeillion (Peer Mentors) has overcome some difficulties lower down the school and was recognised for being able to make a fresh start and put his talents to good use.

Matthew Tisdale was awarded with a trophy for excellence presented by “The Class of 84 School Reunion Committee” Karen Cartwright, Nicky Morris, Joanne Moore, Neil Gibson, Trish Varley, and Sally Ann Williams. Matthew was chosen because he has persistently achieved above target despite dealing with some very difficult circumstances. He is always cheerful around the school and has encouraged others with his open friendliness in the face of adversity. The audience of parents, grandparents and friends of the award winners and the student council were treated to a rendition of Halleluiah by Laura Jessop accompanied by Jevon Nixon on guitar while they enjoyed coffee and mince pies. Minister’s Visit

Following an outstanding Estyn report in December 2008, Jane Hutt, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills visited Newtown High School earlier this month. During this visit, Ms Hutt officially opened our newly refurbished Resource Centre. The Minister was also given a guided tour by members of our student council and governing body, taking in the brand new music block and recording studio, Stiwdio Cyfle. This refurbishment was made possible with funding from the 14 - 19 initiative

CD Reviews—Danny Jones

Lily Allen-It’s not me it’s you This album was released earlier this year but Lily Allen is still releasing tracks from it as singles. It includes her latest single ‘who’d have known’. I liked this album quite a lot although it’s not the type of music I normally choose. Lily Allen is known for upbeat songs with strong messages and in this album she tackles issue from drugs to racist politicians. Funfact: everyone knows Keith Allen is her dad but I bet you didn’t know that her stepdad is Harry Enfield (ask your parents). Overall I think its an album that lots of people would like, as it appeals to young and old and is a great singalong compilation (especially if you want an excuse to swear a lot!). Green day-21 st century breakdown In Green Day’s new album it is clear that they have slightly changed the style of music they play to get more fans and I think they’ve done a very good job of it. They have managed to keep it rocky enough to keep their old fans but moved slightly into pop punk and got a load of new fans there. I have always liked Green Day and, although I did prefer their older albums like American Idiot and Dookie, I enjoyed this album a lot. My favourite song on this was know your enemy be- cause it was more like their old music. Muse- Resistance Muse’s new album, Resistance, sees them experiment with lots of new sounds. Unfortunately the result is that this album is repetitive and derivative. One song, United States of Eurasia, sounds like a poor Queen Tribute band. I think the best song on the CD is Uprising which makes me think of Doctor Who raving in his TARDIS but at least they actually sound alive. There is no denying that they are great musicians, but they seem to be completely uninterested in what is going on and are just waiting for their lunch break. I think the CD does have some good points but they are far outweighed by the bad and that is why I have given this a lowly 2/5 .

Sports Results

Results from 12/11/09 Powys Schools' Boys Football tournament:

Yr 7 - won 2 drew 1. Finished joint 1st in group but missed out on final by goal difference (1 goal). Lost 3rd & 4th playoff 1-0.

Yr 8 - Lost all 3 group games.

Yr 9 - won 2 drew 1. Finished joint 1st in group but missed out on final by goal difference (1 goal). Lost 3rd&4th playoff 2-1.

Also, U-16 boys football team beat Welshpool high school on penalties. They now go through to the North Powys Final.

Upcoming Events

Saturday 19th December: Bag Packing, Morrisons 9am - 4pm

Tuesday 5th January: New Term Begins.

Tuesday 12th January Skills Day.

Please note: We do apologise for the cancellation of the Christmas Concert for the same reason as we suspended assemblies this term. With isolated incidents of Swine Flu and an extremely virulent coughing virus we minimised the spread of infection by restricting the number of pupils in one area. We will continue to take measures to keep our pupils safe. Nadolig Llawen

Happy Christmas

Dear Parents. As we approach the end of another very busy term at Newtown High School, one which has seen a visit by the then Minister for Education, Jane Hutt A.M. who incidentally was spotted wearing her Cyfle badge on breakfast television on the morning after her visit, (so I am told) we are reminded of just how busy and exciting the school is. It is the term which includes our Open Evening for prospective parents as well as our Presentation Evening where we celebrate the wonderful achievements of our current and past pupils. I am sure you have enjoyed reading just a sample of some of the wonderful things that go on in the school. All that remains is for me to wish you all a wonderful Christmas, Nadolig Llawen I chi gyd and to say we look forward to welcoming our pupils back on Tueday 5th January for another equally successful term. Cofion Cynnes. Judith Pryce. Pennaeth. Headteacher.

Compiled by: Aimee and Cherie Bridges, Eleri Bell, Lauren Martindale and Danny Jones.

Ffon/phone: 01686 626304 Facs/Fax: 01686 629956 Website: www.newtown-hs.powys.sch.uk