Dear Parents/Carers,

As you will be aware, the strike action scheduled for the 14th February was postponed due to some progress in the talks between the unions and Welsh Government. This industrial action was postponed to the 2nd March to allow for further negotiations. Despite these negotiations, there has not been a sufficient breakthrough and, therefore, the NEU teaching union has announced a second day of national strike action on the 2nd March, 2023. This dispute is not with the school, but with the Welsh Government over pay and the funding for schools. We accept that this continued action is frustrating and disruptive for parents. For further information on why teaching unions are taking this action, please read the additional document I attached to the last letter sent out in January.

As a large proportion of our teaching staff will be involved in this strike action, I have again had to take the decision that the school will be closed to all students for that day. This is due to not having enough staff available to safely supervise pupils within the site. This decision has not been taken lightly, and follows a thorough risk assessment of the situation. The school needs a certain number of staff to be present to function and keep everybody safe. Due to the nature of the industrial action, no online learning will take place on the day of the strike.

The school will reopen as normal on Friday, 3rd March.

If your son/daughter is entitled to free school meals, they are eligible to pick up a packed lunch from the main reception of the school between 12.00 and 12.30pm. We would encourage eligible students to take this offer up.

Further strike action is proposed for the 15th and 16th of March.

We hope that talks between Welsh Government and the unions will reach a resolution before this date; however, if they do not, I will communicate closer to the time about arrangements for those days.
Many thanks for your continued support.

Neil Foley – BSc, MA
Pennaeth/Headteacher

The Welsh Government are continuing to make funding available to make free school meal payments for eligible pupils during school holidays, in response to the cost of living crisis for the 2022 / 2023 financial year.

The Council have made arrangements for these payments to be made for the forthcoming half term holidays (20th February to 24^th February), with the payment due to be made on Monday 20^th February 2023.

Parents / guardians are being informed that the payments will be made based on eligibility for Free School Meals.

This is completely separate to the roll out of Universal Primary Free School Meals which has seen Reception age children and Year 1 pupils being able to access free meals this school term.

For more information go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/education-and-schools/grants-and-funding/free-school-meals.aspx

On Wednesday, 8^th February, Prestatyn High School’s hall was officially renamed as ‘Neuadd Mathew Williams’. It was an emotional service for all, and a fitting tribute to a man who left a mark on so many people's lives. A number of Mat’s family, close friends and colleagues attended the service. 

Mat joined Prestatyn High School in 2007. He was appointed as an English teacher and immediately adored by his colleagues and students. Mat directed amazing school productions during his time at Prestatyn High School. On Wednesday, Mia Jones, Year 10, delivered an incredible rendition of ‘On My Own’ from Les Miserables. During the service, tributes were paid to Mat, and they were both witty and sentimental. Mat had the ability to embrace the whole school community. Wednesday was our chance to pay tribute to his life and the impact he had on so many people. 

In 2020, he returned to Prestatyn High School to lead the Drama department. Mat will always be remembered for his extraordinary ability to bring the best out in everyone. He always remained positive, even as he faced his own personal battles. He always thought of others. Mat may no longer be with us, but his legacy will remain in the heart of Prestatyn High School. The school hall will become an area to recognise Mat’s dedication to our school. He was intelligent, sharp and witty. He achieved so much during his time here, and in his schools abroad, and we will never forget him. As the quotation outside Neuadd Mathew Williams states: 'There is nothing like a dream to create the future.' Mat's dreams will live on through generations of our young people forever.

By Matthew Chandler Reporter  - Rhyl Journal
https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/23312152.prestatyn-high-school-hall-renamed-honour-extraordinary-teacher/

Dear Parents/Carers,

Industrial Action_Letter to parents

As you aware, the NEU teaching union has announced national strike action on the 1st February 2023. This dispute is not with the school, but with the government over the funding for schools. Whilst we accept that this action is frustrating for parents, we would encourage you to read about the reasons for the action which we sent out last week.

As a large number of our teaching staff will be involved in this strike action, I have had to take the decision that the school will be closed to all pupils for that day. This is due to not having enough staff available to safely supervise pupils within the site. This decision has not been taken lightly and follows a thorough risk assessment of the situation. The school needs a certain number of staff to be present to function and keep everybody safe. Due to the nature of the industrial action no online learning will take place on the day of the strike.

The school will reopen as normal on the 2nd February.

If your son/daughter is entitled to free school meals, they are eligible to pick up a packed lunch from the main reception of the school between 12.00 and 12.30pm. We would encourage eligible pupils to take this offer up.

Further strike action is proposed for the 14th February, we hope that talks between government and unions will reach a resolution before this date, however, if they do not I will communicate closer to the time about arrangements for that day.

Many Thanks for your continued support.

Neil Foley – BSc, MA
Pennaeth/Headteacher

Dear parents/carers,

The Year 8 Team would like to invite all parents and carers to attend our Year 8 Parental Engagement Evening on Thursday 9th February at 5:30pm. This event will provide parents and carers with an opportunity to discover what we offer at Prestatyn High School for all Year 8 pupils.

The evening will include:

· an opportunity to look at some examples of pupil work from all subject areas;

· a presentation delivered by the Head of Year, Deputy Head of Year and the Anti-discrimination and Anti-bullying Lead;

· an insight into the Year 8 curriculum;

· pupil well-being, pupil expectations and school policies;

· information regarding our upcoming options evening;

· a chance to speak to the year team to help support future improvement plans.

We hope to welcome all Year 8 pupils’ parents and carers as we strive to improve future provision and support for the entire cohort. We want to ensure that all pupils feel safe and happy at Prestatyn High School as we continue to prioritise their well-being and learning. We are eager to work closely with all parents and carers so we can continue to provide a first-class education for every one of our learners.

We look forward to meeting with you.

Miss P Riddings

Head of Year

Dear Parents and Carers,

I do hope you are well. You may be aware from media coverage that similar to other public sector workers, some teaching unions have declared strike action. The proposed industrial action will take place on: Wednesday 1st February 2023; Tuesday 14th February 2023; Wednesday 15th March 2023 and Thursday 16th March 2023.

This has been well documented in the media. This could mean a partial or full closure of the school to pupils if these strikes take place.

This action will impact PHS and all schools in Wales depending upon how many staff decide to take industrial action. You may want to start thinking of alternative childcare arrangements for these days in case they are required, especially if you have primary aged children.

I will keep you up to date with the situation, and I will inform you of the final arrangements as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA. Pennaeth Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Download the timetable - Timetable Enrichment V5 JW

Happy New Year. I do hope that you have had a restful break with family over the holidays and are now ready for another successful and engaging year. I am delighted to inform you that our enrichment opportunities and after-school clubs for 2023 are up and running with a host of sessions on offer for your child.

In the first term, we have seen over 1,400 students access the sessions and activities that have been on offer, and we are looking forward to seeing an increase in these numbers as the year progresses. We are now looking to expand the enrichment and are in the process of setting up a dedicated council so students can take a lead for sessions and play a more integral role in future plans.

Sessions and classes still take place between 3pm and 4pm. For all year groups, these include the core areas of additional learning, alongside extra qualifications, group sessions and physical activity. The sessions this term range from Art Club and Animal Care to Eco Club, F1 in School and Harry Potter Club. We offer plenty of groups and clubs to suit all ages and interests.

The PE Department offers a variety of physical activities for all year groups including football, basketball, gymnastics, badminton and rugby. Physical activity has a host of benefits and also improves wellbeing and physical/mental health. We have a few changes to the timetable this half term with archery being added on a Monday. In addition, basketball is returning on a Wednesday and GCSE badminton will be on a Tuesday.

All of the enrichment sessions will be registered in the same way as a normal lesson, and this is so that we know who is on site after the school has closed. A reminder that if pupils get the school bus home, and wish to attend an enrichment session, they can book on to the Prestatyn High School minibus at reception.

I have attached a copy of the 2023 timetable for you to explore what we have on offer this term. All sessions on the timetable also include information regarding which year group can attend. Please look closely at the key at the bottom of the page.

I do hope your child takes up this fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to welcoming them to the sessions.

Yours sincerely
Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.
Pennaeth Headteacher

James Williams
Alex Fuller
Enrichment Enrichment