Category Archives: News

Online learning for pupils from 14th Dec

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Dear Parents and Carers

I do hope this letter finds you well. On Thursday 10th December the Welsh Government announced that all secondary schools will switch to online learning for all pupils and students for next week, meaning that all learners are not to attend school for the final week of this term. This announcement has arrived with little notice for schools to plan and respond. School is not closed and staff are to attend and deliver lessons in this week.

 

Here are key points of information to address many of the issues for next week:

 All learners are to work from home via TEAMS for the final week. This week is NOT an early holiday and teachers will be setting online work for completion

 All lessons and work set will follow their normal timetable

 Teachers will be available on TEAMS to give support during lesson time where possible

 Any pupils or students who do not have a device that is capable of accessing online learning are required to contact their Head of Year so that we can set paper-based work. During the first lockdown the school gave out over 100 devices for learners that needed them and we do not have any further capability to provide any more technology

 Any learners on free school meals will receive an additional payment from DCC to cover this week. This payment will be made on the 21st December

 All learners MUST work online for this week and must continue to follow the government guidance on social distancing and remaining COVID-19 safe. Whilst in school, all learners and staff have been kept safe. This level of precaution and safety must continue whilst not in school

Pupils highlighted by the school as vulnerable or in need of additional support may still attend school just as they did during the initial lockdown. Parents and carers must contact the school if their child wishes to access this in school provision using the following email address: info@prestatynhigh.co.uk

 

DCC Education and schools did not call for this closure or switch to online learning, this is a national approach and a decision from Government based upon advice from the Chief Medical Officer. PHS have had very few cases of COVID-19 and we have not been directed to send any year group home by TTP since September. We did send Y13 home for online learning for one week as a precaution. Our attendance is one of the highest in the country and we are disappointed with this announcement.

 

I will write to you all again next week with a further update from the school.

School will be open to all pupils and students as planned on the 6th of January 2021

 

Best wishes and stay safe

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.

Pennaeth Headteacher

A Christmas message from the Headteacher

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Dear Parents / Carers

We are fast approaching the end of another school year. I think it’s fair to say that this has been one of the most challenging years we have faced as a community and as a school. Despite the immense challenges of a global pandemic we have kept Prestatyn High open, our pupils learning and everyone safe. I am exceptionally proud of the maturity shown by the learners and the professionalism of our tremendous staff.

As is tradition, and in recognition for the hard work our pupils have put in over the past four months, I am pleased to announce the school will be closing early at 12.20pm on Friday 18th December. This will allow pupils and their families a little extra time together to prepare for Christmas and enjoy a different routine on a Friday afternoon.

Pupils are expected to attend school and lessons as normal. The school has made all the necessary arrangements for school buses/taxis to be at school early to transport pupils home.

The last day of term will be a non-uniform day for pupils. Pupils wearing their own clothes are expected to make a £1 donation which will be donated to the local food bank and Hope House Children’s Hospice.

 

School re-opens for new term:

The school re-opens for students on Wednesday 6th January. The 4th and 5th of January are staff training days.
I’d like to wish everyone a lovely break, a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA
Pennaeth/Headteacher

The effects of COVID-19 on children in Wales

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The Welsh Government is funding a survey to understand the effects of COVID-19 on children’s mental health and well-being, as well as their physical activity levels. If you agree, your child will be asked to complete an online questionnaire (should take 10-15 minutes) and some children will be selected to wear an activity monitor (like a FitBit) for a week. Both will be repeated at a second time point a few months later.

 

New rules on face coverings in schools

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Dear Parent/ Carer,

I hope you are well during these ever-challenging times and that you and your family are safe and looking forward to the Christmas break which is just around the corner. I am sure you have all seen the latest news from the Welsh Government this week on the use of face coverings and the changes to their requirements. I am writing to clarify what these changes will mean for students and staff in the school.

It has been agreed across all secondary schools in Denbighshire that in order to comply with the new Welsh Government guidelines on the use of face coverings, that all students and staff MUST wear a face covering in all areas of the school. This will include visitors and parents who come on to the school site. The main change is that students must wear face coverings in the yard and field areas. The only exception to this rule will be when students are in their lessons and when they are eating their lunch. Staff do not need to wear a face covering when teaching in classrooms or when working in socially distanced offices. This will come into effect from Monday 30th November 2020 at 7am.

We call upon all parents and carers to support us with these Welsh Government guidelines and remind their children about the importance of following these new regulations.

May I also take this opportunity to remind you that should your child or anyone in their household develop the symptoms of Covid-19, that they do not come to school and remain off school until there is either confirmation of a negative Covid-19 test of the require isolation period has ended. Attached along with this letter is a reminder about the protocol in relation to this.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Yours faithfully

Mr Neil Foley
Headteacher

Additional professional learning day (staff training day)

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Dear Parents and Carers,

I do hope you are safe and well during these difficult times. We have had a very challenging year as a community, but hopefully there is now some light at the end of the tunnel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our community for the support they have given all local schools in facing these challenges head on. Working together for the benefit, safety and continued education of the young people of Prestatyn is our top priority.

Important information:

We have today received confirmation from Welsh Government that all schools across Wales are required to allocate an additional professional learning day (staff training day) during this academic year. This is to prepare and plan for the “New Curriculum for Wales” which will be rolled out over the next few years.

To minimise any inconvenience, the schools in the Learn Prestatyn partnership (the High school and all local primaries) have agreed the same date for this additional day on Tuesday 5th January. This means that both the Monday and Tuesday after the Christmas break are now training days.

As a reminder I have listed below all of the scheduled training day dates for this academic year (2020/21). All schools in the Learn Prestatyn cluster will be closed to pupils on these dates.

• Monday January 4th

• Tuesday January 5th (Additional date)

• Monday June 28th • Monday July 5th

• Monday 19th July

• Tuesday 20th July

 

Date

Event on Calendar

Friday 11/12/2020

6th Form applications deadline

Friday 18/12/2020

Last day of term – Christmas holiday begins

Monday 4/1/2021

Training day

Tuesday 5/1/2021

Training day

Wednesday 6/1/2021

School open for pupils – Spring Term begins

Friday 12/2/2021

Last day of half term

Monday 22/2/2021

School open for pupils

Friday 26/3/2021

Last day of spring term – Easter holiday begins

Monday 12/4/2021

School open for pupils – Summer term begins

Monday 3/5/2021

May Day Bank Holiday

Friday 28/5/2021

Last day of half term

Monday 7/6/2021

School open for pupils

Monday 28/6/2021

Training day

Monday 5/7/2021

Training day

Friday 16/7/2021

Last day of term

 

With the last two training days falling on the final two days of the academic year, the last day of school for all pupils will be Friday 16th July.

 

Yours

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.
Pennaeth Headteacher

Regarding: Summer Exams 2021

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Dear Parents and Pupils

I do hope that you, your families and the whole Prestatyn community are doing well during these unprecedented times. I would like to pay tribute to the whole community in your efforts to follow the guidelines on staying at home during the recent firebreak and observing the social distancing rules. Years 7 and 8, who attended school last week, were fantastic and it was pleasing to see so many Yrs. 9-13 engage with their teachers online.

Historically exams have been the fairest way to differentiate attainment and award achievement, however it has been clear for some time that due to the number of schools that have had to send entire year groups home, it would be unfair to hold end of year examinations. Today the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announced there would be no end of year exams for GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021.

In her press release she has outlined how externally set and marked teacher assessments will form the basis for centre assessment grades.
Please read the letter from Kirsty Williams Minister for Education - 2020-11-10 - letter to schools and colleges Summer 2021

The Welsh Government will be finalising their plans in December and schools will be given further guidance in the spring term.

Once Welsh Government expectations becomes clearer we will keep you updated via letters and the school website on any new information we receive off the Government, WJEC and Qualifications Wales.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.
Pennaeth Headteacher

COVID-19 and Young People Survey

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We’re a team of researchers at Swansea University and we are asking if you would like to take part in our research which wants to hear your opinions about coronavirus and how it has affected your school.

Before you decide whether or not to take part, please take the time to read this information. If you decide not to take part, that is absolutely fine and we thank you for considering taking part.

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The coronavirus pandemic has really impacted the lives of you and your friends. We are interested in finding out and exploring the thoughts and feelings of young people on coronavirus. We believe young people haven’t been able to have their say and we want to give you a voice.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I TAKE PART?

If you agree to take part, we will ask you to sign a form agreeing to participation and you will then fill out our survey. Your responses will be anonymous, you do not need to give your name. Survey responses will be stored securely.

WHY HAVE I BEEN INVITED?

You have been invited to take part as you are a young person living in Wales and we want you to have your say on matters that affect you.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE PART?

Participation in this research is entirely voluntary, it is up to you. If you decide to participate, you are reminded that you can remove yourself at any time, without giving a reason and with no disadvantage to you of any kind.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS IN TAKING PART?

By your participation, we aim to understand the experiences of young people and inform planning for future opportunities.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY?

The are no risks of participating in the study and this project has been approved by the University Research Ethics Committee (a group of people at the University who decide whether the project is okay to do).

WILL MY DATA BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?

All information collected will be kept private and confidential. The data will be looked at by responsible researchers at Swansea University and will be kept on password protected computers in secure offices.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH STUDY?

The results will be published in recognised journals and also presented at conferences.

 

THANK YOU

ELECTION OF PARENT GOVERNOR

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Dear Parent/Carer

 

Two vacancies have arisen on the School’s Governing Body for a position as Parent Governor as a result of two of our existing parent governors’ term of office coming to an end.

A nomination paper will be sent home with Prestatyn High School pupils for these positions and if you are interested in standing or inviting another parent to stand please ensure the nomination paper is fully completed and returned to (Mrs. Liz Thomas, Clerk of Governors) by 1.00pm on Thursday 19th November, 2020.

The role of Governor can be both demanding and interesting and I would be happy to discuss this with anyone who would like further information.

 

Yours faithfully

Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.

Pennaeth Headteacher

Important information from North Wales Police – Halloween and Bonfire Night

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Please see the following important information from North Wales Police that they have asked us to communicate to all our learners as we approach another lockdown period in Wales. 

For Halloween

  • We ask everyone to think how they can keep everyone safe this Halloween and not spread Coronavirus.
  • Traditional trick or treating is not allowed. 
  • Halloween parties in either your home or at another venue are not allowed.
  •  Do not to meet anyone indoors that you don’t live with and do not meet up with your friends either indoors or outdoors.
  • Celebrate at home instead of going out and about.

 

For Bonfire Night

  • There will be no organised public bonfires or firework displays this year.
  • No visitors are allowed into your garden. If a firework display in your garden turns into a party at your house, you are putting everyone at risk of catching the Coronavirus.   The adults who look after you will be breaking the law.
  • REMEMBER it is illegal to buy Fireworks under the age of 18 - your parents/carers could be prosecuted.
  • You shouldn’t set off fireworks in a park or other public open space.  All local authorities in Wales have banned this.
  • Setting off fireworks in the street is anti-social.  It can be a fire risk and is against the law. 

We kindly ask people to act responsibly and to keep each other safe. Staying safe and not adding extra pressure to the emergency services will be important.

In addition to the above the School Community Police Officer team have created two vlogs to support the above messaging. Please follow the link below to view;

https://schoolbeat.cymru/en/news/halloween-2020/