Pupils at Tenby Junior Community School have had a very busy half-term since returning to school in September. The new headteacher, Mrs. Janice Llewellyn, has been particularly busy getting to know the 292 pupils who attend the school.
Early in the new term, all pupils participated in a 'Giant Leap for Science'. This was a nation wide jump at 11 am and it was hoped that if enough pupils took part that there would be a measurement on the Richter Scale, but unfortunately it didn't. Nevertheless, pupils enjoyed the activity.
A new healthy tuck shop was introduced. Mrs. Criddle, a parent, has organised the tuck shop and has a band of helpers from parents and pupils who set up, sell and order the tuck. It has turned out to be a real success and hopefully the pupils will benefit from the range of healthy snacks, fruit and milk.
Pupils were upset and shocked at the events of september 11, and it was felt that as a school we should do something to think about the people who were suffering in America. They all took part in the three-minute silence on the National Day of Mourning. Pupils wrote their own prayers for peace and these have been displayed around the school. The most meaningful prayers in each class were rewarded with a book token. These were very kindly donated by a group of parents.
There have been educational visits already this term.
Year 4 visited the Tenby Museum as part of their art studies. Thanks to Mr. John Beynon for helping to organise the study, and also to Naomi Tydeman, who spoke to a group of pupils spontaneously outside her studio.
Year 6 attended the Crucial Crew presentation at Haverfordwest Showground. This is a very worthwhile presentation which benefits pupils and our thanks to Texaco for continuing to sponsor the event.
They also attended a science lecture in Carmarthen and continued on to a visit at the Botanical Gardens.
Year 5 have had visits from a local artist from Pembroke Dock who showed pupils how to draw and paint flowers.
Year 4 continued the SCAN project with Danielle Cowell which has focused on the Flower Diary Project.
Dosbarth Cymraeg (Welsh class) visited the Urdd camp at Llangrannog for the weekend.
Many of the pupils have participated in sporting events.
In September, Mr. Andrew Williams took a group of boys to the rugby tournament at Narberth Rugby Ground as part of the Dragon Sport initiative. The boys were successful in all their rounds.
Two Year 6 pupils have been chosen to represent Pembrokeshire in rugby. They are Matthew Davies and Keifer Thompson.
Pupils supporting the Cross Country Club represented the school at the Oakwood Challenge. Some children made an amazing contribution, in particular Eleanor Brown (Year 3), Tasha Kinsey (Year 5), Antoinette Bourne and Chris Heesom (Year 6). Thanks to Mrs. Sweet and Mr. Williams for their enthusiasm and encouragement.
Pupils and staff raised £244 for Jeans for Genes Day.
The Harvest Service was held at St. Mary's Church on the last Friday before half-term, and although it was a stormy day, with pupils being drenched walking to the church, all participated with enthusiasm and energy. Thanks to Mr. Whitehurst and Mrs. Davies for their dedicated efforts with choir and orchestra and class songs. Also thanks to Rev. Mark Soady for speaking to the pupils about the need to share with one another.
The collection of £220 was donated to the CEL BUN Romanian Fund. This fund has been organised by a local man, Mr. Terry Warner. Pupils were able to invite him to an assembly where they presented him with the cheque. It will enable the sick children at the hospital in Romania to have fruit, sweets and small treats at Christmas time.
Thanks to all the parents who have continued their support through hearing pupils reading and helping with visits.
We look forward to the annual Christmas bazaar to be held on November 21, 4 pm at the De Valence Pavilion. Please make a note of this in your diaries and feel welcome to come along and support your local school.