It was a pleasure to welcome everyone back to Ysgol Brynconin for the autumn term, with many of the pupils having experienced a busy summer taking part in local shows and carnivals. We extend a warm welcome to several new pupils to our midst: Iwan and Seren Lewis, Raphael Caldwell, Alfredo Palmero, Lily Kosy, Myfanwy Haffield, Joshua Morgan, Lois Protheroe and Callum Ashley-Woodall.

At the end of last term, we bade farewell to our year six pupils as they transferred to the local high schools, Ysgol y Preseli and Ysgol Dyffryn Taf. The staff would like to wish them every success in their future and thank them for their contribution to school life while at Ysgol Brynconin.

We also bade farewell to Mrs. Undeg Lewis, who has joined the staff at Ysgol y Preseli. The children and staff wished her well during a presentation in assembly where she was presented with flowers and a gift. Everyone linked with the school would like to thank her for the wonderful contribution she has made to the happiness and success of the school during her many years with us and we all wish her well in her new post.

Mrs. Gwen Morris also left her post as lunchtime assistant at the end of last term, but everyone was glad to hear that she will continue with her duties as school caretaker and cleaner. She was also presented with a gift at the end of term.

The second half of last term proved a very busy time at Ysgol Brynconin, with pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 making numerous visits to Ysgol y Preseli and Ysgol Dyffryn Taf. We also welcomed several visitors to the school: Mari Williams for Keep Wales Tidy helped the pupils clean up Llandissilio's community park by collecting litter, Mrs. Hammersley brought her family's collection of butterflies to show the children, Ceri Davies from Narberth Cricket Club gave the senior pupils free cricket coaching, while Sam Jenkins helped the year 5 pupils with their Cycling Proficiency Test.

We welcomed Emma Pritchard for a week's work experience and Sergeant Keith Gibby brought his police dogs to meet the children at the beginning of July. Thank you to Sharon Gibby (parent and governor) for arranging the visit. Internet safety was the topic under discussion for the parents of the year 6 pupils in the company of PC Geoff Thomas and Mrs. Bethan Evans introduced Health, Fitness and Well-being workshops to the pupils in years 5 and 6.

One of the final duties of the term was to announce the winner of the John Thomas Memorial Award, awarded to a pupil in year 6 for their contribution to the local community, in memory of the late Clr. John Thomas.

The local Historical Society expressed their delight at the standard of applications, but it was decided that the shield would this year be presented to Luke Raymond. Warm congratulations are extended to him.

Another trophy presented at the end of term was to the school's chess champion. The school's Chess Club has now been running for two years and 24 pupils play regularly. Following six weeks of intense competition, the final took place between two brothers, Morgan and Jack Miles. Following a very close game, for which both deserve praise for the high standard, Morgan became the champion for the second consecutive year. Well done to them both.

Congratulations are also extended to year 4 pupil, Rhiannon Haffield, who recently won a signed 2009 Welsh rugby shirt in a competition organised by the Dragon Sports website. She was presented with her prize at the year 4 Athletics Festival at Ysgol y Preseli.