TY HAFAN

On November 29, a small group of Sixth Formers, consisting of students from both Health and Social Care and Business Studies, were taken to Ty Hafan, located in Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Ty Hafan is the only children's hospice in Wales. It provides expert respite, palliative and end of life care for children who suffer from conditions, which mean that they will die before they reach adulthood.

When a diagnosis is given which offers no hope or when treatment is abandoned, families can often feel isolated. Many children's conditions can deteriorate slowly putting enormous strain on family life.

Ty Hafan is a place where these families can acquire support during these difficult times and help children get the most out of the precious time they have left.

During our visit we were shown specialised facilities, including a multi-sensory room, jacuzzi, soft playrooms, music therapy room and chapel. The family accommodation has also been designed so that any member of the family can stay. Every imaginable detail has been thought of.

Although Ty Hafan may seem like a sad place, it is clear that it is full of love and understanding, of fun, hope and friendship. The children who go there see it as a place of happiness and life, not grief and sorrow.

Therefore, it it beyond us why only one such vital place exists in Wales and while this place only has enough funding to be open five days a week. This crucial form of care should be available to all terminally ill children and their families no matter where they live in the country. Every child deserves a chance at a happy life, even if it is sadly destined to be cut short.

DESIGN WINNER

Thomas Roberts, of Year 7, won a national competition at Key Stage 3 to design an object to represent a Careers Wales Quality Award for Careers Education and Guidance.

Thomas received his prize from Jane Davidson, Minister for Education, and Mr. Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen at the Careers Wales National Conference in Llandrindod Wells.

'GUYS AND DOLLS'

This year's show, 'Guys and Dolls', is well under way. Rehearsals show a promising production. Tickets are selling quickly, come along to see a first class cast from December 10 to 13.

READATHON

SUCCESS

Back in September, Years 7 and 8 were sponsored in a Readathon to raise money for Children's Cancer Care. Some £2,139 was raised; it was a very successful week.

FILM CREW

Back in October, a BBC film crew joined Dyffryn Taf to film Key Stage 3 classes to make a documentary called 'Aiming for Excellence'.