RUGBY SEVENS

The Year 11 rugby team represented the school at the Dyfed Police Sevens tournament in Strade, Llanelli.

With a pacy backline and rampaging forwards, Dyffryn Taf were quietly confident of success.

After beating Ysgol Preseli, the boys were champing at the bit to get their hands on the favourites, Ysgol Y Strade. Dyffryn Taf came out on top 19-12.

After the courageous effort against the odds, Ysgol Pantcelyn knew they were in for a good drubbing from the Whitland boys!! This victory put Dyffryn Taf through to the semi-finals against Coedcae.

Trailing by five points at half-time, Dyffryn Taf turned on the style and ended up winning convincingly by 24-5. Dyffryn Taf were then through to the final against Ysgol Y Strade.

In front of a high capacity stadium, and with the crowd at full voice, it was obvious the boys were feeling the nerves. Unfortunately, this got the better of them which led to Dyffryn Taf trailing 17-0 at half time.

The boys' heads were down, so on came 'The Big Man', Mr. Evans, for an inspirational team talk. The players responded to this, and got their act together for the second half, by coming back with some exciting rugby and flamboyant tries.

Unluckily for Dyffryn Taf, the final whistle blew which brought an end to the game, 'too little too late'.

Although losing the final, the boys are now through to the Welsh Sevens finals, to be held at Rodney Parade, Newport.

After deep discussion, the team would like to dedicate their success to Mr. Newsome, Mr. Evans and the rest of the school, because they knew everyone was behind them!

MIDWIVES IN SCHOOL

An interesting talk was given by Jane Manley, a local midwife in Whitland and St Clears. She gave two child development groups in Year 10 an insight into her work and role within the community.

Pupils were able to ask a range of interesting questions concerning her work. Jane also shared some videos of different births to the pupils.

DRAMA PRODUCTION

The Lower School Drama Club will be performing 'Ratz', a play based on the story of the Pied Piper, in the school hall on Monday and Tuesday, March 25 and 26, at 7 pm.

Tickets will be available on the night at the cost of £2 for adults and £1.50 for children.

Rehearsals are going well and the pupils are looking forward to their stage debuts!

Please come along and support us, it is a very enjoyable show for all ages.

CROSS COUNTRY

Ian Davies came 16th in the Welsh Cross-Country Championships in Brecon. He was in the middle boys age group (10-11) with a field of over 60.

To achieve 16th place against competitors who were a year older was an excellent achievement. Conditions were very poor with strong winds and sporadic heavy hil showers.

Fabiene Erbracher ran in the senior girls category.

Although she didn't finish in the top placings, she ran with determination and scored points for her team. Well done.

PARENTS' EVENING

A progress evening was held at the school on Wednesday, March 13, for students in Year 10. This marks the halfway stage in GCSE courses and is an important part of the course as students begin the final leg of their compulsory education.

Students were able to discuss their progress with their subject teachers and gain invaluable advice as to how they might improve their performance and 'aim for the highest' - our school motto - and ensure they fulfil their potential.

INTER-HOUSE

COMPETITION

Last Friday, the inter-house basketball competition was held.

Each year group was well represented, with combined teams in the Sixth Form.

Beca, with a strong Sixth Form team, won both their games. In Year 11, it was the turn of Hywel to win their year group.

As the day progressed, Beca's superiority in the game began to tell and by the final matches of the day, they were unable to be caught.

With Dylan and Hywel chasing second spot, it was down to the last game of the day, with Hywel only needing a draw.

A very gutsy and determined Year 7 Dylan team, already having beaten Beca, went on to score four baskets and claim second spot.

Referees for the day were Mr. Evans and Miss Davies. Official scorer -Rhian Rodges (Year 10).

Result: 1. Beca 15 pts; 2. Dylan 11 pts; 3. Hywel 10 pts.

WORLD BOOK DAY

Thursday, March 14, was World Book Day and to celebrate the event the school held a number of activities and competitions.

A Book Fair, provided by Scholastic Book Publishers, was held in the school library from Monday to Thursday, organised by librarian, Mrs. Margaret Phillips.

Pupils were each given a 'World Book Day' book token worth £1, which they were able to use at the fair on any purchase of £1.95 or over; the tokens can also be used at local participating bookstores.

Pupils were able to visit the Book Fair during their English lessons and during morning break and lunch break, and were able to choose from a selection of brand new books in English, both recent titles and old favourites.

English lessons were also a hive of activities, including designing a book cover, storyboarding, writing stories for young children, making collages, writing raps and a number of competitions, including designing a book mark, writing book reviews and guessing how many books there are in the library.

CALLING ALL

NEW PUPILS!

New pupils who will be joining Dyffryn Taf in September and their parents are invited to a Parents' Evening at the school on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 pm.

During the evening you will have an opportunity to see the school and ask any questions you may have.

It will be an informative and worthwhile evening, which we hope will form the beginning of a long and happy association with us at Dyffryn Taf.

A very warm welcome is extended to you all. Pupils will also be invited to spend the day with us later in the year, so it is not vital to be present on April 17.