This week was Election Week. Our children were given the opportunity to make this small corner of the world a better place. It was comforting for a short while to turn our focus away from tragedy across the globe and think abut St Joseph's and Colwyn Bay.

Children who wished to stand for Cyngor Ysgol, Cyngor Eco and Criw Cymraeg pitched to their classes how they would make a difference. How would they make the school a better place, improve the school's impact on the environment or develop our use of Cymraeg? The Polling Booths were then opened and all pupils cast their votes in the hall. After lunch, Year 6 pupils  began the count. Later in the afternoon, successful candidates stood on the stage and celebrated victory. They were reminded that they had been chosen and whilst winning is always nice, it comes with responsibility. Their peers have entrusted them with a job that they must do to the best of their ability. Congratulations to all those elected. We all have faith that you will make things better.

In the same assembly we were delighted to welcome Mrs Ingrid Lewis and Colwyn Town Mayor, Cllr Ricki Owen. They had come to present our school with a prize for being the best school in this year's Colwyn in Bloom Art Competition. It was fantastic for the children to meet adults who have been elected and volunteer to give so much of their time to make Colwyn Bay a better place. Thank you so much to Cllr Ricki and Ingrid for giving our newly elected council members local role models to look up to.

So, what is the Year 4 trip to Pentre all about?

Well, as you can see from the photos, on the face of it, it’s about getting out and about in the lakes, rivers, hills and woodland of beautiful North Wales. And with the sun shining too, what better way to spend a few days? Of course, it is not just fun we’re after - there must be challenge too. Children experience doubt and fear about what they can or cannot do and the development of resilience and a ‘can do attitude’ is a massive part of the trip.

However, it is about so much more than just activities and challenge. Many parents and staff can recall their own trip to Pentre or Nant - many, many years ago. Often as their happiest or most abiding memory of school life.

So what makes it so special?

Children, classes and teachers are different when they are there - each see the other in a different light. You get a more rounded view of one another’s personalities than you can ever get in school.

For many children it is their first experience of looking after themselves - making their own lunch, serving one another at meals, making a bed, cleaning tables, selecting the right clothing. It is a precious taste of independence (and responsibility).

For ‘coastal townies’, the 45 minute journey inland is to enter a different world, right on our doorstep. In the silence of the countryside, surrounded by lambs, without any digital devices, you start to see things differently and explore alternative interests and ways to be.

Finally, you notice the needs of others. So often we see children, who may usually be focussed on their own needs and problems, reach out to others - helping with homesickness/getting to sleep, sharing the cleaning or just acting as a cheerleader on a long walk.

Mrs Laing tells me that this is best sleeping class she has ever taken. She also tells me she is having to abandon her original planning for next week and replace it with activities that follow on from the trip - the children were so enthused by their learning they demanded it continued! Finally, Mrs Laing told the staff at Pentre were very impressed with our children, and that they always are. This is a credit to you, as parents and carers.

In an underfunded education system, places like Pentre are always under threat - seen as an expensive luxury or add on! If your child or you have been you will know that places like Pentre are ESSENTIAL - indeed, they are the perfect place to develop ‘The Four Purposes’. I truly hope that your children will be packing their children’s bags 20-30 years from now, as they head off on an outdoor adventure.

Finally, thank you to all the staff at Pentre and to Mrs Laing, Mrs McGowan and Mr Roberts, for giving up their time to make this trip possible.

Da iawn pawb!

Heddiw, we celebrated our Eisteddfodau - both were ffantastig. Llongyfarchiadau i pawb - the children who took part, the many, many families who came to watch and the staff who helped the children to showcase their many talents. A special thank you to our judges, Mrs Pritchard, Mr Smith, Paul and Jennifer - you made the today’s events even more special.

There were many highlights, today, but I’ll pick out just three. Firstly, an under strength staff worked doubly hard to ensure the day was a success - this meant lots of people doing multiple jobs to cover one another. Secondly, almost all our children with additional learning needs participated fully with their classmates. Finally, I was impressed by the respectful hush of the hall as everyone listened to the performers.

It’s been noted that I am getting older and grumpier - on days like these I spend a lot of time moaning about my tired feet as I shift more furniture around hall. However, when the children are on stage giving 100% and we see the faces of their proud families, we know that it’s all worthwhile.

Already looking forward to the next one!