27 February 2026
27th February 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
LHS Shakespeare Players production of Hamlet
We couldn’t be prouder of the LHS Shakespeare Players and their remarkable production of Hamlet that ran over two nights on 11th and 12th February. Taking on one of Shakespeare’s most demanding plays is no small feat, yet they approached it with maturity, creativity, and a deep respect for the text. Their performance captured the heart of the story: a young prince wrestling with grief, betrayal, and the heavy burden of revenge. They managed to balance the play’s intensity with its quieter, more reflective moments, drawing the audience into Hamlet’s world with real emotional clarity.
As Hamlet wrestles with the demands of revenge and the moral weight it carries, questions arise surrounding Hamlet’s mental state. Is there method in his madness? His struggle deepens into a profound search for purpose, questioning the value of action, loyalty, and even life itself.
What impressed us most was the atmosphere they created. From the tension of the opening scenes to the charged energy of the final act. Their command of Shakespeare’s language was extraordinary—every line delivered with precision and understanding. They were, quite simply, word perfect.
A special shout out must go to Jacob Parsons in Year 13, whose performance was exceptional. His presence, commitment, and sensitivity to the role elevated the entire production.
To every member of the cast and crew: your hard work shone through in every moment on stage. You should be incredibly proud of what you achieved.
This was a play that meant a lot to Mr Wolverson. Hi tortoise shares a name with the Prince of Denmark! His daughter’s middle name is Ophelia. His mum made the props and puppets. Well done Sir – your players have done you proud again! Until next year…
Celebrating Our Siarter Iaith Bronze Award Success
Next today, we are incredibly proud to announce that Llanishen High School has officially achieved the Siarter Iaith Bronze Award—a milestone that reflects the commitment, enthusiasm, and teamwork of our entire school community.
The Siarter Iaith framework encourages schools across Wales to strengthen the use of Welsh in everyday life, promoting confidence, cultural identity, and a sense of belonging among pupils. Earning the Bronze Award is no small achievement; it represents consistent effort across classrooms, corridors, and the wider school environment to ensure that Cymraeg is visible, celebrated, and used authentically.
Over recent months, pupils and staff have shown remarkable dedication in embracing new opportunities to develop and enjoy their Welsh. From daily Welsh phrases to increased incidental use of the language, creative displays, pupil‑led initiatives, and enthusiastic participation in Criw Cymraeg activities, our school has demonstrated a genuine passion for the language.
A particular highlight has been the energy and leadership shown by our Criw Cymraeg, who have championed the use of Welsh with pride and ensured that the language continues to flourish across the school. Their weekly phrases, challenges, assemblies, and recognition of Seren yr Wythnos have helped nurture a positive, welcoming culture around Cymraeg.
The Bronze Award marks the beginning of an exciting journey. As we look ahead, we are eager to continue building on this success as we work towards the Silver award. With the continued passion of our pupils, staff, and wider school community, we know that Cymraeg will continue to thrive at Llanishen High School.
Diolch o galon to everyone who contributed to this achievement. Together, we are creating a school where the Welsh language is valued, enjoyed, and proudly celebrated.
Llwyddo gyda’n gilydd — succeeding together!
With St David’s Day approaching this weekend, we are in full preparation mode for our Year 7 and 8 Eisteddfod on Friday 6th March. Here’s a throw back to last year to remember just how talented and creative our students are. We can’t wait to see and hear what this year has in store…
The Criw Cymraeg chose Mr Beaverstock for their Seren yr Wythnos for this week. Da iawn!
A time of year for reflection
A big thank you to Milan Sulaiman, Sadiyah Boksh and the other (slightly more camera shy) students who spoke to me at the start of Ramadan.
Ramadan begins with early starts- around 4am for prayer and breakfast – followed by fasting through the day. It’s a month of reflection, thinking about those less fortunate, resetting physically and mentally and growing closer to faith. It also means being mindful of unkind words and thoughts – what you say, not just what you eat and drink.
Around the same time, many of our Christian students will be beginning Lent – showing we have more in common than we might think.
So, whether you flipped pancakes during half-term to prepare for a time of focus and discipline, or you were preparing to fast, don’t forget that a simple “Ramadan Mubarak” or asking someone how Lent is going for them can make people feel seen and respected. Be interested and curious in your peers.
LHS debaters on tour!
On Saturday 14th February, Mrs Davies took 3 6th formers, Vita Patisiakina (chair), Toni O’Sullivan (proposer) and Mruthu Sudhakar (opposer) to Queen Elizabeth school in Carmarthen to compete in the Area Finals of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. They delivered an excellent debate on the motion ‘genetically modified babies are humanity’s path to a better future’ and competed against the best teams of 5 regions across Wales. Whilst they did not make it to finals this time, they were outstanding and made LHS proud.
They have impressed us throughout this competition. They bring this level of thought to their studies every day and we are just in awe!
Time for some updates from our amazing PE department who are bursting with pride about a range of different student achievements.
Athletics Success
As we draw to a close on another indoor athletics season, Abbi Beadle has once again showed her true sprinting potential. Competing at the Welsh Championships, the u15g double gold medallist from outdoors last season, who has since transitioned into the u17g age group, secured two silver medals in both the 60m and the 200m. What makes this even more impressive is being the youngest in the age group as a first year u17 and only missing out on gold marginally to girls the year above.
Two brand new sparkling pbs further cemented her status as a rising star within the Welsh sprinting ranks. Having a pb above 8 seconds at the start of the season, this personal best has been revised several times and she ends her indoor pursuits with an incredible pb of 7.84 seconds. Likewise, in the 200m, she once again broke her personal best and lowered her time significantly.
As always, we at Llanishen are extremely proud of her commitment and drive and are excited to follow her journey as we are positive this is just the beginning of an incredible career ahead.
Additionally, to the indoor success, Abbi and her younger sister Summer have gained selection for Cardiff and Vale Schools in the indoor sports-hall competition. They are joined by Gethin Hughes, Amelie Edwards, Maisey Lillywhite and Emily Rapps.
A fantastic achievement for all of these athletes who competed with the Llanishen logo emblazoned on their vests in the first Cardiff Schools round. The Welsh Sportshall finals take place on the 22nd of March at Cwmbran Stadium and we wish them all the best of luck following their selection.
Emerging football star!
Congratulations also go to Aliyah Brown in Year 9 who has been selected for Welsh Schoolgirls Football Team.
She has worked incredibly hard and we are so proud of her.
Aliyah has recently moved from Australia and has shown tremendous resilience and maturity settling into a new country and school.
We all look forward to watching her football career thrive and becoming the new Jess Fishlock!
Year 9 are smashing the rugby
Our Year 9 rugby team advanced through to the Y9 Welsh Cup 1/4 final after beating Newbridge School 38-37. A fantastic game of rugby with captain George Garner scoring the winning try with a minute to go. The team will now play Dyffryn Aman in the next round. Good luck boys!
That’s it for now but the blog items are flying in for #345 already so we look forward to bringing you another bumper round up next week!
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry,
Headteacher