13 November 2026
Friday 13th November 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Remembrance Day 2026
This week, it is the students that have led the way to mark Remembrance Day in a very thoughtful and meaningful way, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by others and the lasting impact of conflict on communities across the world.
As part of their learning in Year 7, students have been researching the different coloured poppies and the meanings behind them.
Many of us are familiar with the red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for those who have served and sacrificed in conflict. Year 7 discovered that over time, additional coloured poppies have emerged to highlight different aspects of remembrance. The white poppy represents a commitment to peace and a hope for a world without war. The purple poppy honours the animals that have served alongside military personnel, including horses, dogs and carrier pigeons. The black poppy is often used to recognise the contributions of Black, African, Caribbean and Pacific Island communities to military service throughout history, helping to ensure that their stories are remembered and celebrated.
This work encouraged them to consider the many ways in which people choose to remember those affected by war and conflict. They presented their findings, helping to raise awareness and promote discussion about remembrance, service, peace and reflection.
Alongside this, Year 7 explored how families are affected by conflict, both in the past and in the present day. Through discussion and reflection, they considered the personal sacrifices made by service personnel and the wider impact on parents, children, siblings and communities. This provides an important opportunity for empathy, understanding and respect.
Their classroom learning was complemented by a range of creative and community-focused activities. They decorated remembrance-themed biscuits and created their own poppies and a beautiful wreath for a special memorial service. During the service, students placed their handmade poppies in the school garden, creating a lasting tribute and a visible symbol of remembrance.
The memorial service concluded with a simple afternoon tea, where students and staff joined for crumpets, jam and tea to reflect on the significance of Remembrance Day and the values it represents.
It was an absolute privilege to be invited to the memorial service and I was incredibly moved to listen to the students reading such poignant pieces of poetry and prose that they wrote themselves.
They spoke with such confidence and clarity and a level of maturity that made us so proud.
Four members of our Sixth Form also led the way as they travelled to Auschwitz this week but I will wait to let them reflect and then talk about their experiences in their own words.
As the week draws to a close we would like to commend all those students who have sat external GCSEs and Welsh National Tests since returning after half-term. You have conducted yourselves with great maturity. Another milestone navigated.
The free choice option survey is now open for Year 11 to register their preferred options for Sixth Form. It’s great to see these coming through.
We also look forward to welcoming Year 9 and their parents to the Year 9 Parents Evening on Wednesday 18th November to check in with how you’ve settled into your options.
We’ll finish this week with an opportunity to spread a little cheer….
Christmas Appeal
At this time of year, many families in our community are facing additional financial pressures, and there are children and young people who may otherwise go without gifts at Christmas. We are therefore pleased to support the Cardiff and Vale Christmas Appeal, which has been launched by the Children Looked After (CLA) Nursing Team. The appeal aims to bring some joy to children and young people in care by providing gifts and donations that can make a real difference during the festive season. There are 1,500 children and young people currently looked after across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
If you are able to contribute, however small, your kindness and generosity will help ensure that some of our most vulnerable young people experience the warmth, excitement and happiness that every child deserves at Christmas. Thank you in advance for supporting this worthwhile initiative and helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
All gifts will be delivered directly to the children by the Looked After Children’s team.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher