5 June 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rhieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
D-Day 2025
This week, we commemorated D-Day, also known as the Normandy Landings, on Friday June 6, 2025. This date marks the 81st anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, a major turning point in the war.
Eighty-one years later, the world feels very different, but it’s still a reminder that freedom isn’t a given. It takes courage, cooperation and standing up for what matters.
Some of our Year 7s have been learning about how Cardiff played its part in the D-Day effort. From watching archive footage to exploring photos of bomb-damaged buildings, they’ve been discovering how the war affected our city and, specifically, Llanishen.
They’ve chosen their own ways to mark this year’s D-Day. Some are researching local soldiers, while others are creating artwork, stories, Hama bead tributes and even a poppy wreath.
Today, we remember those who fought and take a moment to think about what it means to protect peace in uncertain times. We’re also celebrating their bravery with a tea party and wartime music.
Hay Festival 2025!
On Friday 23rd May we loaded up the coaches for our annual outing to the Hay Festival. It was a wonderful day and our students were stunningly behaved. Over to Mrs Card to regale us with stories from the day….
“An incredible bunch of Year 8s and 9s, along with the Year 7 librarians, spent a gloriously sunny and inspirational day at the Hay Festival. We were regaled with the lyrical and energetic exploits of poet Matt Goodfellow, whose refrain of “who you are matters” was well worth reinforcing.
We then spent time creating a new world with fantasy author Caroline O’Donoghue, a session masterfully brought to life by Llanishen’s very own Tanya Saadallah (Year 9) when Tanya was picked out of hundreds to be Caroline’s on-stage illustrator! Not to be left out, Willow McKillen (Year 8) provided Caroline with a word-perfect definition of “world-building”. Mrs Card and Ms Lockwood were bursting with pride at our fabulous students in this session!
LHS representing strong didn’t end there: Callum Cocks in Year 9 was selected to go head-to-head in a debate on stage by none other than political journalist Alistair Campbell and held his own admirably!
Our final sessions saw us hearing from the world-famous queen of historical fiction, Philippa Gregory, and Welsh YA writer, Ravena Guron. Philippa Gregory gave us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of so many forgotten women from history and received a roaring round of applause when she told the girls to fight for their place in the world and stand by their sisters – inspiring stuff!
The sun shone, books were bought, copious strawberries and ice creams were devoured: it was another joyful year at the Hay Festival. We can’t wait to see what’s on the programme for 2026!”
Well done all. It looks like you had a fabulous day and represented LHS with your customary flair and enthusiasm!
Medals, trophies and lots of sweat and determination!
Over to some incredible sporting accomplishments from our students and staff over the half-term break.
Our very own Welsh Champion, Kamil Omar brought home a silver medal from the British Championships. While boxing for his country, Kamil represented Llanishen Boxing Club and Llanishen High School, in outstanding fashion. He just lost out to the Scottish National Champion by the closest of spilt decisions on the judges’ score cards. An incredible achievement!
Congratulations also go to Jay Hawkins and Naimh Sakka on a superb performance in the Eastern Division of Wales championships held in Cwmbran last week. A win for Naimh by a split decision and a win for Jay with a unanimous decision.
Congratulations also go to the Thornhill u15s boys who won the final of the Cardiff & District Cup on 27th May. No less than14 members of the team attend Llanishen High School. A magnificent performance boys – well done!
Last weekend the first Hyrox event came to the Principality Stadium. Competing in the double division and representing LHS were Mr White and Mr Trelawny.
If you haven’t come across is yet, Hyrox is a fitness race consisting of eight 1km runs interspersed with eight functional workout stations. I won’t give away their ages, but the White/Trelawny combo came in with a phenomenal time of 1:07. The enjoyment on their faces is clear! Well done both – it looks absolutely brutal.
After that exhausting round-up I shall sign off for this week. I look forward to bringing you some slightly less sweaty stories next week.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher