15 January 2026
16th January 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
What are your views on Veganuary?!
January often brings a sense of renewal, and one movement that has grown rapidly in recent years is Veganuary. But what exactly is it, and why do so many people—adults and young people alike—choose to take part?
What I can say is that the fridges in staffrooms across the school are currently filled with the healthiest of concoctions!
Veganuary is a global campaign encouraging people to follow a plant‑based diet for the month of January. It began in 2014 with just a few thousand participants, and now millions take part each year. The idea is simple: try eating vegan for 31 days, explore new foods, and reflect on how our choices affect our health, the environment, and animal welfare. The campaign provides recipes, tips, and plenty of encouragement, making it accessible for beginners.
We live very busy lives, so we asked our staff for their go-to vegan and vegetarian recipes to give us some inspiration.
Perhaps you could turn your hand to Mrs Weston’s go-to fajitas or Mrs Davies’s curry recipe?
Like any lifestyle change, Veganuary comes with both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, research shows that people who take part often reduce their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, while increasing fibre and plant‑based nutrients. Many also enjoy discovering new meals and ingredients they might not have tried otherwise. Beyond personal health, some people appreciate the environmental benefits associated with plant‑based eating, as well as the opportunity to think more consciously about food choices.
However, there are considerations to keep in mind. A vegan diet requires planning to ensure a good balance of nutrients, particularly vitamins such as B12, which are harder to obtain from plant sources alone. Some families may find the change in routine challenging, especially when juggling busy schedules or catering for different tastes. And of course, not every plant‑based alternative is automatically healthier—processed vegan foods can still be high in sugar or salt.
You won’t have this problem if you follow Mr Janzen’s recipe for easy tacos. Or perhaps you would prefer a diet that isn’t quite as strict. Mr Winters is a pescatarian and his go-to recipe at this time of year is a warming and nutritious fish pie. My mouth is now watering. I must stay away from the snacks.
Veganuary also raises a broader question many of us face at this time of year: why are New Year’s resolutions so hard to maintain? The answer often lies in trying to change too much, too quickly. Motivation is high in early January, but habits are built through small, consistent steps. Whether someone is trying Veganuary, reading more, getting exam revision underway, exercising, or simply aiming for a calmer start to the year, success usually comes from realistic goals, support from others, and a willingness to keep going even after the occasional setback.
For our school community, Veganuary can be a great conversation starter—about food, sustainability, wellbeing, and the power of trying something new. Whether you take part for a day, a week, or the whole month, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the choices that help us feel our best.
If you need some inspiration and wisdom for physical activity, look no further. Jack is back!
Every small step you take counts. Our gym is here for you: welcoming, supportive, and ready whenever you are.
Using the school facilities is not about perfection; it is about showing up, trying something new, and building confidence one habit at a time. A short workout, a stretch with friends, or a quiet moment to move can boost your energy, focus, and mood.
By choosing movement regularly, you strengthen both body and mind. We encourage you to make these small, positive choices—they grow into lifelong wellbeing, resilience, and pride. Together, we believe in you and celebrate every effort you make.
“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”
Another student who is on the top of his game is Alex Thwaite in Year 11…
Congratulations Alex on earning your cap for representing Cardiff Schools Rugby at under-16 level!
This is an incredible achievement and a testament to your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.
Wearing that cap is more than just a symbol—it reflects the countless hours of training, teamwork, and resilience you’ve shown.
You’ve made your school proud and set a fantastic example for others to follow.
Keep striving for excellence, both on and off the pitch.
The power of music….
We’ve dabbled with Veganuary and the power of physical exercise. Next on our list but in no particular order is the power of music on our health and wellbeing and we are delighted to showcase a gorgeous example.
One of our students, Alice Miles in Year 8, recently enjoyed an extraordinary musical opportunity that reflects both her dedication and the strength of the arts in our school community. On 11 November 2025, she performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the South‑East Wales choir in the Music for Youth Proms. It was an unforgettable day in one of the most inspiring venues in the world. In the lead‑up to the event, Alice spent many weekends in full‑day rehearsals, working hard while also forming new friendships with students from schools across Cardiff.
Alice sings in three choirs: the Cardiff & Vale County Senior Choir, the South East Wales Choir, and our own school choir. Her commitment continues to open remarkable doors. She has once again been invited to perform at the Holocaust Memorial Service in the Temple of Peace, where she will sing for Welsh Government ministers and meet Holocaust survivors—an honour she does not take lightly.
We are grateful to her family for supporting her passion for music, and equally proud of the role our school plays in nurturing it. Our choir, drama club, and wider arts provision thrive because of the enthusiasm of students like Alice and the dedication of staff who bring these opportunities to life. The photos show just how amazing these experiences are.
Music comes in so many different genres, formats and on so many diverse platforms. So now is the perfect time to slip in a plug for our school radio crew.
Our new school radio show has officially launched, and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting project. If you haven’t tuned in yet, you’re missing out on a brilliant mix of creativity, personality and pure student talent. Each episode offers something completely different, making the show a perfect listen for anyone who loves discovering fresh voices and unexpected ideas.
The line‑up so far is packed with standout moments. Abigail and Immie from Year 10 kick things off with their gripping Crime Book Investigation Podcast, diving into mysteries, plot twists and the kind of theories that keep you thinking long after the episode ends. Their enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious, and their discussions might even inspire you to pick up a new book.
If you prefer something sweeter, Youssef and Caleb (also Year 10) deliver an irresistible deep‑dive into all things chocolate. From taste‑testing to surprising facts about how chocolate is made, their episode is a treat in every sense.
For fans of pop culture, Phoebe and Faye in Year 8 bring high energy and plenty of laughs with their segment on celeb gossip and pop music. Whether they’re debating chart‑toppers or sharing the latest headlines, their episode is packed with fun.
Rock and metal lovers are in for a thrill too. Oscar, Ethan, James and Emma (Year 10) crank up the volume with their passionate look at all things loud, fast and electric. Expect riffs, recommendations and a whole lot of attitude.
And then there’s Mr Young’s Magical Mystery Tour. Where will he take listeners next? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
With such a diverse mix of voices and topics, there’s truly something for everyone. Give the recordings a listen and support the incredible creativity happening right here in our school.
Just follow the link and enjoy…
Can you be a Green Hero at LHS?
The Eco Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the new Green Hero Reward Card. Students can earn rewards by recycling correctly or by taking part in litter picking during break times.
Our Sixth Form Eco Committee members have been distributing reward cards to Year 7 students for correctly recycling their forms paper on Thursday mornings. Students can bring their completed reward cards to S1 to exchange them for a prize.
Dario, Jacob and George proudly show off their Green Hero Reward Cards, celebrating their commitment to recycling and helping the environment. Well done boys!
Staff Seren yr wythnos
This week, our student Criw Cymraeg group have nominated Mr Dwyer for his use of the Welsh language. Staff can be nominated for their effort or their accuracy and pronunciation! Well done Sir! Da iawn!
That’s a wrap for another busy week that has included the largest number of auditionee’s ever for Shrek, the Musical! We await the casting with baited breath.
Wishing all of our readers a very happy and healthy weekend.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher