29 January 2026

30th January 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr

Debating success for LHS!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for the debate team! This year, we were privileged to have 3 excellent senior teams eager to compete in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Mrs Davies and LHS hosted an ‘in house heats’ on Tuesday last week to determine which two teams would go forward to compete against Howells. Year 10 team, Eleanor Hopkins (Chair), Amy Marshall (Proposer) and Tanya Saadallah (Opposer) were fierce competitors debating the motion ‘schools are non-partisan’, but it was the two sixth form teams that won the place. Watch this space, I have no doubt that Ellie, Amy and Tanya will be the future of the debate team in the years to come! 

Last Wednesday the two 6th form teams took to the stage competing against Howells School. Isla Martin (our new Deputy Head Girl/ Chairperson), Ali Nehan (our new Head Boy/ Proposer) and Emelia Stanley (our new Head Girl/ opposer) debated the motion ‘football stadiums should ban alcohol’. The team were animated and passionate! It was, however, Vita Patisiakina (chair), Toni O’Sullivan (proposer) and Mruthu Sudhakar (opposer) with their convincing rhetoric debating the motion ‘designer babies are the future’ who won the best team of the night and progress to the Area Finals in Carmarthen in February. The Rotary Team were very complimentary about the quality of all those competing. A huge success and Mrs Davis was understandably a very proud teacher! 

A special mention also to Fiona Garbutt and Jacob Parsons in year 13 who have been in the debate team since year 7 and passed on their words of wisdom to their younger teammates! Their input this year has been invaluable! 

We also have 3 teams of 6th formers competing next Tuesday after school in the Oxford Schools Debates. Good luck everyone!

The Criw Cymraeg have been busy!

The debating team are not the only ones who have taking the lead and using the power of their voice to good end.

Over the past few weeks, the Criw Cymraeg have gone above and beyond in promoting the use of Welsh in the school. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment have been outstanding, and they thoroughly deserve recognition.

This brilliant team have taken on a range of responsibilities, including:

  • Delivering presentations in Year 7 and Year 8 assemblies to promote the upcoming Eisteddfod competitions. Their confidence and passion for Welsh culture and the Welsh language shone through, inspiring younger pupils to get involved
  • Helping new and experienced staff practise their Welsh
  • Organising and contributing to a hugely successful bake sale, providing homemade and shop-bought treats. Thanks to their efforts, the event raised an impressive £140 for the Sir Gareth Edwards cancer charity

These students have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a real commitment to school life. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful for the positivity they bring to our school community. Diolch yn fawr pawb — you are wonderful role models!

Staff Seren yr wythnos

This week, our student Criw Cymraeg group have nominated Miss A Parry for her use of the Welsh language.  Staff can be nominated for their effort or their accuracy and pronunciation! Well done Miss! Da iawn!

Battle of the Bands is back!

Following last years’ success, we are bringing the Battle of the Bands back, and turning the amp up to 11 to make it bigger than ever! This year it will be on Thursday 26th March, 6pm in the West Wing Hall. Anyone can sign up to be in the gig, whether they are in a band currently, or need our support to be manufactured into a new band. And, there are slots available for anyone who would like to be in a staff band. Will a new super group emerge to challenge ‘Late to Reg’….?!

Learning Support Stars of the Week!

In Learning Support students have headed into 2026 with renewed determination. Two weeks ago Sophie Hunt was awarded SOTW for showing real resilience and attending lessons with such a positive attitude.  Sophie was followed last week by Elliott Wyatt who had a great Science test as well as his work in general. Elliott has also shown real resilience and determination. Keep it up both!

Sporting achievements

Next up today is a wonderful round up of sporting achievements from across the school.

Congratulation to Luqman Mohamed in Year 12.  Luqman has been called up to the Wales Senior Deaf Football squad.  The Wales Senior Deaf Football Squad are a growing success in Welsh sport.  They represent Wales in international deaf football competitions, including the European Deaf Football Championships and qualification routes to the Deaflympics. The team is led by the Wales Deaf Football Association (WDFA) and has grown rapidly over the past few years.

Luqman trained with them for the first time on Saturday! Here he is in action. We look forward to following his training!

Kamil Omar takes Gold in the Lagoa Cup!

Last weekend, our school community had reason to celebrate as Kamil Omar in Year 11 delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious Algarve Box Cup in Lagoa, Portugal. The tournament—often referred to locally as the Lagoa Cup—is recognised as the largest and most competitive amateur boxing event in the Algarve. It attracts elite young boxers from across Europe and beyond, all competing over three days in a highly professional, international setting. Earning a title here is a significant achievement for any athlete, let alone one balancing the demands of school life.

Kamil competed in the Junior 60kg category, progressing through a strong field of talented opponents to reach the final. In a disciplined and determined performance, he secured victory in the championship bout, earning the gold medal for his weight class. This win places him among the top young boxers in his division and reflects the exceptional commitment he brings to his training.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is the maturity and focus Kamil shows both in and out of the ring. His success in Lagoa is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and passion for his sport. We are incredibly proud of him and look forward to supporting his continued journey in boxing.

Well, the end of January is in sight. Congratulations to anyone who maintained any New Years’ resolutions. For those of us who might have slipped a little, February offers a brand-new reset!

Wishing all of our readers a very happy and healthy weekend.

Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,

Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher