27 March 2026
27th March 2026
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Battle of the Bands 2026!
Let’s start this week by sharing our massive congratulations to this year’s winners, Gutrot, for an unforgettable performance!
What an unforgettable evening we enjoyed at our second annual Battle of the Bands! This year’s event was bigger, bolder, and even more brilliantly eclectic, showcasing the incredible creativity and confidence of our students and staff. With 13 student bands and 2 staff bands taking to the stage, the night was packed with energy and talent from start to finish.
One of the highlights of this event is always the sheer variety of music on display, and this year did not disappoint. Our staff and students treated us to everything from grunge and heavy metal to country, jazz, and alternative experimental sounds—a true celebration of musical diversity. It was wonderful to see students expressing themselves so freely through their chosen styles, embracing individuality and artistic flair.
What made this evening truly special, though, was the overwhelming support from every corner of our school community. Parents, carers, and staff filled the hall with enthusiasm, encouragement, and warm applause. The atmosphere was inclusive, uplifting, and a testament to the strong sense of belonging we continue to build together.
Well done to every band who took part; you made us all incredibly proud. Here’s to next year!
I need to finish with some very special thanks to individual staff. Thank you to Miss Roberts for these incredible photographs. What an amazing and creative talent. Miss Roberts photographed every act and these photos will be available from the music department.
Thank you to the staff bands. Whilst you are not yet signed by any major record label, that call could come in at any time. Thank you to the music department and Mr Grimstead for playing just about every instrument we own. Mr Wolverson was a polished and seamless compere.
Finally, a massive shout out to Jibrael Khan from our HIRB. There wasn’t a dry eye in my head when he performed ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. I’m looking forward to a hot chocolate with Jibrael on Friday.
Rewards Assembly Week
Another LHS staple tradition that is going strong is the end of term reward assemblies. Congratulations to everyone who received a spring term award for effort, achievement, attendance, tutor nominated ‘Student of the Term’ and of course, our Zero Hero’s!! We commend and value you all! We look forward to pressing the reset button on Monday 13th April when Years 7 to 10 will get the opportunity to go again! For now, here are a few snaps from Year 10 and Year 9.
LHS out and about – where have we been this week?
To Oxford for the thrill of the debate…
On Saturday 14th March, Ali Nehan and Toni O’Sullivan represented Llanishen High School at the Oxford University Debate competition. They were one of 115 teams that competed! Over to Ali for a reflection on the experience, along with a few photos!
“Finals day at the Oxford Union was honestly just eye-opening. The level of debate wasn’t over-the-top like I expected – it was really controlled, precise, and intentional. It made me realise that good debating isn’t about sounding impressive, but about thinking clearly and structuring your ideas properly. My highlight was definitely working with Toni – we were able to collaborate really effectively and build off each other’s ideas in a way that actually strengthened our arguments. I left feeling motivated more than anything, like I’ve seen the standard now and I know what I need to work towards. Both Toni and I are extremely grateful to Ms. Davies for her constant support and encouragement.”
Llysfaen Buddies!
A little closer to home but equally uplifting are on ongoing visits to our feeder Primary Schools. As always, our buddies (and Mr Mee) loved dropping in to say hello to next year’s Year 7 and to answer any questions they might have about transition.
We have been so impressed by all of the Year 6 students that we have met so far and we can’t wait to welcome you into our fold.
Getting creative
It is time for a little round up from the DT block. That round up includes some delicious choux profiteroles that Year 9 have made. In doing so, they have applied the theory of aeration in food science. We also have some snaps from 7J’s wood project in DT, featuring some really lovely designs. We also have Year 9 making laminated puff pastry to create an LHS version of Greggs Yum Yums!! And to demonstrate how it all starts we have Year 7 creating sketch note recipe instructions of their favourite recipes from their time in Year 7 so far.
Well done everyone. Excellent skills in action! Excellent smells emanating from the DT block.
Watch this space in the summer term for news about the launch of our LHS MasterChef competition!
Seren yr Wythnos
This week’s Welsh phrase of the week is: Pasg Hapus! (Pask-happ -iss) – Happy Easter! The Criw Cymraeg chose Mr G Thomas for their Seren yr Wythnos for last week and Mr Furnham for this week. Da iawn! Diolch yn fawr!
A crown of positivity!
After the unsettled events of last week, I would also like to thank the students for making me this magnificent crown of positivity. I did wear it on duty and it did make a few students smile. As humans, we do mirror one another. So it was good to see those smiles passed on from one person to another.
Double whammy!
Our next order of business is to say a huge well done to our Year 10 AND Year 11 football teams who have both progressed to the cup final of the C&V schools’ football.
Let’s get some massive LHS love and support behind them and get as many of us as possible over for the finals!!
Not to be left out, our Year 7 boys also booked their place in the final!
We are on FIRE! Well done everyone. Exciting times ahead in April!
Cardiff and Vale Sports Hall Finals
The Cardiff and Vale Sports Hall Finals, held on Sunday 22nd March, provided a wonderful celebration of dedication, teamwork and sporting excellence from students across our region, including some exceptional talent from LHS.
Our LHS athletes represented our school with great enthusiasm, demonstrating resilience, skill and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. It was inspiring to see so many students challenging themselves and supporting one another in such a positive environment. We are incredibly proud of all who took part.
The U13 girls won from Cardiff & Vale and go through to represent Wales in the UK Schools Athletics Sports Hall finals on Saturday 11th April in Stoke. The Cardiff & Vale U13 boys, U15 girls and U15 boys won the finals We are delighted to share a few snaps from the day. We have the full LHS gang, competing in all age groups. Then we have our LHS 4 representing the U13 girls. Finally, we have the four teams from all schools representing Cardiff & Vale schools.
From Cyfarthfa Castle to Castle Coch…
Meanwhile, last Sunday, Mrs Purbrick from our Wellbeing Centre walked 27 miles for an amazing local charity, City Hospice. Mrs Purbrick walked from Cyfarthfa Castle to Castle Coch in memory of her mum, dad and sister. She raised £690 so the blisters were worth it. She’ll be glad to move away from her crocs!
Well done Mrs P!
After that exhausting finale, may we wish all of our readers a very rejuvenating Easter break.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 13th April.
Don’t forget the clocks spring forward this weekend.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher