3 October 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rhieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
National Teaching Assistant Day!
On Friday 27th September, schools across the nation celebrated the invaluable work that teaching assistants do.
Our teaching assistants are without doubt the unsung heroes of LHS. We really do have the best. We are not biased. It is actually true.
Our teaching assistants provide learning support, support our teachers in managing the classroom, and they bring so much energy.
We really couldn’t do it without them.
In particular we would like to say a sincere thank you to the support staff that work across our Autism Base, Hearing Impaired Resource Base (HIRB), Learning Support Department, Behaviour Base, Flexible Learning Centre, The Den and Alternative Pathway Centre.
These provisions are a vital part of what we do at LHS, allowing our students to access the mainstream curriculum whether in the classroom, in our hub provisions, or in the school and local community.
Many students face barriers to learning. So it is even more important that they receive the support they need within our school community where they belong.
Here are a few more snaps from last week.
I never cease to be amazed by the creativity of the students in our HIRB. We were delighted to be invited to design and make the table decorations for the Believe Ball last weekend.
Only these students could come up with the concept of the Tree of Life, with each one spelling out one of the key organs of the body in sign language. Here we have a very proud crew to show them off.
We hope the Believe Ball, the culmination of Organ Donation week, was a roaring success.
Before we leave the HIRB students this week, can we give one more shout out to Luqman and Aayan.
As part of ‘non-speaking awareness day’ and to celebrate British Sign Language, Luqman and Aayan became the teachers, and Mrs Bruma and I became the students. To be strictly accurate, Mrs Bruma is an elite signer. The lesson was more for me!
If you’ve seen our reel on our LHS social media posts, I can now put you out of your misery. They were teaching us to sign ‘Helping everyone to succeed.’
We appreciated their delayed applause!
LHS Alumni to shine a light on National Hygiene Week!
The next story today does two incredible things in one go. We are absolutely delighted to showcase the work of LHS Alumni, Molly Fenton, and the Love Your Period campaign as we go into National Hygiene week.
We went back to Molly to ask her to reflect back on the early days of the campaign. We asked Molly a few questions, and she has given us some incredibly honest and thought provoking answers.
First of all, we asked Molly, ‘very simply, what motivates you?’
“Multiple things, but probably mostly having young people, like me, feel less alone. I had a devastating health diagnosis at 16 and had some really strange (and embarrassing) symptoms that made me angry and scared, and massively affected my education. The experience has turned into a community for other young women who struggle with their health/bodies – or just are struggling with growing up in general – have that safe space to help improve their quality of life. Like a big sister! Whether that be from affects of exam stress right the way to serious illness. It would’ve really helped me.”
What are you most proud of in your work to date?
“The platform and influence myself and team members have worked hard to build. And a community. I’ve been able to take the conversation about girls/women’s health to parliament, the House of Lords, the United Nations CSW68, UNICEF Cardiff child friendly city, and last week I did a TED talk for TEDxNHS. I even get to join midnight zoom calls to present and meet in countries across the world! I stand in the room with a goal to make others feel uncomfortable – because we have to face discomfort to make change and to improve people’s lives.
Also, it’s not about this, but myself and the work have had multiple insane awards. Recently I was given a British Citizen Award Medal for services to healthcare so I now have letters (BCAh) after my name…it’s all very crazy! But what matters to me is it shows advocacy is working, and having the intended impact.”
Finally, what messages do you have for other young women who want to change the world?
“The most important part is that you believe you CAN do it, even if no one else does. Life happens, things go wrong, and it sucks but it’s never the end. Sometimes that experience can be the making of you. What you think are your weaknesses could end up being your strengths. It took me 5 years to discover that, so don’t panic. We can’t all be the awesome Russell Group Uni graduates – but we can still be awesome. You have no idea who you will inspire. We don’t see a lot of representation from the people that didn’t succeed with the top results.
So if that’s you thinking you can’t/won’t succeed because you’re not getting As and A*s – HI! I AM HERE! I built what I have from being bed bound and sharing my story online. I’m always here to have a chat, help out, build ideas off the ground.”
As the legacy of the Love Your Period campaign continues, we are pleased to use National Hygiene week as a fitting reminder that students at LHS can access hygiene products for free from a wide range of venues in school. Here is that all-important reminder:
Winner at the Cornwall Literary Festival!
Next today, please join us in celebrating the amazing achievements of Faith Lydall in Year 9!
Faith had an incredible day collecting her prize at the Cornwall Literary Festival and performed her own poem on stage with her customary composure and eloquence!
Not one to be shy, Faith not only met the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, but secured an excellent selfie with him!
The LHS Shakespeare Performers are taking to the boards again….
Whilst we have our creative vibe on, we have a very exciting announcement for you regarding an upcoming school dramatic production.
Llanishen High School presents our rendition of ‘The Merchant of Venice.’
After the success of last year’s Shakespearean performance of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ we are incredibly excited to perform take on the challenge of this tragic comedy.
The audition process saw students from years 10-13 apply themselves with such high talent and enthusiasm and now Mr. Wolverson has finalised the cast…
- Portia – Molly Davies Y13
- Nerissa – Charley Lewis Y13
- Jessica – Fiona Garbutt Y12
- Antonio – Jacob Parsons Y12
- Bassanio – Rhi Hayes Y13
- Lorenzo – Ozzy Russell Y12
- Gratiano – Destiny Jones Y13
- Launcelot – Joel White Y13
- Prince of Arragon – Isla Howells Y13
- Prince of Morocco – Hayden Watkins Y11
- Stephano – Izzy Fisher Y13
- Balthasar – Grace Lee Y10
- Duke of Venice – Imogen Hughes Y13
- Clerk of court – Jessica Clayton Y10
- Old Gobbo – Morgan Howden Y13
- Usher in court – Emilee Harp Y10
- Gaoler – Charlotte Freedman Y10
- Salarino – Lily Jackson Y11
- Salanio – Seren Hayes Y13
- Shylock – Freya Curtis Y13
There will be two evening performances on the 19th and 20th of February 2025. The Drama studio will once again be transformed into an immersive performance space by wonderful Elinor Maizey. Tickets will be available soon! Watch this space!
LHS ATHLETICS
Finally today, we are delighted to bring you the now legendary round up of all things ‘LHS Athletics’ courtesy of Mr Gill!
The round up starts with a reminder that Running Club literally runs every Tuesday and Friday after school.
Running club is open to every student, and a great opportunity to improve personal fitness, have fun and develop technical aspects of running, jumping and throwing. It can also be a valuable supplement to team sports (rugby, football, netball, etc.), as well as being a competitive sport in it’s own right, with Cross Country and Sportshall competitions over the winter (as well as indoor athletics at club level), and track and field over the summer.
The key focus is personal growth, combining technical learning, with physical development, to deliver improved performance – helping individuals be the best they can be.
Sessions are delivered to meet the needs and interests of the students that attend, with the emphasis on participation and fun.
So, whether you are an aspiring club runner/thrower/jumper, or simply want to learn and improve, and get fitter, there will be something for you.
SUMMER 2024 REVIEW
In the summer term each year, LHS pupils compete in the Cardiff Schools Athletics Competitions, at the Cardiff International Sports (Leckwith) stadium. What a summer of athletics 2024 was, a former student winning an Olympic medal (Jeremiah Azu in the GB men’s 4x100m relay), and a LHS team winning a Welsh Schools competition. So here is the 2024 competitive review (Note: only top 16 finishers have been listed, as these athletes ‘earned’ points for the school. Other LHS competitors are mentioned):
Middle and Senior Championships (Years 10/11 and 12/13)
Year 10/11 girls:
| 200m | 1st | Chloe Farmer |
| 300m | 1st | Chloe Farmer |
Year 10/11 boys:
| 1500 steeplechase | 2nd | Rhys Pladdy |
Year 12/13 girls:
| 100m | 1st | Destiny Jones |
Year 12/13 boys:
| 3000m | 1st | Finn Webster |
Uchechukwu Udeze and Bailey Davies-Collins both competed in the Year 10/11 boys 100m.
Junior Championships (Years 8/9)
Year 8/9 girls – Llanishen finished 5th overall (2023 10th, 2022 6th, 2019 8th)
| 100m | 3rd | Abbi Beadle |
| 100m | 8th | Amelie Edwards |
| 200m | 6th | Esme Anvarizadeh |
| 300m | 16th | Eliza Ingram |
| 800m | 13th | Iris Hamilton-Potter |
| 800m | 16th | Ava Brattle |
| 75m hurdles | 6th | Abbi Beadle |
| 75m hurdles | 13th | Poppy Plant |
| 1500m Walk | 1st | Florence Davies |
| 1500m walk | 13th | Abigail Marshall |
| 4x100m Relay | 3rd | LHS |
| High Jump | 14th | Seren Ellis |
| Long Jump | 1st | Abbi Beadle |
| Long Jump | 16th | Amelie Edwards |
| Triple Jump | 2nd | Poppy Plant |
| Shot Putt | 14th | Amelie Langman |
Other LHS competitors: Seren Ellis (200m), Phoebe Toozer (800m), Ella Smith (1500m), Freya Shepherd (1500m), Seren Davies (High Jump), Eliza Ingram (Long Jump), Florence Davies (Shot Putt), Phoebe Toozer (Shot Putt), Fleur Horton (Discus), Mimi Mciver (Discus).
Year 8/9 boys:
Llanishen finished 8th overall (2023 7th, 2022 10th, 2019 5th)
| 200m | 5th | Gethin Hughes |
| 200m | 12th | Iwan Dillon |
| 300m | 11th | Noah Davies |
| 800m | 11th | Younis Al-Jaseem |
| 800m | 15th | Owen Rapps |
| 1500m walk | 9th | Younis Al-Jaseem |
| 1500m walk | 10th | Kevin Feng |
| Long Jump | 15th | Lucas Farmer |
| Long Jump | 11th | Jason Thompson |
| Discus | 12th | Blake Newton |
| Pole Vault | 1st | Lucas Farmer |
Other LHS competitors: Louie Marshall (100m), Adam Yacoumi (100m), Kevin Feng (300m), Adam Hopson (1500m), Evan Donohoe (1500m), Zane Lillywhite (High Jump), Evan Donohoe (Triple Jump), Logan Kirby (Triple Jump), Alex Thwaite (Shot Putt), Owen Rapps (Discus).
Year 7 Championships
Girls:
| 70m hurdles | 10th | Isabel Allen |
| 200m | 6th | Ella Jones |
| 800m | 14th | Opal Dickinson |
| 1500m | 5th | Emily Dando |
| High Jump | 4th | Ella Jones |
| Long Jump | 13th | Ella Jones |
| Javelin | 2nd | Izzy Lawley |
Other LHS competitors: Izzy Evans (70m hurdles), Alice Thomas (100m), Amelia Moore (100m), Luciana Bertelli (200m), Julia Macedonian (800m), Sophia Blease (Long Jump), Phoebe Ines (Long Jump), Bobbie Nickle (Shot Putt), Isabel Allen (Discus), Demi Saunders (Discus).
Boys:
| 200m | 9th | Lewis Jordan |
| 800m | 2nd | George Garner |
| 800m | 15th | Ethan Gough |
| 1500m | 6th | Haydn De’ath |
| 75m hurdles | 7th | George Garner |
| 4x100m relay | 8th | LHS |
| 1000m walk | 6th | Khadr Al-Jaseem |
| High Jump | 7th | Reegan Martin |
| Long Jump | 16th | Khadr Al-Jaseem |
| Shot Putt | 7th | Reegan Martin |
| Shot Putt | 9th | Keenan Kelly |
| Discus | 2nd | Khadr Al-Jaseem |
| Discus | 10th | Joe Miller |
| Javelin | 3rd | George Garner |
| Javelin | 7th | Oscar Petersen |
| Javelin | 9th | Ethan Gough |
Other LHS competitors: Oscar Peterson (100m), Otto Tuurinkoski (100m), Joe Miller (200m), Iman Khan (200m), Rhys Morse (200m), Angus Gurney (800m), Luca Cawardine (1500m), Liam Hopkins (75m hurdles), Rhys Morse (High Jump), Lewis Jordan (High Jump), Angus Gurney (Long Jump), Liam Hopkins (Long Jump), Lucas Cawardine (Shot Putt).
Cardiff Schools Cup Competitions
The age groups are under 14 (Year7/8), and u16 (Year 9/10). There are 4 preliminary matches, with first and second placed teams in each match progressing to the A final, and third and fourth into the B final.
This year Llanishen High U14 boys, U14 girls, and U16 girls all made their respective A final, with U16 boys and U14 boys B team making their B finals. The U14 boys A team then finished a very close 2nd in their Cup final, and by doing so qualified for the Welsh Schools plate final (see report below).
U14B Boys A team:
Adam Yacoumi, Gethin Hughes, Owen Rapps, Younis Al Jaseem, Hayden De’ath, Theo Turner, Josh Harvey, Kevin Feng, Kal Al Jaseem, Daniel Bailey.
U14 Girls A team:
Abbi Beadle, Fleur Horton, Eliza Ingram, Phoebe Toozer, Emily Dando, Amelie Edward, Seren Ellis, Amelie Langman, Ava Brattle, Abigail Marshall.
U16 Girls A team:
Megan Hamburg, Iris Hamilton-Potter, Evie Ingram, Isla Grace-Martin, Sienna Jones, Izzie Adams, Amy Cossar, Poppy Plant, Emily Bartlett, Jessica Bolton.
Well done to the above, and all that competed for LHS!
U14B WELSH SCHOOLS PLATE FINAL – WINNERS
What a performance! The LHS team were runaway winners of the Plate Final. The team won 5 of the 13 events, claiming second in 4 more, and included a championship best performance for the triumphant relay team.
There was a LOT of competition for places, with some difficult selection calls, so congratulations and thanks go to ALL that competed in the Cardiff schools preliminaries and finals, as well as the Welsh Plate final.
The Welsh Schools Plate final team was:
Adam Yacoumi, Gethin Hughes, Owen Rapps, Younis Al Jaseem, Hayden De’ath, Theo Turner, Josh Harvey, Kevin Feng, Kal Al Jaseem and Daniel Bailey.
Cardiff & Vale Schools Representations
The next step up for schools athletes is representing the region, which for us is the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan team to compete in the Welsh Schools National Track and Field Championships. This year 3 LHS pupils were selected, Chloe Farmer year 11, Florence Davies year 9, and Deacon Evans Year 11. Chloe came 1st in the U17G 300m, Florence was 2nd in the U15G 1000m walk, and Deacon 5th in the U17M Discus.
Welsh Schools Representations
The highest achievement possible for a schools athlete, is earning their Welsh vest, and competing in the SIAB (Schools International Athletics Board) competitions which involve England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. These take place in Cross-Country and Track and Field.
This year that honour was given to Chloe Farmer (300m and 4x300m relay), Deacon Evans (Hammer and Discus,) and Rhys Pladdy (3000m). Deacon and Rhys set personal best performances in their events, and Chloe came 1st as a member of the Wales 4 x 300m team.
That’s all for track and field 2024, but athletics is an all year round sport, so come along to running club every Tuesday and Friday!
Another thank you to Mr Gill for that incredible round up. Don’t forget, our full extra-curricular offer is on our school website and there is something for everyone!
Fresh off the back of that round up, Mr Emanuel and the PE department would like to commend the fantastic performance from all cross country runners at our first fixture this year.
A special mention to all Year 7 runners competing in their first race for the school. And a huge congratulations to Rhys Pladdy who won the senior race in style – he made it look easy!
Until next week,
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher