7 November 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rhieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Olympic Heroes Return to Inspire the Next Generation at Llanishen High School
We ended the first half of the autumn term in considerable style, with the joyful return of two of our alumni Olympians! Llanishen High School welcomed back two of its most celebrated alumni, Olympians Jeremiah Azu and Anna Morris, for a day that left students buzzing with inspiration and pride. Jeremiah, Wales’s fastest man, and Anna, fresh from her stunning victory as a world champion in Denmark last week, returned to the school halls where their journeys first began.
The Olympians held interactive assemblies for students across years 7 to 13, delivering heartfelt advice and sharing insights into the dedication and resilience required to reach the top of their fields. Jeremiah, reflecting on his journey, reminded students to keep pushing forward, even in the face of defeat. “Keep enjoying your sports and don’t get caught up in the negativity,” he said. “Losing is an essential part of what builds your character and resilience. We’ve just watched clips from races where I came in first, second, or third, but we haven’t watched the many races where I didn’t. Lift each other up. Don’t tear each other down. When I’m on the start line, I don’t fear anyone. I have a gift from God. Remember, you have your line and your race to run.”
Anna, who has recently risen to global prominence in her sport, encouraged students to find their own passions and stay focused on their personal paths. She shared, “Find something that you are passionate about and challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Focus on what you can do, rather than the barriers. Focus on your own journey.”
Their visit extended beyond the assemblies, with both Olympians taking time to meet students from the school’s autism and hearing-impaired bases, a gesture that made a meaningful impact on pupils and staff alike. The day ended with autograph signings, countless selfies, and moments of connection that students will remember for years to come.
We are so proud of our returning athletes and want to emphasise the significance of their accomplishments and the inspiration they bring to our school community. Jeremiah and Anna are shining examples of what our students can achieve with hard work, resilience, and community support. We’re honoured to have them back, showing our pupils that they can achieve great things too.
The event was more than just a homecoming; it was a testament to the enduring support that schools like Llanishen provide in nurturing young talent. Last year we opened a state-of-the-art, 125 sq metre fitness suite, packed with the latest training kit from squat racks to ski ergs – providing students with the space and facilities to exercise and excel. Seeing Jeremiah and Anna on the world stage has ignited a sense of pride across Cardiff and beyond. Now, their visit has brought that global recognition back home, reminding students that Llanishen High School is a place where big dreams begin.
For the students who watched their heroes up close, the message was clear: hard work, resilience, and a supportive community can open doors to success—even ones that lead all the way to the Olympics.
Our girls take on City Stadium!
Next, we continue the focus on our health and wellbeing. A few Saturdays ago, some of our girls enjoyed an amazing experience at Cardiff City Stadium Saturday, representing the school as superb ambassadors. Matt Nightingale was a fabulous support and engaged with them so well. It is great for our girls to have such strong male and female encouragement. These girls are motivated and strive to become better and stronger. We are so proud to celebrate this attitude and this opportunity. Here they are in action….
There’s more! Bronze, Silver, and Gold for our LHS boxing crew!
We are not done yet on the sporting front! We are absolutely delighted to share the success of our students in a very prestigious boxing tournament in Hertfordshire, England over the October half-term break
After disappointment in April in the Welsh National Champions where he picked up a silver medal, Kamil Omar from Year 10 went one step better by bringing home a gold medal to LHS. Kamil defeated quality opposition on Saturday from Yeading ABC and then again on Sunday from Islington ABC to be crowned the champion. 🥇
Naim Sakka from Year 9 also performed absolutely brilliantly to bring home a silver medal 🥈
Harri Goodall from Year 8 also did the club and our school proud by bring home a bronze medal 🥉
Undoubtedly more Olympians for LHS in the future!
Here they are in all their triumphant glory.
Homework Club
After a rather energetic round up, we are pleased to conclude this week with the opportunity for students to exercise the little grey cells of their brains.
A warm welcome is extended to any student who would like to join our homework club. A warm space with a warm drink.
Support from our world class teaching assistants. And don’t forget, there is a bus home at 4pm that you access for no cost.
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher