School news and photos from Wrexham and Flintshire

Leader Live

5 days ago

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Minera Voluntary Aided School, Wrexham
After two decades of loyal service, the school's much-loved caretaker, Christine Owen, is hanging up her keys and stepping into a well-earned retirement.
Sue Banner (chair of governors), Christine Owen and headteacher Spencer Williams.
For 20 years, Christine has been the quiet but constant presence behind the scenes, keeping the school running smoothly, safely, and with a smile.
Headteacher Spencer Williams said: "From opening up the school gates before dawn to ensuring every classroom was warm, clean, and ready for learning, Christine has been at the heart of our school community. There is hardly a corner of the building that doesn't bear the mark of Christine's hard work.
"But more than that, Christine has been a friendly face to pupils, staff, and parents alike - always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a cheerful wave.
"Whether fixing a broken shelf, clearing snow in the early hours, or lending a hand at school events, nothing was ever too much trouble.
"As Christine begins this new chapter, we wish her every happiness in retirement - whether that means more time in the garden, travelling, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life."
Nannerch School
Following a pond restoration at the Flintshire school last year, pupils have learnt a lot with pond dipping sessions, funded by the Amphibian and Reptile Trust and Flintshire County Council Council.
Pond dipping at Nannerch School.
This was a fun and hands-on activity, where children were given the opportunity to find little creatures that lurked beneath the waters. Who would have known so many little creatures lay under that surface?
They were fascinated looking through their magnifying tubs, counting legs and watching them move, they even found some little newts of various sizes.
Pond dipping at Nannerch School.
By the end of the sessions the children were able to identify various species depending on their characteristics, Nannerch Biodiversity Officers of the future.
Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt
the Wrexham school has been awarded the internationally recognised Green Flag Status by Eco-Schools Wales, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
The award follows a comprehensive three-year action plan and a rigorous environmental review process, during which students and staff worked collaboratively to improve the school's ecological footprint. Initiatives ranged from reducing waste and promoting biodiversity to engaging with global citizenship and community action.
Green Flag Status for Ysgol Bryn Alyn.
Assistant headteacher Zoe Cooper said: "This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our pupils and staff. It's not just about ticking boxes - it's about embedding sustainability into the heart of our school culture. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together."
Among the standout achievements were:
• Waste Reduction: The school introduced double-sided printing, reusable lunch containers, and a uniform reuse hub. Composting and recycling bins were placed throughout the site, and digital communication with parents was prioritised to reduce paper use.
• Energy Awareness: A 'Switch-Off Fortnight' campaign encouraged energy-saving habits, while staff were reminded to reduce water and electricity waste.
• Community Engagement: Students led litter-picking events both on school grounds and in the wider community, and created posters to raise awareness about environmental issues.
• Fair Trade and Global Citizenship: The school joined the Fair Trade Schools Programme and provided Fair Trade tea and coffee in the staffroom. Pupils also explored global environmental challenges through international projects.
• Biodiversity and Outdoor Learning: The school grounds now feature wildflower areas, bug hotels, hedgehog homes, and a pond, offering students hands-on experiences with nature.
The school's Eco-Committee, made up of enthusiastic learners from across year groups, played a central role in driving the initiatives forward. Their work was guided by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and supported by Keep Wales Tidy.
Ms Cooper added: "Our students have shown young people can be powerful agents of change. They've not only improved our school environment but have also inspired their families and the wider community to think and act more sustainably."
Ysgol Bryn Alyn's Green Flag is now flying at the school entrance - a symbol of its ongoing commitment to a greener, cleaner future.
Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor
The school has been awarded its fourth Eco Schools Platinum Award. The award celebrates their achievement in protecting and promoting wildlife.
Eco Schools Platinum Award for Ysgol Rhos Helyg.
They have built many wild areas and animal homes, so wildlife on the mountain can thrive in the school.
Each class has been busy investigating world issues, such as fast fashion, water, recycling, plastic in the ocean and climate change.
The Eco Council and Eco Club enjoyed sharing the school's achievements with the visiting assessor, and felt excited and proud to have been successful with their project.
St Anne's Primary School, Caia Park
The school community is thrilled to have achieved the internationally recognised Eco Schools Green Flag Award for the third time.
Eco Schools Green Flag Award for St Anne's Primary School.Tim Wort, education officer for Eco Schools Wales, visited the school for the Green Flag assessment. The Eco Council gave him a tour around the grounds and showed the many actions completed during this school year.
The Eco Council thanked the whole school for their hard work, commitment and dedication in making the school a greener, more eco-friendly environment,
Mrs Griffiths, who runs the school Eco Council, said: "I'm so very proud of this fantastic achievement which recognises how passionate we all are about caring for our world and all the positive changes we have made in and around our school community."
Tim Wort added: "The work you are doing to develop your school grounds is great to see. A real highlight was seeing how well embedded eco initiatives are within the school and how inclusive they are in their nature, getting the whole school involved."
Ysgol Ty Ffynnon, Shotton
The school's third cohort of Ballet Cymru scholars has come to an end. A group of boys and girls had been studying ballet and jazz for the last two years as part of the DUETS Scholarship programme.
Ballet Cymru scholars at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon.
The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales.
The children have received a scholarship with a funding of more than £3,000 for the two years. They have taken part in a range of showcases throughout the two years and had opportunities to work with professional ballet members for Ballet Cymru.
The children ended their scholarship at Theatr Clwyd, where they were they performed a dance sequence as part of the curtain raiser for the Ballet Cymru performance of Giselle.
Children from Ysgol Ty Ffynnon are the only children to take part in this scholarship programme in North East Wales.
Prom night
Ava Goode, Erin Pearson and Evie Jones, all ready for the Ysgol Morgan Llwyd prom.
St David's High School, Saltney Ferry
The school has bid a fond farewell to deputy headteacher Roy Smithson, who is retiring after 31 years of outstanding service.
Retiring Roy Smithson, deputy headteacher at St David's High School.
Roy began his career at the school as a biology teacher, quickly becoming known for his humour, passion for science, and ability to connect with pupils. Over the decades, he's been a mentor, leader, and friend to countless staff and students, always ready with a word of encouragement.
A Bolton Wanderers fan, 90s music lover, and keen cyclist, Roy brought energy and warmth to every corner of school life.
He created a bond with the pupils in so many different ways, one of these ways was through his love of football. Whether it was lunchtime kickabouts, fiercely contested staff five-a-side games, or the legendary El Clásicos with Year 10 and 11, Roy was always there with his boots, ready to make up the numbers.
Headteacher Steve Richardson said, "Roy has shaped lives and led with heart. His legacy will be felt for years to come.
"His dedication, compassion, and calm leadership have left a lasting impact on the entire school community. He will be missed by all.
"St David's wishes Roy a joyful and well-earned retirement. Thank you, Roy, your boots will be hard to fill."
Ysgol Licswm, Lixwm
Criw Cymraeg represented the school at the Flintshire Awards Ceremony at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, collecting our Cymraeg Campus Arian/Silver Award.
Cymraeg Campus Arian/Silver Award for Ysgol Licswm.
They also enjoyed a special performance from Guitar Olly, from Britain's Got Talent.
Headteacher Sue Clisham said: "The award will be hung in pride of place in the foyer in school. Da iawn pawb for such a wonderful achievement and a big diolch to our Criw Cymraeg members for all your hard work leading us over the last two years to achieve this."
Park CP School, Llay
The Wrexham school is celebrating its centenary year, marking 100 years of education, memories, and community spirit.
Park CP School celebrate 100 years.
Throughout their last term term, pupils immersed themselves in the school's rich history, delving into the original log books dating back to 1925.
The children have explored what life was like in school a century ago, comparing it to life today and questioning how much has changed - and whether those changes have been for the better. This thought-provoking enquiry has sparked deep conversations about learning, technology, and childhood through the ages.
To commemorate this special milestone, the children were photographed forming a giant '100' on the school yard - a powerful visual symbol of a century of education in Llay. As part of the celebrations, a time capsule will be buried in the school grounds, filled with items chosen by pupils to represent life in 2025, leaving a lasting legacy and preserving memories, messages and mementoes for future generations to uncover.
The celebrations culminated in a whole-school fun day, bringing together old and new with traditional fairground games and modern bouncy castles for all to enjoy - a nod to the past, and a celebration of the future.
Headteacher Rebecca Billington said: "Reaching 100 years is a proud moment for our school and our community. The children have truly embraced the history of Park CP and shown wonderful curiosity and imagination in learning about life 100 years ago.
"The celebrations are a joyful way to honour the past while looking forward to an exciting future."