Latest news with #MicheleThomas
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Estyn praises Pembroke Dock Community School in report
In a recent Estyn report, the school was described as an 'inspiring and welcoming learning community' led by headteacher Michele Thomas, who was recognised for her 'determined and visionary leadership.' Mrs Thomas, who is retiring after more than 15 years of service, was credited with fostering a culture of high expectations and inclusion. The report highlighted the school's strong emphasis on children's rights, equity, and a nurturing environment, noting that its approach helps to break down barriers to learning and narrow achievement gaps. Phil Bowen, chair of governors, said: "We are immensely grateful to Mrs Thomas for her unwavering dedication over the years. "The recent Estyn report is a testament to the leadership and culture she has fostered. "She leaves behind a legacy of achievement, care, and resilience that will continue to shape the school for years to come. "I congratulate the whole school community on this excellent inspection report." Estyn praised the school's 'rights-respecting ethos,' which promotes fairness and belonging, and commended the leadership team for uniting staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community under a clear, shared vision. The school's partnerships with the community were also highlighted as enhancing pupils' learning and well-being. Pembroke Dock Community School serves as a lead school for Initial Teacher Education (ITE), playing a key role in developing new teachers and fostering a reflective, professional learning culture. The inspectors noted the school's 'inspiring curriculum,' which is rooted in the interests of pupils and the local community. A strong focus on professional development, particularly around teaching writing, has led to consistently strong outcomes. Most pupils write well, and the writing of older pupils was described as 'exceptional,' with creative, purposeful, and technically accurate work evident across the curriculum. The only recommendation from Estyn was to tackle high levels of persistent absenteeism, defined as pupils missing 10 per cent or more of school sessions. Councillor Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and a member of the governing body, said: "I am extremely proud to read this report on the excellent work of Pembroke Dock Community School. "A report of this nature does not come about by accident. "It is testament of the efforts of pupils and staff, supported by the governing body and parents and carers." Mrs Thomas said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Pembroke Dock Community School. "I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and know that the school is in a strong position to continue its journey of success."
Axios
07-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Washington is now third U.S. state with a rent cap
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a measure into law Wednesday limiting annual rent increases to no more than 10% per year for many tenants statewide. Why it matters: With the signing of House Bill 1217, Washington becomes the third state in the nation to enact a state-level rent stabilization law, after Oregon and California, according to advocacy groups who track such measures. What's inside: Washington's rent-capping law, which takes effect immediately, will allow landlords to raise rent prices for most existing tenants by a maximum of 7% a year plus the rate of inflation or 10% — whichever is lower. The rent cap wouldn't apply to buildings that opened in the past 12 years or certain owner-occupied buildings, such as a triplex where the owner lives in one of the units. Landlords can reset rent at any level when a tenant moves out — a feature supporters say distinguishes the policy from stricter types of rent control imposed in some local jurisdictions, including New York City. What they're saying: Under the new state law, "the days of gouging renters with massive rent increases are over," Michele Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance told Axios. "However, rents are still too high and there's a lot more work we need to do," Thomas said. The other side: Groups including the Rental Housing Association of Washington — which represents landlords — opposed the new law, arguing it would discourage new housing construction and reduce the number of rental units on the market. "This bill threatens housing availability and affordability, exacerbating the existing crisis," opponents wrote in a letter asking Ferguson to veto the measure. Catch up quick: In 2019, Oregon became the first state to enact statewide limits on rent hikes, capping annual increases at 7% plus the rate of inflation. Oregon lawmakers later amended the policy to allow a maximum annual rent hike of 10%, similar to what Washington just adopted. California's rent stabilization law, which took effect in 2020, caps annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. The fine print: The new Washington law also sets a stricter 5% annual cap on rent hikes for residents of manufactured and mobile homes.
