News
July 2022
Summer holidays
At the end of the academic year we wish the children well over the summer holidays. It has been another busy year at Ysgol Henblas, with many special experiences enjoyed by the children. Here is a taste of those experiences:
Goodbye year 6
All the best to every single pupil in year 6! We wish the 20 who are leaving to go to secondary school all the best at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni. We know that they will enjoy further successes there. Be brave and positive. Cast your net wide. Be courageous about meeting people and have a go at something you haven’t done before!
Here are the 20:
Reopen
Ysgol Henblas will reopen for the children on Monday September 5th.
Volunteers
Thank you to everyone who has helped in different ways over the year. We are very lucky to have so many parents and friends at the school who are so willing to volunteer, in sports clubs; in the garden; the Parent Teacher Association; and speakers who are ready to share their experiences in various fields.
HMS dates 2022-23
September 1st
September 2nd
November 7th
February 17th
June 5th
Conway Centre
The blue class had two days to remember at the Conway Centre!
Lluniau ar Flickr
Summer fair 2022
Thank you for supporting the school summer fair organized by the PTA to raise money for the school. You managed to raise a fantastic total of £980. Thanks to Helen, Carys and the team, as well as the school staff.
Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni
Year 6 pupils had three great days at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni as a taste for transferring in September!
Anglesey rugby tag 2022
Ysgol Henblas are the Anglesey rugby champions 2022 (year 5 and 6)! Every member of the squad performed brilliantly.
Year 3 and 4 team topped their group but lost in the semi-final. Great performances again.
A huge thank you to Mike Coyne!
Local produce market
A great afternoon! Huge credit to the orange class for organizing a superb market. Thanks to all the parents and local residents for your support once again. We’re so grateful that we have such a supportive community.
Goodbye
Best wishes to Auntie Chereece. Since September Chereece has mainly been in the green class as she completes a college course. Huge thanks for her work helping the children in the class.
Raft race – thanks Berwyn
Huge thanks to Berwyn (pictured here with Harri) for coming to the school so that we could recognise the achievement of winning the Menai raft race 2022. Berwyn and the family managed to raise a staggering £2320 towards the £991 raised by the rest of the parents and friends of the school. An incredible total therefore of £3311 towards the school fund. Thank you to everyone for being so so generous once again and to many local businesses for their support.
Urdd Football
The 7-a-side team came third in the Ynys Môn Urdd tournament today. Topping the group before losing in a close game in the semi-final. Well done boys!
Rugby on the beach festival!
A great day of friendly matches was had on Rhosneigr beach, plus the added bonus of the award for best castle!!
Everest
It’s not often you get to meet someone who has climbed to Mount Everest’s peak. But that’s what happened to pupils of the blue class today when they met Richard Bale. Thanks for his inspiring talk which captivated their attention.
Fferam y Llan
The blue class had a wonderful day on the field at Feram y Llan. Thanks to Lois for the warm welcome again this year. Not forgetting the marvellous milkshake from Cwt Llefrith!
Foundation phase fun day
The Foundation phase children were soaking wet while playing on the school field at the end of the term. Thank you to the Mon Actif staff for their fantastic provision and for all their great sessions throughout the year.
Orange class afternoon tea
Pupils in the orange class ended the year in style in the school garden while enjoying afternoon tea. A lovely afternoon and happy and cheerful company.
Menai Raft Race
Ysgol Henblas came first yet again this year in the Menai Raft Race 2022. Many thanks to everyone who supported the school resulting in £23311 being collected for the School Funds. A special thanks to the team who participated in the race representing both staff and parents, and a very special thanks to the captain Berwyn Griffiths.
A busy month of sport!
Football – Seven a side: the winners of the seven a side Ieuan Wyn Jones Anglesey football trophy was Ysgol Henblas. They played six games -and won six games in the hot June sunshine. Each of the ten members of the team played brilliantly, and they were worthy winners of the competition. Many thanks to Barry Edwards for coaching the team so well.
Cross – country running: - congratulations to the cross -country team who ran in the Anglesey Mon Actif race at Treborth . Congratulations to Morgan John who came second in the boy’s Year 3 and 4 race, and to Leo Saxon who came in first in the boy’s Year 5 and 6 race.
Football 5 a side:- the school team performed extremely well in the Anglesey 5 a side competition. They were un-beaten after seven games before losing in the semi-final.
Squash: - Many thanks to Squash Ynys Mon for coming along to provide a session of squash training for the benefit of the pupils- who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
School Sports and Fair 2022
It was so satisfying to get everybody together on the afternoon of the Sports Day followed by the School Fair. Many thanks to everyone who made the event a great success. £980 was raised in the Fair which will go towards School Funds.
The World of Travelling Theme:
Train driving - Mr Donny Munro
Pupils in the Blue Class have learnt a great deal about travelling in the last few weeks. The focus this time was on train travel. Questions were gathered from the pupils and Jacob was invited to put them before his father Donny who happens to be a train driver. Pupils prepared a creative report from Donny’s answers. Many thanks Donny, and to Jacob who interviewed his father so well.
The Port of Holyhead
Blue Class pupils had a memorable journey to Holyhead Port in early June. They saw the ships docking. They were then invited onto one of the ships, finally ending up with the captain on the bridge. It was a privilege to spend time with the captain, and he advised them about a career in shipping. Who knows - a pupil from the Blue Class will be a Captain on that very ship one day!
Big Wheel campaign
Many thanks to Debbie Humphreys for coming along to the school and presenting an award to the school for coming second in Wales in the smaller School category, which was held in April.
Melin Llynon
Orange Class pupils had a very pleasant day out at Melin Llynon, learning about the windmill, and the Celtic houses and of course the chocolate making sector. To finish, they ventured around the grounds and built a den. Many thanks to the staff at Melin Llynon who made the whole experience worthwhile.
Starting a Business
The Orange Class had an interesting morning with Mr Alun Roberts from Mon CF Anglesey and Gwynedd, learning about different businesses on Anglesey, and how to set up a business. The information given was most valuable as the Class will be preparing their local market produce in early July.
Business Venture
It was a privilege for the school to be a part of Miwtini Bach final at MSPARC with 9 other schools from Anglesey. The Henblas Group discussed their unique plan of building a car powered using solar energy via the car windows. The idea is a brilliant one, and the three members of the group are to be congratulated for their creativity and enthusiasm in putting their plan before the judges so clearly.
May 2022
Pili Palas
Pupils from the yellow class visited Pili Palas and had a wonderful time learning about the world of nature as part of their theme ‘Animals’. They were very impressed with all the insects, butterflies, and various small animals.
Coding with Lego!
All the pupils in the junior school had a special session building a ride from the fair using lego. They then proceeded to programme the machine using a computer programme. Many thanks to Megan from Technocamps for leading the group through the whole procedure.
Rugby Festival
Three teams from the school played in the local rugby festival, with two teams going forward to the Anglesey tournament. The team from Years 5 and 6 won their section, whilst Year 3 and 4 came second in their section. Many thanks to Mike Coyne for training the teams so well.
Morning Coffee
Pupils in the orange class had an opportunity to meet and socialise with local older residents in the Old People’s Hall in the village. The socialising went very well, and it was an honour for them to meet residents.
Chester Zoo
Children from the green class went to Chester Zoo to learn about animals of the world as part of their educational theme. The whole day was a world of adventure, with the children in awe! They were very well behaved as well!
Hockey Festival
Pupils from the Blue Class had a wonderful time at the hockey festival held at R.A.F Valley. Some promising skills were shown by all the pupils who thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Venture
After learning about the world of business venture at MSPARC recently, it was the turn of the teams to put forward their plans before the judges in mid-May. All the groups put forward their plans clearly and in well organised fashion. Congratulation to the team who came first, and we look forward to the MSPARC final!
McLaren
There was great excitement at the school in mid-May when a McClaren car parked near the school. Pupils were very impressed with the car, especially with the roar of the engine. As part of their study of the motoring world this was an excellent opportunity to see the car. Many thanks to Martin and Gwion!
World of Business
The Orange Class are studying the effect of businesses on the local community. In early May pupils had the chance to meet business leaders from ‘Clyd’ at the village hall. Many questions were asked by the pupils about the world of business, in particular local business. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Clyd!
Cross Country
Our pupils ran excellently at the Cross-Country event in late April, held at Llangefni rugby field. All the pupils turned up, and many were in the first fifteen section of the race, and so proceed to the county final of the event.
April 2022
Second throughout Wales
At the start of the Summer Term came the good news that Ysgol Henblas had come second in Wales in the Small Schools Category in the Big Wheel and Walk week competition. Many thanks to the children and the parents for supporting Mrs Kelly Owen who coordinated the event
Best Wishes
Best wishes to Mrs Kelly Owen over the next few weeks and months. Our thoughts will be with you during this period Mrs Owen.
Brilliant Concert!
Some of our pupils benefit a great deal from receiving instrumental lessons through the services of the William Mathias Musical Service. At the start of April, it was the turn of all the children to listen to the Gwynedd and Anglesey tutors of the service to provide an excellent concert. The response of the children was pure enjoyment as they moved and clapped to the music!
Clean Water
Mr Alun Pritchard is a special friend of Ysgol Henblas., and pupils love to listen to his stories. He came to talk with the foundation phase pupils about the importance of clean water in Kenya. The children responded by asking many questions, and many thanks to Mr Pritchard for giving of his time once again.
Conway Centre
In the bright spring sunshine at the end of March the orange class enjoyed an exciting day of activities at the Conway Centre including climbing as well as kayaking on the Menai Strait.
Rhun ap Iorwerth A M
“Why not ask Rhun ap Iorwerth AM to come and address us on the effect of tourism on Anglesey?” That was the question one pupil in the blue class asked at the beginning of discussions on their theme Anglesey. Consequently Rhun ap Iorwerth was invited to address the class. Detailed questions were asked by the pupils, and Rhun obliged with his answers. Many thanks Rhun for attending our School once again.
Urdd Eisteddfod
Many of our school pupils chose to compete at the Urdd Eisteddfod at Amlwch. Many thanks to all who competed in the name of the school- both individually, and in the choir, singing group, recitation group and public speaking competitions. We are grateful to all the pupils who gave of their best in School practises and at the actual event at Amlwch. Huge thanks to Mrs Elen Keen for accompanying on the piano.
Easter Egg Sacks
Many thanks to Mrs Irene Williams,Llangristiolus for her effort in sowing 14 Easter Eggs sacks. This effort was towards the hundredth celebration of the Urdd Movement. The Nursery Class went home very happily following receiving their Easter eggs
March 2022
Condolonces
We wish to send our sympathy and condolences to Anti Diane following the recent loss of her mother. We also sympathise with Anti Rozena, Barry and Carwyn. We also send our sympathy to Mrs Erin Ashton, following the loss of her father. Condolences to both families in their sad loss.
The rugby team
Congratulations to the Ysgol Henblas rugby team for winning the Ynys Mon tackling tournament in mid March. They played 4 and won 4. Every member of the team played brilliantly, and many thanks to Mike who trained them to such a high standard.
Diwrnod glas a melyn (welsh only)
Ar ddiwrnod braf o fis Mawrth daeth y plant i’r ysgol mewn dillad glas a melyn - mewn arwydd o gefnogaeth i drigolion Wcrain. Codwyd £411 tuag at apel diwrnod trwyn coch sydd hefyd yn ariannu mudiadau sydd yn cefnogi pobl yn yr Wcrain ar hyn o bryd.
Ukraine Appeal
Many thanks to the School Community for their support of the people of Ukraine. Anti Carol took a car full of items to the local collection centre, at the start of their journey to the Ukraine.
T.G Walker
The orange class had an interesting time at Oriel Mon admiring the handiwork of T.G. Walker and the paintings of Charles Tunnicliffe. The class have been learning a great deal in particular about T.G.Walker, who was a former headmaster of Ysgol Henblas , and also a well known naturalist. This was a good example of education starting at the child’s feet, and it was good to see the children appreciating the work of people from their own locality.
Memoried of the previous Ysgol Henblas
Many thanks to Mr Rhodri Owen, who is a parent of pupils at the School, who came to share his lively experience as a pupil at Ysgol Henblas. The pupils enjoyed his stories full of humour, and many probing questions were asked during the session. Mr Owen’s reminiscences were thoroughly enjoyed by the children.
World book day
There were all sorts of characters and colourful costumes on display at Ysgol Henblas on Thursday, March 3rd. There were also all sorts of colourful characters present to celebrate the day. It was most satisfying seeing the children taking interest in the world of books!
Saint David’s Day Parade
Pupils from the orange and blue classes celebrated Saint David’s Day with their friends from other schools in the Llangefni area. They paraded through the streets of Llangefni and joined in a sing along with Arfon Wyn. It was good to see the children enjoying the parade and their national culture.
Arfon Wyn--Saint David’s Day
Singing with the unforgettable Arfon Wyn and Richard Synnott – what better way of celebrating Saint David’s Day? Thank you Arfon and Richard for entertaining all the school’s pupils with their lively singing. It was a privilege for Ysgol Henblas pupils to experience. Of particular vocal interest was the duet between Arfon Wyn and Mr Meilir Jones (student teacher at Ysgol Henblas). They created quite an impression.
Huw John Hughes - The Royal Charter
It was a privilege to welcome Huw John Hughes to address the blue class. He spoke about the voyage of the Royal Charter, and the pupils were fully entranced by his story of the loss of the ship in a storm off Moelfre. Mr Huws has a special way of addressing the children , which enhanced their appreciation of the talk. Thank you Huw for coming to Ysgol Henblas.
February 2022
Sea Zoo
Foundation Phase children visited the Anglesey Sea Zoo. They were amazed and overjoyed seeing all the various fish and sea creatures in the Zoo. It was well worth seeing the smiles on their faces and they thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
Snowdrop Garden
Pupils in the blue class had a very interesting morning rambling along the local footpaths leading to the well-known snowdrop garden. Many thanks to Claire, and Lucy the dog for the warm welcome to their garden. Pupils walked along the various snowdrop paths, played on the swings and enjoyed drinking the home made hot chocolate. They also visited the ancient roundhouse nearby, and many thanks to Derek Ralph for the invitation and also to Wil Ty’n y Graig for organising the visit.
Athletics
The athletics team had an excellent morning in the Ynys Mon Indoor Athletic event, and eventually came third within all the schools. Every pupil performed magnificently and worked well as a team, each giving 100%.
Farewell to Anti Aloma
Best wishes to Anti Aloma as she starts on an exciting new chapter in a nearby school. Thank you Aloma for preparing such excellent food for the children of Ysgol Henblas and for all the support and service over the last fifteen years. Aloma will always be welcome here.
Derec Owen
Pupils in the Orange Class were given a visit by Mr Derec Owen and heard about his childhood, growing up and living in Llangristiolus in the 1950s. An interesting afternoon was spent listening to Derec Owen talking about life at the school, where for example he got the best custard in the world called “Kate Thomas’s custard”. The pupils enjoyed comparing Ysgol Henblas in the 1950s with Ysgol Henblas today. He also spoke about Mr T G Walker and his great interest in local nature. We are very grateful to Mr Owen for coming to the school to share his memories with us. He also presented the school with various interesting items, including a copy of the book called ‘Birds of the Shoreline’ and a knife used as the school’s bell.
Rhodri Owen
Thanks as well to Mr Rhodri Owen who is a parent at the school of course for coming in to share his vivid memories of life at Ysgol Henblas. The children enjoyed his stories immensely and there was much laughter and questions during the session. Wonderful memories indeed.
January 2022
Christmas Shows
Three virtual shows were produced this year with all the children taking part- displaying the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in different forms. The foundation phase classes portrayed the land of the Rwla through the eyes of the famous characters in Angharad Tomos’ book. The orange class depicted the scene through the eyes of the children asking about the event. Children from the blue class illustrated the scene through the eyes of aliens landing on earth wanting to know the meaning of Christmas. Many thanks to all the pupils for their efforts in producing a very good Christmas Show.
(The Foundation Class performing in the Christmas Show)
Reverse Advent Calendar
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the Reverse Advent Calendar scheme this year. Rhun ap Iorwerth AS came to the School to collect two car full of parcels for the local Food Bank
(Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth AS and children with their food parcels ready for collection.)
Christmas Jumper Day
On the 10th of December all the children came to school wearing jumpers and other Christmas clothing, and the effort raised a total of £350.50 for a local fundraising event and Save the Children Charity. Many thanks to everybody for their support.
Outside area
During the period when the new cabin was being built the area outside the foundation phase became very untidy, with the pool disappearing altogether. During the past few weeks Mike and Louise, two of the school’s parents- have tidied the whole area and rem introduced the former pool. The whole area is much improved and we look forward to the return of the tadpoles!
(Mrs Owen with some pupils from Yellow Class near the repaired pool.)
Urdd 100
On Tuesday 25th of January, all the school’s pupils took part in a successful attempt by the Urdd Movement to break a world record. Over the years, so many pupils from Ysgol Henblas have been successful in events organised by the Urdd. The event was celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the movement, and we now look forward to the next hundred years.
(Foundation Class singing the Urdd Song called “Hei Mr Urdd”)
Saint Dwynwen’s Day Celebration
On Saint Dwynwen’s day it was pleasing to see pupils sharing friendly messages with each other. Junior school pupils created cards with friendly messages to each other. It was so interesting to read the powerful messages on the cards.
(Pupils of the Blue Class sharing friendly messages with each other.)
Llangristiolus - Yesterday and Today
As part of the theme - Llangristiolus Yesterday and Today, orange class pupils have been learning about the history of the School. The pupils walked to see the old Henblas School. They enjoyed
the visit , and compared a photograph of the old school with the new modern Henblas School. Historical documents about the old school are still available and are most interesting. If any readers have historical documents about the old school, pupils and staff would love to see them.
The Orange Class outside the old Henblas School
Mrs Erin Ashton
We wish Mrs Erin Ashton well in her new teaching appointment at a neighbouring school. Pupils think very highly of Mrs Ashton, and she has worked hard to help raise the standards and profile of the school. We know she will succeed in her new appointment, and it has been a pleasure to have her as a member of staff at Henblas.
Radio Cymru BBC Single.
It was a privilege for the blue class to take part in a charity singing event on Radio Cymru on behalf of the Children in Need Charity. They sang Caryl Parry Jones’s classic song called “Yn y Dechreuad” with other pupils and adults throughout Wales. The track can be heard on Radio Cymru.
Nursery Class
The newly built nursery class was opened in November, and Anti Ffion, Anti Sophie and Anti Elen and their nursery pupils are very happy there.
(Anti Ffion, Antie Sophie and Anti Elen with the Nursery Class outside the new building.)