I must start with a massive thank you to all who have made such incredible financial contributions towards our appeal for support for “Nye’s” family – it merely highlights how strong the Westbourne family is. The children have been so pro-active in their fund-raising – from litter-picking, non-uniform Friday, slime sales, the list is endless. We often see the television adverts re Great Ormond Street Hospital and the unbelievable work they do every day, but the pictures become so much more poignant when you can relate to someone so close to yourself.
The assembly this week was produced and presented by Year 8, and it was fitting that it took the theme of “Empathy”. In fact the topical approach this half-term for our assemblies has been very much to do with the emotional intelligence we learn and show towards each other. Academic success at Westbourne has been consistent and historic, but the way we help and support others means so much more in this modern but fast-moving world we live in.
As a parent myself, I believe whole-heartedly in the responsibility our fantastic students have both today and over the next twenty years in ensuring that as they successfully progress in their chosen academic professions, they do so with always a thought for those around them. It’s a simple message from this half-term, but one I hope will stay with our pupils for a long time.
Please enjoy the break next week – stay both safe and kind.
Dr Griffiths
It is with great pleasure that we have been following the tennis successes over the past year of Westbourne students playing at a national level. Congratulations this week in particular go to Felix and his teammates in the Junior Home Nations team who won the award for Tennis Wales’ Team of the Year at the Annual Awards Dinner in St David’s Hotel.
As a smaller school, we work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits our students gain in the classroom through small class size in no way impact the opportunities available for them to play a competitive team sport.
A huge congratulations to Year 6 pupils for their recent 24-3 win against a local school, Albert Road.
One of the benefits of our location is the access students have to the excellent lecture series at Cardiff University. The most recent being a fascinating World Lecture Series: In the Shadow of the Mushroom Cloud. 75 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasa, delivered by Christopher Hood. The pupils really enjoyed the experience and thanks to them for forwarding an image.
Amongst the weeks’ many sporting achievements another hearty congratulations is due to Kaulana, who despite having been poorly managed to rally herself to not only compete but scoop 1st place on the Bars, plus win an extra Gold certificate, 2nd on Floor, 5th on Vault , with a Silver certificate Beam, Silver certificate and placed 4th Overall! Well done!
Entry to one of the UK’s Russell Group University’s is very much top of mind for our IB students and early preparation is key. Oxbridge entry being amongst the most challenging, students this week have had the opportunity to attend a detailed information event on the process. Many have already conducted visits to one or more of the colleges to explore the wide ranging opportunities available.
Dress down Friday and a huge amount of Westbourne community spirit has helped raise over £1000 on just one day for Aneurin, in Year 2 who is bravely battling a serious illness at present. To read more about Aneurin’s story or contribute to the fundraising please visit the Just Giving Page. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aneurin and his family.