Page 14 - EGO Magazine October 2019

accident. What would you say have Evening, which started in the early
been the key factors? It definitely 2000’s continue to be a highlight of the Happy Staff equals a happy school and
does not. Plascrug has continued to year and will be a very big part of the this is definitely the case at Plascrug.
grow and succeed due to the hard work 50th celebrations during the Open Day.
and dedication of the staff and the The school has secured the International So what have you got planned to
clear vision they hold to provide the Schools Award every 3 years since 2003 celebrate the big 5-0? Plans are well
best quality education for its pupils, in and the last inspection report stated that underway to mark this momentous
and out of the classroom. We are very “Ysgol Plascrug is a happy, caring and occasion. Year 6 pupils have prepared
proud of the achievements of our pupils diverse community where all pupils are questions for previous headteachers
academically, on the sporting field and valued equally;” of which we are very to find out about their memories of
on the stage over the years, far too many proud. Plascrug. Classes will learn about the
to mention. The school has had to adapt history of the school and significant
to the many National and local priorities Back in the early eighties I think events in the locality, Wales and the
as they change whilst maintaining it’s fair to say that Welsh was not world over the last 50 years. There
standards and doing what Plascrug does a huge priority for Plascrug. How will be an Open Day and International
best. It is and always has been a happy has that changed? Things have Extravaganza at the school on Saturday
community where all stakeholders work certainly changed from that time. Over October 12th, where all visitors will
together for the good of the school and the years due to demands of the Local have the opportunity to see the school,
its pupils. Authority language strategy and Welsh reminisce over displays from the
Government priorities, Plascrug has decades and sample foods from across
The school building has grown developed a natural Welsh ethos. We the world prepared by families from
significantly over the years. What celebrate and promote the language, near and far. The International evening
have been the main changes? The culture and traditions of Wales in the is a highlight of the school calendar, so
main change to the school building is classroom, locality, both nationally what better way to celebrate Plascrug’s
the extension, which started in 2009 and internationally. The corridors and special birthday. There will also be a
and completed in February 2011. It classrooms of Plascrug today resound Celebration Concert at the Great Hall,
replaced four mobile classrooms, which with the sound of Welsh and English Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Wednesday
by that time had seen better days. It spoken side by side. All teaching staff November 6th at 6.30pm to showcase
was very sad to see the demolition of are Welsh speakers and the schools’ the talents of Plascrug pupils past and
the swimming pool; Rhian presented involvement with the Urdd in particular, present. Tickets will be for sale from
me with a chunk of mosaic during the ensures that pupils see Welsh as a living school from October 1st. If any readers
official opening ceremony in 2011, language reflecting the culture and place have any photographs and/or memories
which I still have. The new modern in which we live. Plascrug is a bilingual they would like to share please contact
building accommodates Years 5 and 6 school community. It has moved on a the school.
classrooms, a KS2 library, an art room, very long way from its early status as the
hall and Reception area. The Eco council Aberystwyth ‘English school’ as it was Finally, if you could turn the
prepared a time capsule laid in the initially. clock back to the start of your
new reception area for future years. teaching career, what would you do
The nurture ‘Pod’ situated near the Tell me a bit about your staff. You differently? Nothing. It has been an
main reception area is the most recent seem to have quite a team here?! absolute pleasure to work at the school
addition to the school. We have a fantastic team of dedicated, for so many years. My time at Plascrug
talented staff who are committed to has led to so many opportunities to
I remember from my time here ensuring every child receives high quality develop professionally, from my time
there was a lot of diversity amongst learning experiences in order to be the as a PE teacher to my current role as
the pupils, which I always saw as best that they can be. Over the years, headteacher. I can honestly say that I am
a massive positive. Is that still the many staff have stayed and some have very proud of the school, its successes
case? Yes it is. We are all very proud of moved on to other positions and each and the opportunities it provides for the
our cosmopolitan school community one has their own special memories of pupils who attend. Plascrug always has
and we continue to welcome families the school. Currently we have 16 full time and always will hold a very special place
from all over the world. We are one big and 4 part time teaching staff and over in my heart. I will treasure the memories
happy family. Many families come to 30 support staff in various roles. We are long into my retirement and will look
Aberystwyth to work or study for specific very proud to offer opportunities for our forward to hearing about its future
periods of time and many have never staff to develop professionally and we successes. Diolch am bopeth Plascrug a
left. The very successful International follow their careers with a keen interest. Penblwydd Hapus yn 50 oed.

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