Newsletters

Olchfa Newsletter - December 2025

Dear Parent/Carer

As we approach the end of the Autumn Term, I would like, as ever, to thank you for your ongoing support for the school. It has been a busy but extremely satisfying term. The Estyn report has now been published following their visit in September. Amongst the many positive reflections the report contains, certain lines really stand out in summing up what we want to be about; 'Olchfa School provides a nurturing and inclusive environment underpinned by strong relationships between staff and pupils' and where  'The positive working relationships between staff and pupils at Olchfa School are a notable feature'. Estyn will also publish two case studies, including one on our sense of identity and cynefin. What is most pleasing with all these comments is that they reflect the strength of partnerships at every level and the ways in which we perform as individuals and together. None of that could be achieved without your ongoing support – diolch yn fawr for that.

The end of term will see some of the usual celebrations, with our Christmas dinner and Christmas Jumper Day both scheduled for Wednesday, December 17th. The previous night, Tuesday 16th, will see the newly named Swansea Minster host our Carol Concert. This is always a hugely popular and well-supported event which showcases the wonderful array of talent of young people display, whether it be in song, recital or playing instruments.  I hope you are able to join us for what for many, my family included, marks the start of the festive period.

May I wish you all a joyous and restful Christmas and New Year wherever, however and with whomever you choose to spend it. Nadolig Llawen and Penblwydd Hapus. 

Mr. Julian Kennedy, Headteacher 

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Carol Concert - St Mary's Minster (formerly St Mary's Church), 7pm

Wednesday 17th December - Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day (donations via the School Gateway) and Christmas Dinner

Friday 19th December - Last Day of Term

INSET Day – Monday 5th January 2026.  Pupils return to school on Tuesday 6th January 2026.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENT

Congratulations to Our Young Writers!

We are thrilled to celebrate the following Yr 10 pupils whose work has been published in the Young Writers Grim Tales competition. Their submissions were truly outstanding, demonstrating exceptional creativity, imagination, and maturity:

Christian, Xiao, Ruba, Rafia, Tiana, Halimah, Grace, Kirsty, Hanifa, Emelie, Amelia, Georgia and Lily.

Well done to all – we are incredibly proud of your achievements!  Mr Thomas

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Heroes!

Following on from our social media post .... 🌟 Proud of our pupils! 🌟 We are looking to identify 3 heroes (2 boys, 1 girl) who helped during a medical emergency in Uplands. They used their coats to protect the person! If this is your child, please contact us! #CoatHeroes #OlchfaProud #CommunitySpirit #KindnessInAction

The pupils have been identified and have met with Mr Kennedy.  The 5 pupils received a school reward in recognition of their quick thinking and kindness.  Well done to all the pupils involved.

SCHOOL NEWS

Seren Debate Bootcamp

Mrs Shankland took the Y9 Debate Club to the Seren Debate Bootcamp on Friday 28th November, where students learned the rules of formal debating and developed essential public-speaking skills. #DebateClub #PublicSpeaking #YouthDebate

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Staff and Year 7 pupils had a real treat on Wednesday 3rd December, cheering on Kevin Sinfield who was travelling through Swansea as part of his sixth 7 in 7 Challenge in aid of the MND Association.

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Wellbeing Fayre

Thank you to our partner agencies for joining us at the Olchfa Wellbeing Fayre in November! Together we support wellbeing in Swansea! #EVOLVE #YMCA #GreyHoundRescue #CAMHS #EYST #VIBEYouth #Platfform #SWPolice #Bard #TidyMinds #ParklandsChurch #Fearless(Crimestoppers)

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Poburdd 2025

Diolch and llongyfarchiadau to the 52 talented students of Poburdd held this term🎂 Every entry was creative, making judging tough. Congrats to our winners: 🥇Rhea (9JJ) for Teisen lap, 🥈Saara (8DF) for Fruit tart, 🥉Elena (8DF) for Carrot cake. You've made us proud!

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CHARITY UPDATE

Harvest Donations - Sketty Foodbank

Thank you to everyone involved in the #SkettyFoodBank #HarvestFestival drive. The amount of donations received was truly remarkable. A special thank you to the SAB for driving this forward. Thank you for your continued support. #pupilleadership #SkettyFoodBank #Community

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Ty Olwen Christmas Stocking Appeal

Thank you for all of your generous donations to the Ty Olwen Christmas Stocking Appeal.  The School Community Team will be delivering the stockings to Ty Olwen later this week.  For updates, please check our social media pages.  Thank you.

EXAM CERTIFICATES

Summer 2025 Exam Certificates are now available. 

Have you collected your Exam Certificates?  If not, please contact us.

Uncollected Exam certificates are still currently available from 2019.

CONTACT US:

Email - olchfa@olchfa.org.uk

Phone - (01792) 534300

Website - https://www.olchfa.org.uk/