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Ysgol Cae’r Nant, Connah’s Quay

Pupils at Ysgol Cae'r Nant celebrate their Green Flag Award.

The Flintshire primary school has received a prestigious environmental award, recognising their commitment to helping the world around it.

Ysgol Cae’r Nant was given their third Green Flag Award, which is run by ‘Eco Sgolion - Eco School’ on behalf of the Keep Wales Tidy initiative.

The programme aims to unite young people to make realistic but dynamic change, creating positive impacts for our planet now.

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The process included a thorough application, where regular meetings of an Eco Committee and various assignments were carried out.

Since March 2022, the school has created mosaic tiles to celebrate the history and nature in Wepre Park, planted a variety of wildlife-friendly plants, had weekly gardening and Wellies in the Woods sessions, and held litter picks around the school and in the local park.

Joanne Daley, a teacher and the school’s Eco Coordinator, said the award was “fabulous” and wished to share the success with the community.

Maelor School, Penley

Simon Baynes MP at The Maelor School as part of The Politics Project.

An MP visited the Wrexham school to participate in The Politics Project with students.

The Politics Project is an initiative that aims to build a relationship between young people and their politicians through a facilitated Q&A and conversation with students.

As part of the visit to the Maelor School, 25 pupils aged between 11 and 13 years in Years 7 and 8, and some Sixth Formers, prepared questions for Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes, that allowed them to discuss matters that are important to them, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of governance and the democratic system within Wales and the UK as a whole.

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The topics covered included the functioning of the UK government and parliament, the role of a Member of Parliament, Mr Baynes' personal experiences as a politician, and his perspectives on local and national issues.

Mr Baynes also had the opportunity to meet with the headteacher Simon Ellis, head of history and politics Rob Quinn and Graham Reardon, head of the humanities faculty.

The session proved to be an engaging and enlightening experience for both the students and the MP. Through lively discussions, the young minds showcased their eagerness to actively participate in shaping the future of their community and country. Mr Baynes, in turn, expressed his admiration for the students' curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

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The Maelor School continues to prioritise its students' holistic development and is committed to providing opportunities that empower them to become active participants in society. By collaborating with organizations such as The Politics Project, the school aims to create a generation of responsible and politically aware individuals who can contribute positively to their communities.

Mr Quinn said: "This was a fantastic experience for our students who are studying governance as part of the humanities programme for the new Curriculum for Wales."

Ian Pope, head of programmes at The Politics Project, added: "Thank you to Simon Baynes MP and the learners and teachers at the Maelor School for a fantastic Dialogue session. The questions from the young people were of an impressive standard and it was great to see young people engaged in local and national issues.

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"Through the Digital Dialogue: Wales programme, The Politics Project wants to make sure that during their time at school young people can have the chance to have a meaningful conversation with a politician and build positive relationships. We really appreciate Simon's support in helping us achieve that aim."

Mr Baynes said: "It was very good to have the opportunity to engage with the bright and inquisitive students at the Maelor School in Penley. The level of understanding and interest they displayed in political matters was impressive.

"Initiatives like the Digital Dialogue: Wales programme provide an invaluable platform for young individuals to learn about the democratic process. I commend the school and The Politics Project for their efforts in nurturing informed and engaged citizens."

Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen

Ysgol Bryn Collen pupils who did a sponsored walk for Hope House.

Youngsters took part in a sponsored walk to raise money for Hope House Children's Hospices, which has supported one of the school's families after a very sad loss.

They have all walked different routes around Llangollen to raise the money.

The children have already raised a good amount of money with more coming in (final total won't be known until after half term).

New building open

Chirk Playgroup staff and trustee Glenys Jones, Rainbows Nursery Plus staff and trustees John Roberts and Natalie Edwards, Rainbows Nursery Plus pupils and Kath Eccleston, previous headteacher at Ysgol Y Waun.

Chirk Playgroup and Rainbows Nursery Plus have officially opened their new building.

The New Early Years Childcare Facility will provide a home for both providers for at least 10 years and is situated in a central location between both school sites.

This new development was made possible by significant investment provided by Welsh Government and through careful planning by Wrexham Council.

Kath Eccleston, previous headteacher at Ysgol Y Waun, was invited to cut the ribbon and officially announce the building as open.

All staff are now working hard to prepare for the return of the children next week.

Pupils make a difference in their communities

Flintshire County Council teamed up with Community Impact Learning (CIL), a community interest group with a goal to help support young learners gain practical skills and experience, whilst making a difference to the community.

Pupils from several schools across Flintshire took part in environmental initiatives to raise awareness about the impact of dog fouling and litter across the community.

Bryn Deva School participated in a follow up 'Bag it, bin it' initiative at Central Park, Connah's Quay. Their findings were consistent with research indicating nine out of 10 dog owners picked up after their dogs. However, the remaining one in 10 owners led to 130 dog fouls being found at 30% of the park within six months.

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The 'Bag it, bin it' initiative promotes positive and responsible dog ownership to the minority of dog owners who don't pick up after their pets. Bright pink pawprints are painted on the floor to guide people to the nearest bin urging them to 'bag it, bin it' and 'leave only pawprints' as part of Keep Wales tidy's campaign.

Venerable Edward Morgan RC Primary School and Mini Police from Queensferry CP helped raise awareness at Dee Park, Shotton. Children collected 10 bags of litter, sprayed messages on pavements with chalk paint asking dog owners to 'Bag it, bin it,' and displayed posters about dog fouling around the park.

Angie Doyle, a Year 5/6 teacher at from Venerable Edward Morgan RC Primary School, said: "I just wanted to echo our thanks to Flintshire County Council and CIL. The pupils said they really enjoyed being involved in community projects and helping our environment for their future. Dog fouling is a big issue, and we were so glad to help raise awareness in Shotton."

Flintshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection, Cllr Chris Bithell added: "Dog fouling and litter continues to be a problem in Flintshire. Though most dog owners do pick up after their dogs, we are appealing to the small minority of irresponsible dog owners to keep public areas and pavements free from dog mess.

"It is really pleasing to see these young schoolchildren getting involved and setting an example to the rest of the community in keeping our streets and pavements clear of dog fouling."

Gareth from Community Impact Learning said: "Our community campaign to keep Flintshire tidy and to highlight the issue of dog fouling has so far proven to be an amazing success! The young students from those schools already involved have joined in with great enthusiasm and the feedback from them has been tremendous."

CIL would like to hear from other schools to take part - contact keepflintshirtidy@flintshire.gov.uk