School news and photos across Wrexham and Flintshire

If you would like to feature anything from your school, you can share with us direct here or email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk

Ysgol Treffynnon

THE first winner of a new community award in memory of a Flintshire doctor has been named.

This honour has been created in recognition of the service the late Dr Gruff Jones gave to the residents of Holywell and surrounding villages over many years.

The Rotary Club of Holywell & Flint, in conjunction with the staff of Ysgol Treffynnon, agreed to award an annual prize for the pupil who was considered to have made the greatest contribution to community life, not only within the school but also in the wider community.

Ysgol Treffynnon student Stacey Nyanjowa receives the Dr Gruff Jones Community Award from Rotary Club of Holywell & Flint vice president Steve Blakesly.

The Dr Gruff Jones Community Award’s first winner, Stacey Nyanjowa, has been selected for her outstanding contribution to the community. She received the award from the vice president of the Rotary Club, Steve Blakesly.

After the award ceremony, Steve was delighted to announce Stacey had accepted an invitation to come along to one of the club’s forthcoming meetings to talk to members all about her work and her passion for community life.

Read more: Flintshire students get a taste of jobs with work experience

Born in Bangor, Dr Gruff was raised near Caernarfon before studying medicine in Liverpool. He acquired his first job in Bermuda before settling in Holywell.

He retired in 2001, but continued his work with the British Medical Association.

Dr Gruffydd Jones was a long serving Rotary Club member and GP for more than 32-years in Holywell.

He died peacefully at home in March 2024, aged 82.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Wrexham

The school has announced a groundbreaking wellbeing project.

Led by dedicated youth workers, Tracey Thompson and Mandy Townson, the initiative at Ysgol Bryn Alyn aims to create a tranquil and beneficial wellbeing space for the entire community, promising to have a significant positive impact on mental health.

Some of those who have helped with the Ysgol Bryn Alyn wellbeing gardens project.

Their hard work and dedication have been rewarded with the confirmation of phase two of a bid to Keep Wales Tidy - Cadwch Gymru’n Daclus.

Recently, Emma Watson, an esteemed ex-YBA student, and Peter Keen from Keep Wales Tidy, visited the Gwersyllt school, along with designer Nikki Giles from Social Farms & Gardens Wales - Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol Cymru. They assessed the spaces earmarked for development, and the school will receive the design in a few weeks. The plan includes the delivery of items like a polytunnel, trees, and sleepers to help build and sustain the space.

Read more: Pupils fundraise for Wrexham cycling charity after seeing effects first-hand

“Our goal is to create a calm, tranquil environment where students can benefit from being outdoors and working in nature,” said deputy headteacher Jo Ebrey. “This project will have a profound impact on our pupils, offering them a sanctuary to improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

Pupils will play a key role in the development, working hands-on to transform areas of the school. The initiative highlights the importance of outdoor time and nature, which have proven benefits for mental health. While Mandy and Tracey have been taking students off-site for nature opportunities, this project will allow more students to access these benefits on school grounds.

Read more: Students at Flintshire school brave the elements on expedition

Headteacher Adele Slinn added: “We warmly welcome this project and look forward to working with the community to support our pupils further. The wellbeing gardens will be a fantastic resource, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.”

The project is still seeking sponsors to help develop the YBA wellbeing gardens further. A large shed-like building is especially needed to provide shelter, allowing students to access nature even in poor weather. Anyone interested in funding or donating to this incredible project is encouraged to contact the school via email at mailbox@ysgolbrynalyn.wrexham.sch.uk.

Thanks to the support from Wrexham Youth Service, and the relentless motivation and enthusiasm of Tracey and Mandy, this project is set to make a lasting difference.

Westwood Primary School, Buckley

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School.

PUPILS at the Flintshire school have celebrated a special achievement.

Year 5 children at Westwood have graduated from the mini police programme.

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School.

With parents, grandparents and guests including the Mayor of Buckley, Cllr Emma Preece and residents and staff from Marleyfield House, looking on, youngsters collected their certificates and goodie bags.

Deputy headteacher Lynne started proceedings welcoming everyone to the celebration, adding: “We are so proud of all of you, and I know your parents are too.”

Newly graduated members of the mini police at Westwood Primary School try the cell in the police van.

Handing over their certificates was Sgt Kerry Nash, who said: “This is so important for us, and we do a lot of work with the youngsters, to get the mindset of knowing right from wrong.

“The children run this themselves, they decide the issues and concerns, often noted from being out with friends and family.

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School.

“It could be graffiti, litter or parking, and it all helps us look at the world with different eyes.

“This year a lot of focus has been on litter, and the children look at how they could address it.

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School, with Mayor Cllr Emma Preece, and guests from Marleyfield House.

“These are the ethics and values they will then take on to high school.”

PCSO Kaya Watson works closely with the school’s mini police. She added: “It’s been a real pleasure, and it’s a positive way to show children the police are approachable.”

Cllr Preece said: “It’s been fantastic to see you today, I’m so proud of the work you’re doing.”

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School.

Following the presentation, pupils, parents and guests were able to check out one of the police vans and try on uniform.

Now onto Year 6, the youngsters will advise the next intake of mini police in Year 5.

Newly graduated mini police at Westwood Primary School.

Ysgol Froncysyllte, Llangollen

Children created their own quilt as part of a school project, and attended the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative awards with the 'Tailor's Journey' entry.

They were overwhelmed with the feedback and won the first prize in the primary school category across Wales, from Cadw. The school received a trophy, shield and monetary prize from Cadw and The Hodge Foundation.

Ysgol Froncysyllte pupils with their prizes for their Dee Valley Quilt.

The Wrexham Tailor's Quilt is one of the most well-known patchworks produced in Wales. Created by James Williams between 1842 and 1852, the quilt depicts scenes from the Bible and features motifs symbolising Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The project lead, Sophie Hughes, from Ysgol Froncysyllte said: "We discovered and researched the incredible Wrexham Tailor's Quilt as part of our topic 'We are creative'. In our planning with the children, we like to look for a 'golden thread' which includes our local area, Wales, and the wider World.

Did you miss? Gallery - Year 6 school leavers from Wrexham and Flintshire

"This makes it meaningful for the children as something they can relate to and understand and allows space for the children to celebrate their Welsh heritage and culture. The Wrexham Tailor's Quilt was ideal.''

The children really wanted to see the original quilt in Cardiff. Mrs Hughes, got in touch with the curator in St Fagans National Museum of History, who agreed to meet the children online! The curator sent the school a life-size screen print of the Wrexham Tailor's Quilt to keep and is central to the display in the school museum and gallery. Seeing the quilt inspired the children to embark on a journey to make their own Dee Valley Quilt.

Dee Valley Quilt, created by Ysgol Froncysyllte pupils and the community.

Mrs Hughes contacted Adam Jones, who featured in the Tŷ Pawb exhibition in Wrexham, and were lucky to be able to loan the Adam Jones quilt for their museum.

The children embraced the many images, patterns and ideas held within both quilts and used this as inspiration on their own designs. The children were blown away with the fact the quilt was from Wrexham and how important it is to Welsh Culture.

Read more: Watch as Coldplay star surprises his former Flintshire school after appeal

The children chose which subject they would like to represent on the quilt using textiles and so the Dee Valley Quilt was born.

The community also got involved. Groups and businesses were invited to create a square for the quilt on the community quilt days.

Further research took place into Alexander McQueen and Sarah Burton designs inspired by the quilt.

Ysgol Froncysyllte receive their award for their quilt project.

This all led to the amazing Tailor's Journey Museum and Exhibition, where all the children's hard work and creativity was put on display for the community to embrace. The children were all so extremely proud and led the process from start to finish, including planning, setting up and running the exhibition.

Ysgol Froncysyllte hope the Dee Valley Quilt will be added into the dynamic and rich culture of Wales for generations to come.

The school was also invited to bring their quilt to Tŷ Pawb recently, where they met with the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Beryl Blackmore and Tiffany-Jayne Davies, the four-times great granddaughter of the creator of the original Wrexham Tailor's Quilt, James Williams.

The Dee Valley Quilt will now continue its journey around Wales and continue to build its own legacy and story.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn

The school is proud of a group of pupils who have been participating in a pilot scheme with a charity known for its work with young people.

The collaboration with WeMindTheGap, which works with those aged 16 to 25, aims to enhance the resilience and confidence of younger teenagers, supporting their overall wellbeing.

The transformation in the YBA pupils has been remarkable, with their confidence soaring thanks to the careful mentoring by the WeMindTheGap support team.

Mark McDermott, Ellie-May Hughes, Coraline Marsh, and Jenna Williams presenting at Glyndwr University.

Pupils involved have developed essential skills and a strong sense of self-belief. “We can’t express in words how proud we are of them all!” said Jo Ebrey, deputy headteacher. “Their dedication and growth throughout this process have been truly inspiring.”

Earlier this month, Mark McDermott, Ellie-May Hughes, Coraline Marsh, and Jenna Williams, represented YBA at Glyndwr University, speaking about wellbeing at the TEDx event organised by @wucivicmission. Their presentation focused on the impact of mobile phones on our lives and mental health. Despite the challenge, these pupils conquered their nerves and delivered a powerful talk, epitomising the school’s REACH values.

Read more: Students arrive in style for prom across the region

In just eight hours, the students, including Connor George and Kymberley Davies who couldn’t attend the event, brainstormed, researched, co-wrote, and rehearsed their presentation. Their teamwork and dedication were commendable, showcasing their ability to push themselves out of their comfort zones.

Special thanks to Rebecca Edwards and Jan Williams for their support with the WeMindTheGap project. Gratitude is also extended to Rebecca, Victoria, and Caroline from WeMindTheGap for their unwavering support and encouragement. It was heartwarming to see family members in the audience, cheering on pupils.

Mrs Ebrey added: “Our students have shown exceptional bravery and commitment. Their achievements today highlight the positive impact of the WeMindTheGap project, and we are incredibly proud of each one of them.”