As I am sure you will be aware, we recently had a visit from ESTYN at the end of last term. The visit was extremely positive, and I am delighted to share with you the feedback we have been given.

I am overjoyed that this newest ESTYN report from October 2021 captures the true progress and ethos here at Milford Haven School. The latest report details the improvements that have been made over recent years and the continued high expectations we have for our young people, this is all thanks to the incredible hard work of our staff, pupils and wider school family. I am particularly proud that ESTYN have commented on the strong connection we have built within the Milford Haven community, especially given the proactive approach we took during the pandemic period to inject additional support into the community in some truly creative ways. 

I have said to the inspection team that although we highly value academic success here at MHS, we know that our pupils are so much more than just the grades that they achieve. We are aiming to do the very best for each young person in our care, striving to help all children to nurture their talents, build on their strengths, recognise where they may find something tricky and help them have the skills to move forward from this. ESTYN specifically commented, “The school has refined and strengthened its wellbeing provision and this has had a positive impact on behaviour, attitudes to learning and attendance. This in turn has reinforced the schools high expectations of behaviour and attendance.”

We work hard to help grow caring, thoughtful and passionate pupils who are proud of themselves and the community they live in. We are so very pleased that ESTYN recognised this in their report, commenting specifically on, “The sense of a close and supportive community and team ethos are now strong aspects of life at Milford Haven School.”

Link to ESTYN report: https://www.estyn.gov.wales/system/files/2021-11/Monitoring%20report%20Milford%20Haven%20School%202021_3.pdf 

A huge and heartfelt thank you to our whole school community for your continued support, and I very much look forward to continuing on this positive journey with you all to make MHS the best that it can be. 

11.11.21
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.
World War One had mobilised over 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead and as many as one-third of these with no grave. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.
At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years and became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
Yesterday MHS marked this special occasion in a variety of ways, including a minute silence at 11 am to pay our respects on this Remembrance Day to those who fought in World War One.
We will remember them. Lest we forget. ⚓️
Year 8 DT textiles finished their soft sculpture ‘Snacks’ project last week. Following the inspiration of Lucy Sparrow, they each made their own felt snacks, and the results are absolutely amazing!!!
Here are some of the fabric snacks pupils produced…
Covid19 update
Below is a quick link to the most recent letter issued by our Headteacher, updating the school community on Covid19 guidance for schools and also any changes at MHS that have been made to stay aligned with the most recent advice.
A copy of this letter, and all other letters issued this academic year, can be found on our ‘Letters Home’ page of the school website. Diolch
Competition Time
Mrs Griffiths is feeling extremely generous and has a crisp £50 note up for grabs for year 11!
A card will be issued to all learners this week, on which staff can sign to confirm attendance at any revision sessions which pupils attend in their own time. Once the card is completed, it should be returned to Mrs Griffiths for the prize draw, which will take place just before February half term. Any sessions attended in Sept/Oct can be backdated by staff. You have to be in it to win it- pob lwc pawb!
Our Senior Certificate Evening always provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of past learners, and remains a firm highlight of the school calendar. Given the recent changes to the local risk rating for COVID19, the decision has been made to reschedule this event from Thursday 16th December 2021 to Thursday 30th June 2022.
Should any year 11/13 learners who left in August 2021 wish to collect their GCSE/A level certificates in advance of this date, they will be available for collection at the main school reception from 1st December. Diolch yn fawr pawb.
This term we have had a number of new staff join MHS, we will be sharing some short profiles to help you get to know some of the new members of our team.

Meet the staff...

Meet Mrs Picton

What subject do you teach?

I teach Science.

Describe yourself in three words:

Hard- working, happy and determined.

Who inspires you and why?

The pupils in school inspire me because every student has potential.

What would we most likely find you doing on a weekend?

Spending time with my family.

What’s your favourite thing about being a teacher?

Seeing pupils realise that they can achieve and being part of a great team.

Highlight of your time at MHS so far:

That I have been welcomed into the school community and I am enjoying everyday.

Please note that the scheduled date of the MHS Open Evening for this academic year has been changed. Details below…
Original date for Open Evening: Thursday October 21st 2021
New date for Open Evening: Thursday January 20th 2022
 
Please click the link below for full details of our term dates as well as the school calendar. 
 
A reminder that copies of all the letters we have issued this academic year can be found on the ‘Letters Home’ page of our school website. It is advisable to check this page on a regular basis to ensure that you stay up to date with school information. Link to ‘Letters Home’ website page: https://milfordhavenschool.co.uk/letters-home/
GCSE POD is a fantastic resource which Milford Haven School continues to promote amongst learners and their parents/carers.

GCSE POD holds a wealth of support for a range of subjects, with some content specific for KS3 as well as KS4. Learners are encouraged to use their MHS Google log-in to access the site and start exploring the site which could prove extremely beneficial for our KS4 learners.
Please look at the following parent site tour where you can see what is on offer: https://bit.ly/2P1hJKZ
Young person’s mental health toolkit from HWB.
Below is a link to the young person’s mental health toolkit from HWB, designed for 11 to 25-year-olds. Here you will find six playlists to direct you to a wide range of online resources to help you through the lockdown and beyond. In each of the playlists you’ll find self-help websites, apps, helplines, and more that are here to support your mental health and well-being.
Please remember: if you’re finding it difficult to cope, make sure you speak to someone you trust. Who this might be is different for everyone, but it might include family members or carers, a teacher, a helpline, or a doctor. How you feel is important and lots of people are here to help if you need them.