HISTORY
There are all sorts of interesting details about the school. For example; Have a look at the winter of 1962/63 when a new headmaster had to deal with the effects of a particularly bitter winter....
NEW!!!!!
A list of all the World War 2 evacuees who attended Ysgol Pontfadog - I hope to put more details of where they lived whilst they were here - does anyone remember them being here? There as even one boy from Gibraltar - was Gibraltar Cottage in Bronygarth named after him? Click on 1939 and 1941 (Evacuees from Beaufort Street School, Liverpool) below for details:
The Tramway - from newspaper cuttings given by Doris Stanshire
In 1885, before the new school was built the old school took part in a big celebration of the Tramway opening with altogether 400 scholars from the valley National Schools meeting at Dolywern for a procession with a band leading into a fete with football contests, races and bunting. As they walked into the field each scholar received an orange and a bun. A popular trip in the valley was the circular tour where you bought a ticket that let you travel up the valley as far as Glyn Ceiriog, then you walked over the tops to Llangollen and travelled back to your starting station in the valley.
1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
The building of the school was completed as the date on the front of the building shows and the school prepared for the children. It took some time to get it ready, notify potential pupils, appoint the headmaster, etc.!
19th April: The school was opened today, educationally. The Rev Conway Davies who was present offered morning prayer. Forty-five children were admitted during the day. The time was fully occupied in Registration. Staff- Thomas Jerman, Head Teacher
Mr and Mrs J. Stephen Jones, Ponkey, Ruabon and Mr P Evans Attendance Officer visited school this morning and Mr R. Edwards in the afternoon.
20th April: Admitted Fred Evans Graig y Oryn to Std II. Miss Davies and friend, Brynhyfryd , visited this morning.
21st April: Admitted Florence M Thomas, Graigwen and Mary E Jones and Hugh Jones, Bryn.
23rd April: Sewing was not taken this week no female teacher being present. The attendance for the week has been very satisfactory considering the circumstances. Percentage Seniors 95.5 , Infants 88.1, Total 93.8
26th April: Admitted Mabel Hughes to the infants class.
30th April: Mr Evans Attendance officer called this afternoon. The attendance this week is slightly lower than last week owing to illness Percentage Seniors 95.5. Infants 83.3 total 92.5. Sewing was not taken for the same reasons as last week
3rd May: Miss M Hill Sup. Teacher commenced duties this morning.
4th May: The garden tools were received this afternoon
7th May: Owing to an outbreak of measles the attendance has fallen off.
14th May: Dr Lloyd of Chirk Medical Officer of Health called midday and ordered the school to be closed from today until after the Whitsuntide Holidays to re-open 7th June
7th June: Opened the school after the closure and found the attendance lower, the epidemic of measles is extending. Reported the state of affairs to the M.O.H. . Admitted Margaret Jane, Edward Noel and Thos. Emlyn Evans from Tregeriog County School . Mr Price Evans visited this morning and decided to close the school this afternoon (Good attendance holiday) and await reply from M.O.H. Received a letter from the M.O.H. to further close the school until 28th June owing to continuance of measles.
5th July : Poor attendance owing to Baptist festival at Llanrhaeder
24th July: Hay harvest week
10th Dec: Deep snow until Christmas
11th Jan: Sickness
21st Jan: General election, school closed for polling
24th Jan: Flu and colds and deep snow.
4th Feb: Deep snow, colds and flu.
1st March: St David’s, whole holiday given.
2nd March: Oswestry Pleasure Fair
7th March: County Council election – closed for polling. Welsh Department Board of Education presented book prizes for good conduct on the votes of fellow pupils.
4th April: District Council election – ditto
15th April: Illness
20th April: Observation walk. Several wild flowers found, bursting of buds and tadpole pond noted.
29th April: 5 infants ill
3rd June: Illness
6th June: Baptist Choral Festival and Methodist Festival
17th June: Illness
20th June: Half holiday for a preaching meeting at Pontfadog.
9th Sept: Harvest and Oswestry Fair
16th Sept: Harvest and illness
23rd Sept: Illness, including headmaster.
3rd Oct: Half holiday for harvest thanksgiving at Llywnmawr
21st Oct: Colds and toothache.
28th Oct: Illness
2nd Nov: Weather wet and poor, unable to open school.
18th Nov: Snow, very few infants in.
25th Nov: Ice, few infants in.
2nd Dec: Colds and toothache.
9th Dec: Colds and toothache
7th March: Materials for a dinner were prepared for cooking this morning. 14 girls took part in preparation and cooking and all pupils sat down to a plentiful supply of rabbit stew and sago pudding
Report made by HM inspector Mr O M Edwards after visit of 9th January 1912
This school has beautiful up to date buildings. The two classrooms are light, airy and spacious. Its cloakrooms are ample, its offices satisfactory. It has a good playground with a school garden on each side. The buildings and the grounds are clean and well kept, and they have already had a marked effect on the children. Two new features are the open covered space between the cloakrooms and classrooms and the well equipped school kitchen which is used as a dining room where the children can make tea or coffee, prepare hot milk or broth, or cook their meat and potatoes.
The headmaster is a careful teacher of good influence. The assistant mistress has had an excellent education, and is a teacher of great promise, the children are bright and ready; their interest in local illustrations of geography and history has been partially aroused, and they have read on their own account, being helped by the small school library which is now being got together.
The teaching, though good and careful, is not energetic enough, and in some respects it is a little antiquated. It would be better, by means of composition, to teach boys to spell words they are likely to use to express their own thoughts than to teach them formally to spell a string of words like domicile and ductile which they may never need. The arithmetic is not practical enough, the essay subjects tend to encourage reproduction; the consequence is that the work, though neat and accurate, has not the originality of a well taught child.
This fault will soon disappear if the following features, already introduced, are further developed.
Manual work has been introduced, while the boys take gardening, the girls take elementary household management. In time undoubtedly cookery will be added to the girls’ subjects and woodwork to those of the boys.
An effort is being made to increase the number of books in the small school library and to get books which will appeal to the children.
The behaviour of the children is very pleasing and the tone of the school excellent. It is clear that, with the model buildings and the newer methods, this school can take its place with the best country school of the district.
The school buildings could become more definitely the home of education within the district. The comfortable school kitchen, now at the service of the children at midday, would make a good meeting place in the evenings for a reading circle for the neighbourhood. It is most important that the teachers should retain their hold on their old pupils, and bring them back to an evening continuation school. Most of the old pupils remain in the neighbourhood or near it, as farmers, colliers, or labourers. A well organised evening course would be a great boon to them. The assistant mistress, for instance, could take the old girls of the school in a course of Welsh literature – the lyrics of Ceiriog or the cywyddau and awdlau of Cynndelw, that would be of the greatest educational value to them.
Thomas Foulkes Correspondent.
Report of the Chief Inspector for Wales upon School libraries in public elementary schools in the Ceiriog Valley
In the Ceiriog valley where the children are intelligent and anxious to know, the school library is probably the most productive of good on all sides and aspects of the school. Of the duties of the teacher, one of the most important is to teach children how to use books. The schools without libraries are, almost without exception, the schools where the teaching produces the poorest results. It would be well to bear in mind:
- A school library does not mean the provision of a separate room in a large school or expensive bookshelves in a small school. The books are best kept in the ordinary classrooms, within the sight and within the reach of the children. The window sills or hanging shelves, or dwarf bookcases in front of the children, would do well; doors of wood or of glass should be avoided.
- A school library should be formed gradually and on a well conceived plan. A first list should be drawn up of the most suitable books in each of the classes of books that appeal to the children such as books of adventure, travel, biography, poetry, popular science, local history. A collection of series, however ably edited, should be avoided. Gifts, while gladly received, should be regarded as something extra; the Headmaster should make up his mind what works are required in order to appeal to the children of the neighbourhood. When the first list has been secured a second should be drawn up.
- As an example, a first list of Welsh Books suitable to the Glyn Ceiriog district is submitted.
Books of local interest:
Ceiriog: “Alun Mabon” (Hughes and son 2d)
“Gwaith Ceiriog” (ditto 1/-)
The complete works of Ceiriog in two volumes 3/6 each
Huw Morris “Gwaith Huw Morris (R.E. Jones Conway 1/-)
Cynddelw “Gweithisn Cynddelw”
Poetry (the 1/- editions of R.E.Jones Conway or any others)
Gwaith Gwylym Hiraethog
Gwaith Eben Fardd
Gwaith yr Hen Ficer
Hwiangerddi
Alun
Ieuan Glan Geiriouydd
Country life
Tro Trwy Wig Rd. Morgan (Welsh publishing Co. Caenarvon 1/-)
Llyfr Blodau Vols i, ii. Rd Morgan (ditto 1/-)
Llyfr Ader Rd Morgan (Hughes and Son 1/-)
Gwaith, S.R. Rd Morgan (R.E. Jones Conway 1/-)
Goronwy ar Grwydr (Hughes and Son 1/6d)
Llythyrau ar Aifft J.D.Bryan (Ditto 1/-)
Dringo’r ; Eluned Morgan (Southall Newport 1/-)
Gwymon y Mor; Eluned Morgan (ditto)
Books of adventure
Cil Faung Edwards (Hughes and Son 1/-)
Cerrig y Rhyl, Winnie Parry (Welsh Publishing Co. 1/-)
Dirgelwch yr Anialwch: R.M.Humphreys (Ditto 1/6d)
Sioned: Winnie Parry (Ditto 2/-)
Dyddiau Ysgol ; Daniel Owen (Hughes and Son 1/-)
Rhys Lewis, and all D. Owen’s works (Ditto about 2/6d a volume)
Y Mabinogion
Bardd Cwsg
Biography
Ceiriog (Gan Llyfrbrif) (Hughes and son 1/-)
Anne Griffiths (Gan Morris Davies) (Gee and son 2/-)
Adgofion am John Elias (Gwalchmai) (Ditto)
Ieuan Gwynedd (Tawelfryn Thomas) (Hughes Dolgellau 2)
Pontfadog Council School Managers meetings
A managers meeting of the above school was held at 5o/c on Saturday the 2nd September 1911 when there were present the following gentlemen.
Mr William Parry, Mr J Mahler, Mr Richard Edwards, Mr Euan Roberts
The business of the meeting being:
a) the election of Chairman
b) the election of vice-chairman
c) the appointment of the Honorary Correspondent.
Mr J Mahler was elected chairman, Mr Richard Edwards was elected vice chairman. Mr Thomas Foulkes being appointed Hon. Correspondent.
7o/c P.M. on Monday 2ndof October 1911.
When there were present the following gentlemen:-Mr Richard Edwards, Mr W Parry, Mr Euan Roberts, Mr Hugh Evans, Mr Thomas Foulkes, The attendance officer
Mr Richard Edwards in the unavoidable absence of Mr Mahler took the chair.
The attendance officer gave the meeting the number on the books as 51. Reported the average attendance to be 43.2 making the percentage 85%. Noel Evans was reported to be very irregular in his attendance and his father who came before the meeting promised better attendance in future. Another case reported was that of Mary E. Jones, Bryn. The parents of this child, the officer said, were rather defiant. Edward Jones the father came before the meeting and after some discussion he agreed to send his daughter Mary E Jones on a certain appointed day to meet the examiner with the view to passing a final examination. Such examination to be arranged by the Attendance Officer.
Proposed by Mr Hugh Evans and seconded by Mr Evan Roberts that the lowest tender for coal be accepted. Thereupon the tenders were opened by the presiding chairman when Messrs Edwards Evans and Co were declared the lowest, the same being 18/- per ton delivered and stored.
Proposed by Mr William Parry and seconded by Mr Richard Edwards that one of the managers be present at the weighing of the coal. Mr Richard Edwards was appointed to check the weight in case the coal went to Dolywern siding and Mr Thomas Foulkes if the coal went to Glyn siding.
Mr Richard Edwards was appointed the school visitor for the present month.
7.30pm on 13th November 1911 (extracts):
The attendance officer who was unable to be present , sent in his report which was as follows:- “A great improvement in the case of Noel Evans. The girl M. E. Jones having passed the inspectors examination she is now exempt from further attendance.
There has been a great improvement in attendance which is as follows:-No. on Books 49, Average attendance 45.7 percentage 93.3.
Mr Richard Edwards gave his report as school visitor and found everything in order.
Proposed by Mr Rich. Edwards and seconded by Mr Hugh Evans that Mr William Parry ask for quotations for honours Board from Mr Jonah Phillips and Messers Philip Son and Nephew.
Mr Parry and Mr Edwards undertook to look into the complaint about the bell and to report at next meeting.
Proposed by Mr William Parry and seconded by Mr Hugh Evans that any assembled meeting of the managers, three of them will make a quorum.
7 o/c on Monday 4th December 1911
The attendance officer gave his report as follows: No on books 49. Average attendance 45.2. Percentage 92.2. He complained of the irregular attendance of Edward Jones the son of John Jones Nant Fawr and gave his actual attendance as 63 out of a possible 90. It was deemed advisable that the correspondent write the father showing the irregularity in figures and asking his serious consideration to same.
It was agreed that Richard Edwards and the Correspondent undertake to procure a Honours Board and to see that it was properly fixed up and also the bell repaired same time. Both jobs to be completed before the next managers meeting.
20th March: The attendance having fallen this morning owing to the bad weather (snow) I was unable to open School.
22nd March: The attendance this week has been most unsatisfactory a large number of children being absent suffering from colds. Percentage 75.2
Managers Meetings (extracts)
4th March 1912
A remark being made same time that on account of the school having to be closed during the whole month of February no meeting of the managers took place on the 5th of that month.
The Chief inspectors Report: The report was fully read. The satisfactory and unsatisfactory features of the report were dealt with and discussed. It was proposed by Mr W Parry and seconded by Mr Hugh Evans that the following resolution be recorded in the minutes and also sent to the head teacher “Having considered carefully the Chief Inspectors report, we note with satisfaction that the school is well on the way to become one of the most efficient in the district, provided one or two things that are lacking in the teaching is seriously taken to heart and improved upon.”
The meeting authorised the head teacher to purchase Manure, seeds, quicks for the hedge and also a cane brush.
1st April 1912
Photos had been taken of the full timers.
The tool house to be repaired. The roof covered in felt and to be done in such a way as to entirely exclude the rain.
Privies: On the state of the privies being reported to the meeting considerable discussion followed. It was proposed by Mr Richard Evans and seconded by Mr Hugh Evans that the unsatisfactory state of the privies be deferred until the next meeting when the management would take the opportunity of inspecting same before their meeting took place. The Correspondent will write to the County Architect and Surveyor asking his early visit to inspect the privies.
The attention of the meeting was called to the urgent need of filling in and coating some of the beams in the school building as these presented great cracks here and there and badly required painting or re-varnishing. Also the gates and gate posts and the fence surrounding the school premises badly needs coating. The meeting was afraid to exceed their limit of £10 expenditure. Finally it was resolved that the correspondent in writing to the County Architect about the privies, would request him at the same time to inspect the woodwork.
29th April 1912
The Attendance officer called the attention of the managers to the children of Mrs Roberts, Pengelli (Jane Anne Roberts and Florence Roberts who has been very irregular in their attendance without any reasonable excuse. The Correspondent was asked to write to the mother calling her attention to same, stating same time that if the attendance were not much better during the month of May the managers would be compelled to summon her before them.
Privies: It was decided to drain the liquid (now lodging in a pool between the closets) by a 2 to 3 inch iron pipe at the lower level of floor on to Ty Mawr Field and also at the same time to fasten a piece of zinc underneath the seat in such a way as would prevent liquid going over the buckets.
The work on this and the tool house was to be carried out during the Whitsun Holidays.
6th August 1912
Children absenting themselves from school on occasions of special denominational meeting were again discussed when it was resolved that each manager within the sphere of his own denomination would endeavour to impress upon parents the desirability of sending their children to school for the morning session and that on the other hand the head teacher be left to deal with the matter to the best of his ability and discretion.
W Samuel Jones, gardener Penisar Glyn was unanimously appointed to judge the boys plots. The fee under the circumstances to be left to Mr Jones.
Attention was called to the sufficient warming of the school when the children enter in the morning. After some discussion the managers found that the fires were lit sufficiently early and that the warming of the school was satisfactory. The School visitor would, in the winter months, check the record of temperatures as written out by the headmaster .
7th Oct 1912
The attendance officer reported the irregular attendance of the two boys of Allen Evans, Top Pentre namely Thomas Evans and Robert Evans. The correspondent was instructed to write to the same.
RE Barbed wire on fence. The meeting was informed that Mr Hughes objected to the placing or barbed wire on the school fence and suggested instead wire netting. The managers thought wire netting would spoil the appearance of the fence. It was proposed that by way of experiment for next season that the Headmaster be asked to plant all the high growing products on the opposite side of the fence reserving the ground nearest the fence for low lying products.
The meting sanctioned the purchase of a cupboard and table for the cooking class. The cupboard to be of pitch pine and the table to have a sycamore top.
17th Jan: Report received on the garden:
"Part of it is on the east side and an equal portion on the west. All is well formed. The eastern portion is laid out in single plots and cultivated by individual boys. The western portion is used in common. Here general crops are raised in succession, seedlings are reared for transplanting and some propagation on a small scale of bush fruit. There are also flower borders running along each division of ground.
Between the school and the main road there is a semicircular piece of ground planted with flowering and evergreen shrubs and a few perennials. The garden was fully cropped during the year but now the winter stuff has been eaten of by rabbits.
Twenty-one prizes were awarded last august at a local show for exhibits from this school garden. The subject is correlated with reading, writing, arithmetic, mensuration, book keeping, drawing and nature study.
Next year more propagation work might be attempted, borders of annuals arranged for colour effect could be formed and the shrubs and perennials could be named and labelled and some of the m increased by cuttings. Meteorological Observation could be regularly recorded. A barometer and rain gauge, not necessarily expensive, would be useful. J.L.C"
10th Nov: Miss Marie Elizabeth Davies commenced duties
A.E. Evans is acting head whilst Thos Jerman is away ill.
19th Nov: Measles inspection. School closed 18.11 – 15.12 then closure continued until after the Xmas holidays.
Managers Meetings
3rd Feb 1913
Wire Netting: To prevent rabbits entering the garden it was decided to place some wire netting at the bottom of the fence inside. Mr Parry was to buy same and see to the fixing.
Manure and seeds: It was left to the discretion of the headmaster to order one or two loads of manure as he thought best from Mr Thos Hughes, Ty Mawr.
The insertion of John Wm. Ellis’ name on the Honours Board was recommended by the Head Teacher. The matter was deferred to make enquiries if another name or names was likely to be mentioned in the near future.
3rd March 1913
Mr Mahler resigns due to ill health.
5th May 1913
A complaint was received from the attendance officer into the irregular attendance of the son of John Jones, Nant Ffowe. The officer reported that he had done all he could but it was useless. The correspondent was instructed to write to the father stating that if the lad’s attendance did not show an improvement during the month running the managers would be compelled to summon him before the magistrates.
A letter was read from the Organiser as to the advisability of giving home lessons in the top standards. This matter was discussed at length when the correspondent was instructed to send the Organiser the following resolution: “We are inclined to believe that the day’s work at school is about enough for the child and are anxious lest the young brain should be overburdened”.
“We think that home lessons might be useful if parents were able to help their children in the more difficult subjects such as arithmetic”
“Considering the many facilities offered in the way of continuation schools, we look forward to the time in the near future when parents should be able to give their children every assistance and encouragement”
The head teacher applied for a looking glass and a comb for the lavatory. This was granted.
6th Oct 1913
52 on books
The attendance officer reported: “Hugh Jones Bryn Farm is very irregular, a note from you would probably help”.
The case was fully discussed and finally it was resolved that the correspondent write the attendance officer asking him to see the parents and to ascertain if they wished the boy to leave school and if so to arrange for him to receive a special examination.
20th Jan: Ring worm and Oswestry market caused absences.
2ndMar: St David’s Day celebrations – an entertainment of suitable recitations and the planting of a tree at each entrance. Distribution of annual prizes.
6th Apr: A variety of forest trees received for planting.
20th Apr: Ringworm, two children excluded.
6th May: Attendance poor owing to May Fair
16th May: Great improvement in attendance this week. Two scholars have left leaving only 24 on books. There are 3 or 4 under 3. Three of the senior boys were employed clearing the top part of the girls’ yard so as to enable us to make a flower border. At present it is only a habitation for grass and weeds and always looks untidy.
9th June: Dr Lloyd (Chirk) weighed all the children.
13th July: Miss Davies Absent. Her mother undergoing an opposition (sic).
20th Oct: Admitted Ferdinand Edward Cleemput of Antwerp to the infants.
16th Oct – Nov 6th: Much absence due to illness and skin eruptions
Managers Meetings
9th Feb 1914
A ladder for window cleaning was required, the cleaning of the school clock was to be done by David Matthews
2nd March 1914
Mr John Jones Nant Ffowe came before the meeting as summoned. He stated that he was unaware that his boy did not put in an appearance at school as he regularly sent the lad. It was decided to give the father another chance and the Head Teacher very kindly undertook to let John Jones know at least once a week how his boy had attended.
6th April 1914
The attendance of Edward Jones, Nant Ffowe as shown by a memoranda sent in by the head teacher was considered very satisfactory, only one half day’s absence during the month.
4th May 1914
Lloyd Jones Bedwlwyn asked the managers to release his boy John Owen in view of the fact that he had a situation for the lad. Seeing that the boy’s attendance was satisfactory the father’s application was granted on condition that the lad went at once to his situation.
6th July1914
The irregularity of the attendance of Edward Jones was again complained of and the attendance officer was authorised to take proceedings against the father, this being considered the only alternative.
Mrs Thomas, Caecoed wrote asking the managers to release her daughter Elizabeth. The case was fully considered then the meeting instructed the correspondent to write to Mrs Thomas stating that the girl had only made 2 years full attendance out of a required five and that therefore they very much regretted they could not possibly grant her wish.
The buckets for the privies were reported to be in a deteriorating state. Mr Parry undertook to buy and install new ones.
The meeting resolved that at the present time there were no candidates for the County school entrance Scholarships.
5th Oct 1914
Dairy Classes. It was resolved that the question of having these classes be deferred for further consideration after seeing how they had succeeded at other places locally.
Denbighshire Local Education Authority Glyntraian Pontfadog Parochial School No 50.
Copy of report made by HMI Mr W. Williams Inspected 28th January.
Another blackboard is needed. A few framed pictures would add to the decoration of the walls. Simple apparatus such as scales, weights and measures, would be useful in the Arithmetic lessons.
An honest attempt has been made to carry out the recommendations and remedy the defects mentioned in the last report. The work in Arithmetic is now more practical, the composition exercises allow more scope for free expression and there is now a school library of about 150 volumes though, unfortunately, very few Welsh books are included.
Although the school is small (There are only 25 names on the roll) the range of age and varied attainments of the pupils demand more teaching and training than can be given with complete success by a teacher single handed. Such a measure of success as has been obtained is clear indication of the teachers earnestness and assiduity, It is important to cultivate, as much as possible, the power of self reliance among the children so that they may work without the teachers constant guidance, which cannot be always given with several divisions to attend to. At present, some of the more backward pupils seem rather helpless when left to their own resources.
The children are taught to study their natural surroundings and to observe things in their season. The chart of observation and the recorded list of flowers, ferns etc., found brought to school and identified by them are creditable. Fairly good work has also been done in depicting these with the brush. Much interest is taken in the cultivation of the flower borders in the playground.
The following suggestions are offered for the improvement of the work:- greater use to be made of the library so as to develop more fully the children’s intellectual curiosity: more attention to be paid to local history, geography: more kindergarten occupations to be provided so that the restless younger children may be more profitably employed. As grouping of classes is inevitable in schools of this type it is well to arrange, in such subjects as history and geography, a rotation of courses for successive years so as to avoid the monotony of repetition.
The School Savings Bank recently started provides a valuable lesson in thrift.
9th June: RWF recruiting Party marched through the valley. Half Holiday.
4th Oct: Half Holiday – Baptist Harvest Service
5th Oct: “ “ Herber Thanksgiving
8th Oct: “ “ Wesleyan Thanksgiving
14th Oct: “ “ Llwynmawr Thanksgiving
Cooking table and utensils removed to Nantyr Council School for the season.
November: Heavy snow affecting attendance.
Managers Meetings
1st March 1915
Closure of school: It was unanimously resolved considering the very low attendance due to the prevalence of influenza colds that the school be further closed for the week 1st to 5th and that the county Medical Officer of Health be asked to despatch a fresh certificate to the head teacher.
13th Dec 1915
Responding to an application from the Women’s Temperance Society for the loan of the school to hold a social and concert in aid of the red cross the following resolution was passed “The managers are agreeable to loan two of the rooms for the holding of the tea, but suggest that the loan of the Non-provided school be asked for the holding f the concert. The only charge they ask is that the school cleaner be compensated."
1st March: An entertainment of suitable songs and recitations and reading chapters from Teaching of Patriotism (Board of Education).
March: Heavy snow affecting attendance.
9th Oct: Half Holiday – Scotch Baptists
12th Oct: “ “ Dolywern Harvest Thanksgiving
13th Oct: “ “ Wesleyan Thanksgiving
17th Oct: “ “ Methodist Thanksgiving
6th Nov: PC Jones (Glyn) called to say that the school bell must not be rung after sunset.
19th Dec: Heavy Snow. Very few children attended and all with wet feet. They were sent home again. This pattern continued until after Christmas.
Managers Meetings
10th April 1916
The Organiser wrote saying that an appeal had been made by his parents for an exemption Certificate for Edward Lewis Llangwrlwd Uchaf and asking the managers if he was beneficially employed. The correspondent was authorised to write the organiser that the managers considered that the boy was beneficially employed.
5th June 1916
School Bell The correspondent was instructed to see Jonah Phelps again about the bell and to ask him to attach a length of wire to the bell instead of a cord as the cord it was considered soon got broken in rubbing against the wall.
10th July 1916
Combining School
A letter from the organiser suggesting the combining of the Council and the NP school during the period of the War: The following resolution was sent: “Your letter of the 30th relating to the matter of combining schools was read and carefully considered and we find that the suggestion of combining the two schools at Pontfadog is impractical and under the circumstances it would be impossible to work the two schools together.”
9th Oct 1916
On account of the Lighting restrictions it was deemed advisable to hold the next meeting at 5 o/c instead of 7 o/c
Mrs Morris was summoned before the meeting on account of her son’s irregular attendance. She stated the boy was absent through ill health. The meeting decided to give her another month or two and trust in the event of the lad being unwell she was to show it by a doctors certificate.
January: Snow
March: Snow
16th March: Ringworm outbreak and snow until April 20th.
26th – 27th April: Boys in the garden all day on both days getting the beds prepared and all the potatoes planted.
28th Sept: Attendance would have been better had it not been for some children helping with the corn harvest and potato raising. 88.4%
11th Oct: Half Holiday Dolywern Harvest
19th Oct: “ “ Wesleyan Harvest
22nd Oct: “ “ Baptist Harvest
26th Oct: “ “ Llywnmawr Harvest
29th Oct: “ “ Herber Harvest
Managers Meetings
17th March 1917
The physical condition o one lad was brought before the meeting. It was pointed out that the boy was much neglected and that the managers were duty bound to report the case. The correspondent was to write to the medical Officer of Health calling his attention to the case.
10th Oct 1917
The school boundary fence badly needed repairing. Mr Edwards and Mr Parry were authorised to inspect the same and to repair it according to their discretion.
It was decided to charge all buyers of potatoes the current government price ruling at the time of purchase.
10th Dec 1917
It was considered the boundary fence would not last more that 5 or 6 years and the correspondent would write to the county architect calling his attention to the matter and to the advisability of planting quicks which would in the meantime take the place of the fence.
The parents of Albert Edward Lewis Tynant Pennant made an application for the release of their son from school.
6th Jan: (Mistress had trouble getting to school) C.M. Jenkins, Emergency teacher took charge of the school assisted by Miss A.M. Davies of Chirk CE school. Weather inclement.
14th Jan: Miss Davies arrived 10.32am on train from Chirk.
16th Jan: Miss Davies arrived 10.40am on train from Chirk
21st Jan: Miss Davies arrived 10.30am on train from Berwyn
28th Jan: Miss Davies arrived 1030am on early train from Llangollen.
31st Jan: Visit by W. Roberts. Found school in charge of two temporary teachers.
Feb 11th: A.D. Foulkes (Glyn) (Certified Master) received wire: ‘Can you take charge of Pontfadog Council School this afternoon if possible. Davies Education Officer Ruthin’
21st March: Fine Day so children taken for nature Study ramble.
28th March: A.M. Davies resumes duties at Chirk. Sadie Parry appointed Assistant teacher. No Head teacher present so she took charge of the school.
10th April: Headmaster arrived and called in for a few minutes before going out to look for lodgings.
11th April: Owen Hughes takes charge temporarily.
July 3rd: Whooping cough. School closed until August 26th.
26th Aug: The N.P. School is now closed and consequently there are several new pupils in this school.
13th Sept: Attendance for the week is very low owing to Blackberry picking.
20th Sept: Low attendance again owing to Blackberry Picking.
Managers meetings
11th Feb 1918
Gardening school plots: The matter was discussed at length. Finally the following resolution was passed ”That the correspondent write the organiser stating that they suggested the school ground be let to the cleaner or sub letted (sic) through him unless the head teacher was capable of properly superintending the gardening and instructing the pupils.”
4th March 1918:
School gardening: The Organiser had replied stating the school was now in charge of a temporary teacher who, he believed was able to take the children in gardening, but should at any time the school be put in charge of a teacher who is not capable of giving instruction in the subject then the committee would give favourable consideration to the suggestion of the managers.
Boundary Fence: It was resolved to go on with the business of planting the quicks.
Petition: A petition was drawn out signed by all the managers calling the attention of the Education Authority to the defective state of education in the two schools of the parish.
May 6th 1918
It was resolved that 4 roller towels be purchased and a bar of soap.
July 8th 1918
A letter was read fro the Board of Education asking Managers to suggest economies in coal in view of the threatened shortage. Resolved that a circular letter be sent to Head Teachers asking them to see that all fires were lit at least 1 hour before opening school and that no more fuel be added to the fire at least 1 ½ hour before closing.
7th Oct 1918
School cleaner: A letter was received from the school cleaner asking for an advance of 2/- a week in view of the enhanced price of materials and the extra work. It was recommended that the advance be paid.
Garden Produce: It was unanimously agreed that Mr Richard Edwards be allowed the potatoes at the controlled price.
Thanksgiving services: the following resolution was passed, proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Mr Hugh Evans “that a circular letter be sent to all the churches of the parish suggesting that all denominations would hold their Thanksgiving services on the same day in view of the low percentage of attendance that had prevailed for sometime."
Repairs: Jonah Phillips be ordered to repair the wheelbarrow and a chair in the dining room.
9th Dec 1918
In consequence of the school having been closed for many weeks because of the prevalence of influenza the school should not close for more than one whole week for the Xmas Holidays, therefore the holidays were fixed from Friday evening 20th Dec until the following Tuesday week the 31st December.
3rd Feb: Very low attendance owing to prevalence of influenza and colds.
11th Feb: Medical officer advised keeping school open till the Doctor could call in person. Dr Salt called on the school and found only 30 pupils attending. He advised keeping the school open until he consulted with Dr Lloyd.
14th Feb: Dr Lloyd is keeping the school open.
17th Feb: School officially closed.
24th March: School reopened.
10th Sept: Miss Harriet Rogers in charge of Standards 1 and 2 gave a splendid nature lesson on the blackberry this afternoon followed by an art lesson on the same with very good results.
19th Dec: Owen Hughes gave up temporary charge of the school today and M.T. Williams takes over as Headmaster from 6th January 1920.
Managers Meetings
12th June 1919
The Organiser requested that the holidays should be uniform for all schools of the valley. The year’s holidays were fixed.
14th July 1919
The meeting was practically taken up in going through the scheme of work for the whole year with the head teacher. The managers after some discussion assenting to the whole although it was felt that too many subjects were attempted.
13th Oct 1919
Peace Week Holiday Conforming with the rules of the Board of Education a week holiday was granted from Friday 17th to the following Monday the 27th. Regarding the examiners report in the entrance scholarship examination it was resolved to write to the Director of Education as follows:- “That we are rather displeased with the low percentage of marks attained by the boys and girls but on second thoughts think that the temporary teachers chosen from time to time has a lot to do with it and look forward to a considerable improvement when a permanent teacher has been appointed. Regarding further lessons for the top standards also we are of the opinion that the days work at school is about enough for the child and are anxious that the young brain should be overtaxed.”
15th Dec 1919
Mary Ellen Lewis, Mary Janie Lewis and Edith Evans were recommended for the silver watch prize for good attendance.
6th Jan: M.T. Williams takes charge of school.
6th Feb: The Timetable was not adhered to this week as most of the time was taken up in preparing children for a school concert held tonight. Proceeds from the same go to meet the expense of purchasing a school piano.
Silver Watches were presented to Edith Evans, Margaret Jane Lewis and Mary Ellen Jones for 7 years complete attendance.
21st Sept: Further applications will be made for a load of coal so as to be able o keep the school opened should the threatened coal strike take place.
8th Oct: 22cwts of coal received.
28th Oct: Church Harvest Thanksgiving.
Managers Meetings
11th June 1920
Irregular attendances complained of the children of Dyffryn Farm, of Pencraig, of Graig, of Tyntwell and from Pengelli one daughter aged 10 had not attended school since the Old school closed.
The Head teacher had made application for a house and the meeting was to write to the authorities in support of his application.
11th Oct 1920
The correspondent wrote the attendance officer regarding his failure to send in reports for June, July and September or to answer the letter from the meeting about irregular attendances.
13th Dec 1920
The Head Teacher made an application for a museum. It was resolved to refer the matter to the Organiser
May 27th onwards: Sickness and inclement weather. Medical Officer advised.
8th June: The children voted today for the Lady Davies Prize.
13th June: School closed for 2 weeks children have pulmonary catarrh, chicken pox, severe coughs and influenza.
27th June: 67% attendance. Dr Salt closed the school for one more week as two children still had scabs.
4th July: There are still several cases of chicken pox.
11th July: 2 cases of measles reported.
20th July: More cases of measles. School closed to reopen 29th August. Mid-summer exams not completed.
6th Sept: 1 case of measles
The following is an extract from the report of the horticultural instructor on the garden at the school after his visit of the 27th June 1921:
“This garden is on the whole well cultivated and a good supply of vegetables grown viz., potatoes, b.beans, peas, lettuce, beet, turnips, celery, onions, radishes, parsnips, v.marrows, rhubarb. Gooseberry and currant bushes are also grown. The management of bees is also a subject taken here, the stock being healthy on the day of visit. All the crops were in a healthy condition, advice was given on the crops generally.”
J.C. Davies.
Nov 16th:
1921 Report by HMI Mr W. Williams
The number of scholars in this school has increased and now amounts to 88 of whom 81 were present on the day of inspection.
Since the head teacher came here in January 1920, the history of the school has been one of steady improvement as regards work, tone and discipline. He is an earnest and efficient teacher and given the same continued devotion the prospects of the school for the future are bright. The progress already made in some subjects e.g. handwriting, arithmetic, and drawing is most marked and some of the work done in this last subject is excellent. The older children seem to be acquiring the valuable power of doing independent work. Composition is not yet a strong subject and spelling presents difficulties but a more extensive use of the interesting library books which have been secured for the school will greatly help in this direction. Gardening is taught and the school has its swarm of bees. A simple form of educational hand work is taken designed with a view to develop resourcefulness and adaptation. Throughout the school the children are trained to take an intelligent interest in their natural surroundings and are encouraged to bring to school any interesting finds. Nature notebooks and observational sheets are kept, wild flowers are pressed, berries and fruit are collected and there are other interesting features which the head teacher proposes to develop shortly.
Some local history is taken and might well be extended on the lines of the Welsh Department’s rural lore scheme.
The teacher of standards 2 and 3 conducts successful oral lessons. The reading of this division is weak and will require careful attention. The written Language Work is somewhat mechanical and some interesting work should be attempted of a kind calculated to demand at least some little thinking on the pupils’ part.
The lowest division is cheerfully and successfully taught and there is plenty of animation in the oral lessons. With 38 scholars in her class arranged in 3 groups for much of the work the teacher cannot find time to give standard 1 the necessary foundation in the rudiments of reading and arithmetic and should be relieved of this section of her class. The majority of scholars are regular depositors in the school savings bank.
Thos. Foulkes
Managers Meetings
14th Feb 1921
The Attendance officers duties to the managers causes continuing concern – references made tto the Handbook. The Organiser agreed a monthly return of attendance should be sent to the meeting.
19th Sept 1921
Doctors certificates required where parents pleaded ill health as the reason for poor attendance. Mrs Lloyds child left without a cCertificate of exemption and was not entitled to leave until the end of December having turned 14 in September.
12th Dec 1921
The Managers are very pleased with the Inspectors report and note with much pleasure the progress made. They however observe that some subjects are weak and would suggest that fewer subjects be taught and at the same time recommend that another teacher be placed on the school staff.
13th Jan: Received four dual desks from Nantyr council to relieve the shortness of seating accommodation in the school. Desks received were in a sad and dirty condition. All the desks were damaged by deep knife cuts. The tops of two damaged by holes. Woodwork filthy with ink stains. Ironwork also filthy. Reported upon this matter to Mr J.C.Davies Secretary and Director of Education.
16th Jan: Very heavy snowfall only 20 pupils present.
17th Jan: 15 present.
18th Jan: 13 children.
19th Jan: 25 children
20th Jan: 23 children.
23rd Jan: 58.5 average attendance today.
24th Jan: 54 children.
25th Jan: More snow 31 children. Inclement weather continued until 27th Feb.
28th Feb: Holiday for Royal Wedding.
Lots of sickness throughout March and more snow towards the end.
1st June: Prize giving. Wilson Barrett was presented with a camera value £1 for having made 5 years unbroken attendance. The attendance yesterday fell very low owing to a local children’s choir visiting an Eisteddfod at Gwyddelwern.
13th June: School reopened after the Whitsuntide Vacation. During the holidays the school walls were coloured, the cupboards, tables, Head Teachers Desk, partition and inside doors re-varnished, the outside doors painted, the walls of the offices whitewashed, outside woodwork and gates creosoted, a ledge placed around the walls of the main room, cooking range taken out and repaired, all defective water taps repaired, plaster applied where necessary, the window frames in and out repainted, all drains overhauled and the fencing around the school repaired.
The school inside and out looks extremely clean and pleasing after the above thorough overhauling and renovation.
30th June: Weather very inclement. Attendance very low owing to the inclemency of the weather and to several children being at Barmouth with the Wesleyan Sunday School Trip.
7th July: Wesleyan Sunday School Trip to Barmouth, several scholars went on this trip (*Presumably a different group than went on 30th June).
29th Aug: Three scholars from this school sat the recent scholarship examinations with the following results: Cissie Jones gained one of the two Scholarships offered to children attending the schools at Chirk and the Valley. Nesta Thomas secured the only P.T. Scholarship available in Llangollen and District and Moses Roberts was awarded a £6 bursary on the strength of his examination results. The above three scholars will attend the secondary school in Llangollen when it reopens after the mid summer vacation.
20th Sept: The framed photographs of Sir Owen M Edwards M.A., D.Litt. and of Rev. Robert Ellis (Cynddelw) were introduced to School and hung up in the main room.
3rd Oct: Dr M. Share Jones visited the school and tested the eyesight of seven scholars; the eyesight in the seven cases proved to be defective.
15th Nov. School closed for polling station in the General Election.
5th Dec: Drill instructress visited the school.
12th Dec: Drill instructress visited the school. Mr Story Plas Nantyr and friend and Rev. W.R.Jones visited the school this afternoon. Mr Storey addressed the children and presented each child with a memorial card commemorating the tercentenary of the Welsh Poet Huw Morris (Eos Ceiriog. 1622 – 1922). A similar card was presented to the school. The framing of this card will be defrayed by the children.
Managers Meetings
1st May 1922
Arising out of a letter from the Education Officer as to the present need for economy the following resolution was passed:
Physical Instructress/Art Mistress: Benefit nil according to the testimony of the head teacher therefore the meeting considered their services should be dispensed with as it was really a waste of money to retain them.
Attendance Officer; That the services of the Attendance officer could be dispensed with and the work done much more economically and quite as efficiently by the Head Teacher in co-operation with the school managers.
2nd Oct 1922
Some plain words were spoken about the way the cleaner carried out her duties and she would be spoken to with a view to improvement. It was concluded that she was underpaid for the work done and her salary should be advanced £2 to £15.
Three pupils had secured places and the Head Master was to be congratulated.
8th Dec 1922
The cleaner complained about the Headmaster not being qualified to assess her work and the managers suggested a “change of spirit was needful” They requested from her a spirit of more give and take when every thing would run more smoothly.
26th Feb: School concert will be held this evening and in consequence the timetable will not be strictly adhered to. Proceeds will be towards paying for the piano bought by the head teacher on behalf of the school.
27th Feb: Rain continues. It has rained unceasingly since Sunday evening. Some of the lanes are submerged and impassable. Only 44% of the children present.
27th Feb: Rain continues.
2nd Mar: Inclement Weather.
7th Mar: Very wet day.
12th Mar: Notification sent to the Education Officer to the effect that the Piano and Stool lately acquired for the school by means of concerts given by the scholars attending the school, were to be the property of the L.E.A.
16th Mar:
The following communication was received in reply from the Education Officer at Ruthin:
Dear Sir,
Pontfadog Council School
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of you letter of the 13th inst., the contents of which I note. Allow me to congratulate the staff and scholars upon the result of their efforts in obtaining a school piano and stool which reflects great credit upon all concerned. A note has been made of the fact that the piano and stool are to become the property of the LEA. I will see that your letter is brought to the notice of the committee.
Yours Faithfully
W.G.Dodd
30th May: Miss Rowlands, lecturer under King Edward VIII Welsh National Memorial Scheme visited School at 2.40pm and lectured to Standards 1 – 7; the lessons according to timetable were not taken because of this.
27th July: A day’s holiday was given today owing to god attendance and the sale of work at the new Institute, Dolywern.
20th Sept: Attendance very low owing to inclement weather and Methodist tea party this afternoon.
30th Nov: Several children have been absent this week suffering from colds. Every child on the register has a cough.
Managers Meetings
From the 1st December 1923 children reaching 14 in a calendar month were entitled to leave at the end of that month and did not have to wait until the end of the school term as previously. This was in response to many complaints of hardship received by the Education Committee in Ruthin.
12th Nov 1923
Following a letter the correspondent was instructed to reply that the arrangement was that if the head teacher went to the expense of buying the manure and seed for the garden he was authorised to take the products.
11th Feb 1923
Mr C. Edwards kindly undertook to ascertain if the cleaner had been supplied with a coal hammer and riddle and if not, to furnish her with the articles.
17th Jan: Miss John, Physical Instructress, visited school this morning.
3rd Mar: Only 20 children attended owing to heavy snowfalls. 9 more in afternoon.
Note: Miss Parry suffered sickness for much of her school life. This year she was absent from 17th March to 30th June during which time various emergency teachers stepped in: Miss Sarah Thomas, Teacher scholar at Llangollen County School on ‘work experience’ – insight into the art of teaching.; Miss Elizabeth Williams trained at Bangor and on the LEA staff.; Miss Eliz. Cuffin, also Bangor trained, took over when Miss Williams was posted to Colwyn. Miss Cuffin left on 4th July to go to Glyn Ceiriog
6th June: 5 scholars from this school sat the Scholarship examination at Llangollen today.
10th July: Drill Instructress visited school.
18th July: Two of the candidates from this school were successful in gaining scholarships. The successful scholars were John Arthur Rogers and John Richard Davies. The former, who came third on the list with only four marks below the first secured the highest marks in arithmetic in Llangollen area with 188/200. Both scholars will proceed to Llangollen County School in September.
26th Sept: At the beginning of the present term five scholars from this school proceeded to the secondary school. J. Arthur Rogers, J. Richard Davies and Thomas Rogers all went to Llangollen County School. Wilson Barratt went to Oswestry County School. Wm. Francis Kelly went to Ruabon County School.
29th Sept: From today school meets in the afternoon at 1 o’clock instead of 1.30. This will continue through the winter months.
29th Oct: School closed, rewired as polling station.
14th Nov: Drill Instructress visited school.
20th Jan: 50% of Children present are suffering from a hard dry cough.
His Majesty’s Inspector’s report 30th March
Inspected 16th March by Mr W. Roberts.
Since the issue of the last report a school piano has been bought and the playgrounds have been asphalted. Substantial additions have been made to the school library.
The school continues to be organized in three divisions. In the highest class which is taught by the Head Teacher, there are ample signs of efficient teaching, the oldest scholars acquitting themselves very creditably in the Arithmetic and Composition tests set during the inspection and reading with fluency and intelligence their various English and Welsh readers. In the work in History and Geography it is advisable to aim at greater thoroughness. Some of the pencil drawing is very well done and the singing of both the ordinary and the action songs in this as well as in the other two divisions calls for special mention.
8th Sept: Margaret Jane Davies (pupil Teacher) and Emlyn Evans (student teacher) commenced duties.
4th Nov: 1 case of Diphtheria.
11th Dec: Miss M.J. Davies absent with Diphtheria also Margaret Lloyd (pupil)
17th Dec: Dr Share Jones visited and found one more suspicious case
18th Dec: Another of my scholars taken to the fever hospital with Diphtheria. Parent informed by me to keep all her other children of school age from school. Meanwhile the roads were most often impassable because of snow.
Managers meetings
23rd Nov 1925
A new cleaner was appointed: Mrs Richards.
Following yet another meeting taken up by discussion of attendance and the consideration of the effects of sickness and of ‘bad cases’ the managers note:
"It might be further stated that we are always concerned in this matter as we have the education of the children near at heart as well as the “grant” before our minds eye."
11th Jan: One other case of diphtheria over the holidays
15th Feb: Miss Davies has resumed duties after her illness
19th March: Several absentees are suffering from Whooping cough.
22nd April: Five fresh cases of whooping cough.
26th April: School closed by medical officer to reopen 11th May.
4th June: Three scholars absent reported to be suffering from measles.
23rd July: Vera Marjorie Turnstone and Glyn George Edwards successfully obtained scholarships. Vera had an open scholarship and Glyn one of two available for pupils from elementary schools from Chirk and the Ceiriog valley. Elizabeth Hughes was granted a bursary on the strength of her marks in the examination.
5th Nov: 4 cases German Measles.
Managers Meetings
1st Jan 1926
As there were a great many cases of bad attendance the meeting was entirely taken up interviewing several of the parents who promised to do better in the future.
8th March 1926
A marked improvement in attendance had taken place and the returns show an average of 87 or 88% and one week when it went up to 91%
5th July 1926
Bad Attendance took up the meeting again. Pengelli Farm offered a very poor excuse and the father was instructed to ensure the boy gets to school on time in the morning and not so late that the registers had been marked before he arrived with the result that he was marked absent. Dyffryn came up again and was warned that a summons would be issued if there was no improvement.
13th Sept 1926
Attendance very good apart from the Dyffryn family. The Education Officer was called regarding a child of about 6 who had never attended school.
8th Nov 1926
The Head master and Mr Ellis agreed to visit Dyffryn on the matter of absenteeism. Other families were also to receive visits from members of the meeting.
28th Jan: Low percentage attendance entirely due to the epidemic of influenza now prevalent throughout the country.
31st Jan: School dentist came and extracted decayed teeth from two scholars.
1st Feb: 2 cases of Diphtheria
4th Feb: Another case of Diphtheria. Children of the families excluded from school.
18th March: Another case of Diphtheria
30th Aug: School reopened. A number of absentees are suffering from chicken pox. Emlyn Evans, a former pupil of this school and now a student at the Bangor Normal College spent the whole day at the school on a visit of Observation. Facilities for observation were afforded and every assistance was given.
16th Sept: 2 fresh cases of Chicken Pox reported.
Managers meetings
4th Feb 1927
A long discussion on the matter of the drains, also the doctor had been in the habit of giving certificates to patients he was known not to have examined and the headmaster was instructed to refuse certificates when he was given to understand the child in question had not been examined
The Minute Book is completed here and the subsequent minutes are missing until the 1970's governors meetings
19th Jan: The school dentist examined the teeth of all scholars between the ages of 5 and 8.
9th Feb: School dentist visited at 11am. 5 scholars had teeth extracted.
29th May: Painters visited school
30th May: School closed, building required as a polling station.
28th June: Miss Parry attending a course of instruction in needlecraft and .infants in her absence.
11th July: School closed this afternoon for the garden fete in aid of the British Empire Cancer Campaign.
30th Oct: Half a days holiday to enable staff to attend the funeral of Mr H.Pughe, Headmaster of the Council School Glyn Ceiriog.
21st July: Head teacher resumed duties after a fortnights course in rural education at Jesus College, Oxford.
29thAug: H.M.Edwards was awarded the open scholarship and Mair Ellis a bursary.
17th July: Tudor Hughes gained a scholarship and Harry Roberts a free place.
26th Sept: Isaac Thomas commenced duties today as an uncertified teacher.
2nd Dec: Isaac Thomas left to take up duties at the council school Ruabon.
One case of Diphtheria in March and several of Chicken Pox in summer
10th April: Electric light was installed in the school during the holidays.
29th Nov: School closed for the royal wedding
6th May: School closed for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of His Majesties Ascension to the throne.
7th May: School closed again for the above celebrations.
June: Whooping cough very prevalent, continuing until mid July.
6th Sept: Mary Hughes was successful in her scholarship exams. During the holidays the school was redecorated and painted.
25th Sept: an epidemic of mumps causing low attendance.
6th Nov: Holiday given for the Royal wedding.
14th Nov: School closed for the General Election. Required as a polling station.
20th Jan: Roads snowbound. Only 20 children were able to reach school.
26thFeb: Lecturer from the RSPCA visited school and addressed the upper standards.
28th Feb: Half holiday given for St David’s Day.
21st April: Mr C. Roberts instructor in horticulture from Llysfasi Farm Institute gave the boys a demonstration of the grafting of fruit trees.
18th Sept: Head attended a National Savings conference at Canaervon.
28th Sept: Miss S.J. Parry was absent today owing to the death of her mother which occurred with tragic suddenness on the 26th Inst.
5th Oct: Miss Parry resumed duties.
25th Jan: An epidemic of influenza
28th Jan: Dr Thomas ordered the school closed for two days, only 33 out of 73 were at school.
1st Feb: attendance still low, school nurse visited school.
1st March: Heavy snow; Half Holiday for St David’s day.
11th March: Another blizzard was experienced.
13th April: School medical officer visited school.
16th April: Head Teacher absent owing to death of his mother.
20th April: Head resumed duties.
11th May: Closed for Coronation Holiday and the Whitsuntide Holiday to reopen 24th May.
31st May: Half holiday for good attendance.
16th July: Half holiday for good attendance
22nd July: school medical officer visited school
31st Aug: 5 scholars were successful in the scholarship exams.
7th Sept: Three dual desks were transferred here today from Chirk Halton NP school.
12th Nov: Head teacher absent in order to attend the 21st anniversary of the National Savings movement at the Albert Hall in London.
17th Dec: Half holiday for good attendance.
26th Jan: school nurse visited school
31st Jan: two cases of Measles reported. Low attendance because of measles continues until 18th Feb.
24th Feb: School nurse visited school and reported upon the cases of measles she had examined.
27th May: Two scholars sit entrance exams at Glyn Ceiriog today.
8th July: Inclement weather and the Wesleyan Sunday School trip have seriously affected the attendance today. School given a good attendance holiday for the month of June this afternoon.
9th Sept: Miss Rowlands visited and gave a talk on the Laws of Health and Tuberculosis. In the afternoon she talked to the senior girls on Infant care.
5th Dec: Head teacher away attending a week’s course for the local Anti-Gas Course Certificate. Mr A.D. Davies was appointed to take charge during the Head Teachers absence.
11th Jan: Heavy snow
27th Jan: Low attendance entirely due to the Influenza epidemic now prevalent in the valley.
7th April: Lady Davies prizes for good conduct awarded to Thos. Hughes and Clara M Hughes.
27th April: Lady Davies visited and distributed prizes awarded by her annually and also the prize won by Hilda M Wynne in the Daily Herald Handwriting Competition.
15th May: Head Teacher selected by HMI to attend a short course in language teaching at Wrexham.
21st June: Miss Parry absent in order to sit the Welsh paper of the Matric. examination.
3rd July: Dr Beresford of Coed y Glyn, Glyn Ceiriog today kindly presented the school with a piano. This has been placed in the infants’ room.
29th Aug: 5 scholars sat the scholarship exams and were successful in obtaining places.
1st Sept: School did not meet today because of the Emergency.
11th Sept: Further instruction received to close school until the ‘Evacuees’ have been medically examined by the school medical officer.
18th Sept: The Evacuees were examined today. School reopened. ‘Double shift’ system of work was adopted
9th Oct: The ‘Double shift’ system was abandoned today and the full day system substituted.
12th Oct: 5 dual desks and two long desks were today received from Nantyr Council School.
19th Oct: Another dual desk received from Nantyr.
List of evacuees
Frank Richard Wood: stayed at Talygarth Cottages, he was from Flixon Senior School, Manchester
Derek Wood: Urmiston Close School, Manchester to 23.10.39 (also above)
Roy Anthony Goddard: stayed at Tyncelyn, Pontfadog he was from Ardleigh Green, Romford, Essex to 1941
Elizabeth Sheldrake: stayed at Glanafron Cottages and came from Beach Road, Litherland to 1940
Winifred Creswell: came from 18 Rockley Street, Liverpool 6.11.39
David Jones: stayed at Mill Cottage, Pontfadog, he came from Ravenswood Prep School Tunbridge until 27.8.1940
Beryl Evans: came from Cannons Lane, Eastcote, Middlsex to 16.2.42, returned to London
Doris Gillett: came from 6 Oakhill Rd Liverpool, her previous school was Highfield Senior School Liverpool to 11.11.40 back to Liverpool
Irene Gregory: from 6 Blackhorse Place, Liverpool (Highfield Senior School)
Dorothy Penman: from 77 Church Rd – (Highfield Senior)
Pauline Owen: from 26 Sunbeam Rd, Liverpool. (Highfield Senior)
Irene Moxley: from 41 Oakhill Park, Liverpool. (Highfield Senior)
Norman Moxley: from 41 Oakhill Park Liverpool, (Broad Green Rd School)
Patricia Mary Kelly: 93 Friargate Road, Derby. (Belmont House School, Derby)
John Bryan Gillett: 6 Oakhill Park (Broad Green Rd School, Liverpool)
Ann Webster: 139 Burdham Rd, Brighton
Maureen Fishwick: 13 Rufford Rd., Wallasey, (Somerville Cl. School,)
Bryan Liversidge: 40 Albermarle Rd, Wallasey (Riverside C. School)
Irene Black: 8 Eltham St Faifield, Liverpool (Burchfield Rd School)
Robt John and Norman Horrocks: 34 Abbey Stead Ave., Netherton Liverpool (St Oswalds School)
Peter Daniels: 27 Abbeystead Ave, Netherton, (Warbreck School, Aintree)
Colin Dobson: 23 Rosebery Ave, Waterloo. (Crosby Rd Cl School) left for Wigan 194(?)
Patricia Walsh: 106 Meadow Walk, West Ewell, Surrey
Anne Meadows: 118 Gurnsey Rd, Stoneycroft, Liverpool
James Roy Thomas: School House, Wheaton Ashton, Stafford (NP School Wheaton-Ashton)
Joyce Glazebrook: 115 Humberstone Rd, Pypehyes, Erdington, Birmingham. (Paget Rd School)
David Chas. Richards: Chadwell Heath, Essex. (Loreto Pte School Chadwell Heath)
Robert Gibbins: 8 Lower Castle Rd, Gibraltar. (Sacred Heart School, Gibraltar)
Thomas Alert Austin: 91 Chelmsford Rd South Woodford, E18 . (South Woodford Senior School,)
Katheleen Mary Fitt: 10 Jubilee Court, London Rd, Thornton Heath, Surrey (Winterbourne Cl School, Croydon)
22nd Jan: Weather extremely severe. 49/69 children present. Temperature of the main room only 34 degrees Fahrenheit. All the classes worked together in the infants’ classroom. The boiler safety valve blew off this morning at 1.45. Fortunately Standards 1 – 7 were in the infants' room when this happened.
23rd Jan: Severe weather continuing. Water pipes and drain pipes frozen. Owing to the severity of the weather, school did not meet today.
29th Jan: Owing to the frosty weather and deep snow the school did not open today.
31st Jan: School reopened, 17/69 present.
1st Feb: Safety valve repaired today.
5th Jan: Miss M Williams was appointed today on the permanent staff of the school.
12th Feb: Main room could not be used today, temperature too low 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
21st Feb: Annie Rogers HMI
8th Mar: During the interval one of the scholars slipped on the playground and broke a leg.
13th May: School closed for Whitsuntide Holidays.
14th May: Owing to the National Emergency the school reopened toady.
21st May: Chicken pox affecting several absentees.
5th June: Chicken pox still prevalent.
12th July: Chicken pox still prevalent.
31st Sept: Needlework and Art period this afternoon were used by children to fix anti-shatter muslin on the windows.
19th Nov: The heating apparatus, hitherto unsatisfactory, was dismantled today. School did not meet.
19th Feb: 41 children were inoculated today for diphtheria.
20th Feb: Attendance low due to snowstorm.
7th March: Influenza outbreak
14th March: Influenza still prevalent
19th March: Children received their second inoculation this afternoon.
4th April: Miss Glynus Williams, a student from Bangor Normal College has been here since Monday last doing school practice.
16th May: School did not meet this afternoon, the building being required for evacuation purposes.
23rd May: Weather very inclement and attendance rather below normal. School did not meet this afternoon the building being required for evacuation purposes.
24th June: The infants went on a nature ramble this afternoon from 1.45 to 2.45
7th July: Miss Glynus Williams commenced a further fortnights’ school practice here today.
11th July: School closed for a fortnights’ holiday to reopen Tuesday 29th July.
5th Sept: School closed for a fortnights’ holiday to reopen on Tuesday 23rd Sept.
26th Sept: Dr Thomas HMI visited school. Three scholars sat the scholarship examination – three passed.
24th Oct: Potato picking has seriously affected our attendance lately.
10th Nov: 15 evacuated children from Beaufort St C. School Liverpool were absorbed into this school today. Their teacher Miss Dexter accompanied them
Kathleen Mason: 80 Northumberland St
Edward and Thos Barton: 80 Northumberland St
Arthur and Ron Cain: 108 Warwick St
Henry and Irene May Daley: 31c Brunswick Gardens
Ronald Grundy: 2 Mornington St
David and Kenneth Laurenson: 101 Northumberland St
James, Doris, Ivy and Lily Maloney: 30 Longville St
Kenneth Parkinson: 40 Rutter St
George Tollet: 31 Gelling St
Ena Summers: 18 Lockhart St
11th Dec: No milk received today owing to shortage.
19th Dec: Head teacher absent owing to an accident. Weather very inclement Some roads impassable owing to depth of snow. 25% of school absent.
26th Jan: Head teacher resumed duties.
2nd Feb: A subcommittee of the LEA met here this afternoon to discuss the provision of school dinners.
27th April: School nurse visited school. Children inspected. One case of scabies found.
8th June: No milk received. Baptist and Methodist singing festivals. Half holiday given.
12th June: School did not meet today owing to the building being required for the technical School examinations.
26th June: Several children absent owing to scabies.
10th July: School closed for first fortnight of the summer holidays
14th Aug: The four scholars who sat the recent examination for admission to the secondary school Llangollen and the two who sat the examination for admission to the Technical College Wrexham were successful in qualifying for special places. Miss Dexter, teacher in charge of Liverpool evacuees attending this school was granted permission to absent from school to visit Liverpool to discuss with HMI the decision of Liverpool LEA not to award one of the evacuees a scholarship to the Technical College, Wrexham owing to age, the scholar being one week too young.
3rd Sept: Children’s gas masks were today examined and tested as to correct fitting. Owing to inclemency of weather school was opened at 1pm instead of 1.30pm.
4th Sept: School closed for second half of the summer holidays. School to be painted during the holiday.
13th Oct: Miss M Dexter, teacher in charge of the children evacuated from Liverpool, resumed duties today after an absence of three weeks owing to illness.
16th Oct: The painting and colouring of the school is now complete.
19th Oct: The headmaster absent today attending a course in Music at Ruabon County school.
13th Nov: Miss M Dexter terminated her duties here today as teacher in charge of Liverpool evacuated children.
17th Nov: 27 children inoculated against diphtheria this afternoon.
23rd Nov: Several desks repaired today, also the wheelbarrow.
15th Dec: Children immunized against Diphtheria on 17th Nov. received their second inoculation today. About 80% of scholars on the register have received treatment.
18th Jan: School canteen opened at the Old NP School. Mr R.W. Ellis JP CC declared the canteen open. Rev. G. Humphreys offered prayer. 53 children were served with a hot mid day meal.
1st March: A whole day’s holiday given for St David’s Day.
16th March: No delivery of milk today.
25th March: Miss Rowlands’ talk on TB and infant care (the latter for senior girls)
28th May: 2 scholars sat the county School Entrance Examination held today.
25th June: 3 children from this school today sat the technical school examination for admission to Llysfasi institute. The examination was held at Glyn Ceiriog.
26th July: 6 cases of mumps were reported to me today.
30th July: 2 more cases of mumps. School closed for the midsummer holidays to reopen 31st August.
10th Sept: The following scholars left today: two for admission to the Technical College, Wrexham, one for the County School Llangollen and one for the Technical school at Llysfasi.
18th Feb: Heating apparatus unserviceable owing to a crack in the jacket of the firebox caused by a defective valve on the inlet pipe in the water supply tank. Oil stoves used to heat the room.
3rd March: St David’s Day was celebrated on Wed 1st March.
21st March: Heating apparatus was made serviceable today. From 19th Inst until the end of double summer time the school will open at 9.30am instead of 9am.
11th May: A boy fell in the playground and fractured his right forearm. Dr Beresford was called and the child was taken to the Orthopaedic Hospital Gobowen. The accident occurred at 12.35pm
7th July: The LEA sub -committee appointed to survey the schools in connection with the country’s post war educational scheme visited school this morning.
10th July: School was given a day’s holiday in recognition of its excellent effort during the ‘salute the soldier week’
11th July: Cases of Whooping cough have been reported to me today.
21st July: Attendance still low owing to whooping cough.
29th Aug: School did not meet this afternoon owing to the canteen not functioning and consequently the impossibility of providing several of the children with a mid day meal. Two pupils left this term for technical college. One will proceed to Wrexham, the other to Llysfasi.
7th Sept: Received today the radiogram purchased by the head teacher with the grant of £41 9s received under Clause 7 of the scheme of awards together with a donation of £1 1s from the school funds. The cost of the radiogram was £42 10s
22nd Sept: Whooping cough still causing absence
13th Oct: Low attendance due to whooping cough and jaundice
10th Nov: One of the absentees was operated on at the school clinic Wrexham for adenoids (on the 9th inst).
9th Jan: School reopened after Christmas Holiday. Attendance low owing to an epidemic of measles.
22nd Jan: Owing to measles, snow and frost only 33.8% of the children attended school today. 23/71
26th Jan: Owing to the severe frost experienced during the night only 29/71 children attended school this morning. The school canteen did not function owing to the freezing of the water supply and as all the children were without lunches the school was dismissed at 12.30pm and the afternoon session was abandoned.
29th Jan: Children came again without their lunches and consequently the school did not meet this afternoon.
30th Jan: Snow fell heavily during the night. Only 19/72 attended school today. Canteen pipes still frozen
31st Jan: Canteen again not functioning.
20th April: School did not meet today in order to enable the staff to attend the teachers course in music conducted by Miss J Megan Williams, County Music Organiser, at the CC school Glyn Ceiriog.
30th April: Heavy snowfall. Attendance very low.
8th and 9th May: School closed to celebrate the end of the European War.
18th May: VE celebrations were held this afternoon. Sports were held in the field adjoining the school and afterwards the children were given a tea at the school canteen. School was closed for the Whitsun holidays.
6th June: Lady Davies visited school this morning and distributed her annual prizes. The prize winners this year were Margaret A Edwards and Wynne Jones. To commemorate the occasion Lady Davies also gave to each scholar a copy of the prayer composed by an unknown soldier and found written on a scrap of paper fluttering over the desert during the Battle of Agheila on Dec 14th 1942.
5th July: Parliamentary Election Day. School required as a polling station.
6th July: County Librarian visited school.
13th July: The two scholars who sat the entrance examination to the secondary school at Llangollen held last month were successful. The scholars were Margaret E Humphreys and Dorothy M Owen.
26th July: Medical inspection. 3 cases of scabies reported.
18th Sept: A campaign officer in connection with the Book Recovery and Waste Paper Drives organised by the Ministry of Supply called at School this morning and addressed the children.
6th Feb: Weather during the week has been very stormy and wet.
1st April: Holiday given today owing to the school being required in connection with the rural District Council Elections.
2nd and 3rd April: Miss J Parry absent, permission having been given to attend the National Savings Rally at the Royal Albert Hall, London on Tuesday 2nd April.
26th June: Miss E Rowlands, Organiser and lecturer employed by the King Edward VII Welsh National Memorial Association visited school this afternoon.
16th July: This year’s winners of the Lady Davies prize books were Ewrwen Hughes and Richard Lewis.
14th Nov: The County WVS (Women’s Voluntary Service) organiser visited school and left sixty pounds of chocolate powder a gift from the people of Canada – for distribution to the children at the rate of one pound per child.
18th Nov: Miss Parry absent through illness
19th Nov: Miss Parry admitted to the War Memorial Hospital Wrexham, suffering from Pneumonia.
8th Jan: Weather very inclement. Only 19/55 present.
27th Jan: Owing to severe wintery weather only 62.7% of children attended today.
30th Jan: Only 49% of children attended today. There are 3 infants out of 18.
3rd Feb: School canteen not functioning owing to frozen cold water pipe. School dismissed at 12 midday.
4th Feb: Blizzard blew during the night. Roads impassable. 2 children attended school this morning. School closed until 10th Feb.
10th Feb: School opened today. There has been no improvement in the weather conditions. Several of the lanes are blocked by many feet of snow. Weekly average attendance 12.
12th Feb: School reopened today. 12 children present.
13th Feb: No improvement in weather conditions. 13 children present.
19th Feb: Wintry conditions have prevailed throughout the week with hard frost day and night.
21st Feb: New flue pipes were fixed in the canteen today by Messers Rogers and Jackson, Wrexham. There have been no meals issued.
21st Feb: Canteen functioned today.
24th Feb: Canteen water pipes, hot and cold, frozen. School was dismissed at 12 noon as none of the children had brought their dinners with tem to school.
26th Feb: The severest snow blizzard of the winter was experienced last night. All roads are snowbound and closed to traffic. Children present: nil. Miss Parry resumed duties on 25th inst.
27th Feb: 10/59. School closed until Monday 3rd March.
5th Mar: Heavy snowfall. Roads impassable. 6/59 children present this morning. School closed at 11.30am.
6th Mar: The worst blizzard of the winter was experienced last night. Roads blocked by snowdrifts. School closed until Monday 10th March.
10th Mar: Very little improvement in road conditions. 12/59 children present today.
12th Mar: Snowing all day 24/59 children present.
13th Mar: There is a thaw today and the roads are slightly flooded. 20/59 children present.
14th Mar: 18/59
20th and 21st Mar: Miss Parry absent owing to floods.
27th Mar: School closed for Easter Holidays.
12th April: Owing to inclement weather the school met this afternoon at 1pm.
28th April: Piano tuner called this morning. Miss Myra Williams absent owing to missing the bus.
29th April: Seniors and Junior excluding infants were taken to Glyn Ceiriog County school for a rehearsal for the school’s musical festival which is to be held at Glyn Ceiriog on Wednesday 14th May. This is the second rehearsal attended by the school. The first being on 15th inst.
1st May: Another rehearsal was held this afternoon.. Only the seniors attended.
6th May: Miss Williams arrived at school at 11.15am, having missed the bus.
14th May: Seniors and juniors attended a rehearsal at Glyn Ceiriog this afternoon. The music festival was held later on in the evening at the assembly hall, Glyn Ceiriog.
16th May: County Road Safety Officer visited school at 9.45am
23rd May: 5 scholars sat the entrance examination held today at Glyn Ceiriog.
23rd June: Two students from the teacher training College Wrexham attended school today for observation purposes.
4th July: Methodist Sunday School trip. Several students absent. Of the five who sat the recent County Schools Examinations the following qualified for admission: Brenda Hughes, Delyth Jones, Gwendoline Morris.
9th July: School dentist visited. Of the 62 children examined 35 were found to need extractions and 17 needed fillings.
14th July: Road safety Organiser attended school this afternoon and safety films were shown to the children from 2.30 to 3.30pm.
18th July: School dentist visited school this afternoon. 25 children received treatment.
24th Sept: PC Roberts Glyn Ceiriog visited school this afternoon and spoke to the children on Road safety precautions
21st Oct: One case of measles, Measles continues until mid November
20th Nov: School closed for Royal Wedding.
13th Jan: New Flushing pipes installed in the lavatories today.
2nd March: Piano tuner called at 1pm spent afternoon repairing and adjusting piano in infants room.
31st March: Miss Myra Williams terminated her engagement at this school today.
6th April: Mrs M.T.Williams commenced temporary duties here today.
26th Apr: Their majesties Silver Wedding – half days holiday given. Ron Pierpoint was captain of the Blues this year.
14th June: pm Headmaster absent owing to illness.
15th June: Head teacher resumed duties. pm: Head teacher absent admitted to Emergency Hospital Wrexham as a patient.
16th June: Mr B. Ellis undertook temporary charge in place of Mr Moses Williams
21st June: Permanent head teacher Mr MT Williams died in the Wrexham Emergency Hospital. Miss Parry and Frances J Williams called to the hospital at 11.10am.
23rd June: Miss Eliz. Jones arrived to take the place of Mrs Williams
25th June: School closed for funeral of Mr MT Williams
5th July: Chickenpox. – 3 cases and 8 further family members excluded from school.
23rd July: Summer Holidays begin. School Yard re-tarmacadamized.
22nd Oct: Visit by Emlyn Davies, new headmaster. This school is handed over into his charge from Nov 2nd (Beginning of second half Autumn Term.)
4th Nov: 66 on register.
21st Dec: Christmas dinner served at canteen
February: Attendance dropped to 50% this month because of a flu epidemic.7th March: Very low attendance of J. Evans noted.
28th Mar: Headmaster commenced rural science course at Llysfasi Institute.
4th April: Head returned to school
9th April: Miss Jones absent with gland trouble, New Teachers desk, 2 easels, and 3 blackboards arrived. Mrs F J Williams doing temporary duty.
26th April: During vacation netball post repaired, wooden laths fitted to walls of three classrooms.
2nd May: 3 new entrants from Bronygarth School.
3rd May: Visit by HMI Mr D.W.Pugh. Agree that emphasis must be laid on reading and the curriculum limited for a period to give this subject special attention, especially in the middle class.
5th May: Mr Haggart, gardening advisor assisted in planting the two side gardens. Seed order suggested by him.
17th June: Examinations at Glyn School for transfer of pupils to Technical college. 3 candidates.
21st June: Miss Megan Williams, county Music advisor recommends personal application to Collins, Wrexham re: attention to piano in the infants department.. Further recommendation to have roller castors fitted to both pianos.
5th July: Pamela Bryant has secured a place in grammar school.
8th July: School visit to Royal show at Shrewsbury.
22nd July: farewell party to school leavers: Catherine Evans – Domestic service, Doris Edwards and Edward Lewis to Denbigh Technical college, Pamela Bryant to Llangollen Grammar School. Presentation of medals to Champion Team Leaders by Cllr. R.E.Ellis.
1st Sept: Ministry of Health Dentist examines pupils.
5th Sept: Dentist commences fillings
6th Sept: Dentist continues fillings
7th Sept: Dentist carries out extractions in the morning. Afternoon visit by Provision of Meals (Visiting) sub-committee to discuss terms for new lease of Old school premises as school canteen. Lunch provided for them at school canteen.
13th Sept: School nurse instructed one pupil to see doctor about impetigo.
14th Sept: 1 Pupil has been removed to Isolation Hospital with scarlet fever.
3rd Oct: One pupil removed to hospital with Scarletina
12th Oct: V. Williams reported to have German measles
17th Oct: J.T.Lewis taken to isolation hospital with scarlet fever. School in the afternoon commenced at 1pm and closed at 3pm to enable school to be disinfected by representative of Min. of Health.
20th Oct: Mr Edward Rees, director of Education recommended that the English section (i.e.: English speaking section) do their Welsh language work orally.
14th Nov: Managers meeting with special reference to the school concert and unveiling of photograph of the late Mr M.T. Williams.
2nd Dec: 3 children absent for two months now with pediculosis capites. RSPCC officer visited school and visited children and reported that two would be allowed to recommence school the following Monday with permission to wear caps,
6th Dec: One pupil has scabies and is to remain from school for 10 days.
9th Dec: School concert held at the Old School.
10th Dec: Unveiling of the portrait of M.T.Williams
20th Dec: Xmas party
21st Dec: Xmas dinner at canteen
2nd Feb: Immunisations carried out by Dr Sybil Edwards. One child examined for vision, one child for ear trouble which is considered possibly to be the cause of his anti-social behaviour
23rd Feb: General Election, one days holiday.
1st March: Gwyl Dewi Concert held this morning, half day holiday.
7th March: reported to managers this evening damage to school property caused by Pontfadog Youth Club members: viz. broken window, interference with infants dept. piano and rocking horse, turning on of taps in porch causing flooding of floors, scratching of obscene words on lavatory doors, scattering of fuel over school playground, damage to pupils exercise books.
29th March: One child sustained an accidental injury whilst playing football. Kicked in the mouth by his brother. Taken by headmaster to Chirk cottage hospital where he had three stitches.
26th April: Cleanliness inspection by school nurse.
19th May: Intelligence test carried out with junior class
6th June: Intelligence test carried out with senior class.
16th June: School educational outing to Liverpool. 14 adults and 33 children in the party.
27th June: Visit by Miss Megan Williams, County Music organizer who introduced the recorder playing in half hour lesson.
28th June: Visit by National Savings Representative, Mr Trick.
29th June: Leavers Party.
9th Oct: Headmaster admitted to hospital with eye trouble. Mrs Hughes, Llanarmon DC commenced temporary duties.
20th Oct: Older children taken to Tan-y-Garth by invitation, to view the model of the new Technical College, Wrexham.
Nov 8th: The chair of the managers agreed that 4 children should have free school meals until their father resumes work.
13th Nov: 1 case measles reported.
8th Dec: Several more case of Measles
13th Dec: School carol festival held in Glyn.
17th Jan: New grate for the middle classroom was delivered. County Architect informed of delivery.
23rd Jan: Headmaster returns to school for light duties.
12th Feb: Persistent absence of two children reported to parents, reply received that the journey to school in inclement weather was detrimental to the health of the children. In the last 12 months one child was absent 87 times, the other 128 times.
1st March: Gwyl Dewi Concert
21st March: New grate installed during Easter Vacation.
23rd April: The chairman of the managers and headmaster took a party of senior boys to an evening football match at Wrexham
3rd May: Junior and senior pupils listened in to the declaration Service and the opening of the Festival of Britain at St Paul's.
9th May: Mr Bryant gave an interesting talk to the seniors on his voyages in the Merchant Navy between this country and Chile.
2nd June (Saturday): Visit by senior pupils to the South Bank Exhibition of the Festival of Britain in London. This included a tour of the City of London by motor coach. The pupils were very thrilled by the whole visit.
4th June: Days Holiday granted subsequent to the very exhausting trip.
5th June: One case reported to the Youth Employment Officer.
9th June: Children attended Festival of Britain Service at Tan y Garth.
4th July: Days holiday given to enable pupils to attend the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen
27th July: Presentations to Doris Edwards: Art., Sylvia Jones: Needlework., Sylvia Jones: Poetry., Melfyn Roberts: Gardening., Irene Jones: Nature Study., Leslie Jones: Attendance. For house points for year the girls were awarded medals and the boys given book prizes. Presentation of prizes was followed by a tea and at the conclusion the headmaster presented the 8 leavers with their record files and wished them every success and happiness.
Nov: Henry Lewis sustained injury on the way to school riding his bicycle downhill he lost control and ran into a Land rover coming up to meet him. He was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
19th Dec: Christmas dinner at the canteen. Christmas party including fancy Dress.
18th Jan: Taxi unable to bring children to school.
1st Feb: Wintry conditions still prevail.
8th Feb: Brief visit by Miss Evans, Deputy organizer of school meals – to make arrangements for cooking and feeding of evacuees in the event of an emergency. Improvement in weather.
15th Feb: Whist Drive in aid of school funds. Memorial Service in memory of late King. Children listened to funeral commentary and observed the two minute’s silence.
22nd Feb: 1st mention of a child with head lice. Children advised to comb hair each day, one child excluded from school with a verminous head.
26th March: Child reported to have been taken to hospital with dysentery. Sister excluded temporarily.
4th April: county Council election, school closed for the day.
5th May: Visit by HMI and Physical Training (PT) organizer who examined the PT equipment and expressed pleasure over the children’s PT dress. The Lavatories and playground were examined and the bad condition of the playground surface is to be reported.
8th May: HMI Inspector Pickles examined the Art work throughout the school and commented favourably on the work done. He expressed particular pleasure over the work of Rosemarie Jones.
22nd May: Delivery of plimsolls.
3rd July: Visit by MOH’s office re: outbreak of Chicken Pox, German Measles and ”Fruit Rash”
8th July: Two days holiday given this week (9th and 11th July) for the International Eisteddfod
23rd July: Visit to Oswestry Baths by senior pupils for instruction.
22nd Sept: Collection for the National Children’s Home amounting to £3.
29th Sept: Special National Savings week for Schools. 21 new members joined the School savings group. Present membership 65.
6th Oct: Assault on Arwel Roberts in the Playground, the Headmaster intervened and was struck in the eye by Mr Jones. The matter was reported and a public apology printed in the Oswestry Advertiser.
13th Nov: Headmaster still with eye injury, visited War Memorial hospital clinic.
16th Dec: Christmas party postponed owing to heavy snowfall.
23rd Jan: Whist Drive in aid of school funds. Mumps still prevalent
2nd Mar: Photographs of pupils taken by Unwins, Wrexham
5th May: Inspection by school nurse. A small number of pupils reported as having nitty heads.
11th May: visit by school nurse – who reported all heads clean. This was the last visit by the school nurse before emigrating.
2nd June: Coronation holiday. 2 days taken on the occasion of the coronations of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Coronation Day: children of the Senior Class viewed the actual coronation on television. Service for all arranged, in the afternoon, in which the children of the school took part. Coronation Mugs presented to all children of the parish of Glyntraian immediately after the service. Sports for the children followed. The children partook of a special Coronation Tea at the Old School. The remainder of the day was taken up by the provision of tea for all parishioners and entertainments for all.
8th June: Days Holiday – being the third day of the three days granted by the queen
15th June: HMI inspector Mr Davies suggested we should dispense with the idea of formal lining up of children before entering the classroom.
8th – 10th July: 3 days holiday for the International Eisteddfod and visit by HM Queen Elizabeth to the district. (Llangollen and Wrexham).
16th July: Presentation to Mr and Mrs Roberts on their retirement from caretaking our school. They were presented with a mantelpiece clock.
24th July: Prizes awarded: Art: Rosemarie Jones. History: Keith Evans, Geography: Elfyn Edwards, Needlework: Glenna Evans. Reading: Bethan Davies, Nature study: Elfyn Edwards, Industry: Milton Edwards, PT Melfyn Roberts. Juniors Progress: Pennant Evans and Violet Jones. Leaders of Winning teams: Rosemarie Jones and Arwel Roberts
22nd Oct: Schoolyard surface patched with tarmacadam.
23rd Dec: Miss Parry Retires after 35 years at our school. School assembled after Christmas dinner for a presentation of a fireside chair from parents and friends and a cheque for £18 – 5s from staff and pupils.
25th Jan: Heavy snowfall
9th Mar: Talk to juniors on Poultry.
13th Mar: Visit by Mr Roberts of county architects re proposal to connect up to Pandy water scheme.
4th June: Talk to boys on gardening.
2nd July: Educational Visit to London. By train from Chirk 5.35am, arrive Windsor 10.26am. Coach from Windsor to London Zoo. After visiting the Zoo, a sightseeing tour of London taking in St Paul's, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. Arrive home 11.30pm
7th – 9th July: School closed for the International Eisteddfod.
21st Dec: Emlyn Davies, headmaster leaves to take up post at Brymbo Vron CP School. Miss Elizabeth Jones takes charge as acting head until the appointment of a permanent headmaster. Mrs M T. Williams on supply staff in charge of the juniors.
Canteen Meetings: (Held for a period of a few years)
Major Morgan used to host the Boys Brigade from Manchester and use the canteen equipment in the 50s
5th Oct 1954 canteen connected to Pandy Water supply
24th Feb; Heavy snowfall
6th April: the school is handed over into the charge of Mr J.T.Thomas from April 19th.
19th Apr: J.Tudor Thomas previously assistant master at Llanarmon controlled school took up duties at Pontfadog school.
20th April: Mrs Owen asked by the Meals organizer to attend refresher course at Wrexham on Saturday 30th April: The language policy of the school was discussed.
21st April: straws ordered for use of the children. A new team system to replace the Red and Blue system. Three houses formed: Ceiriog, Madog and Crogen. Three house captains and vice-captains elected by secret ballot.
2nd May: Nurse Brown carried out a hygiene inspection. 10 cases of hair problems found. Nurse Brown agreed to visit some of the parents.
26th May: General Election. School used as polling station. During the holidays the wiring of the school was attended to. Power plugs were installed in every classroom. Classroom lights lowered and new lights set up in the school entrance hall and porch.
6th June: School reopened. Lettuce, radish, peas etc. growing in garden.
9th June: Nurse Brown called to arrange for immunizations at Glyn Ceiriog. School Welfare Officer called regarding a case of poor attendance because of illness of the child’s mother and about transport from Chirk Castle to Pontfadog.
14th June: The potato shortage was discussed. The Headmaster was asked to make enquiries as to whether any old potatoes were available before purchasing any new ones. He was also given authority to economise (re potatoes) by having potato-less days at the canteen.
1st July: School trip to Chester Zoo. Two buses hired and chief attractions are the visit to Ellesmere and dinner at the boat house café. Then on to Chester Zoo, noting strawberry fields, rivers etc. and a trip down the river Dee.
6th July: School closed to enable staff and pupils to visit the International Eisteddfod.
20th July: District Valuation Officer called re price of land intended for school playing field and garden..
26th July: Dr Sybil Edwards attended school for the purpose of immunizations.
23rd Jan: Heavy snow.
16th Mar: School Eisteddfod, first one. Three houses competing for the Tan y Garth shield. Winners were 1. Madog, 2. Ceiriog and 3. Crogen.
22nd June: School Trip to Cardiff by Train. Visited the Civic Centre, the Docks, the National Museum and St Fagan's. The weather was glorious and an enjoyable time was had by everybody.
6th July: Inter-schools cricket match. Pontfadog vs. Glynceiriog. Glyn won by 3 wickets. Ieuan Evans was top scorer with 16.
11th July: School closes for International Eisteddfod.
20th July: Rounders match vs. Glynceiriog. Pontfadog won 12 – 3. Lady of the match was Marina Morris with 5 rounders.
27th July: School sports in Tan y Garth Field with kind permission of Major Morgan.
7th Sept: Presentation of a long sleeved cardigan to Mrs R R Hughes for services rendered whilst at school in the capacity of a supply teacher.
1st Oct: New stove for heating school and new wireless with two speakers for schools broadcasts. Four new power plugs added.
16th Mar: Sale of work at school in aid of Powys Eisteddfod Funds Over £100 realised.
31st May – 1st June: Powys Eisteddfod. School represented by more than 40 children, 25 of whom appeared on the Eisteddfod platform for the first time in their lives. First Prize for Percussion Band. 2nd Prizes for Rhoswen Ellis solo (under 12) and for Parti Cyd adrodd (under 12). 3rd Prizes for Parti Unisain (under 12) and Eileen Williams solo (under 12)
5th July: School playground re-laid and completed today. School playing fled nearing completion, hay is cut and cricket pitch cut, rolled and marked. Tender for ploughing same to be asked for.
22nd July: Outbreak of Measles
7th Oct: Head Teacher admitted to Maelor General as a patient after a football accident.
5th Nov: Mr Thomas transferred to the Chest Hospital Liverpool for further treatment
18th Nov: Headmaster has returned home. Everyone was glad to see him.
13th Dec: Carol Service held at the Old School.
9th Jan: Mt J T Thomas resumed full duties. 88 pupils attending school,
27th Mar: Football Match v Llangollen Grammar school 2nd XI. Pontfadog 2 – Llangollen 4
2nd April: Football match v Llangollen Modern School Pontfadog 7 – Llangollen 1
24th April: Started on School Gardens on county Council site.
27th June: School Trip to Penmon. 2 buses with 60 children and 23 parents. Rained all day which made a trip to Penmon impossible. Visited Holyhead and Colwyn Bay, Home 9pm. Very disappointing but everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves.
3rd July: A rug made from odd pieces of wool found on hedges and on barbed wire taken to Llangollen and exhibited at the Arts and Crafts exhibition with 12 paintings.
10th July: School closed for International Eisteddfod. School playground which was recently resurfaced was now re-sprayed because the tarmac had not hardened and was lifting.
25th July: School closed for summer holidays. Head teacher off to Switzerland with a group of 28 pupils and Youth Club members.
14th March: Eisteddfod in Acrefair. 3 firsts and 4 third prizes. Choir won.
28th April: A polio clinic attracted 70 people for injection. Recent scares up and down the country had caused people to come forward.
11th May: Football v Chirk at Chirk. Pontfadog 12 – Chirk 0
21st May: Eisteddfod yr Urdd, Llanbedr. Choir 3rd.
26th June: An Outstanding school Trip, this time in perfect weather. Destination Snowdon. 56 Pupils and 30 adults in two buses. One bus load of 30 pupils and 15 adults took the train up Snowdon and walked down, the other went on to Caernavon. All returned to Barmouth for a swim and home at 10pm. A day to remember.
25th Sept: A Bronze age axe, the property of Dr Benjamin of Llangollen, was brought to school and shown to the pupils. The axe is 3,000 years old.
13th May: School trip to London Airport. Special train to London from Chirk and on to the airport. A very enjoyable day ending with a tour of London and a visit to the outside of the House of Commons. The Head teacher gave a short talk on the Albert Museum.
3rd Oct: Evening Institute opens subjects Dressmaking, Art, Horticulture. 38 students enrolled.
11th Feb: Demonstration of pruning by Mr Roger Williams, Llysfasi.
24th May: Leave with members of the Urdd for Aberdare accompanied by Miss Morris, Miss Humphreys and Mrs Thomas. Following the award of 14 certificates in the handwork section the Cyd-adrodd party gained 2nd prize at the National Eisteddfod narrowly losing the 1st prize by 1 mark. Visit to Llandaff and Brecon Cathedrals
16th June: School trip to Buxton, two coaches, a very enjoyable day.
21st July: School closed for the summer. School re-organised and all 11+ pupils transferred to Llangollen bi-lateral school. Miss B.C.Davies, assistant mistress at the school also to be transferred and presented with a travelling clock. Pontfadog All Age School now becomes Pontfadog County Primary.
Mr Tudor Thomas, Head teacher of Pontfadog School for the last 7 years leaves to take up a new post at New Parks School, Leicester
“I have spent 7 very happy years and the experience gained here has been very valuable in attaining my new post. I am delighted that Mr John Dennis Griffiths has been appointed Head Teacher of this school. We were in the same classes both in primary school and in Ruabon Grammar School and we both studied at the Normal College, Bangor. May I wish Mrs Griffiths, you and your family many years of success and happiness in this your new post.
Good Luck.
Oct 1st: Work commenced on erecting new school gates.
Generally: The Canteen needed redecorating internally, the evening classes were suffering cancellations when teaching staff could not attend,
23rd Nov: The New Electric Floor polisher arrived after being lost in transit for 4 months. Early snowfall caused a drop in attendance.
18th Dec: Mrs M.T.Williams invited for Christmas dinner at the canteen.
21st Dec: Closed for Christmas holidays. Arctic weather conditions
8th Jan: School reopened after holidays Weather conditions most severe. School canteen is without water.
9th Jan: Mrs Owen and Mrs Jones working under very difficult conditions contrived to prepare meals for over 30 children again today. I informed Ruthin of my intention to close the canteen until water supply could be restored.
10th Jan: Children who were unable to return home for lunch brought sandwiches and hot drinks were prepared by the Canteen staff for 19 children. Toilets in the school frozen. Requested closure of the school but this was rejected.
11th Jan: Burst tank situated in store room. End of a very trying week, attendance 74%
14th Jan: No water in school, all cisterns frozen in toilets, canteen – no change
Thursday 17th Jan: After a very trying week I once more requested that the school be closed. This request was granted. Children were sent home at dinner time and told to report back on Monday
24th Jan: School closed today at lunch time. Conditions getting worse. Attendance 46%
29th Jan: Impossible to carry on. Heating system in school freezing up almost daily. School closed at noon for remainder of the week.
Thursday 7th Feb: We have carried on all week under most trying conditions. Closed at end of afternoon school until Monday next. Attendance 65%
Wednesday 13th Feb: With the help of MANWEB engineers water returned to school this afternoon for the first time in over 5 weeks. Result of this however was the flooding of both cloakrooms. Children sent home at noon while repairs were carried out. I spent the afternoon near the canteen premises trying to locate a very obscure stop tap. After over three hours digging and hacking at ice our efforts met with success. The two gentlemen from MANWEB once more went into action and water returned to the canteen building for the first time in over 7 weeks.
Friday Feb 15th: Arrived in school only to find the water supply had once more vanished
1st March: St David’s Day celebrated in the usual way, a school concert with each class contributing items. Best attendance figures since before Christmas 85%
8th March: Called to school at 8am this morning. The mild weather had resulted in a return of the main water supply to the school. Unfortunately one of the taps had been left open resulting in the flooding of the whole school. With the help of some good neighbours we succeeded in sweeping out the water by about 9.30am. Classes were then resumed. Attendance down to 69% Influenza epidemic seems to be sweeping through the valley.
2nd March: Mr Hutton, new HMI visited. He expressed concern about the lack of facilities including the coke left in the open. He was very pleased at our efforts in keeping the Welsh language influence alive, despite small number of Welsh speaking children.
April 23rd: 5 more pupils admitted onto roll, now 62.
20th May: Admitted two new pupil boys. Their previous school was Freemont USA.
29th June: 29 Angle iron posts fixed for new raised boundary fence. Three pupils gained places at the Grammar School. Carol Anne Hughes, Frances E Richardson and Christine M Edgar.
19th June: School trip to Chester Zoo. 48 children and 26 adults had an enjoyable day marred by afternoon rains. No casualties.
6th July: Second Annual Dyffryn Ceiriog Eisteddfod held on the school field. 400 people attended. The Arts and Craft Display of works from all corners of the valley, including the Cheshire Home, drew numerous visitors. Our children won 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Needlework, 1st and 3rd in junior art, 1st and 2nd in handwriting and prizes in singing under 8.
7th July: Evening concert in the eisteddfod marquee with the attendance of about 500people.
8th July: Presentation of an electric fire to Miss Humphreys who is taking up a post in Cardiff LEA and of a canteen of cutlery to Mrs Kilfoil who is also leaving, for domestic reasons. The Charles Edwards Memorial Prizes were awarded to Carol Ann Hughes and John Gareth Evans.
1st Oct: Two visitors from the County Architects Dept. finalising arrangements for the building of a new canteen kitchen an extension of the present infants teaching block.
30th Oct: Returned from lunch to find main room almost flooded. Main boiler was leaking badly.
31st Oct: Inspection by County Architects dept. who advised installation of a new boiler. I also suggested something should be done about the water tank in the loft following the inconvenience of last winter.
13th Dec: Outbreak of chicken pox has lowered attendance considerably and our proposed Christmas concert and carol service has been cancelled.
20th Dec: Christmas party postponed because of very poor attendance.
7th Jan: 57 children on register, Mrs Thomas in charge of Juniors.
31st Jan: Mumps has broken out.
21st Feb: Mumps is sweeping through the school.
28th Feb: Because of very low attendance we did not celebrate St David’s Day with the annual festivities. We did however hold a special St David’s Day Service.
4th July: Eisteddfod Dyffryn Ceiriog held at Glynceiriog. Prize winners from our school were for Art 1st and 2nd and 1st and 2nd for Art under 8. 1st and 3rd for Handwriting, 1st and 2nd for needlework and 1st for a collection of wild flowers. The Charles Edwards Memorial prizes went to Christopher Morris and Gwyneth Jones.
18th June: Three pupils gained places at Dinas Bran Grammar School. And 5 children would be among the first to enter the Ceiriog County secondary school at Chirk due to open in September.
1st July: National Cycling proficiency tests were held at the school. 10 pupils were entered and all gained certificates and badges.
2nd July: School closed with an extra days holiday to celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta 750 years ago.
11th July: A meeting of the school managers took place. It was agreed to allow the use of the school field to children under 11 years of age. Brooke Bond Educational Awards 1965 were made for Junior Art: Anne Davies and Marian Jones. Junior Handwriting: Ian Griffiths and /Cynthia Brooks. Infants Art: Glyn Evans and Gareth Jones
24th Nov: Meeting of School managers. Concern was expressed regarding the decision of the director to cut down on school staff. Because of the fall in pupil numbers the school would have to become a two teacher school. Following much correspondence by head teacher, the Director had agreed to leave the matter for the present.
Jan 10th: 49 children on roll. Mrs M Simpson is to attend on a part time basis three days a week because of the low number of children.
21st March: Work began today on the new Kitchen and indoor toilets. It is hoped the work will be completed by September next.
23rd March: Children sitting Grammar school entrance exam. This is probably the last exam to be held in the county with the advent of comprehensive education. Because of an error in the timing of the arithmetic paper, all the children will have to re-sit the paper after the Easter Holidays. This applies to the whole of Denbighshire.
May 21st: Eisteddfod Dyffryn Ceiriog held on school field. Prizes for singing under 8, recitation, composition, needlework, Art and handwriting.
15th July: Charles Edwards Memorial prize to Cynthia Anne Brooks and Colin Owen. Work well advanced on the new kitchen and Indoor toilets. New Heating system is to be installed during the holiday and resurfacing of the playground. School is also due to be decorated.
5th Sept: Mrs Simpson continues on a part time basis. Work still not completed. The new kitchen opened today although one or two items are still to be completed. Children are still unable to use the playground.
12th Oct: Harvest Thanksgiving to be held in school. Gifts brought by the children were all taken to the Cheshire Home.
24th Oct: Playground is fit for use at long last.
Classes at the Evening institute are in their fourth week: Dressmaking, Horticulture, Modern Developments in Education, Politics and international Affairs (At Cheshire Home) and Car Maintenance.
4th Nov: Collection made in school in aid of the Aberfan disaster Fund realized £5.5.0 Decided to apply for a construction to cover the new bin area in front of the kitchen. Proposed to send a letter to the County Architect congratulating him on the design of the new kitchen.
20th Dec: A special Carol service and Nativity Play was held at St John the Baptist Church, Pontfadog. The church was full and the collection made for the Cheshire Home, Dolywern realized £5.5.0
21st Dec: Christmas party.
9th Jan: 55 children on Roll
6th April: 6 children passed their Ministry of Transport Cycling proficiency Tests.
24th May: New surface of playground now complete.
3rd July: School closed for summer holidays. 4 leavers, two to Dinas Bran Comprehensive, one to Morgan Llwyd and One to Howells School, Denbigh.
5th Sept: School reopened. Mrs M.E.Ellis replaced Mrs Simpson in charge of lower Juniors 3 days a week.
14th Oct: Annual Dyffryn Ceiriog Eisteddfod held at the Assembly Hall, Glyn.
19th Oct: Harvest Festival
30th Oct: Pontfadog Evening institute has 4 classes: Dressmaking, Cookery, Car Maintenance, and Current Affairs (held at the Cheshire Home).
7th Dec: Weather very severe. School taxi failed to arrive. Heavy snowfall over the weekend
11th Dec: Weather still bad. Mrs Ellis unable to travel down. Evening Institute Classes suspended after 10 weeks. Attendances have been poor mainly due to the ‘Foot and Mouth’ outbreak. The class at the Cheshire Home will continue until 20 weeks have been completed.
21st June: School trip. 24 Junior children and 26 Adults including two teachers left Pontfadog at 7.30 by bus for Chirk. Train from Chirk Station to Windemere. Coach Tour from Windemere through Rydal Water to Grasmere. Boat trip from Ambleside to Bowness. Train again from Windemere to Morecambe, Over 2 hours stay in Morecambe including tea. Returned by train from Morecambe, arriving back in Chirk at 9pm. Mr John Towyn Owens, assistant Master at Llay Junior School as today appointed Head Teacher of this school.
28th June: Managers meeting convened to wish the Head Teacher well when he takes up his new post as Head Teacher of Johnstown County Primary School on Sept 1st next. The Head Teacher presented the chairman with a colour photograph of all the pupils and staff of the school.
Infants Trip: 34 Infants and 18 adults left after lunch for a visit to Llanerch Deer Park, St Asaph. Charles Edwards Prizes – Rhiannon Jones and David Jones.
9th July: Head Teacher was presented with a cheque by David Jones (one of the senior pupils) on behalf of the school and canteen staff, the pupils, parents and managers. May I wish my successor, Mr John Towyn Owens, who I have known for many years, the very best of luck and happiness during his reign as head teacher.
4th Sept: Mrs M.T.Williams was in hospital so the new head was welcomed by two representatives of the school managers who introduced him to the children.
9th Oct: Harvest Festival. Gifts taken by 6 senior pupils and the headmaster to the Cheshire Home.
25th Oct: Mrs Pugh appointed part time canteen helper.
31st Oct: Mrs Owen retired after being cook in the school canteen since January 19432. She was presented with a rose bowl on behalf of the managers, pupils and staff.
1st Nov: Mrs H.G.Jones took over as cook and Mrs Pugh commenced her duties as part time assistant in the canteen.
21st Nov: Andrew Cummings was in collision with another pupil, Jill Owen during the lunch hour. Miss Jones took him to see Dr Beresford and after an examination went to the Orthopaedic hospital for an x-ray for a suspected fractured collarbone. The x-ray confirmed that the collarbone was cracked.
14th Dec: A very heavy snowfall early this morning resulted in chaotic conditions. The taxi was unable to collect the children from the outlying areas and the attendance was down to 26 children. The conditions further deteriorated and the children were sent home early in the afternoon. The carol service arranged for the evening had to be postponed because of the weather.
18th Dec: School party. Forty-six children sat down to a tea prepared under the supervision of Mrs Jones, the cook, by Mrs E. Owen. Each child received a cracker and a gift from Father Christmas./
19th Dec: The school Carol Service was held in the church this evening. The infants performed a Nativity Play
18th Feb: School reopened after half term with 30 pupils owing to bad weather conditions.
20th Feb: Overnight snow and drifting made road conditions chaotic. Only 20 children present and as conditions continued to deteriorate the school closed early in the afternoon.
13th March: Water from the accumulated snow seeped into the main fuse box. The MANWEB engineers advised that the electricity be turned off because of the danger. The 23 children present were sent home early because of this.
14th March: The snow which has accumulated has been cleared today, the fuses dried out and the power restored. As there was no light or heat in school the children were sent home during the morning and the school was closed for the day. No lunch was served in the canteen.
20th March: I decided to write to the Director complaining about the danger of the hot water cistern in the infants classroom.
25th March: The upper juniors and the head teacher journeyed to Rhos to hear a concert by Denbighshire Schools Orchestra.
22nd May: School closed early to enable the head teacher and Miss Jones to attend a course on the teaching of Welsh as a second language which was held at Ysgol Dinas Bran.
16th June: This afternoon the Junior children, accompanied by the head teacher and 7 parents paid a visit to Chester Zoo.
17th June: Miss Jones and the Head Teacher attended a lecture at the Ceiriog School Chirk, on decimalization and metrication by Mr Stephen Jones of Ponciau.
23rd June: The infants accompanied by Miss Jones and a number of parents this afternoon paid a visit to Chester Zoo.
30th June: This afternoon and evening the village celebrations to commemorate the investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales were held at the village Hall, Dolywern. All villagers were invited to the tea and this was followed by sports for the children. A short service was conducted by the rector, Mr Pritchard, assisted by Miss Roberts, Mrs M.T.Willaims and Mr R.J.Owen. all children of school age were then presented with sweets by Mrs Williams, as the investiture mugs had not arrived. A very successful evening concluded with a Noson Lawen by Aelwyd Llansilin.
1st July: The school was closed today for the Investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
18th Sept: Tegid Davies fell from the PE bars and injured his left wrist. He was taken to the doctor and then to the hospital by his father. A broken wrist was confirmed. The accident occurred at 8.45am
22nd and 25th Sept: Registrations for the 6 evening classes were not sufficient for the minimum number so all were cancelled.
7th Nov: A meeting of the Head teachers of all primary school sending children to Dinas Bran was held at Ceiriog School Chirk. The purpose was to discuss working within a broad framework so that on arrival at Llangollen a certain standard could be expected.
14th Nov: The School Christmas sale was held this evening and £45 was contributed to the children’s Christmas party and the school fund.
17th Nov: Heavy snow fall overnight stopped the taxis and only 26 pupils got to school.
8th Dec: The school was closed this morning as both Miss Jones and the Head teacher were taking part in a half day strike called by the Llangollen and District branch of the NUT in support of the teachers’ salary claim. The school re-opened at 12.40 in time for the afternoon session to commence at 1.00pm
12th Dec: Prof Humo entertained the children to an hour of magic and puppetry.
15th Dec: The Carol Service and Nativity play were held at the parish church. The collection was devoted to Shelter, the campaign for the homeless.
17th Dec: The school party was held this afternoon. The food was prepared by Mrs H. Jones assisted by Mrs Pugh and Mrs E Owen. Father Christmas paid the children a visit.
5th Jan: School reopened with 39 pupils on the roll.
23rd Feb: Inaugural meeting of the parent teacher association held. It was decided to form a PTA to help purchase, in the first instance, items of PE equipment for the school. Mrs Carrick was elected secretary, and Mrs Evans treasurer and the head teacher as chairman. It is hoped to erect some large items of equipment on the school field to be used by the children both during and out of school hours.
4th March: Heavy overnight snow resulted in chaotic road conditions. Only 22 children were present.
13th April: 44 children on the Roll.
2nd and 3rd June: Miss Jones away attending the annual WI conference in London.
11th June: The cart and slide presented to school by the parents were placed in position this week and the children derived a great deal of pleasure in their use.
18th June: School closed for the general election.
29th June: The Infants accompanied by Miss Jones visited Ffrith Reach
30th June: The Juniors accompanied by the head teacher visited the Swallow Falls, Llanberis, Canaervon Castle and Llandudno.
6th July: Each of the 7 leavers (5 to Dinas Bran, 1 to Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and one to High Wycombe) was presented with a book token.
9th Sept: School Harvest Festival.
10th Oct: The Eisteddfod Dyffryn Ceiriog as held today. A number of pupils competed in various events.
15th Oct: The Evening institute commenced with a cookery class taken by Mrs E Owen. 12 students were enrolled.
30th Oct: The Decimalisation of Money class taken by Mr T.V.Jones began this evening. 14 students enrolled.
11th Nov: The Annual Christmas sale raised £52 towards the childrens’ Christmas Party.
15th Dec: Carol Service and Nativity Play were held this evening. The church was filled with parents and friends. The collection was for the Save the Children Fund.
16th Dec: The School Christmas Party. 39 Children sat down to a tea prepared by Mr H Jones and Mrs Pugh. Each child received a cracker and a gift from Father Christmas.
17th Dec: The Upper Juniors and the Head Teacher visited the North Wales Science Fair at the Technical College Wrexham.
Governors meeting extracts:
1970 An old Hay lorry with the shafts made into a ladder with a slide down at the other end was donated to the school playground. There was discussion over its location on the field or the playground.
6th Jan: Mrs Jones, Cook, off with Bronchitis. Mrs Pugh takes over as cook with Mrs E Owen as part time helper.
1st March: A concert for St David’s Day was held in the Memorial Hall Dolywern. Pupils from the three schools in the Ceiriog valley attended.
20th April: School reopened after the Easter Holiday with 42 pupils on the roll.
21st May: Standard 1 accompanied by Miss Jones paid a visit to Woodall's newspapers, Oswestry to see the Shropshire Star and Advertizer being printed.
14th June: The Junior children accompanied by the head teacher and a number of parents went on an excursion to Speke airport, Liverpool Cathedral and an educational cruise on the /river Mersey.
21st June: The Infant children accompanied by Miss Jones and a number of parents went on an excursion to Colwyn Bay Mountain Zoo.
30th June: Sports Day. Championship cup won by Jill Owen.
2nd July: A meeting of the PTA was held. Final arrangements of the Rose show were made and it was decided to purchase a climbing frame for the use of the children.
6th July: 4 children left for Dinas Bran, 1 to Ysgol Morgan Llywd and one to Godstowe School High Wycombe.
6th Sept: 38 pupils on roll.
6th Oct: The evening Institute started with 2 classes, First Aid in the Home and Cookery.
12th Nov: The School Christmas Sale raised £59.
1st Dec: Annual Medical Inspection.
7th Dec: Managers Meeting, It was decided to oppose the group management scheme for the Llangollen schools proposed by the LEA.
14th Dec: A Christmas concert was held at the Cheshire Home, Dolywern.
15th Dec: The Carol Service and Nativity Play was held at the parish church. The collection was donated to the Cheshire Home.
16th Dec: Neil Griffiths won a first prize in the Daily children’s Christmas art competition
Annual Christmas party held this afternoon.
17th Dec: The Children were entertained by a conjurer as part of the Christmas celebrations.
7th Dec 1971 A letter was received from the Glyntraian Council expressing their dissatisfaction at the repair work where the dooors at the front of school had been bricked up in un-matching bricks. As this work had been done some 6 years previously it was felt that no action need be taken.
5th Jan: 37 pupils on roll.
24th March: Mrs Pugh retired as general helper in then school canteen and was presented with a wristwatch.
26h April: The school took part in a 6 a side football tournament at Chirk this afternoon.
Mehefin 17: Cyhoeddwyd Eisteddfod Powy, 1973, yn Glyn Ceiriog. Cymerwyd rhan gan Dylan a Tegid Davies fel macwyaid I Miss Catherine Evans yn cyflwyns r aberthged.
20th June: 4 of the oldest pupils joined with children from Glyn Ceiriog and Chirk in an aeroplane flight from Speke airport over North Wales. After the flight the party visited the Roman Catholic cathedral at Liverpool.
22nd June: School Sports Day: championship cup won by Aled Jones.
24th June: Annual Trip organized in conjunction with the PTA to Knowsley Safari Park and Southport.
3rd July: Cyfawfod Pwyllgor Ysgol nos Dyffryn Ceiriog
4th Sept: 39 children on Roll.
6th Oct: 16 students enrolled for the evening cookery class.
10th Nov: Annual Christmas Sale held this evening £69 was realized towards the Christmas party and school fund.
20th Nov: The School was closed for a one day national Holiday to commemorate the Silver Wedding Anniversary Of Her Majesty the Queen.
21st Nov: David Jones was in collision with David Lewis. He fell and damaged his leg.
14th Dec: Dylan Davies won a major prize in the Daily Mail National Children’s Christmas Art competition. This is the third successive year that a pupil from this school has received an award in this competition.
8th Jan: 42 pupils on the roll.
10th Jan: The children were sent home at 11 am due to the failure of the central heating system. This was repaired during the day.
16th Feb: The Junior children were shown a film and given a talk on the work of the forestry commission by Mr Richards. As 1973 is plant a tree year they were later taken to the plantation where young trees were planted.
14th March: The school took part in the second annual six a side football tournament at Chirk.
19th May: A group of children with Miss Jones visited Chirk Castle.
19th May: The Annual School Trip. 42 children, a number of parents, Miss Jones and the Headmaster visited Betws-y-coed, Conway and Rhyl
27th June: Sports Day: Meryl Edwards Champion
22nd and 23rd Mehefin: Eisteddfod Powys, Glyn Ceiriog.
3rd Sept: 51 pupils on roll.
13th Nov: Mrs Eirlys Evans appointed school cook to start in January.
14th Nov: The school was closed today a holiday being granted to celebrate the wedding of HRH Princess Anne and Capt. Mark Phillips.
21st Dec: A Presentation of a Battery clock was made to Mrs G.H.Jones who retired from the canteen after 21 years service (5 as cook). The Headmaster left today for a term as a lecturer at Cartrefle College of Education, his place being taken by Mr David Crompton a lecturer in the English department at Cartrefle. This is a pilot scheme of exchange between teachers and lecturers to help bring about a closer liaison between schools and college.
48 children on roll. Mr David Crompton began his duties as teacher in charge of Junior class.
14th Jan: the children were sent home after registration. There was no heat in the school due to failure of the boiler system.
21st March: The school closed for the general election.
28th March: Mr JT Owen returns to duties at Pontfadog School.
1st April: The county of Denbighshire becomes part of the new county of Clwyd. Pontfadog itself becomes part of the new Glyndwr District Council.
25th May: Annual excursion. 34 pupils accompanied by members of staff and a member of the parents visited the ~Quarry museum at Llanberis, Caernarfon Castle and Llandudno.
28th May: Two pupils, Heather Lewis and Delyth Richards, left on an educational trip to Edinburgh as members of a party from Ceiriog School Chirk.
20th June: Sports Day: Championship cup held jointly by Linda Davies and Aled Jones.
27th June: The First Llangollen and district School Sports were held at Ceiriog School Chirk. The winners for school were 100m 1st Olga Jones, 200m 1st Olga Jones. 70m 3rd Linda Davies, High Jump 2nd Delyth Richards
28th June: Miss E.S.Jones Assistant mistress at this school for 11 years was appointed headmistress at Rhostyllen Infants School.
2nd July: 3 pupils achieved 100% attendance during the year were Jean Davies, Victoria Sopwith and James Sopwith. Victoria sopwith has not been absent once during her four years at Pontfadog School.
29th Aug: Miss H.E.Jones began duties as temporary assistant for the Autumn term. Miss Carole Evans will begin on 1st January 1975. 46 pupils on roll.
2nd Sept: Mrs M Roberts started as cleaner on charge.
19th Sept: Fire Practice carried out.
20th Sept: Presentations made to Mrs Morris, retiring caretaker and to Miss E.S.Jones on her appointment as head teacher of Rhostyllen Infants school.
5th Oct: The Dyffryn Ceiriog Eisteddfod was held at the Oliver ones Memorial Hall.
10th Oct: the school was closed for the general Election.
16th Oct: Harvest Festival.
8th Nov: Christmas sale. £108 was realized.
11th Nov: School closed because of Electricity failure. Children sent home at 10am.
6th Dec: The children were shown 2 films and slides on farm safety by Mr Roberts of the Min. of Ag and Fish.
12th Dec: Carol Service and Nativity Play at the parish church.
13th Dec: The Christmas Dinner was prepared and served by Mrs E Evans assisted by Mrs H Edwards. For the first time turkey was served at the school Christmas /Dinner.
16th Dec: A conjuruer entertained the children.
18th Dec: School Christmas party.
20th Dec: Miss Jones, leaving to take up a post at Gwenfro Infants School, was presented with a brooch on behalf of pupils and staff.
7th Jan: Miss Carol Anne Evans commenced her duties as Infants mistress.
14th Jan: fire Drill.
5th June: School closed for EEC referendum
6th June: Mrs C.A.Roberts recommended for promotion to be responsible for the infants group and its annual requisition and the needlework requisition and the teaching of craft throughout the school.
6th June: Fire Drill
18th June: Sports Day. Champion: Linda Davies, Runner up: Aled Jones
21st June: School trip. 39 pupils accompanied by a number of parents and three staff spent an enjoyable day at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Festiniog and /Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.
7th July: Initial Meeting at Ceiriog School to discuss the formation of a teacher group to organize in-service training course based at Chirk.
8th July: 10 pupils leaving school: 5 to Ysgol Dinas Bran, 4 to Ysgol Morgan Llywd and one to Shrewsbury. The leavers were each presented with a book token.
1st Sept: 47 pupils on the roll.
15th Sept: fire Practice
16th Sept: Medical Inspection.
19th Sept: Pupils sent home at mid day due to power failure and the impossibility of any lunch being prepared.
30th Sept: Harvest Festival. Harvest gifts taken to Cartref dyffryn Ceiriog
4eed Hydref: Cynhaliwyd Eisteddfod dyffryn Ceiriog yn Neuadd Coffa Oliver Jones, Dolywern.
Yr oedd y canlyn o’r ysgol yn Llwyddiauus. Unwad dan wythoedd: Cyntaf, Morwenna Jones, ail Helen Brooks. Arlen/// dan ddeuddeg: ail Arwyn Lewis, Llawysgrifen dan ddeuddeg: Cyntaf Arwyn Lewis, ail Patricia Cranwell, Trydydd Thomas Rowlands. Cor Plant dan ddeuddeg: Ail.
6th Oct: Road safety films were shown by Mr Hickin, Road Safety officer.
11th Oct: Two boys, Arwyn Roberts and Rhys Richards, took part in a sponsored walk in aid of the North Wales Society for handicapped children. £26 was raised byn the school for this cause.
5th Nov: The school was closed because of the Sunday opening Poll
7th Nov: Annual Christmas sale held: £133 raised towards the Christmas treat.
1st Dec: Due to a failure of the central heating system the children were sent home from school at 10am
2nd Dec: Children again sent home because of the failure of the central heating pump.
11th Dec: Christmas Dinner.
15th Dec: Carol service and Nativity Play.
17th Dec: Christmas Party
18th Dec: A Conjurer entertained the school as part of the Christmas festivities.
6th Jan: The meals on Wheels service started from the school kitchen today. Initially 4 meals are being supplied twice a week Tuesdays and Thursdays.
8th Jan: Fire drill
2nd Feb: Heavy frost. Attendance down to 50%, the lowest for many years.
19th Feb: Mr Hickin, road safety officer visited school.
1st March: A concert held for St David’s Day.
1st April: At a ceremony in Theatre Clywd the school was presented with a plaque for taking part in a sponsored walk in aid of handicapped children.
29th April: Fire Drill
3rd May: School practice begins.
6th May: Closed for Glyndwr District Council elections.
28th May: School practice ended.
18th June: 41 children accompanied by the staff and a number of parents visited the Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay and Rhyl.
21st June: Sports Day. Championship cup shared between Gwyneth Lewis and Nigel Brooks.
3rd July: The school football team won the trophy in a six a side football tournament held at Glyn Ceiriog in conjunction with the Glyn Ceiriog Carnival. They beat Glyn Ceiriog school by one goal.
6th July: 5 children leaving, 4 for Dinas Bran and one for Oswestry Boys High School. Mrs S.G.Davies was also leaving. She was presented with Wedgewood china from pupils and staff.
4th Sept: Te Annual Rose show was held at Dolywern. Patricia Cranwell was Rose queen and was attended by 10 of her fellow pupils. The pupils were trained by Mrs C.A.Roberts and the lorry decorated by Mrs Claybrook assisted by a number of other parents.
6th Sept: School reopened with 48 pupils on the roll.
28th Sept: Harvest Festival. Gifts taken to Cartref Dyffryn Ceiriog.
2nd Oct: The Dyffryn Ceiriog Eisteddfod was held at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall.
14th Oct: The school was broken into last night. Entry was gained through forcing a kitchen window. The head teachers desk was forced £18.75 dinner money was stolen and £11.50 from the school fund. A number of keys were also stolen. The matter was reported to the deputy Director and is being investigated by North Wales Police. Further investigation showed the following toys missing from the infants room Train set, Lego set and plastic meccano. A table cloth was also stolen from the kitchen.
5th Nov: The thieves have been caught by the Shropshire Constabulary and there is hope of compensation.
12th Nov: Christmas Sale: £138.75 realised.
18th Nov: The upper Juniors started to attend the new swimming bath at the Plas Madoc Leisure ~Centre.
15th Dec: Carol Service and Nativity Play.
17th Dec: Christmas Party
20th Dec: Professor Humo provided the entertainment.
10th Jan: 51 pupils of the roll.
11th Jan: School closed due to failure of the boiler. Children sent home at 10.30am.
12th Jan: Worst snow storm for many years. School close 2.30
14th Jan: Weather still bad, only 24 pupils in school
1st March: St David’s Day concert. All pupils take part.
12th March: Cynhaliwyd eisteddfod rhaibeol## Urdd Gobaith Cymru yn Neuadd Goffa Oliver Jones. Yr oedd nifer a blaut o’rYsgol yncystadlu a fed doth nifer unsain yn ail.
31st March: John Hughe, Min of Ag and Fish. Spoke to the children on Farm Safety
25th April: Fire Drill
3rd June: School closed for Spring Bank Holiday and Silver Jubilee celebrations. Each child presented with a crown from school funds as a memento of the Silver Jubilee.
7th June: Silver Jubilee Celebrations at the Oliver Jones Hall. A Service followed by a fancy Dress Parade, children’s party and sports. The children were all presented with a commemorative jubilee mug.
15th June: sports Day Joint champions: Linda Davies and Arwyn Roberts.
22nd June: Llangollen and district junior School sports held at the Ceiriog School, Chirk.
24th June: Annual Trip to Knowsley Safari Park and Southport. After the trip on leaving the coach a three year old boy who had been on the trip with his mother and an elder brother left his mother’s side and was knocked over by a passing car. He was taken immediately to the Orthopaedic Hospital where he was found to be suffering from a broken hip.
5th July: Mrs C.A.Roberts, leaving after 2 and a half years as infants mistress was presented with a clock and barometer . Thos. Rowlands and Jean Davies achieved 100% attendance for the year. 7 pupils were leaving, 5 to ysgol Dinas Bran, one to Morgan Llywd and one to St Josephs. Each was presented with a book token.
26th Sept: Harvest service. Gifts taken to the Cheshire Home.
1af Hydref: Cynhahiyd Eisteddfod Dyffryn Ceiriog yn Neuadd Coffa Oliver Jones, Dolywern. Yr oedd nifer o’r Ysgol yn cysadlu gyda a rlunis, achrodd a canu. Yr oedd y cor a’r rp recorders yn ail.
5th Oct: The children took part in the Harvest festival at church at the invitation of the vicar
18th Nov: The Christmas sale raised £139.92
6th Dec: Mr Hickin road safety advisor visited.
12th Dec: The children visited Dinas Bran to see a performance of Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat.
14th Dec: Carol Service and Nativity Play
15th Dec: Christmas dinner. Thos Rowlands received the ASA certificate and bronze medal for successfully completing the personal survival tests
19th Dec: The children were entertained this afternoon by a conjurer.
19th Jan: Heavy overnight snow.
20th Feb: The school took part in the Clwyd county road safety quiz and after a close contest, beat Roft School, Marfod by 71 and a half points to 67.
2nd March: Wall built round oil storage tank to comply with fire regulations.
4th March: 4 pupils competed in the Urdd district Eisteddfod which was held at Ysgol Dinas Bran. Thomas and Daniel Rowlands go forward to the County Eisteddfod at Ruthin.
1st May: The school was closed today for the first ever May Day Bank Holiday
15th May: The second round of the Clwyd Road safety quiz, the school entertained Wych VP school, Malpas and won by 39 points to 37..
25th and 26th May: Head Teacher away sitting final examinations for his B.Ed degree.
14th June: School sports day. Championship cup won by Gwyneth Lewis and Gareth Edwards was runner up.
22nd June: the Infants with Mrs E Edwards and a number of parents went on a trip to Bala then on by train to Llancwchllyn and by coach on to Barmouth.
The semifinal round of the road safety quiz was held and after a close contest the school lost to Isycoed. The Head teacher heard this morning that he had graduated with second class Honours in the B.Ed Course.
29th June: The Juniors with Miss Lloyd, the head teacher and a number of parents visited Swallow Falls, Beaumaris and Llandudno.
4th July: 10 children leaving, each presented with a book token
31st Aug: 51 on roll
3rd Oct: Harvest Festival held at school. Harvest gifts taken to Cartref dyffryn Ceiriog.
19th Oct: I was today appointed head teacher of Ysgol y Drindod, Gwersyllt. I will be commencing my duties on the 1st January 1979.
1st Nov: Today Miss Parry who taught at Pontfadog School for 35 years, celebrated her 90th Birthday. A number of senior pupils accompanied by the headmaster, visited her at her home to wish her a happy birthday and presented her with a bouquet and a card from the school.
17th Nov: Christmas sale raised £180.52
12th Dec: Christmas Dinner
15th Dec: The children were entertained by a conjurer as part of the Christmas festivities.
19th Dec: The Nativity Ply and Carol Service were held at the parish church. The collection of £19 was donated to the parish church.
20th Dec: Christmas Party. Mr J T Owens after 10 years as a head teacher was presented with a telephone table on behalf of pupils, staff, parents and managers and friends as a token of their appreciation.
22nd Dec: I leave Pontfadog school today after 10 very happy years as Head teacher. Mrs E.H.Edwards takes over as acting head teacher for the Spring term. I wish her, the staff, the pupils and my successor, whoever he or she may be, the very best wishes for the future. J.Towyn Owens.
9th Jan: Mrs Branwen Thomas has been appointed as a temporary teacher of the upper Juniors.
15th Feb: No heating at school. Given authorization to close the school for 2 whole days whilst the boiler was repaired.
23rd Feb: Mr Garem Jones, Assistant teacher at Ysgol Gweffrwd, Holywell, has been appointed Headmaster of this school.
5th March: The school was broken into last night. The head teachers desk was forced and £2.50 school fund money was taken. The matter was reported to the police and the Director of Education.
Ar nodyn hopusach, bud au barti cyd-adrodd, bechgyn a marched, phidwar unigolyn yn cystadlu yn yr Eisteddfod Gylch yr Urdd yn Nwyddilwern ddyd Sadwrn gyda Miss Moria Jones, Mrs Branwen Thomas a Mrs Enid Edwards, yn gollu amdanynt. Daith Elen Edwards yn 3ydd asn ganu dan 9, Thomas Rowlands a Daniel Rowlands yn ail a 3ydd am adrodd ail-with dan 12, y parti cyd-adrodd gnethod yn Sydd a parti cyd-adrodd y bechgyn ym1ef. Aiff y parti cyd adrodd a Thomas ymlain I gystadlu yn Eisteddfod y sir yn awr.
24 Mawrth: Cymerodd Thomas Rowlands, Elen Edwards a’r parti cyd-arodd y bechgyn ranyn Eisteddfod Sir yr Urdd yng Nghorwen. Daith y parti cyd adrodd yn gyntaf, a byddant yn cystadlu yn ~Eisteddfod yr Urrd ym Maistig yn awr,
3rd April: The school had to close for lack of heat.
6th April: Mrs Branwen Thomas was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift token to show appreciation for the work she has achieved during the term.
23rd April: The school reopened with 59 children on roll and with a new headmaster – Mr R Garem Jones. The headmaster was welcomed by Mrs Williams and Mr Aubrey on behalf of the managers. During the Easter holidays the fire extinguisher by the oil tank was vandalized.
26th April: the mobile library came to school and replenished our stock of 170 books.
30th April: Mr Offord the peripatetic music teacher calls every Monday to give two pupils instruction in cornet playing.
2nd May: Fire extinguisher service officer came to refill the damaged fire extinguisher and replace 2 older models in the school.
3rd May: School closed for the General Election. Electrical engineer called to discuss siting of new 13 amp sockets in each classroom and in the corridor.
9th May: Mrs Edwards took her infants class to see the tree with the largest girth in Britain, Coeden Pontfadog.
16th May: The headmaster took 6 boys to compete in the 5 a side football competition, lost 1-0 in the semi final.
29th May: New 13 amp sockets installed in school
30th May: 6 children travelled by car to the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Maeteg. Despite a very good effort by the children, they failed to go through to the afternoon session on the Eisteddfod stage.
5th June: Helen Brooks chosen as Pontfadog Carnival Queen and Clare Prakel as her attendant.
7th June: School closed – European elections.
13th June: Sports day. A good day with 99% attendance by parents.
20th June: Area Sports at Chirk. Unfortunately no honours this time.
22nd June: All 4th year children went to Dinas Bran, Llangollen to see their new school for September.
27th June: Junior School Trip – Severn Valley Railway and Bewdley Safari park.
28th June: Infants school trip to Welsh Mountain Zoo and Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.
3rd July: 11 children were leaving. No 100% attendance. Each was given a book token.
18th Sept: For the first time, 2 students undertaking NNEB course have been placed at the school (Nursery Nurses) Miss Helen Roberts and Miss Lynn Robinson. They are at school for alternate periods of a fortnight.
27th Sept: Harvest Service
3rd Oct: School dentist
6th Oct: Dolywern Eisteddfod. Prizes won for recitation and craft work.
21st Nov: It was decided to re-establish a PTA at school and the officers were elected.
11th Dec: Christmas Carol Service
19th Dec: Christmas party.
16th April: School librarian visited with advice on how to set up a school library.
30th April: discussed the possibility of PT lessons at Dolywern Hall.
17th June: National Cycling proficiency tests taken by 8 pupils after a series of weekly lessons.
10th June: Sports day.
24th June: Mr Dewi Rowlands, head of first year at Dinas Bran came to see the new children they would be receiving in September.
27th June: received printed copies of Pontfadog School guide, done courtesy of Dinas Bran school.
28th Aug: 52 children on roll.
3rd Sept: Head teacher to participate in a science in-service courser involving all headmasters in the Ceiriog Valley at Chirk school for the next 6 weeks.
22nd Sept: Children taken to Llangollen to see the canal museum.
2nd Oct: Harvest Service
8th Oct: National Book Week. A local Author, Irma Chilton came to school to talk to the children about her books and how she sets about writing children’s fiction.
28th Nov: Christmas Fayre.
11th Dec: Junior 2, 3 and 4 taken to Wrexham to see a film as part of the Christmas festivities.
12th Dec: Carol Service and infant nativity play.
16th Dec: Christmas Party.
2nd Feb: As from today the cook and her part time assistant work reduced hours as part of the cutbacks in the educational budget.
13th Feb: The educational Psychologist visited school today and did the educational sweep test of all children in top infants.
18th Feb: Mr Hickin ,Road Safety Officer visited with his road safety film.
19th Feb: Open Evening. Many parents came to see the work that their children had done.
20th March: Performance of the musical Rumpelstiltskin at the Oliver Jones Hall. This was an outstanding success with calls from the community for another performance. All of the children of the school took part in dancing, singing, acting, percussion playing and gymnastics.
1st May: 16 children and three member of staff went for a working weekend to Pentrellyncymer outdoor centre. This was a very happy and successful venture and it will now become a yearly event in the school calendar.
18th May: Teachers from Llangollen Area came to Pontfadog to see the Head teacher give a demonstration science lesson.
17th June: Cycling test given by Mr R.T. Jones, Glyn Ceiriog headmaster. 8 passed.
24th June: School trip to Criccieth and Pwllheli
30th July: All 4th year children went to see their new school, Dinas Bran.
1st July: Sports Day
2nd Sept: 50 children on roll. Miss M.H. Jones moving from Pontfadog and Mrs B. Thomas appointed as a 0.5 teacher. Mr Jones and Mrs Edwards are full time.
11th Sept: A visit from Mr Clive Tucker. The School industry Liaison Officer. He would like the school to take part in a schools council \project. Three schools in Clwyd will take part.
16th Sept: First meeting by Mrs E Jones to help with a group of Welsh children. Mrs Thomas is the Area Welsh teacher.
21st Sept: Mobile Dental caravan arrived: Children from Llanarmon, Glyn and Pontfadog attends.
25th Sept: Shire Hall informs that we will be back to 3 teachers after half term and Mrs Thomas will be full time.
27th Oct: Mrs Milligan came to assist with movement and dance lessons.
28th Oct: Harvest Festival Service. A film was shown from Christian Aid ‘Orkendi in Kenya’ and food from the third world was prepared – Dahl, rice and chapattis – so that children could experience the taste of poor people’s food. A local newspaper photographer took some photos.
13th Nov: Christmas sale. £160 raised.
20th Nov: Head teacher starts a part time M.Ed at Bangor Uni.
28th Nov: Mr Hickin, road safety officer visited.
2nd Dec: children taken to Llangollen Weavers as part of the School industry project.
14th Dec: All Clwyd schools closed due to snow.
15th Dec: Juniors taken to Wrexham for a film on a bus with Glyn Ceiriog children – for the Christmas festivities.
16th Dec: No school. Heating pump damaged by frost. Proposed trip by the children to the St Mary’s church Handicap club in Chirk to present an after dinner concert was cancelled by the organizers as the weather was too bad to get the elderly to the church hall.
17th Dec: Juniors at school only. One class heated by mobile gas heaters. No heat in the infants classroom.
18th Dec: School back to normal, all heating working.
8th Jan: Children that will be going to Morgan Llwyd next September have the opportunity of attending a disco at the school at 7pm. At 2pm the school closed due to deepening snow.
11th Jan: Returned to school after the weekend to be greeted by a terrible mess. The heating boiler had cracked in the severe frost, also three of the radiators inside school, all the piping outside and there were 27 burst in the kitchen alone. School will be closed for a week at least. Staff rota system was arranged so that somebody would be on the premises for the week during school time.
15th Jan: Heating engineers and a representative from Shire Hall inspected the school today and declared there would be no water until Wednesday
20th Jan: Juniors in school only. Mobile gas heaters for heating and no water for sanitation or school meals
21st Jan: Arrangements as yesterday
22nd Jan: Arrangements as yesterday.
25th Jan: Heating and water supplies now restored as new, school reopened for a full working day.
12th Feb: The loft of the school was insulated and the pipes lagged.
2nd March: School nurse visits school to do colour blindness tests, vision and hearing.
1st April: A big night in the life of the school. Our second musical lasting two hours with every child taking part was held at Dolywern Hall and there was a capacity audience
5th May: A visit from a local policeman for a general talk on road safety.
14th May: Talk by Keep Wales Tidy. Also children taken to the Golden Pheasant Hotel as part of the school industry project.
17th May: Children from 4th year invited on a day trip with visiting American children who are staying in the valley for a week.
20th May: School/Industry project - children taken to the Nationwide Building Society Offices at Wrexham.
28th May: 25 children and three staff go to stay at Pentrellyncymer for the weekend.
School Trip: Juniors Walk to the source of the Ceiriog. Infants visit Mrs Edwards farm.
16th Sep: Glyndwr DC used the school in the evening to discuss with local residents the redevelopment of council houses in Pontfadog.
6th Oct: National Book Week. The welsh children went to Glyn Ceiriog to listen to Mr Dafydd Parri, author of cyfren y Llewed books, talk about his work.
14th Oct: Enquired about the possibility of using Glyn Ceiriog school hall for PE again with the county paying transport, as parents as volunteers had dwindled to a few faithful
4th Nov: First I.N.S.E.T. meeting for staff on independent reading.
10th Nov: Mr Hickin - road safety film.
11th Dec: Children walked around the local area singing carols with Mrs B.Thomas. Collection to Chirk Hospital.
14th Jan: We can have county paid transport for PE from April onwards.
12th Feb: 20 Boys were treated to a free trip to Molyneaux to see a football match, see the manager (Derek Dougan) and players after the match. They also received many free souvenirs and treats. An excellent day.
24th March: Performance of our 3rd Musical – another sell out at the Dolywern Hall.
5th March: Infant children went to a local dairy farm after doing a project on milk etc.
13th May: 28 children and 3 staff went to Pentrellyncynmer Outside pursuits centre for the weekend,
21st and 22nd June: Year 4 children attended the Science fair in Mold where they had mounted a display.
29th June: School trip to Acton Scott Working Farm Museum.
1st July: Year 4 girls to Dinas Bran with Mrs Thomas
4th July: First performance of Area Orchestra, 4 members from school.
1st Sept: 55 children, 3 members of staff, 2 peripatetic music teachers and a one day a week special needs teacher and a clerical assistant for 3 hours.
13th Sept: The New VHS video recorder delivered today.
20th Sept: Mr Edwards and Head teacher go to Wrexham for initial computer course and to bring home the computer.
27th Sept: All junior children visited Chward Wynne at Glyn Ceiriog.
3rd Oct: Mr Baines, a parent, came to help with football and every Wednesday from now on.
14th Oct: Harvest Service, children had goods made from corn.
6th Nov: Junior children went to Dinas Bran to see the school production of the Mikado.
8th Dec: The new Mobile Classroom arrived and erected. Some furniture for later also arrived (not new).
12th Dec: Move into mobile (Junior 1 and 2) infants into large class and Junior 3 and 4 into Infants ‘old ‘ class.
14th Feb: Take 4 children to Rhyl for ‘Power Game’ competition.
1st March: PC Lewis talks about riding bikes on pavements.
3rd March: Eisteddfod – Urdd at Llangollen. Numerous successes.
9th March: 12 children taken to Dinas Bran School to a dance workshop with the National dance Company of Wales.
21st March: A very successful open afternoon. Only a small percentage of parents did not attend to see their children’s work.
31st March: The county Eisteddfod at Corwen – a recitation party and 3 individuals represented the school.
9th May: All infant children and Junior 1 and 2 had to be excluded from school today as the teachers of the classes withdrew their services as recommended by their union. Pay claim dispute. Years 3 and 4 attended school.
22nd May: All children going to Dinas Bran had a test today.
31st May: All year 3 and 4 children went to Llangollen on an environmental studies field trip.
4th June: School nurse visited with film ‘hair care’ for parents.
7th June: Junior 1 and 2 on trip to source of the Ceiriog.
12th June: Infants trip Chward Wynne and Picnic Area at Nantyr.
26th June: Year 4 on preliminary visit to Dinas Bran.
3rd Sept: Head teacher on 1 years leave of absence to attend management course at Cartrefle. School opened with 52 children. Mrs E A Edwards will act as head teacher , Mrs Branwen Thomas is acting deputy head and Mrs Janet Warren, Chirk, will teach Standard 3 and 4 Juniors. Mrs Dorothy Jones is to work full time as a nursery assistant at the school during Mr Jones’ secondment.
20th Sept: PTA AGM, poor attendance.
5th Oct: Harvest Thanksgiving.
6th Oct: Eisteddfod Dolywern. Ceafodd Justin Matthews a Malcolm Evans 1af ac 2il am adrodd dan 6oed, a chafodd Malcolm 2il am ganu. Eirian a Tomos yn gyntaf ac ail am adrodd dan 10. Cafodd Evian 1af am ganu ac am ysgrifinnu. Mark Jones 1af am *** a clare Jackson yn 3ydd dan 12. Liam Laweford yn 3ydd m arlunio dan 6.
10th Oct: Each class chose to deposit different books.
12th Oct: All the children brought hats depicting favourite books/character/stories. A very good response from all the children and parents.
18th Oct: PTA coffee morning at Mrs Agnes Roberts’ home raised £61.57
30th Oct: PTA beetle Drive for parents and children. A very successful evening £21 raised.
1st Nov: Governors meeting (first reference). Mrs Cynthia Matthews, midday supervisor, struck by a car and badly hurt.
5th Nov: NNEB students picketing outside the school gates.
16th Nov: Mark Jones presented with a shield by the WI for his success in making a science experiment.
23rd Nov: PTA Barn Dance at Gobowen Village Hall.
10th Jan: Photocopier brought to school. Installation charge £15, head to pay 2p per sheet monthly.
6th Feb: Only 6 children came. School closed early. (poor weather conditions)
12th Feb: 22 children and all staff at school.
6th March: Flat roof re-roofed above corridor and toilets.
14th March: Bus tokens distributed to pensioners at the school, 4pm – 5pm. PTA held a microwave demonstration. Many people from a wide area attended. Bejam organized the demonstration and offered a raffle prize.
21st March: Open afternoon for parents to discuss their children’s work.#27th March: PTA have hired Brookside Country House for a Shakeleye evening (Demonstration of health, beauty and cleansing products).
16th April: Netball competition at Plas Madoc. The Pontfadog team were runners up.
18th April: Football competition at Plas Madoc. Not so successful but the had a very enjoyable time.
10th May: School disco held by the PTA. Junior Champion Llinos Llwyd Jones and infants champion Helen Knowles.
17th-18th May: 17 children visited Pentrellyncymer.
7th June: Mrs Branwen Thomas organised a walk for parents and children to Cader Bronwen. Disappointing turnout, but enjoyable.
17th June: BBC Domesday project disc found to be faulty.
18th June: Sports day. Amanda Keating and Julia Keating were ~Junior and Infant champions.
School Trip. We visited Llanfynydd riding school for the disabled, Shire Hall and Loggerheads country park and a train journey at Llangollen.
3rd July: 4th years visit to Dinas Bran.
5th July: Summer Fair. 10 children received their cycling proficiency certificates.
3rd Sept : R.G. Jones returned to school after his 12 months secondment to a management course to find everything ably conducted in his absence.
11th Sept: PC Tucker promised to come to school to help with football once a week.
1st Oct: Industrial action. Mrs Edwards and Mrs Thomas off school.
26th Nov: Councillor Edwards took the head to County Woods re the possible use of the area as an educational resource.
12th Dec: Christmas service at Pontfadog church. Excellent response – standing room only.
15th Dec: A child fell in yard, taken to hospital for 3 stitches.
17th and 19th Dec: Children to Golden Pheasant to entertain two groups of pensioners after their Xmas dinners.
18th Dec: Xmas Party.
19th Dec: Councillor R.W. Edwards ad a representative from McFaddens to present money to children for drawing pictures of the new bridge at Glyn Ceiriog
8th Jan: Heavy snow.
10th Jan: Bryan and Lucia Evans, pupils who went to live in New York, came to visit us. Stayed all day.
15th Jan: Headmaster started the 1st Computer club after school.
8th March: Urdd eisteddfod, Llangollen. Many winners in the Arts and Craft section. Eirian Evans’ recitation through to county eisteddfod.
21st March: John Idris Owen and Eirls Tomas visited re possibility of starting a group for Welsh children in the valley.
24th March: Eirlys Tomos phoned. Welsh group set up at Glyn Ceiriog every Thursday. 4 children from the school will go.
9th May: Barry Lethson the new vicar of Glyn Ceiriog came to the morning service.
11th June: Area Athletics meeting at Chirk.
12th June: Evening meeting for parents of children starting school in September.
20th June: Evening Summer fete arranged by the PTA.
1st July: 5 children fromJunior4 taken to Cartrefle to participate in a video on the use of Edword, a computer and word processing programme.
3rd July: School Trip to Stoke on Trent National Garden Festival.
2nd Sept: 64 children on roll. Mr John Jones, Pontfadog Garage started work as the new taxi operator for the Chirk Castle and Dolywern area. Mr Alec Roberts continues to do the Bronygarth area.
8th Sept: School – No Parking signs were painted on the road outside the school.
26th Sept: Mrs Morely the nursery assistant tore some ligaments when preventing a child stepping out into the road on the way to Pontfadog church for Harvest Festival rehearsal.
2nd Oct: Harvest Service Pontfadog church.
6th Oct: Monday Club starts after school under the direction of the vicar Mr Letson.
10th Nov: School Book week. The theme of safety ran through all the exhibitions.
14th Nov: Mr Jones and Mrs Edwards took the Urdd children to Corwen swimming pool.
26th Nov: PTA disco
4th Dec: Mrs Edwards visited the special unit for gifted children at Holywell. The trip was not very fruitful as nothing in the way of books, equipment etc was given to us on loan.
5th Dec: Christmas fete.
11th Dec: Christmas service in Pontfadog Church.
14th Dec: Children repeated the service at the Gosen chapel Llwynmawr.
16th Dec: Repeat of service the Cheshire Home.
17th Dec: Christmas party
18th Dec: Christmas dinner.
Governor's meeting extract
30th May 1986
Mrs Edwards presented a ‘baseline’ test she had devised for the new entrants which covered:
Laterality, writing you name, drawing a picture of you or mummy, copying shapes, colouring, guidelines for drawing and building blocks for demonstrating manipulative skills
Headmasters Report "Another feature of school life these days is the microcomputer and many, including governors have mentioned they know little of the functions of the micro and its place within the classroom. In order that you can better understand just one small area of the use of the micro in the curriculum, a booklet that I have recently written for Clwyd Technics is included with this report. It has taken considerable time to prepare and I hope that it will give you some idea of the micro’s value in education today. "
Nov 21st:
Headmaster's Report: 4th Year children who were members of the school computer club spent an afternoon at Cadburys, Chirk to see all the computer equipment , have hands on experience and get some printouts of their work.
14th Jan: Very bad weather conditions: Drifting snow. School closed at midday
2nd Feb: Mrs Edwards took children to Denbigh for Urdd swimming gala.
11th March: Junior children went to Glyn Ceiriog school to see a performance of the Hobbit.
20th March: PTA Beetle Drive.
22/25th April: During the holidays the headmaster and children took part in a pageant at Dolywern Hall – for The Ceiriog Centenary celebration.
5th May: Pontfadog won the small schools shield for Netball at Plas Madoc.
7th May: Boys went to football tournament at Plas Madoc.
19th May: Children from Taliesin School joined Juniors 1 and 2 for their walk to the source of the Ceiriog.
21st May: Infants went to Theatre Clwyd to see “Button Moon”.
23rd May: 23 children went to Pentrellyncymer
24th June: School trip to Ironbridge Gorge.
24th Sept: Harvest Service.
26th Oct: Book week. Fancy dress competitions with the theme of a book character. 2 residents of the Cheshire home as judges (Frances and Glyn).
27th Nov: PTA Christmas disco.
4th Dec: Christmas fayre.
8th Dec: carol singing in school for parents and children. 7pm soup and rolls provided by Mrs Thomas and the school cook.
18th Dec: Christmas dinner
Governor's meeting extracts
The school had been given a lovely old road sign and it had been put up at the back of the school
Dr DP Williams, H.M. Inspector
His visit lasted nearly 4 hours. He visited each class in turn looked at the children's books and asked questions to determine their understanding on the subject. He then talked to staff, giving his views – he had a clear impression that the staff were thinking carefully about the work being carried out. The children made a favourable impression on him. They were enthusiastic and willing to talk with understanding and interest of the work they were doing.
Resulting from the HMIs comments the following were done: 2 clocks were purchased for the classroom, Top Juniors had changed from squared paper to lined paper in preparation for comprehensive school,
and the 1/2p had been deleted from books, calculators for the junior’s scheme in preparation
Governors were concerned about the speeding traffic. A letter was sent to the chief constable expressing our concern. In reply the Chief constable stated that the police had carried out subsequent speed checks but had not detected any offenders. Yellow zigzag markings have been put outside the school.
17th and 18th March: Baker Days at Chirk Junior and Dinas Bran
24th March: School production of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox at Dolywern Hall.
21st April: Plans to use the Old Scotch Baptist Chapel which have filled a whole file have proved impracticable.
2nd May: 5 a side football tournament at Plas Madoc
3rd May: Netball tournament at Plas Madoc
3rd/5th June: Headmaster and Mrs Beti Jones take 20 children for the weekend to Pentrellyncymer.
13th June: Mrs Branwen Thomas appointed deputy Head as Mrs Edwards has been appointed headmistress at Llawybetws School.
15th June: Area Sports Day at Chirk.
23rd June: School Trip to Anglesey Sea Zoo and Museum of childhood at Beaumaris
28th June: Sports Day.
1st July: School Fete. Presentation of a bookcase made by Theo Davies to Mrs Edwards on her leaving the school.
6/7th July: 2 Baker Days for staff.
30/31st August: Baker days. Staff met to organise the terms work. Mrs Hughes is temporary supply teacher for the infants as no one has tried for the post.
5th Oct: Harvest Service.
3rd Nov: Juniors 1 and 2 visited Old Victorian School, Llangollen.
11th Nov: Victorian Day in School. All junior children and Staff dressed up in Victorian costumes. There was also an exhibition of Victorian artefacts in the mobile classroom. Parents came to see the display.
9th Dec: 6 children went to the Chirk Hospital Day care centre to play their musical instruments.
3rd Jan: Staff remain as before; No school governors. The Staff, parents and minor authorities are appointed but we are still waiting for the county representative.
Feb: Infants teaching post advertised. No applicants
June: The post has been advertised openly and Miss Carys Davies was appointed.
5th Sept: 64 children on school roll.
26th Sept: Mrs Thomas held an evening for parents of children coming up to her class from the infants.
3rd Oct: Head teacher held an evening for parents to explain some aspects of the National curriculum.
15th Nov: After school French classes started by a parent for interested children.
Governors Meeting Extract:
Suggested having a uniform and to encourage children to use it.
16th Jan: A W EA course on local history will take place at the school for the next 10 weeks at 7pm
26th Feb: No heat or electricity at school, all the children were sent home. Staff stayed in school. Supply reinstated at 11.20am. Local children then returned to school and 22 of them remained for the day.
7th March: 5 boys represented the school in the valley rugby team that played in the Urdd tournament at Denbigh.
12th March: A local author, Mrs Irma Chilton came to school to talk to all the junior children. This was arranged by Mrs Thomas whose class was studying one of Mrs Chilton’s books.
20th March: Netball at Plas Madoc.
26th March: Football tournament at Plas Madoc.30th March: Mrs Chilton gave a talk to all the junior children on the geology of the Ceiriog Valley.
28th April: About 15 children took part in an Urdd Concert at the Institute in Glyn. This was to raise money for the National Eisteddfod to be held in Ruthin in 12 months time.
25th April: Start of Environment week with a community Walk.
29th April: Sunday: The children took part in a service at Llywnmawr arranged by Mrs Thomas.
30th – 4th May: A full week of Environmental activities arranged by Mrs Thomas. Unveiling of the repaired Cheshire Home Clock, Mr Harri Roberts talk on birdlife, tree planting in Old Roman Road, etc.
18th May: Police Dog team gave a display at school.
31st May: New school badge design submitted by pupils. Governors to adjudicate and decide whether to adopt the badge as the new school symbol
8th June: PTA launch a grand balloon race
25th June: Induction Day at Dinas Bran for year 6
26th June: Induction Day at Morgan Llwyd for 2 pupils.
16th July: Sports Day.
4th Sept: 62 children on Roll.
21st Sept: children start a regular series of visits to the Cheshire Home arranged by the school and Mrs Northwood.
26th Sept: A film unit from Cartrefle College came to school to video the children as part of the project on Chirk Castle.
11th Oct: Harvest Festival.
12th Oct: Junior children went to Chirk Library as part of book week. They were given a talk and demonstration on creating atmosphere in a story.
2nd Nov: Rev M Valerie John to the Friday service for the first time.
8th Nov: No electricity today. Notice given by M A N W E B. Generator was obtained therefore all children were in school although heat and light were at a reduced rate.
A new organ and speaker were delivered to school today.
14th Nov: During the night a break-in at school, the organ and speaker stolen some spare cash was also taken. Windows and internal doors were damaged and cupboard and filing cabinets in the head teachers room were vandalised and their contents strewn over the floor. Children had to be sent home as nothing was to be touched until the police had finished their work. About 21 local children came back to school in the afternoon.
15th Nov: Governors open meeting for parents. 3 people attended.
6th Dec: Christmas service at Pontfadog church at 7pm.
12th Dec: children repeated the carol service for the residents of the Cheshire Home.
Governors Meeting Extract:
An order has been placed for sweatshirts.
January: Children go to the Gateway theatre Chester to see Mother Goose.
11th Feb: Years 5 and 6 boys play in a football tournament at Plas Madoc.
15th March: Comic Relief Day Children paid money to come to school in fancy dress.
16th March: Mrs Lloyd attended school to demonstrate the work she does at home, ie painting model cottages – part of the David Winter range.
16th April: The first Book Fayre arrives at school
25th April: Years 5 and 6 visited Dennis Ruabon Tiles as a follow up visit to coincide with the work they are doing on ceramics.
9th May: Mr Tecwyn Jones at school to discuss work on computer as part of the Chirk castle Project.
11th May: Environmental Week starts. Activities include a walk to the source of the Ceiriog, a visit to a fish farm. Tree planting, an environmental play and environmental videos.
4th June: Years 5 and 6 visit Valle cruces and take part in a play with Cadw theatre company.
5th and 6th June: Years 5 and 6 have their work on display at a ROTECH exhibition in Llangollen. Over the two days all the children in turn have attended, looked after the stall and answered questions.
16th July: sports Day.
3rd Sept: 63 pupils. New infant Teacher, Miss Rhian Roberts starts at school.
26th Sept: WEA start a 6 week evening class at school.
15th Oct: Years 5 and 6 to Dinas Bran for a Maths and Computers liaison morning.
12th Dec: Pantomime at Chester gateway theatre.
27th Jan: M A N W E B turned off the electricity in the village for the whole day. As advanced notice was given a generator was acquired for the day. Heat and light, however, were of limited power.
6th Feb: Deputy head attends a half day course on Dyslexia.
13th Feb: Follow up course on Dyslexia at Denbigh.
I have been looking through the early log books of the School and copying out items of interest. Attendance was clearly a major concern and most early entries were about that. Weather was a major influence on attendance as was illness and the weather today is notably different than in the early years when snow was remarked on between November and April. Now we get light falls in January and occasional heavier falls for a few days in February as our total snowfall in the valley. This year is particularly wet and mild.