15 October, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you’re all well. As we approach the winter months, I am conscious that workloads are increasing, as are reports of colds and Coronavirus cases.  So, I would like to start this message by saying, although the work we do is important, it is also important that we look after our health and wellbeing. As we approach the half term week, I hope some of you have planned some time to relax and take a break from work. 

On the subject of schools and the approaching half term, I have a few related items that have been brought to my attention this week. The first is a very sincere thank you letter from the Headteacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, from the end of last term, to Mandy and her team of cleaning staff. Mr Angell-Jones’ words will resonate with a number of you, I’m sure, so I wanted to highlight the following:

Thank you to Lynne Armstrong for sharing this with me and I would also like to thank all of our cleaning staff for their exceptional work and dedication over the past 18 months.

Another team who have performed exceptionally are Big Fresh Catering, and we were reminded  again this week that the most important role they play is in ensuring that our school pupils are catered for. Ysgol Y Deri had no kitchen staff on Wednesday, due to positive coronavirus cases, and there were no relief staff available so Big Fresh chief officers Carole Tyley and Symon Dovey stepped into the breach, donned their aprons and managed to get the kitchen ready before providing a full lunch service to pupils at short notice. And the headteacher of Ysgol Y Deri, Chris Britten, was kind enough to give them a shout out on Twitter. Thank you Carole, Symon and team for demonstrating #TeamVale values, rolling up your sleeves and working together to ensure a continued service for Vale pupils. 

Some of you may be aware that Wales and West Utilities are currently undertaking essential gas works in Park Crescent in Barry. This work, being so close to Romilly Primary School, one of the largest primaries in the Vale, could have caused significant disruption. But I was pleased to be informed by colleagues this week that the work is progressing and the temporary traffic management measures are also working well. Early engagement with the school, parents and nearby traders, has meant there have been no significant issues reported thus far. I hope the remaining weeks go just as well. With thanks to highways colleagues, and in particular Nathan Thomas, for facilitating this work. 

I also received a heart-warming email this week praising one of our library staff members, Gethin Shepperd. Gethin has recently helped a local resident who was researching distressing family history and has received high praise for his efforts. The email read:

“I have been truly overwhelmed by Gethin’s prompt, efficient and fulsome responses and I wholeheartedly commend to you his care, kindness and professionalism. He must be the most terrific colleague.”

I’m not sure I can add warmer words than these so I will instead echo these sentiments in my thanks to you, Gethin. 

I would like to pass on my congratulations this week to the Vale Valleys and Cardiff adoption team, who’ve contributed to an award-winning podcast. ‘Truth Be Told’ won gold for ‘Best Use of Content’ in the CIPR Pride Awards recently. The judges said: 

“This campaign brought a really fresh approach to a complex and sensitive issue, with a focus on storytelling and real-life experiences. A meticulous approach to research and the involvement of diverse family groups from the outset created a compelling and ground-breaking podcast that inspired new and fruitful engagement for the National Adoption Service.”

Da iawn to all involved. I would also like to use this message to help one of our partners, Menter Bro Morgannwg, by mentioning their upcoming pub quiz / cwis tafarn, which will take place next Tuesday, 19 October, at the Tynewydd Inn in Barry. The quiz will be bilingual so it’s suitable for Welsh speakers, learners and non-Welsh speakers. Our relationship with Menter is a really strong and valued one and I hope some of you will go along to support them and enjoy an evening. Pob lwc if you do!  

Finally, a couple of weeks ago I was pleased to announce the winner of the Big Fresh Afternoon Tea drawn out of entries received following the launch of our Culture Book.  I also indicated that 20 others would receive a ‘consolation prize’ each of £5 vouchers to use at the Pier Pavilion.  Those names have now been drawn and the lucky 20 will receive notification early next week. Enjoy!

I hope you all have a nice weekend, whatever you may have planned. Take care and look after yourselves.

Diolch yn fawr,

Rob.