IR,

A wonderful welcome awaited visitors to Monmouth Comprehensive School on Friday afternoon.

The year seven students hosted their Christmas fayre and embraced the festive season with manners, beaming smiles and bundles of confidence. It is astonishing to think that these youngsters began their high school journey only 14 weeks ago and already seem so settled, comfortable and happy in their new learning environment.

The fayre gave the children the opportunity to set up stalls and use fundraising skills, involving staff, parents and fellow students.

This delightful atmosphere is the result of the dedication of the leadership team and teaching staff who have implemented a robust, approachable and personable structure that supports our children so well. This ultimately makes our youngsters feel safe and secure and impacts on their experiences at school. The swift and seamless integration to life at high school with such high standards is extremely comforting.

Further exemplary behaviour was demonstrated by the school rowing club at the Wycliffe Head Regatta, near Gloucester on Saturday. Well done to all of the athletes who took part, the camaraderie was exceptional. Thank you to the older athletes who were so supportive to the year nine 'rookies' who took part in their first competitive races. Your enthusiasm was infectious and offered so much encouragement to the new members of the team. You are a credit to your rowing club and to the school and above all a credit to yourselves. You should be very proud.

Sarah Bainbridge

(Herefordshire)