St Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
Message G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
I was born and raised in 14
jumping over them, trying,
Saint Mary Street, a stone’s
usually unsuccess
throw from St. Joseph’s
I was born and raised in 14
Comprehensive. I was
Saint Mary Street, a stone’s
educated during the war
throw from St. Joseph’s Com-
years at St. Joseph’s Infants
prehensive. I was educated
and Junior Schools, both of
during the war years at St.
which were located behind
Joseph’s Infants and Junior
the church in Water St. I
Schools, both of which were
was one of ten children and
located behind the church in
in those days, if you passed
Water St. I was one of ten
your 11plus examination,
children and in those days, if
your catholic education came to an end as you
you passed your 11plus examination, your
left to attend the County Grammar School
catholic education came to an end as you left
which is now Glan Afan Comprehensive. Ev-
to attend the County Grammar School which
ery Saturday morning, catholic children who
is now Glan Afan Comprehensive. Every
were in the grammar school had to attend
Saturday morning, catholic children who were
Religious Education lessons in the church hall
in the grammar school had to attend Religious
with Mr. Will McCarthy.
Education lessons in the church hall with Mr.
In those days the site of the comprehensive school was known as Lang’s Field and was full
Will McCarthy. In those days the site of the comprehensive
of small streams and ponds which we called
school was known as Lang’s Field and was full
‘The Pills’. The identity of Mr or Mrs Lang
of small streams and ponds which we called
was a mystery then and still is today. I would
‘The Pills’. The identity of Mr or Mrs Lang
spend hours there with my friends Mary,
was a mystery then and still is today. I would
Verna, Stacia and Jimmy. It was a heaven of a
spend hours there with my friends Mary,
playground for us children as the waters were
Verna, Stacia and Jimmy. It was a heaven of a
full of tadpoles and fish and we would enjoy
playground for us children as the waters were
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
our school ‘ t h e d e v e lo p m e n t o f o u r p u p i l s a s s o c i a l b e i n g s a n d a s i n d i v i d ua l s’
I was born and raised in 14 Saint Mary Street,
to attend Religious Education lessons in the
a stone’s throw from St. Joseph’s Comprehen-
church hall with Mr. Will McCarthy.
sive. I was educated during the war years at
In those days the site of the comprehensive
St. Joseph’s Infants and Junior Schools, both
school was known as Lang’s Field and was full
of which were located behind the church in
of small streams and ponds which we called
Water St. I was one of ten children and in
‘The Pills’. The identity of Mr or Mrs Lang
those days, if you passed your 11plus exami-
was a mystery then and still is today. I would
nation, your catholic education came to an
spend hours there with my friends Mary,
end as you left to attend the County Gram-
Verna, Stacia and Jimmy. It was a heaven of a
mar School which is now Glan Afan Com-
playground for us children as the waters were
prehensive. Every Saturday morning, catholic
full of tadpoles and fish and we would enjoy
children who were in the grammar school had
jumping over them, trying, usually unsuccess-
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
fully, to stay dry. Health and safety was less
soon to be known as ‘our school’. I was also
of an issue in those days. During the war,
pregnant with my third child and was pleased
a barrage balloon was moored on the site
that they would be able to enjoy catholic
and we nicknamed it Bella. One day, Bella
education until they were eighteen. I couldn’t
broke loose and all the children ran after the
attend the opening ceremony on May 13th as
escaping balloon trying to catch its ropes. We
my son, Anthony, was born eight days earlier.
finally caught it in The Three Cornered Field
I can remember my friend telling me that the
- the furthest field, so nicknamed because
new headmaster, Dr. Jones, was only about
one of the streams meandered in such a way
twenty eight years old. I thought this was
it gave the illusion of having three corners.
very young but when I read his words in the
After I married in the late 1950s, I moved
booklet of the opening ceremony about ‘the
to John Street which is even nearer the
development of our pupils as social beings
school and have lived there ever since. At
and as individuals’, I knew that ‘our school’
that time I was responsible for collecting
was in good hands.
The Building Fund, a weekly contribution
I have had a long and happy association
from St. Joseph’s parishioners towards the
with our school. During the 1970s and 1980s
maintenance of the church and the schools.
I worked in a local fish and chip shop in
I would do house-to-house collections,
Dalrymple Street which served the pupils of
enjoying a chat with my fellow church-goers,
St. Joseph’s every day. I would know all the
and deliver the envelopes to the church after
children by their orders, if not by their names.
Benediction on a Sunday afternoon.
If I were in town on a weekend with my
Then, Canon Quiligan announced that he had secured enough funds to build a new school for catholic children and that work was to commence on Lang’s Field. I was especially delighted when he announced that the school was to be a comprehensive school – the first catholic comprehensive school in Wales – because I was firmly against the idea of writing off children after a single test on a particular day at the age of eleven. I felt that somehow my collecting of The Building Fund envelopes for years had contributed to this new and exciting adventure of building what was
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
children, I would have a stream of youngsters
return to the Sixth Form in September. My
saying hello to me and greeting me on the
eldest daughter, Anne, is a Cover Supervisor
streets. ‘Who is that, Mam?’ I was asked. ‘Not
at the school and my second daughter Helen
sure of his name but he always has an Evans
is Deputy Headteacher. My childhood friend
Pie, small chips and a Tip-Top’, I would reply.
Jimmy became Mr O’ Sullivan, the well-
The children were always friendly and polite
respected Head of English at ‘our school’
and I knew that this came from the good
for many years and I know he had a positive
grounding they had in their homes and in
impact on many young lives, my daughter
‘our school’. On the rare occasions we had
Helen included. I enjoyed attending func-
an unruly or rude youngster in of an evening,
tions at the school over many years especially
the owner Maria and I could often be heard
the plays that Jimmy would put on. One
to comment that they were ‘not from “our
play which sticks in my mind is ‘Our Town’
school” ’. My sister, Margaret, worked in the
by Thornton Wilder. John Dummer played
school kitchens for many years and my four
The Narrator which was a formidable role.
children, Anne, Helen, Anthony and Rachel,
It was so good I went back to see it a second
all attended there as did my grandchildren
night! These days, I look forward to attend-
who live locally. My granddaughter Eden is
ing the annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas
doing her GCSEs at the moment and will
Party which is organised by the Sixth Form
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
students and is a wonderful event. My life-
Talbot will benefit from the opportunities
long friends Verna and Stacia come too, but
and experiences provided by ‘our school’
we have, as yet, failed to persuade Jimmy to
for many years to come.
come along with us. Maybe this year…..
l Mrs. Christina Lucitt (Aged 84)
I think one of the school’s strengths has always been the close links between the families, the parishes and the teaching staff. If I didn’t know the teachers personally, I probably knew their parents or relatives. This bond meant that I fully trusted ‘our school’ to bring out the best in my children and to nurture their very different and individual talents. I am very proud to have been associated with ‘our school’ since the start. I think it is a wonderful place where children can blossom into adults in a caring and supportive environment and I hope that the young people of Neath and Port
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
breaking new ground I t ta k e s t i m e pat i e n c e a n d f o r wa r d p l a n n i n g n e e d e d f o r t h i n g s to d e v e lo p a n d g r o w
I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed but
had ability but no inclination to work hard.
there are some beautiful trees in the grounds
I wasted my time, fell behind and eventually
of St. Joseph’s. I remember the cherry
dropped out. I didn’t have any O levels or
blossom when I came here last year and,
A levels so when I looked for a change of
as I write, it is in bloom again, petals scat-
direction in 1991 I didn’t have many choices.
tered around like confetti. I don’t know who
Surprisingly, I decided that I wanted to
planted the trees or if they ever get to see
be an RE teacher. Exactly how I came to
the results of what they planted but I’m sure
this conclusion I can’t remember but I do
they knew what they were doing. I think that
remember being fully convinced about it. I
they were aware that it takes time for some
had become a husband and father the previ-
things to grow and that some of our most
ous year and this had made me think dif-
important work might be appreciated long
ferently about life. With my wife’s support
after we have gone. It’s a lot like this with
and encouragement I set about getting some
people and with schools too. They take time
qualifications. It took time. I had to be away
to grow. They also take lots of patience and
from my wife and daughter for long peri-
plenty of forward planning!
ods. It was both hard work and a wonderful
The last time I worked in Port Talbot was
learning adventure. Tears at the train station;
as a bulldozer driver on the steel works tip.
research at the Bodleian Library. Two years
That was 1991 and although I was thinking
of study at Plater College (formerly the
about how I could get a different job I never
Catholic Workers’ College), three years at
thought that 21 years later I’d have the good
Oxford University and a year at the national
fortune to start work as the Headteacher of
centre for RE in Bangor and I was ready to
St. Joseph’s. I can say that it took time for
start teaching.
me to realise what I wanted to do in life and
In September 1997, a few days after the
I’m grateful for the patience of those around
birth of my son, I took up my first teaching
me. I wasn’t much of a success at school. I
post as an RE teacher at Bishop Vaughan
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
School, Swansea. I loved teaching and still
person, of course. This is fundamental
do. It’s a privilege being able to share ideas
given our distinctive and positive Catholic
with young people and get them to consider
understanding of what it means to be hu-
the most fundamental human questions, to
man. What I have always found beneficial
think about life’s meaning and purpose. I
is the extra-curricular opportunities that we
always made sure that my RE lessons were
can provide to pupils. Taking young people
somewhere that pupils could discuss what-
away on a residential retreat to St. Cassian’s,
ever mattered to them. Sometimes pupils
leading them on pilgrimages to St. David’s,
didn’t end up doing much but, most im-
Rome or the World Youth Day and taking
portantly, they always learned something.
sixth formers on a 500 mile cycle ride to
And I learned too – that about them: their
Santiago de Compostela – these are unique
hopes and dreams; their highs and lows. Of
opportunities for pupils and staff to learn
course, there are always pupils who are dif-
so much about themselves and each other.
ficult to engage, for one reason of anther.
Pupils cannot usually get experiences like
These ones are the greatest challenge. Suc-
these elsewhere. They are ones that enhance
cess here is always something very special.
the educational experience, living long in
Genuine education is all about the whole 28
the memory of learners. Lifelong friend-
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
ships, increased levels of trust and respect, a
have had a lot to celebrate and we intend
greater awareness of the world and our place
to celebrate even more as we move forward
in it and developing socially, culturally and
with all we hope to do. What we hope to do,
spiritually are the fruits of these
of course, is to continue to help build up our
learning adventures.
pupils, to help them to grow, to fulfill their
I spent almost fifteen years at my last
potential, to become fully human and the
school. During that time I was fortunate
glory of God. I hope that our achievements
enough to become Head of RE, then
will have an effect that goes far beyond what
Assistant Headteacher and then Deputy
we can see today and that those who look
Headteacher. I met and worked with many
back fifty years from now will be glad of
talented and committed people, some of
what we did.
whom are my great friends. I’ve always
There really are some beautiful trees in the
found that having people around you with
grounds of St. Joseph’s. I’m glad someone
whom you can share ideas about how to
planted them.
move forward or work things out is the best
l Eugene Scourfield
way to make progress (… and learning from mistakes!). I also think that a generous sense of humour is not only helpful but necessary in helping to form and maintain good relationships. I don’t believe any of us has all the answers and there is always something we can learn from someone else. This last year has probably been the busiest one of my life. (My youngest daughter is not impressed!) It has also been one of the most rewarding. Being the Headteacher of St. Joseph’s is every bit as difficult and every bit as exciting as I imagined it would be. I have learned a lot about myself and about others. I have met some superb people and we have begun to share a very important journey. There has been a lot to do and we have done a lot. There has been a lot to learn and we have learned a lot. We
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Magnificent seven H i g h l i g h ts f r o m Y e a r s e v e n
I was previously a pupil at St.
best part of my day was when
Therese’s Primary School and
the tour guide picked me out to
as the time approached for me
show the other pupils how eas-
to leave and go to St. Joseph’s
ily a person can be killed by a
Comprehensive, I was really
pitch fork! Don’t worry, I made
excited. I couldn’t wait to meet
it home alive!
the new teachers and make new
Other highlights of my year
friends. I was excited about the
include having a whole hour
prospect of learning Spanish!
long reading lesson each fort-
On the first morning my Dad
night in my English lessons,
dropped me off at the gates and I felt a little
as I really love to read. The new Reading
bit nervous walking up the drive, but also really
Room is really colourful and we have lovely
grown up and excited about this new part of
sofas and bean bags to sit on.
my life. Although I was a little bit apprehensive,
The things I like best about St. Joseph’s
I was reassured because I knew my big sister,
are the teachers, who are all really nice and
Bethan, would be there to look out for me.
helpful. They’re always glad to help and
I was put into Mr. Govier’s form class, which
they listen to everyone’s different views. The
is great as he’s really funny and we have great
school is awesome and when the year ends I’ll
class discussions. In class, I like to sit by my
be dying to come back in September to see
friend’s Tia and Sophie. I knew them both
my friends that I only see in school.
before coming to St Joseph’s as we were all St.
In the future I would like to have a career
John’s Ambulance Badgers and it was lovely to
as an author of mystery, horror and fantasy
have people I knew in those first few weeks.
books so I am definitely planning on taking
After being here for a year now, I have settled in and I really enjoy being a pupil at St.
English in the Sixth Form. I have really enjoyed my first year at St, Jo-
Joseph’s. My favourite part of the year was
seph’s and I’m really glad I have lots of years
the Year Seven History trip to Cosmeston,
in the school ahead of me.
where we explored the medieval village. The
l Meghan Stewart
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
Perfect Ten B r oa d e n i n g m y h o r i zo n s
The transition from primary
school and I feel privileged to
to secondary school is daunting
have been able to represent St.
for any eleven year old, but I
Joseph’s across the world! An-
found it exceptionally worrying
other exciting visit I have been
as coming from Blaenbaglan
fortunate enough to take part
Primary School, I was one of
in is the school’s recent visit
only three other pupils in my
to Disneyland, Paris. This was
class that would be moving
an extremely interesting trip as
on to St. Joseph’s. Nerves and
we were able to see maths in a
apprehension were some of the
real life context and learn about
feelings I experienced leading up to the begin-
how they used it to build and sustain the
ning of September, and many worries crossed
theme park! Another experience I will always
my mind. However, when I arrived for my
remember is the visit from the successful,
first day in 2009, I immediately felt at home!
published poet, Luke Wright. The whole class
By the end of the day I had established new
and I felt privileged to spend the day with him
friendships and was filled with excitement
and share in some of his secrets to writing a
about returning the next morning. I am certain
fantastic poem!
that this welcoming atmosphere was created
There are many elements of St. Joseph’s
not only by the support from the teachers but
that contribute to making it a successful and
also the friendliness of older pupils.
welcoming school. One of the most important
My time at St. Joseph’s has so far been
elements is undoubtedly the teaching staff,
unforgettable. This is partly due to the amaz-
who strive to treat all pupils as individuals and
ing opportunities that I have been given, such
encourage them to achieve to the best of their
as the chance to travel to America, skiing
ability. This quality teaching has affirmed my
with friends, which was the best experience
decision to stay on in sixth form, as I am con-
of my life! Having the opportunity to travel
fident that each teacher would be willing to go
so far and learning how to ski are things that
the extra mile to help me succeed.
I wouldn’t have been able to do outside of
l Molly Owen
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
mickey mouse trip D i s n e y l a n d Pa r i s o r B u s t a n d t h e j o u r n e y o f a l i f e t i m e
Disneyland Paris: Teacher’s Perspective 24 hours to Tulsa – maybe so, but here I am looking at 24 hours in a bus, over four days, with 35 Year Nine and Ten pupils on our biannual maths trip to Disneyland, Paris. What was I thinking when I gave up my half-term to take them to France for the third time? Had I not learnt that this means twelve hours in a coach with those immortal words “How long to go?” ringing in my ears, and that was as we passed Cardiff services! The perennial statement “When are we stopping, Sir?” was the next most common question, accompanied by groans when the response was “Not for hours yet!” Leaving at 4am on a Monday morning was the start of an experience which is designed not only to show how maths is used in every-
day life – through hotel occupancy rates, ride design and queue management – but also to provide the pupils with exposure to a different culture and language. The initial coach trip was punctuated by regular stops, emptying bins full of the paraphernalia of children’s snacks and drinks. The pupils were boisterous and excited and I’m confident Facebook took a hammering, with regular updates on our progress. The tunnel was reached and after a short wait, more food for the boys (bacon sandwiches and burgers), a dash to the toilet (literally for one poor boy who was feeling the effects of all that red bull), we hit France. A stop at the services provided the first incident to dent the entende cordial. One pupil was not happy with the service he received in buying another burger and chips. Asked to explain his grumpiness he said they were rude to him. On elaboration it turns out he wasn’t happy because they spoke French not English! The resort was reached, rooms were checked, pupils settled in and, despite a twelve hour journey, after a quick change we were off to the Buffalo Bill Wild West show. A great show (for the third time!) and we were
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
allocated the green corner. Food and drinks
Before we knew it we were shopping for
flowed freely, but it was all too much for
presents for the family and planning the trip
one poor lad who fell asleep in his dinner. It
home. The last night was one of relaxation,
turned into a late night as some were far too
with pupils now more settled and happily
excited for sleep so the corridor duty lasted
socialising. Lights out was at 12.00 and by
late into the night.
12.30pm all was quiet – bliss!
After a nice lie in, we were all down for
Another twelve hours and it was all over.
breakfast. A huge number of croissants got
We just needed to get back home and what
devoured, alongside a substantial amount of
could possibly go wrong? Well, being stopped
small packets of Nutella – someone said that
just after the toll booth by three police cars
the record by the third day was fifty packets in
and a drugs sniffer dog! The dog took a liking
a morning!
to one poor girl’s bag and before she knew it
The next two days passed in a blur of
she was out the front of the coach having her
coffee, cold and more coffee and more cold.
bag thoroughly searched for drugs. There was
Despite five layers, by the end of the day it
nothing there, apart from mints, and having
was through to my bones and I welcomed
nearly passed out with fright, she was grateful
the interlude of lecture and workshop in the
to return to her seat! Then the driver could
warmth of the cinema. Pupils’ participation
not open the padlock to the tachograph as the
was great and the organisers were impressed
key was broken inside the lock, leaving visions
with their designs.
of hours on the side of the motorway waiting
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
for a locksmith flashing through my mind.
her friends, in Disney Land of all places, (with
Finally opened, there was an anxious wait,
the minor hindrance of maths lectures) would
not helped by the driver explaining that they
also consider it a dream come true.
may interpret his rest periods differently and
The bus ride was, let’s just say, less than
we would have to wait for two to three hours
subdued. After about an hour, the initial ex-
before being allowed to progress. I think it
citement started to fade and dozing off for a
was the thought of 35 pupils running around
couple of hours seemed like the sensible thing
the little police station that swung it!
to do for everyone. Everyone apart from
We eventually reached England and found
Jack Mason, that is, who thought it would
ourselves stuck in traffic. At least it gave one
be a good idea to assault our ears with his
girl a chance to check her mobile phone bill.
ludicrously loud music and generally raucous
We did tell her that phoning the boyfriend
shouting. It wasn’t well received, I can tell you!
from France would be expensive, especially
It’s easy to look back and laugh now but at the
at an hour a time every day and night, but do
time I, and I’m sure many others, had visions
they listen?!!
of his speakers smashed and mangled on the
We arrived back home on a Friday night and there went my half-term week. Was it worth
roadside after being tossed out the window! At around 10.00am, the bus became slightly
it? The experience to the pupils is something
livelier due to the ingestion of a combination
they wouldn’t get if they stay in school, so
of caffeinated drinks, sweets, and chocolates.
definitely. But let’s just say, after three trips I
At this point, I honestly don’t know what
may take a break next time and let someone
came over us but I, along with the rest of the
else go!! Donald Prosser.
coach, found myself singing football chants of teams I’ve never had any interest in before.
Disneyland, Paris: Pupils’ Perspective I’m sure everyone would agree that waking up in the early hours of the morning is rarely a pleasant experience. However, I don’t think I’ve ever opened my eyes and been as excited as I was the day we set off for Disneyland, Paris. Hauling my ridiculously over-packed suitcase and treasure trove of sugary treats, I bounded down the street to the bus, the air crackling with excitement and expectation. I think any teenager let loose abroad with all
28
Blame it on the sense of freedom or lack of sleep but Chico Flores’ name will be ever ingrained into my memory as a result of that ridiculously repetitive song. One thing I don’t think anyone on the trip will ever forget is when the intimidating French border control police came on to our bus to make sure our school trip to Disneyland wasn’t an elaborate front for smuggling drugs into the country. As he slowly and formidably paced up the bus with his sniffer
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
dog, the atmosphere was, well, how you’d
the seat behind and started sniffing and biting
expect it to be when there’s a six-foot bald
Ffion Annandale’s bag. The border control
man with a gun within close proximity; tense
man started shouting very sternly in French
to say the least! The dog came further and
and as he leaned over to get Ffion’s apparently
further towards the back without so much as
drug-crammed bag, his gun was literally a
a hesitant sniff at anyone else’s bag, and as
few centimetres from my nose! Slightly scary
it passed where I was sitting I put my head-
but it was all worth it, seeing the genuinely
phones back in and relaxed. Somewhat pre-
frightened look on Ffion’s face as the man
maturely apparently, as the dog lurched under
questioned her thoroughly and proceeded to
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Even the dreaded Maths lectures didn’t turn out too bad in the end! It didn’t feel like we were learning and they were really interesting and enjoyable. Creating and presenting our own virtual ride was my favourite activity and it was fascinating to gain an insight into the detail and precision that goes into the design process. We did get to enjoy some free time back at the hotel and one of the funniest moments of the trip took place there. It was Valentine’s Day and inspired by the romance of the occasion, two boys decided they were going to rummage through her belongings! When we got to Paris the atmosphere was
attempt to woo the objects of their affections. In the style of true gentlemen, they tried to
amazing! Apart from the fact that it eerily
bribe the waiter to give them two roses for
reminded me of the hotel in Stephen King’s
their chosen sweethearts and after much per-
‘The Shining’, the hotel was lovely. The key
suasion they finally got them! Unbeknownst
card opening system, however, left something
to the boys, the girls had found out about this
to be desired and I think the majority of the
planned declaration of affection and pan-
people on the trip, both teachers and pu-
icked. This left the boys scouring the hotel
pils, were locked out of their rooms in their
in search of them, before eventually finding
pyjamas at some point because their key had
them hiding - wait for it - in their own room!
decided to stop working.
Good one, girls!
Buffalo Bill’s on the first night was really
The return bus journey was nearly as high
entertaining and the food there was the best
spirited as the bus journey there. Even though
on the entire trip. The free cowboy hats were
we were tired, we still wanted entertainment,
also much appreciated!
so Billie Eley offered to take song requests
The Disney park was also amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever ridden one rollercoaster as many times as I rode on Space Mountain. The
and spent the rest of the trip belting out songs for our benefit. The time we spent on the trip was amazing
whole of Year Ten rode it at least ten times
and it was, without doubt, one of the funniest
a day and even when, on one occasion, the
and most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.
rollercoaster stopped mid-ride at the top of a
I can’t wait to go again in two years’ time!
steep drop, we still weren’t deterred!
l Amber Davies
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Class photos “ T h e l i t t l e wav e s, w i t h t h e i r s o f t, w h i t e h a n d s , Effac e t h e f o ot p r i n ts i n t h e s a n d s , A n d t h e t i d e r i s e s, t h e t i d e fa l l s .”
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
The Wright Stuff! A day s p e n t w i t h lu k e W r i g h t, o u r n e w fav o u r i t e p o e t
On the 14th of November, Essex poet Luke
Luke got the whole class involved by draw-
Wright came into St. Joseph’s to share his
ing pictures on the white board to help us
work. His audience was the whole of Year
come up with ideas. This exercise was great
Ten and a scattering of excited English
fun and everyone loved taking part and us-
teachers. At first sight it was clear to see he
ing their imagination.
was ready to work with us. He was dressed
He then got us to try writing our own al-
rather formally (unlike his poems’ struc-
literation poems and we think we speak for
tures!) and this added to the drama as he re-
the whole class when we say that it wasn’t
cited some of his favourite odes, such as “B
exactly easy! Another technique we found
Movie: Barry v. the Blob”, twenty eight lines
to be quite difficult was the use of uni-
of pure alliteration. His work was young per-
vocalism which was based on one of Luke’s
son friendly and there was excitement and
other poems “The Meek”. For this tech-
giggles amongst both pupils and staff.
nique we had to try and write a poem where
After his performance, Mrs Evans’ Year
nearly every word had only one vowel in it.
10 class took part in a workshop where
In Luke’s case his poem only included the
Luke got to know us better and where he
vowel “e”. This was really difficult but it
told us a bit about himself. Poems were
was also really good fun – like a big puzzle!
distributed and after reading some we got
Our favourite part of the day was writing
together and created a range of poems of
our own versions of John Cooper Clarke’s
our own. We started with a poem, entitled
poem “Are You the Business?” Luke got us
‘Alchemy’, where we turned tin into gold
each to write two verses in iambic tetram-
through the use of elaborate metaphors.
eter and we chose our favourite one. We
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
then went around the room with each of us
GCSE English Literature exams. Overall we
reciting our favoured verse aloud to make a
found the experience fascinating, enjoyable
huge poem.
and amusing and we really learnt a lot from
After learning all these techniques we got
it. We’re glad to know that Luke himself
to pick one and continue to write our own
also enjoyed the day, as on Twitter that
versions using that technique. This ended
evening he posted “Today, I had an ace day
with Rhys McAteer winning a prize with his
at St. Joseph’s School in Port Talbot. Clever
exceptional poem “Ham and Cheese”.
year 10s!” A big thanks to Luke Wright
Luke gave us plenty of tips throughout
and our teachers for giving us this amazing
the day on different types of poems and
experience!
how to write them. I’m sure we will all be
l Laura-Jayne Turnbull, Gwen Symmons and Rhian
using his advice and skills to help us in our
Wonklyn (Year 10)
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Road to Glan Llyan t h e c h a n c e f o r s t u d e n ts to s e e W e l s h a s a l i v i n g l a n g uag e
For the past fourteen years, the Welsh de-
is situated on Lake Bala in North Wales. The
partment, headed by Mrs. Heidi Prosser, has
centre is well-equipped and has its own in-
taken a residential trip to specialist centres
door ten pin bowling area and rooms where
such as Llangrannog or Glan Llyn to give
local bands come to perform for different
pupils the opportunity to practice their
groups of pupils. During their four day stay,
language skills. The department take around
staff and pupils participated in various activi-
fifteen Year 12 and 13 pupils on every annual
ties such as sailing, raft building and rowing
visit, all of whom who are taking Welsh as
on Lake Bala itself, as well as partaking in
one of their AS or A level choices.
more traditional pursuits such as Welsh folk
In November 2012, Mrs Prosser and a group of students visited Glan Llyn, which
28
dancing. They also attended a number of social evenings where pupils were able to put
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
their conversational Welsh into action, mix-
the annual pilgrimage to the home of the
ing with students from other schools across
famous Welsh prince, Llewellyn, where many
Wales.
TV dramas have been filmed. Mrs. Prosser
When asked about the benefits of residen-
openly admits that she enjoys visiting there
tial visits, Mrs. Prosser described the trip as
rather more than the pupils as some of her
‘a chance for students to see Welsh as a liv-
favourite TV programmes have been shot
ing language and develop their own language
there!
skills further, through different activities and
When asked if she intends to continue or-
settings outside of the classroom environ-
ganising Welsh residential trips, Mrs Prosser
ment.’
suggests she is keen to continue running
Having been on numerous trips during her
them for many years to come as she and all
time at St. Joseph’s she recalls many inci-
the pupils thoroughly enjoy them, both for
dents she now remembers fondly, such as the
the educational experiences they provide
time the weather was so horrendous that all
and, of course, the fun and entertainment
the roads to their destination were blocked.
they have whilst there. In fact, after enjoying
As a result, the school mini bus was forced
their recent visit so much, Year 12 are des-
to drive miles out of the way until they final-
perate to go back again in 2013 and for Mrs
ly arrived at the centre in the middle of the
Prosser, it is this increased enthusiasm for
night! Despite other incidents from across
the Welsh language and culture that makes
the years, Mrs. Prosser claims she cannot
every visit an invaluable learning experience.
remember a time she didn’t enjoy herself on
l Ffion Annandale
one of these trips or when the pupils didn’t either. ‘Every year, the pupils return in high spirits, having thoroughly enjoyed their time away. I am always able to see an improvement in their use of the Welsh language and this, along with their increased appreciation of Welsh culture and traditions, makes running the trips a pleasure’. Aside from doing activities in and around the Glan Llyn centre, the pupils are able to explore the local area, visiting famous sites and places of historic value. A high point of every trip (for Mrs Prosser, at least!) is
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Portrait of the Artist pa i n t i n g a p i c t u r e o f t h e co lo u r f u l S e a n K e h o e
For most of us, the memories that are forged
fresh faced, enthusiastic, young teacher. How-
during our formative teenage years predomi-
ever, whilst most members of staff on their
nantly hail from those made in school. Those
first day at a new school may bring with them
pivotal moments, those pivotal friendships,
new pens, plans for forthcoming lessons, or
the laughs, the traumas, the classrooms, the
maybe a few personal items to make a mark
dinners, the playground brawls … all of these
on their new classroom, Sean brought with
factors amalgamate into a heady concoction
him a tin whistle, a pair of Groucho Marx-
of anecdotal episodes that manage to stir the
esque comedy glasses (along with prosthetic
majority of us into thoughts of hindsight and
nose, of course) and an old car horn!!! Yep!
fond nostalgia. However, of all the memo-
It seemed that his appointment well and truly
ries, it seems that it is often the “teacher”
set the “eccentric” bar pretty high… to say
that unites opinion in times of reunion. The
the least; after all, there are very few teachers
chances are, all of us have a “someone” who
who have made the national press for taking
stands out as being the most “memorable” of
it upon themselves, to adorn the hillside over-
subject deliverers … whether it be for their
looking their hometown with a fifty foot man
feared discipline, their inspirational manner
made out of flour…just on a whim!
or their humanity … but, it is fair to say, few
The flat topped spiked hair and relatively
teachers can say that they are remembered
“smart” attire gradually progressed (or dimin-
most for their innate craziness. Always the
ished – depending on which way you choose
exception to the rule, this is where it appears
to view it) into paint splattered denim shorts,
Mr Sean Kehoe possesses the “crown…”
oversized woollen jumpers (with designer
In the September of 1989 Sean joined the
holes as standard) scuffed up steel toe capped
St. Joseph’s Art Department as a (reasonably)
boots and shoulder length hair that only saw
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
a brush on the first Monday of every month
to make a mess; and, if the end result was
(if he remembered). However whilst his less
something that people ‘liked’ well, it was a
than stereotypical appearance may have fallen
bonus! Teaching for me was just an extension
short of the “text-book teacher” it was his
of that. Growing up I had never been what
passion for his subject, fairness, and empathy
you may consider as particularly academic,
with his students that made him one of the
however, art always gave me a way to get what
best loved teachers of the latter half of the
was going on in my head, onto a page. By
school’s jubilee.
becoming a teacher I wanted to appeal to all
When interviewed for this publication it
pupils – not just the ones who may have had
was unsurprising to hear that he “never really
a gift for art – but for those who may have
considered teaching to be a job” in perhaps
thought that they weren’t very good at any-
the sense that you or I may think. “From a
thing, so I could show them that perfection
young age I was always experimenting with
isn’t always the only way to get things right.
colours and textures to create effects – back
Hmmm … perhaps that’s why I always had
then I didn’t even see what I was doing to be
so many ‘nutters’ in my classroom … I turned
‘art’ – to be honest I just enjoyed being able
them all into me!” His modesty, when it comes to the impact he had on so many of the pupils who passed through St Joseph’s is evident, as he tries to laugh off suggestions that he was an inspiration to the students he taught; indeed, the endless testimonials that have come from past pupils speak for themself. Few can argue that he wasn’t a successful teacher. Most educators will agree that, in fact, teaching is only part of what the job entails these days as we are seen to be so much more by those in our care – friends, guardians, confidants, entertainers, social workers, career advisors, relationship counsellors – the list goes on; and in that respect he really did seem to tick every box! However, in true non-conformist, anti-traditionalist, “I’m-a-free-spirit”
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
style, it is no wonder that very few things he
serted two lengths of pipe, which, when spo-
did in the school, reflected the norm …
ken (or, as was usually the case, shouted into
For example, who can forget his first school
unexpectedly) the sound was amplified so
trip?! Eager to dispel any doubts of his ability
that EVERYBODY could hear it! Nobody
to be methodical and organised, he decided
was safe. Teachers in the car park. Pupils
to organise an art trip to the beach. “It’ll be
trying to leave school without permission.
a chance for pupils to learn outside of the
Covert smokers. Visitors. Supply Teachers.
confines of the classroom,” he said. “It’ll
All were greeted in the same way, with Sean
give pupils the opportunity to seek out art
shouting out either welcome or disciplinar-
right here on their own doorstep,” he said.
ian roars if he caught sight of them from
“It’s only down the road too – what could
his classroom! Similarly, Ms Helen Lucitt
go wrong?” he said … “You’re right!” agreed
and Mrs Heidi Prosser can still pay testa-
the powers that be … not realising that with
ment to the countless times he took it upon
Sean at the helm the chances of something
himself to “take part” in their Welsh lessons,
“going wrong” was almost inevitable! … Yes,
often making the entire class full of pupils
only with ‘Kehoe’ could a day at the beach
and staff jump out of their skins, when the
have ended up needing a full scale paramedic
silence of the classroom was shattered with
attendance and a dramatic lifeguard helicopter
booms of “Anyone want a cup of tea?!” or
rescue for a pupil’s broken collarbone after he
some such random inquisition!
decided to invent a game of “dune jumping!” Or how about his ingenious internal tan-
Yes, indeed on the surface Sean Kehoe was not your typical teacher; but without
noid system? As a techno-phobe, computers
doubt his engaging enthusiasm, compassion,
were never Sean’s forte, indeed despite his
inclusion and love of life made him one of
“kooky” style of teaching, Sean’s approach
the most popular and memorable members
to anything “technical” was far more “old
of staff who ever graced the corridors of
school” than you may expect. So when the
St Joseph’s. His retirement in 2010 enabled
school made the move to email, in order for
him to leave Port Talbot and continue to
staff to be able to contact each other with-
hone his artful eccentricity in his beloved
out having to leave their pupils unattended;
West Wales hide-away. But without a doubt
Sean decided to keep things far “simpler”
his departure left behind a huge hole that no
by instead taking it upon himself to knock a
teacher - past, present or future, would ever
hole through his wall into the neighbouring
be expected to fill (and that’s not just the
classroom, and also from his classroom to
holes in the walls…!)
the external wall. Into said holes he then in-
l Jo Bailey
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
the best of times w h e r e t h e l a s t 35 y e a r s h av e g o n e . H e r e’s to t h e n e x t 35
September 1971 is a month that I will never
years were required to stay behind afterwards
forget. Having been born and brought up in
and were allocated our classes. My name was
Porthcawl, I was due to further my schooling
called out and I joined others in 1NY and we
at comprehensive level. But rather than send
were then led by our form teacher, Mr Dean,
me to the local secondary school my parents
to his classroom. I spoke only when spoken
had decided, as they had with my older brother
to and took a seat next to another boy who
Michael, to send me nine miles away to St
I discovered was from Neath. For the next
Joseph’s in Port Talbot.
few years I always paired with Chris Doherty
That first Monday in September was an
in every class. I don’t think I’ve seen `Doc’
experience. As I waited for the Express Motors
for 30 years. The last I heard of him he was
coach I had little idea that I was about to enter a
living in New York. Others within that class,
definitive part of my life and forge new friend-
however, I have seen sporadically and every
ships with pupils from many different towns
time there is a fantastic welcome and conver-
but chiefly the famous South Wales steel town.
sations are sparked as though there has never
The school seemed huge although it was only six form entry. I remember being herded towards the first morning whole school assembly taken by Dr Jones. Us first 28
been an intervening gap of one, five, ten or thirty odd years. There are so many memories it is difficult to recall just a few. When I was a second
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
year, the school hit the national news when a
cawl bus died from a brain haemorrhage in
couple of older boys emerged from Baglan
early 1978. Simon Lewis was a popular, fun
Moors carrying and then throwing around a
loving young man with his whole life ahead
hand grenade they had found. The live device
of him. Pupils and staff shared their torment
was carefully placed in the courtyard under-
as he was taken way too early. It served to
neath the science labs and we were evacuated
bond us closer. Another classmate, Mary Wil-
as the bomb squad arrived to defuse.
liams had returned to school following radical
About a year later we made local news
treatment for cancer. She had her right arm
when a much heralded clamp down on school
amputated and, having learnt to write with
uniform saw dozens, if not hundreds, sent
her left, sat her ‘A’ levels with us. Throughout
home for not being properly attired. There
that time I never once heard Mary complain
was a fantastic response soon after when the
or moan about the lot that life had brought
official school outfitters sold off long disused
her. She progressed to Swansea University
school caps. It seemed for a few weeks that
but that dreadful disease never left her and
everyone was wearing one.
she passed away a year or so later. Those two
The dreaded ‘O’ levels loomed in 1976 and I
episodes taught us harsh lessons about life
personally dreaded each post mortem as we left
way beyond any school curriculum. I still find
the exam room as others gave vent to answers
myself thinking about them. In my mind’s
to questions that seemed alien to me. It all
eye they are still 18, forever frozen at an age
turned out alright in the end as we gathered
that the rest of us have long since left behind.
that August day to receive our results before
I wonder what they would have been like in
decanting to ‘The Hideaway’, a local bar. Aged
their early 50’s.
only sixteen we never seemed to have trouble in getting served. It was different in those days. Sixth form was a whirlwind of 18th birthday
Aged 52 I have somehow managed to get a responsible job as the senior official of the National Union of Teachers in Wales.
parties and talk of which university we would
With members in the school I have had the
each be going to. The “New Block” was just a
pleasure of returning in a formal capacity on
few years old and we had a sixth form com-
a couple of occasions. Within the last year
mon room where we could relax, devise new
I have had chance contact with four or five
ways of securing free coffee or hot chocolate
former classmates. The reaction is always the
from the vending machine and plan the next
same. Smiles, laughs, reminiscing, catching up.
weekend.
We had a fantastic time and I wonder where
But we also learnt about grief. Sadly one of my good friends who travelled on the Porth-
the last 35 years have gone. l David Evans
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
going green a i m i n g to g e t t h e g r e e n f l ag f o r o u r e n v i r o m e n ta l e n d e av o u r s
I have attended St Joseph’s for two years
playing in the school orchestra. The Sixth
as a Sixth Form student. At first, I knew very
Form parties have also been brilliant and
few people, but I made friends on my first
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a student at St
day while I was deciding which AS levels
Joseph’s.
I would opt for. I chose to study Biology,
I’ve always been interested in environ-
Maths, Geography and Chemistry and I have
mental issues, both globally and locally and
now continued with Biology, Maths and
I’m conscious of how our actions affect us,
Geography at A level. During my first year,
wildlife and the environment. I think it is
I took part in as many activities as I could,
important that we, as humans recognise the
including ‘Teacher Aid’, ‘Paired Reading and
consequences of our actions and the impact
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
they may have on our future environment.
Additionally, we are planning to run the
After being part of the Eco Club in my
“Energy Switch off Month” in June, to save
previous school for five years, I was look-
energy by reducing the number of lights and
ing forward to taking part in improving the
electrical devices left on in classrooms and
environment of St. Joseph’s and reducing
introducing a red and yellow card system for
the school’s ecological footprint. Since start-
persistently offending rooms. The Eco Club
ing the Eco Club in September, we have set
will patrol the hallways on randomly chosen
up recycling throughout the school for paper
days to note the worst offending teach-
and cardboard and we are now looking into
ers who will subsequently be ‘named and
recycling plastic as well.
shamed’ in the staff bulletin!
The next step is reducing litter through-
In recent months, the school has achieved
out the school, (for this we have purchased
the Eco Schools Bronze Award and we are
litter picking equipment) and we will be
now looking at the criteria for the Silver
delivering a presentation to other pupils on
Award, whilst working towards some of the
the detrimental effect litter can have on the
targets necessary for achieving it. Our ulti-
environment. Following on from this, we
mate aim is for the school to be awarded the
will be designing a rota for all pupils, provid-
prestigious Green Flag.
ing them with the opportunity to participate
Being a part of the Eco Club has led to
in improving the appearance of the school
many great opportunities for me, both with-
and reducing the negative impact we have on
in and outside of school and it has helped
the environment. The Eco Club will also be
me to produce my personal statement for
improving the appearance of the school by
university and my CV for my future career. It
planting tree saplings in the school grounds
is now globally accepted that sustainability is
and planting vegetables in the school garden
essential and I believe the Eco Club provides
that will be used by our Food Technology
pupils with skills and knowledge that are
department. The left over vegetables will
essential in enabling them to take responsi-
then be sold to teachers and the profits
bility for their own ecological footprint. I
added to the Eco Club fund, which will be
am proud to have made a positive contribu-
used to further reduce the school’s ecological
tion to St. Joseph’s and I hope the work of
footprint. We will also work with the Design
the Eco Club will continue to benefit pupils,
Technology department to build bird boxes
teachers and the environment for years to
which will be placed around the school
come.
grounds.
l Amy Cole (Sixth Form Student)
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Class photos G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
disco days g r e at m e m o r i e s o f t h e S t J o s e p h’s yo u t h c lu b f r o m t h e 1970’s
Some of my fondest reminiscences of child-
you could hear the music echoing down the
hood are in some way connected to the time
corridor and hearing the latest chart singles
I spent in St. Joseph’s youth club. The youth
playing at full volume on the record player,
club, which ran every Wednesday evening,
you knew immediately that although it was a
was open for all comprehensive school
school building, with school staff supervis-
pupils and this gave us the opportunity to
ing, this was certainly not school!
mix with people from other schools. Pupils
The first point of call for most pupils
were able to begin attending the youth club
would be the hall. It was the only hall at
once they reached their final term in primary
that time, of course, but it has since become
school and this was always a much anticipat-
known as the dining hall. Once inside there
ed moment in local youngsters’ lives. For the
would be many activities on offer such as
princely sum of 15p, we were able to return
table tennis, board games like chess and
to school ‘after hours’ without having to
draughts, and of course the very popular
wear uniform, and the more relaxed relation-
tuck shop! I loved spending my pocket
ship between staff and pupils and of course,
money on treats such as Mars bars, Spangles,
not having to work, made St. Joseph’s Youth
Wagon Wheels (they were massive back
Club the ultimate place to be. Even the
then!) and giant digestives in blue and silver
school building seemed different after hours.
wrappers. If you were thirsty you could pur-
As soon as you entered the front doors,
chase Vimto in a blue plastic cup.
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The gym was a favourite destination for
was, undoubtedly, the annual disco. Being
my friends and I and there would always be
such a momentous occasion, the girls would
a wide range of activities going on. Netball
spend ages getting ready, donning smocks
was my favourite and Miss Heather James
and brightly coloured trousers with high
was always there to umpire the matches.
waists and six buttons on the front, along
There was always some friendly rivalry
with Ricky Dean shoes - large platforms
between those who had played in the St
that came in brown and beige and were the
Therese’s and St Joseph’s Primary School
absolute pinnacle of seventies fashion. I
teams and it was grudgingly acknowledged
also recall, with great embarrassment, that
that St Therese’s girls were always the best!
for a time, I even experimented with food
Badminton and football took place in the
dye on my hair in a quest to become a punk!
barn and that was where the boys tended to
Outfits were completed with a liberal ap-
congregate. Sometimes, as a rare treat, Mr
plication of the obligatory blue or green eye
Mike Welsh would get the gym equipment
shadow, just before the girls made their way
out and we were allowed to fool around,
into the school hall. The evenings always
climbing and swinging from the ropes and
followed the same pattern; the boys would
messing around with the equipment in a way
stand around the edges of the room, trying
we’d never have been allowed to do during
to look uninterested, while the girls danced
lessons!
in large circles to the music of teen heart
Netball was usually followed by a visit to
throbs such as The Osmonds or the Bay City
Mrs Fuzey’s calm art room, which always had
Rollers. ‘The boys and girls would remain
music playing, even during the school day.
completely separate until the opening chords
Some weeks, we would opt to do cookery
of David Cassidy’s ‘Could It Be Forever?’
with Mrs Dalton and on one legendary oc-
filled the air and the evening would conclude
casion, we were even allowed to roller-skate
with the traditional slow dance.’
around the hall!
I feel privileged to have grown up in such
At the end of the evening, when every-
an innocent age and remain grateful to the
thing had been cleared away, we would all
teachers who gave up their free time to run
gather on the stage and the TV, which was
the youth club. They really were special days
on giant legs, would be wheeled out and we
and even now, all these years later, those
would all watch the Monty Python gang in
memories still raise a smile. I hope today’s
‘Rutland Weekend Television’ before going
children will look back on their time at St.
home.
Joseph’s with as much fondness as I do.
The highlight of the Youth Club calendar
l Sue Phillips (Chair of Governors)
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Art works G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
It’s Christmas! Everybody’s having fun at the St Joseph’s christmas party.
There are just over 200 students in the St.
school, doing everything within their power
Joseph’s Sixth Form, and a diverse group they
to keep themselves awake. Once the last
are. From the sporty to the academic, from
notes of Mr. Taylor’s karaoke have faded,
the shy and retiring to the show-stopping
and the last game of dodge ball as been won
extroverts - all life is to be found here. And
and lost, the collected sponsor money is
that makes it all the more remarkable that
counted, and every year a staggering amount
among and in the midst of this seemingly dis-
is raised – well over £3000 this year. And it’s
parate group, there is a sense of community
that that pays for this Christmas party – the
and belonging that I have experienced only
food, the drinks, the presents and the raffle
very rarely before; and never is that sense of
prizes.
community spirit better demonstrated than in the annual OAP Christmas party.
As a Year 13 form teacher it is a proud day. Our guests arrive at lunchtime, with a festive
Picture the scene – a school hall packed
welcome from the talented group of student
to the rafters with teenagers and pensioners.
musicians playing and singing a selection of
You might expect a frosty stand-off, a monu-
Christmas music on the door, and are helped
mental clash of the generations, iPods and
to their seats. Once the hall is full, the party
walking sticks flying wildly in every direction.
can start! All morning the busy students
But you’d be wrong, very wrong. Instead the
have been working under the instruction of
festive sound of Christmas songs, new and
Mrs. David and Miss. A’Hearne to prepare a
old, float from the PA, the air is filled with
veritable feast, and still more students spring
the hum of conversation and laughter, and
out to serve the food to the guests. The
smiles abound.
fancy dress boxes have taken a hammering,
A few months previously, these same
and Mr. Prosser’s eager team of Christmas
teenagers would have been found taking part
elves and festive fairies make sure that wine
in the annual sponsored ‘Stay-Awake’. Sup-
glasses are full, but not too full, while an-
ported by Mr. Kevin Taylor and a band of
other team take on the tricky job of serving
intrepid staff who generously volunteer their
tea and coffee to true connoisseurs of the
time, the students spend a whole night at the
art: not too hot, not too cold; not too strong,
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
not too weak. Just right.
then finally, still humming “Silent Night”,
Once the plates are empty and the cake
the guests leave, each with a present given by
has been served, the bingo can start, and
the students, each wished a happy Christmas
never has a hall fallen so quiet so quickly.
by all at the school. And we mean it, and
Mrs. Karen Jones expertly calls the numbers
the students mean it, and that’s a little bit
as students and pensioners work together
of Christmas magic right there. Christmas,
feverishly to get the shout in first, the line,
not the tinsel and the trappings, but real
the house, the winner. And then the enter-
Christmas has come. Old and young, loud
tainment can start. A succession of singers
and quiet joined together to show what really
and groups, dancers and instrumental-
matters. And as the students pack and clear
ists take to the stage to really usher in the
away before heading off, each in their own
Christmas spirit. The dance floor fills, young
way, they should be very proud. I know I am.
and old together singing and dancing, and
l Richard Pyke
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
time travel t h e pa s t i n s p i r i n g t h e f u t u r e o f o n e t h i s S t. j o s e p h’s p u p i l
Having been a student at St Joseph’s for
ing museums, was incredible and it really
seven years, I am currently completing A-
encouraged my keenness for the subject.
Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Physics. I
Another highlight was the return journey
have enjoyed all of my time at St Joseph’s
from Rhondda Heritage Park, because with
but some of my best memories have come
time to spare, we made an impromptu visit
from the History Department.
to Castell Coch!
When I came to the school in Year 7, I
Year 9 was my favourite year of Key Stage
had little experience of History as a subject,
3. I was taught by Mrs Crompton, and His-
but this soon changed and I grew to love it.
tory really came alive in her lessons! The
I found it fascinating and was always keen to
focus was the industrial revolution and the
learn more. I regularly checked out ‘Horrible
two World Wars. In this year I produced
Histories’ books from the school library to
the piece of work I am most proud of over
read in between lessons. The focus for Year
my school career: my Child Labour Report.
7 was medieval history and this meant a trip
This was written from the perspective of a
to the medieval Welsh village of Cosmeston.
government official visiting the mines and
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and later wrote
investigating child labour. I enjoyed research-
a six page report on it for homework.
ing and writing the report and it is a high-
In Year 8 the focus was the Tudors, and I
light of my time at St Joseph’s. It was during
found this an extremely interesting subject.
Year 9 that I realised I wanted to study
I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in tasks
GCSE History.
such as writing speeches from the perspec-
Years 10 and 11 in the History Depart-
tive of Henry VII and preparing an obituary
ment were fantastic. I loved the course on
for Elizabeth I. However, it was the trip at
Germany and Russia and writing the course-
the end of the year that really ignited my
work was immensely enjoyable! The lessons
interest in History. The trip was to Rhondda
were exciting, and one in particular stands
Heritage Park, in preparation for studying
out. In Year 11, whilst studying the Cold
the industrial revolution the following year.
War, Mrs Crompton gave two boys a bag of
Seeing History in this way, through visit-
scrunched up paper, and had them stand at
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
opposite ends of the room and throw it at each other. This helped us understand the global fear of nuclear missiles not landing where they should-like the pieces of paper! It was unique and different teaching methods such as this which have inspired a lifelong enjoyment of History. Going into the Sixth Form, I knew I was going to study History A-Level and I have loved every bit of the last two years. I have had the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum in London and the course has proved both challenging and enjoyable. It has shaped what I would like to study at university and what I would like to do in the future. I have had an amazing seven years with the History Department at St Joseph’s. I have been pushed to work harder and achieve more. At the start of Year 13 I was encouraged by Mr Gwynn to sit the Aberystwyth Entrance Exams. I applied and sat the exams in February. Thanks to the amazing support I received from the History Department, in September I will be going to Aberystwyth University with an unconditional offer to study History. In the future I hope to become a History teacher myself and inspire other students the way the History Department at St Joseph’s has inspired me for seven years. l Rebecca O’Leary, Year 13
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
full circle G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
Not everyone looks back on their schooldays with affection or with a burn-
one of us took their place!’ He said teachers in those days would call
ing desire to go back for a visit. But former
pupils by their surname. ‘We were very for-
pupils of St Joseph’s not only think fondly
mal towards our teachers and always called
of their alma mater – many of them come
them Sir or Miss,’ he said. ‘We had a differ-
back here to teach!
ent relationship with teachers and the school
After doing a degree in history at Lam-
than children do nowadays. It has changed
peter University, Mr Arthur Gwynn, who is
for the better as pupils and parents are much
now the Head of Sixth Form, returned to
more involved in the education process.’
St Joseph’s 27 years ago as a teacher after
Another big difference between then and
being a pupil here from 1968-1975. ‘I was
now is that corporal punishment was com-
very happy at St Joseph’s as a pupil and I’m
monplace when Mr Gwynn was a pupil. ‘The
now very happy here as a teacher,’ said Mr
cane was used frequently for all sorts of
Gwynn. ‘When I started here as a pupil in
things including being late for school. Being
1968 it was the first time I had ever been to
hit was part of school life and no one ques-
Port Talbot. I went to St Joseph’s Primary
tioned it. It was just the norm,’ he said. ‘I
School in Neath and in those days there was
remember our class being caned for playing
no preparation at all for the transition from
football after the bell had gone. But I was
primary to secondary school. You just turned
very happy here. We had to be more alert
up on the first day and your name was called
and stand up for ourselves more in those
out and you were told what class you were
days too. We would never dream of telling
in. There were forty pupils in my class.’
the teacher anything. We just sorted things
He said that there was a very strong com-
out ourselves and got on with it.’
munity feeling in the school with many
The introduction of Health and Safety reg-
classes mirroring the one above as one
ulations has also made a difference to school
sibling left a class and another moved up.
life. ‘When I was a pupil there were no risk
‘Many families were quite large. I was one of
assessments or consent forms for school
five so when one of us moved class another
trips,’ said Mr Gwynn. ‘I remember we went
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
to Cheddar Gorge on a school trip and when
mind from when he was in year seven. ‘One
we got there we were allowed to go where
day we were all sent out to the yard without
we liked unsupervised. Once, on a primary
being told why. We enjoyed it because we
school trip we went to Gnoll Park and I got
were missing lessons. It was a lovely day and
separated from the rest of the group and
we were all standing around wondering what
had to go back to school by myself. It wasn’t
was happening. It turned out the caretaker,
a big deal in those days.’
who was a very strong character, had been
A particular incident stands out in his
striding across the grounds and found a
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
hand grenade. He just picked it up and put it
older in those days and everyone smoked.
in his pocket. He took it to Dr Jones to show
The staff room was always a fug of smoke.’
him what he had found and I think it was
He said Dr Edwin Jones, the first head-
then put out in the courtyard until the bomb
teacher of St Joseph’s, was ahead of his time
squad arrived from Hereford.’
and created a very happy school environ-
He fondly recalls football matches between
ment. ‘There was also more scope in a way
staff and sixth-form pupils. ‘It was like the
for teachers to be more individual then,’ said
Coliseum. The entire school would be watch-
Mr Gwynn. ‘I particularly remember my
ing. It was so entertaining. I played here as a
English teacher Jim O’Sullivan who was so
pupil and then when I came back as a teacher
inspirational. He developed my love of lit-
I played for the staff in the eighties. As a
erature. He took us to the theatre, opera and
pupil you desperately wanted the staff to lose
to Stratford to see plays and those experi-
and make a fool of themselves. When I then
ences have stayed with me to this day.’
played for the staff in the eighties you just desperately wanted to maintain your dignity!’ The school was very strict about wearing
Like many young people, Mr Gwynn liked rock music when he was a pupil. ‘We used to bring our vinyl records to school and they
the correct school uniform. ‘We wore blazers
showed which group you belonged to. We
and a tie but our uniform was bright green,
would sometimes exchange records as well.
probably because of the Irish connection,
It was a shared experience and music was
so we stood out from the other schools. The
something many of us had in common.’
school bus would drop us off centrally in
It was very rare to watch a film in school in
Neath and sometimes our uniform made us
those days, he said. ‘It’s very common now,
a bit of a target.’
but when I was a pupil it was very unusual,
When Mr Gwynn was a pupil, the school
so it was really valued. ‘I remember watch-
was part of a close-knit community. ‘In
ing a film about Norway which gave me a
those days teachers would have lived in the
burning desire to go there. I have been to
community and we would see each other in
Norway several times now and that interest
church on Sunday. There was a close bond
was sparked in school.’
between church and community.’
He remembers the first few days of going
Mr Gwynn said that as a pupil the teach-
back as a teacher as being ‘daunting’. ‘It was
ers all seemed older than they actually were.
a bit unnerving at first walking into the staff
‘They couldn’t have been old in reality be-
room as a teacher. Some of the staff mixed
cause when the school opened in 1964 it had
me up with my brother and there were certain
a young staff. It’s just that people dressed
teachers I still called Sir! Now there are teach-
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
ers here in St Joseph’s who I taught.’ The curriculum was different then too, he added, with more practical subjects available such as metalwork, plastics, technical drawing
parents and pupils contribute to the education process. It’s much more of a shared experience.’ As head of the sixth form, Mr Gwynn is
and drama and the sciences were taught sepa-
proud of the strong bond between pupils
rately. ‘There were huge, lavish productions
and teachers. ‘It’s always been a strength of
of literary plays which were very well attend-
the school and it’s one of the reasons our
ed. They were a real feature of the school.’
sixth form is thriving. Our sixth formers have
He remembers in the early days of teach-
so many opportunities open to them now
ing how the school would walk en masse to
and they get involved in our paired reading
the local church on a Holy Day of Obliga-
scheme, help out at primary schools and do
tion. ‘The bell would go at ten to twelve for
charity work. They are also really well pre-
twelve o’clock Mass and pupils would stream
pared at St Joseph’s for going on to university.’
out of school to the church. They would all just get up and make their own way there.’ Years ago parents were far less involved
As a teacher and a former pupil, Mr Gwynn is extremely proud of St Joseph’s and feels it is a caring and forward-thinking
in their children’s education, he added. ‘I
environment for young people to develop
can only remember my father coming to
and learn and to become valuable members
one careers evening in year nine. It’s a good
of society. He believes that every pupil is an
thing that parents are more involved now.
individual and that they should be encour-
It’s more of a partnership. Pupils are also
aged to be themselves and not feel they have
more aware and involved. We just took what
to be ‘cool’ to fit in.
we were given when I was a pupil but now
l Bridget Mclaughlin
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Class photos G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
‘Grease’ is the Word “i s t h e t i m e , i s t h e p l ac e , i s t h e m ot i o n, G r e a s e i s t h e way w e a r e f e e l i n g”
I spent seven years at St. Joseph’s, from Year 7
roles so I was very fortunate to be awarded
through to Sixth Form and without doubt, they
the part of Rizzo. Mr.Pyke, Mrs. Evans and
were the best years of my life so far. I made
Mr. Govier, as well as many other members
many life long friends, who I’m still in touch
of staff, worked together to make the show
with now, and got an excellent education. St.
an amazing success.
Joseph’s helped me get to where I am today;
Each week, the cast and staff came together
studying for a degree in psychology which I
to practice our lines and to start slowly bring-
love. During my time at St. Joe’s I had many
ing the show together. For me, the scariest
wonderful experiences and created unforget-
moment during rehearsals was when I was
table memories such as the annual OAP party,
informed I had to sing two songs on my own!
army days and one of my greatest highlights,
I was terrified! However, Mr.Govier worked
being in the school production of ‘Grease’.
with me to try and make me sound half de-
In my final year at St. Joesph’s, the school
cent and I think he pulled it off! Mrs. Evans
was given the opportunity to perform the
and Mr. Pyke worked very hard directing us
musical ‘Grease’ in the Princess Royal The-
each week and looking back, they must have
atre. Many people auditioned for the lead
had an awful lot of patience to put up with all
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
our tears and tantrums throughout rehearsals. As it came closer to the final performance,
become like a family throughout the weeks of rehearsals and despite many ups and downs
the whole school got involved and became ex-
along the way, it felt great to be facing the
cited to see the show. We had a few rehearsals
final performance together.
in the theatre and it was then that it all started
The day of the first show came around all
to come together as we realised how many
too quickly, and everyone was very nervous, yet
people would be there watching us. As soon
really excited to perform. It was soon time for
as the tickets went on sale, both nights sold
the curtains to go up and after a motivational
out almost immediately and the pressure was
speech from Mr. Pyke and Mrs. Evans we took
on to make the show a success.
up our starting positions on the stage. We
For me, the costume fittings were one of
could hear the orchestra making their final ad-
the most stressful parts of the whole experi-
justments and at that point I wanted to run in
ence. One of the classrooms in the school
the opposite direction as I was so nervous! Yet
was turned into a dressing room and we were
as the curtains went up and the music began,
called up in groups to try on our outfits. We
my nerves just disappeared and the feeling was
had great fun doing this as the outfits were
amazing. This was the moment we had spent
very different to the clothes we wear today.
all those months working towards and it felt
However, I was devastated when the dress
amazing to hear the audience cheering and ap-
I was to wear in one of the scenes didn’t
plauding our efforts.
fit! This caused quite a bit of panic as there
At the end of the second show, a few of the
wasn’t another dress we could use as a substi-
cast members were asked to make a speech to
tute. Luckily, my prom dress was similar to
thank the teachers for all the hard work they
one Rizzo wore in the film and after showing
had put into making the show a success and
it to the teachers we decided it would be a
they were then presented with flowers. This
suitable alternative so the panic was over.
was one of my favourite parts of the whole
The first full dress rehearsal was more
experience as everyone who worked so hard
stressful than we had ever imagined. It took
to bring the show together was recognised.
a lot longer for everyone to get into their
I will never forget the friends I made by
costumes than anticipated, but after a few
being part of the ‘Grease’ cast or the amaz-
practice sessions we were in and out of our
ing time I had in the process. Thank you St.
clothes within seconds. Being one of the old-
Joseph’s for giving me the opportunity to
est cast members, I felt it was my duty to help
create a wonderful and lasting memory of my
out with the younger pupils, as there were so
school days.
many of them. All the cast and teachers had
l Rumur Phillips
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
The govenor Interview With Mrs Gina Smith
Mrs Gina Smith recently retired from her
church. When my children started school
duties as a governor of St. Joseph’s after
in the 1970s I became a member of the
many years of service. Mr Joe O’Kane,
Parent Teachers’ Association in the infants
Head of RE, recently spoke to her about her
and juniors and then in the comprehensive
experience as a governor and her memories
school also in 1981. Eventually, I became
of St. Joseph’s across the decades.
chairperson of the PTA. In 1991 I became a foundation member of the governing body
It’s been a few months since we last met
and my term of office ended in July 2012
at St. Joseph’s Church for the Christmas
after 21 years. I served most of these years
carol service. Wasn’t it great to see so
as the Religious Education link governor and
many pupils and staff there?
six years as the vice chairperson.
The carol service given by the Comprehensive staff and pupils was a joy. It has been
What are your special memories of St.
many years since this has taken place in St.
Joseph’s Comprehensive over the last five
Joseph’s Church. There were lots of parish-
decades?
ioners in attendance, as well as staff and
My memories begin with the PTA fetes
pupils, and it was a wonderful event in the
that were held on a yearly basis to help
life of the parish.
raise funds for the school. Many parents and staff were involved and there was great
How long have you been associated with
friendship and fun on these occasions. Both
the parish? How involved have you been
staff and parents wore fancy dress and the
in the parish and with the local infant
support of all parents was tremendous.
and primary schools?
Thousands and thousands of pounds were
My involvement in parish life at St. Joseph’s,
raised over the years and the support of the
Port Talbot, began for me as a catechist in
Head Teachers was terrific.
1977. I always attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as a child and went to the infant
Do you think pupils are better behaved
and junior schools. I was also married in the
now than they were in the past?
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
No, I don’t believe behaviour has changed.
the school. Long may they continue.
We have excellent behaviour policies in place in all our schools and most of the time these
What are your hopes for St. Joseph’s in
are adhered to. Of course there have always
the next fifty years?
been a small number of disruptive pupils
My hope for the future of St. Joseph’s
but staff have always handled issues well and
Comprehensive School is that the faith and
followed procedure.
Catholic life of the school will continue for another fifty years. I recently received a
What was your most enjoyable experi-
papal award – The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
ence as a governor at St. Joseph’s?
Medal – for my service to the parish, diocese
I enjoyed all my time as a serving governor
and education, by Bishop Tom Burns. It was
and parent to our schools. I will miss being
a great honour and it has been my privilege
part of this at the comprehensive school but
to have been able to serve for so many years.
I recently became Chair of Governors at St.
I wish the Head, governors and staff all
Joseph’s Junior School so I am still very busy.
God’s blessings for the future. Well done to all, past and present.
What are your recollections of the previous Head Teachers of St. Joseph’s? It has been my privilege to have served with all the Heads of St. Joseph’s Comprehensive, as well as with many members of staff. These people are dedicated to their vocation. I thank God for their God given talents and the support they gave to my children and to all the pupils they teach. It is not an easy job being a teacher. Have you any special memories of masses and assemblies at St. Joseph’s? I commend all the staff and pupils who take part in these spiritual events in the life of the school. They follow our mission statement as a ‘Christ centred school’ and are an example to all who are involved in the life of
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Maria Titley 1995-2013 Dear Maria, our lovely friend,
ers tournaments. Year after year we showed
Words can’t describe how we feel as we come
the other teams who was boss, although we
to terms with the fact that you’ve been taken
couldn’t have done it without you, Maz!
from us so early on in your life. After six years
Always selfless, you never minded giving up
of being with us here in St. Joseph’s, it feels like
your time to help others and you always did
a big piece of our heart and community has
a great job of training the lower school net-
gone and your absence is felt by everyone.
ball teams. The younger girls are really missing
Everyone still expects you to come breezing
you too. Dancing in Year 7 and Year 8 was also
into the common room, holding a pizza sand-
fun and we loved going away to competitions,
wich in one hand and a packet of crisps in the
dressing up and having a ball. Prom was amaz-
other. It’s strange to see that your favourite fla-
ing too! How could anyone ever forget how
vour isn’t always sold out anymore!
stunning you looked that night? There again,
You were one of the only pupils to get away
you would look beautiful in anything.
with turning up late for lessons; one flash of
You would have loved seeing us on our
that smile and the teachers would let you off.
sponsored bike ride yesterday and I’m sure
They weren’t just teachers to you, but friends
you would have felt really proud that it was
also and you developed excellent relationships
organised in your honour! As we made it
with them, as you did the pupils. In fact, there
through hours of pain cycling to Mumbles
isn’t one person you didn’t get along with, a
and back, we were all imagining you laughing
testament to your friendly nature.
at us, watching people falling off their bikes
We’ve shared so many special moments dur-
and coming home black and blue. We could
ing our time at the school, including surfing
feel you with us throughout, pushing us all
in Rhossili and hiking up mountains for our
the way to the finishing line. We couldn’t have
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. We’ll nev-
done it without you!
er forget the time when we all got trapped in
We’re all proud to have shared in the
quicksand whilst trekking along Rhossili beach
seventeen years of your life. Seventeen years
or your face when we were camping in the rain;
filled with joy, happiness and fun. Your
you weren’t a bit impressed!
infectious laugh will always echo around the
One of your favourite activities in school was being involved in all the netball and round-
28
school and your enthusiasm and friendly energy will be missed by everyone.
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
That smile of yours will be with us forever and we know as the school lives on from generation to generation, your spirit will always be with us, forever young and forever beautiful. Thank you, Maria, for being a brilliant friend, a conscientious pupil and a kind, generous, warmhearted human being. You will always be in our thoughts, prayers and hearts and as you look down on us from heaven, always know that we are privileged to have had you in our lives. Sleep tight Maria. God bless xxx
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Like Father, Like Son! w o u l d t h e ‘ N i c e m r Tay l e r ’ p l e a s e s ta n d u p
How much of your careers have you spent
Kevin – When you’re young it’s everybody’s
at St. Joseph’s?
dream to work with their Dad. I was lucky
Kevin – I’ve been here for 22 years so far,
enough to live the dream!
though it doesn’t seem that long!
Derek – It was great! I particularly liked it
Derek – I officially retired when I reached 65
when pupils knocked on the staffroom door
but I was persuaded to carry on part-time till
and asked for the “nice Mr Tayler!”
I was 69 in 2003. In total I was at St Joseph’s for 14 years.
Any moments that stand out as being particularly funny?
Can you remember what your job inter-
Kevin – Convincing Steve Blades that he was
views were like?
having an “Inspection” on April Fools’ Day
Kevin & Derek – No, not really. They were
when he was a newly qualified teacher – then
so long ago!
being chased around the school and seeking refuge behind my Dad in the staffroom!
What was it like working together? 28
Derek – Ditto!!
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
What have been your proudest moments
Italy, which my late wife accompanied me on
as teachers?
– a wonderful trip and some great memories.
Kevin – I have been very lucky to work with lots of wonderful staff and pupils over the
Are there any colleagues you particularly
last 22 years but my current Year 13 Form
enjoyed working with?
class, who I have known since Year 7, make
Kevin – Steve Blades (I have to say that!),
me feel that I have finally “clicked” as a
Sean Kehoe and Pete Govier for making me
teacher!
laugh every day!
Derek – Being called into Dr Jones’ office
Derek – Chris Jones and Arthur Gwynn
when a former pupil wanted to thank me as she said she owed her success, in part, to the
What are your favourite memories of your
influence I had had on her throughout her
time at St. Joseph’s?
time at St Joseph’s.
Kevin – My favourite memories are those where I’ve had the opportunity to see our
Are there any events or celebrations that
pupils in different situations. The numerous
you particularly remember?
ski trips I’ve organised, the football tour to
Kevin – Post inspection parties seem to loom
Florida and the school productions (many
large in my mind!
of which I’ve made a cameo appearance in!)
Derek – During an INSET day on stress, all
have provided me with some of my happiest
the staff were asked to stand up and move to
memories of St. Joseph’s!
one side if they had experienced stress in the
Derek – Having spent the earlier part of my
classroom. Kevin and I were the only two
working life in industry, working in St Joseph’s
who remained sitting! I can’t remember if
provided me with entirely different opportu-
we were that laid back or just didn’t hear the
nities. Some of my best memories stemmed
question!!
from teaching my grandchildren as they progressed through the school.
What was your favourite school trip Kevin – T soccer tour to Florida with the
If you could change anything about your
Year 9 Football team. We lost our first game
time at St. Joseph’s, what would it be?
to the state champions and then found out
Kevin – The various nicknames that Steve
that our next game was supposed to be
“Clarence” Blades made up for me on every
against an Under 9 side – typical American
school trip!
mix-up!
Derek – Nothing! I enjoyed every moment
Derek – The school trip to Montegenevre in
of my 14 years at St Joseph’s!
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Science fact “ W h e r e v e r t h e a rt o f M e d i c i n e i s lo v e d, t h e r e i s a l s o a lo v e o f H u m a n i t y.”
When I came to St Joseph’s seven years ago
in my mind as to where I would study A-
for my first day, I could never have imag-
levels. St. Joseph’s sixth form is very special
ined the many opportunities and happy
– I don’t think there is anywhere else quite
times I would have ahead of me.
like it. I have brilliant teachers who go out
My first day in September 2006 was incred-
of their way to help me, but I also treasure
ibly daunting, as I didn’t know anyone else
all the opportunities I’ve had to help the
in my year and not much about secondary
wider community like the annual Christmas
school in general. I was very shy and un-
party for the OAPs. I was able to reach the
sure, but the friendly atmosphere and caring
semi-finals of a national student investor
teachers meant I soon settled down, made
challenge which gave me whole other sub-
friends and began to really enjoy my lessons
ject knowledge outside my Biology, Chem-
– especially the science experiments! I got
istry, Physics and Maths A-levels. Mr. Gw-
involved in the many extracurricular activi-
ynn and my form tutor Mr Pyke have given
ties including the orchestra and netball team.
invaluable advice and support throughout
As I moved up through the years, my con-
my application and interview process for
fidence grew tremendously. I have made
university, and I have been lucky enough
friends here that I know I will keep for life,
to be a member of the Senior Prefect team
and learnt invaluable lessons. I went on some
during my final year.
brilliant trips, had memorable lessons and
As I enter my last week in St. Joseph’s, I
became an active member of the school
realise just how special my time here has
community. As part of the orchestra I have
been. Looking back, I have learnt so much
played in all school occasions and especially
and I’d like to think the caring and compas-
enjoyed taking part in the school musi-
sionate environment of St. Joseph’s has
cal ‘Grease’. I was also able to complete
become a part of my personality. I have al-
my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh
ways been encouraged to achieve my dream,
awards.
and it is with the support from teachers
After my G.C.S.E.’s, there was no question
and fantastic opportunities made avail-
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
able to me that I have been able to reach
with the people I meet during the next
it - I leave St. Joseph’s to study Medicine
stages of my life, and I know I wouldn’t be
in Oxford University this autumn. I hope
the person I am today if I hadn’t been a St.
I can share the extraordinary warmth and
Joseph’s pupil.
friendliness of the St. Joseph’s community
l Grace Barnes
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Sister act “S t y l e i s k n o w i n g w h o yo u a r e a n d w h at yo u wa n t to s ay ”
Sisters, Leighanne (30) and Jemma (28) Jones
I enjoyed most were Geography, Welsh and
attended St. Joseph’s in the 1990s before
English. Llangrannog was a great experience.
pursuing similar careers in fashion. Today
For the whole week we went to a retreat in
they work for a major American company in
West Wales where we had to speak Welsh and
Philadelphia. Here they recall how they were
only Welsh. Throughout our trip we had to
inspired to go after their dream careers.
ask for food in Welsh, dance to Welsh Celtic songs and do a play in Welsh. It was certainly
I started at St. Joseph’s Comprehensive in a
one way to learn quickly! Geography field
state of apprehension, I didn’t know anyone
trips were my favourite though. We would
there but had heard lots of great things from
start right up in the Black Mountains in the
my mum. It was instantly welcoming and I
Swansea Valley and slowly follow the river all
loved the caring nature of the school. De-
the way down to the sea. Physical geography
spite not being Catholic, I loved mass and
had been my least favourite until I started do-
CAFOD.
ing these trips, and getting away from the text
I flourished at the school and the lessons 28
book made it all come to life. Of course, it
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
was also an opportunity to leave the class-
Product Development Assistant working on
room! The Gower was another field trip I
intimates and knits before landing a job as a
enjoyed and we studied the ecosystems of the
Buyers’ Associate Assistant at Topshop. This
sand dunes, the plants and the formations. I
was the fastest paced environment I had ever
loved being by the ocean and out in nature; it
experienced. We had to be on top of all the
made learning so much more fun.
newest trends and work as many hours as
My love of fashion developed in Year 9
possible to get the job done. Topshop was
when I chose to study Fashion and Textiles
the best training I could have wished for and
for GCSE & then later at A level. I enjoyed
during my time with the company I learnt
those classes very much but I also had a huge
retail maths, how to project trends, how to
fondness for Geography; I was torn between
grow businesses and most importantly of all,
pursuing a career as a fashion buyer in Lon-
how to work as a team.
don or New York, or becoming a meteorolo-
I left Topshop after four years as a Senior
gist in Florida. It was my favourite teacher, Mr
Buyers’ Assistant to work in the USA at
Marnell, that eventually guided me and despite
Free People as a Junior Buyer. Once there I
my passion for his subject, he told me he had
progressed quickly to Intimates Buying and
never seen a girl with so many shoes and that
Fashion Manager. Having a British sensibil-
I was destined to work in fashion.
ity and style in the USA market is very valu-
St Joseph’s Sixth Form moulded me into a
able and my heritage has proved advanta-
confident student, and I was fortunate enough
geous throughout my time in America. In my
to attend Geography lectures at Swansea
current role I manage a team of four buyers.
University. This gave me an understanding of
I manage the fashion direction and continue
what university life would be like and affirmed
to look for business opportunities and trends
my decision that I wanted to go to university
to grow the business. I work with designers
as from a very young age I had read Vogue
from all over America, particularly Los An-
and Elle magazines and dreamt of living in
geles and New York, and I’m lucky enough
London.
to travel the world looking for the next big
I applied for a prestigious Fashion Marketing
thing. I travel to L.A. four times a year to
degree at Nottingham Trent University, which
work on new developments and I regularly
at the time was a new course. It was with help
travel to Miami, Las Vegas and Sydney to at-
from Mr. Gwynn and Ms. Lucitt and my sup-
tend fashion shows and reviewing collections
portive parents that I secured my place.
before making selections in accordance with
After my degree I chased a role at Reiss head office in London. I worked there as a
my financial plans. I have achieved my dream and I feel ex-
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
tremely fortunate to work with inspirational people every day. My time at St. Joseph’s Com-
one of the highlights of my school calendar. Other extra-curricular activities I enjoyed
prehensive was instrumental to my success as
were the GCSE Rhossili trip, where I got
it taught me to be a caring and diligent person
to explore a lot of outdoor pursuits. My
and to always pursue my passion. I am incred-
favourite but scariest memory of that trip was
ibly thankful to the teachers that shaped me.
jumping from the cliff into the sea with Mrs
l Leighanne Jones
David. I was really scared and to make me feel better she said she’d jump with me. I also
September 1997: I was anxious and a little
vividly remember visiting ‘The Clothes Show’
excited, taking a new turn in my life and leaving
in Birmingham with Fashion and Textiles.
all my friends from primary school to attend
Seeing my first live fashion show affirmed my
St Joseph’s Comprehensive. Having my mum
love of fashion.
working at the school was a massive comfort
The subjects I enjoyed most at school were
to me in those early days and although I was a
Fashion and Textiles, Media Studies, Maths (I
quiet pupil, I knew with my mum there I could
loved the challenge of solving things) and of
never misbehave. Once I settled into my new
course Art and Design. I remember in my art
friendship groups I loved going to school and
classes I was having a hard time with draw-
always strived for 100% attendance.
ing and Mr Kehoe told me to ‘just draw what
One of my favourite memories of St.
you see and don’t think so hard’ and that has
Joseph’s was being part of the chorus in the
stayed with me ever since. I became a very
school production of ‘Calamity Jane’. It was
visual person, always on the lookout for the
so much fun rehearsing, gathering items for
smallest detail and I think his words nurtured
costumes and then doing the actual perfor-
me to be more visually open.
mances. We had a ball! In school I was always focused on my
I always knew I would work in fashion. As a little girl, my dream was to work in Disney-
future career path. Being creative, I was drawn
land, Florida, designing and making clothes
to the classes that allowed me to express my-
for the characters. After studying A Levels
self. I loved PE and as a member of the gym-
at St Joseph’s, I completed a one year Art
nastic team for five years, I entered the inter
Foundation Course at Swansea Metropoli-
schools competitions several times, which I
tan University before studying Fashion and
thoroughly enjoyed. Mrs Stanford was a great
Textile Design at the University of the West
teacher and she trained us with discipline and
of England. It was hard work and every spare
encouragement. Every year we would put on
moment was spent in the design studios, but
a display for the Year Six pupils and this was
it paid off and I was awarded a First Degree
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
with Honours.
up my own fashion blog and became really
The highlight of my degree was being
passionate about it. So much so, I got offered
picked from hundreds of students nation-
a job as a Fashion Writer and Blogger for Free
wide to show my final collection at Graduate
People. This meant I had to move to Philadel-
Fashion Week in London’s Earl Court. That
phia, America, in January 2010.
was awesome!!
As part of my job I get to go to concerts
There’s so much competition in the fashion
and music festivals as a VIP. These have
industry I knew I had to be in London, so I
been some of the best experiences ever
left Bristol and my job as a sales assistant at
and I often get to go backstage to interview
Reiss and moved to London. Whilst there I
bands for our blog. I also get to go to New
had internships at the Head offices of Top-
York Fashion Week to help spread the word
shop and Jigsaw. In Topshop I worked with
of Free People and to get more people in-
the design team and was given tasks such as
volved with our brand.
collecting tears for trends and mood boards.
Studying at St Joseph’s definitely gave me
I also got to collaborate with the stylists at the
confidence and a belief that I could achieve
Topshop Unique Fashion Show which was
anything I put my heart to. The teachers I had
incredible. At Jigsaw I worked with the visual
were great mentors and guided me well. I’m
display team and went around their stores
incredibly grateful for that.
setting up displays. Around this time I started
l Jemma Jones
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
learning to win
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Mansel Usher G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
As a schoolboy at St Joseph’s, Mansel Usher
His favourite lessons at St Joseph’s were
was always quick to volunteer to help set up
practical ones. ‘One particular incident I
and clear away everything the priest needed
remember happened during an experiment
to say Mass in the school hall. However, it
in chemistry. We had set up an apparatus in
wasn’t always carried out with the purest of
which we were to distil some crude oil. We
motives – he openly admits to wanting to get
must have got it very wrong because all I can
out of double French! But that former pupil,
remember now is the whole thing going up in
who managed to make those schoolboy duties
smoke! No harm was done and no-one was
stretch for the whole of the double lesson, is
injured, thankfully. Although Mrs Doherty
to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Priest-
was not best pleased!’ said Mansel.
hood on Saturday, July 6 2013.
‘I was born in the beautiful town of
‘Languages were always a big turn-off
Bradford-Upon-Avon, in Wiltshire, although
for me,’ said Mansel. ‘I remember when we
we moved from there when I was only about
had Mass in the school hall on a weekday
two years of age. I am now 47 years old, and
morning, Thursdays I think it was. I used to
apart from living in Shrewsbury for two years
volunteer with a friend of mine to help with
to study cabinet making and furniture design,
the setting up and clearing away of the Mass
I have spent all my life in the same village of
things, an early taste of sacristy work, if you
Trebanos in the Swansea Valley,’ said Mansel.
like! Somehow, we managed to make our
‘I grew up with my two brothers and my sister
duties last for the duration of a whole double
Judith, who was born after we had moved to
period of French. I now apologise to whoever
Wales. Sadly, Judith died in 1995 aged 26.’
was teaching us at the time!’ Mansel was a pupil at St Joseph`s from
His brothers and sister all attended St Joseph’s, and his father Bob was a teacher
1976 till July 1981 when the headteacher was
here. ‘I was the second eldest but it was my
Dr Edwin Jones. ‘By coincidence, Dr Jones
elder brother Francis who was the sporty
will be one of my parishioners when I take
one. I remember ducking out of any physical
up my role in August as assistant priest in the
activities! My younger brother Geraint, who
parish of St Benedict`s, Sketty,’ he said.
is nearly two years younger, was also quite
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
Mansel deaconing with the Holy Father Pope Francis, in April this year, during Mass at the Basilica of St Paul’s in Rome.
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
sporty, so I don’t quite know what happened
of my parents, I, like so many other teenag-
with me!’ joked Mansel. ‘I cannot remember
ers, began to lose interest in the Church and
exactly the years my father worked there but
religion and drifted away from what had been
it was something like between 1971 to 1981.
a large part of my life. The good upbringing I
After leaving school I went to Shrewsbury to
received never left me, however, and I was still
study cabinet making, returning two years later
able to keep on the right path, even perhaps
to begin working with my father who had left
without realising it. I am convinced that this
St Joseph’s and set up a cabinet- making busi-
upbringing and teaching helped me later in life
ness. We worked together till 2005. He died in
when, still working as a cabinet maker, I began
2008, approving of my vocation to priesthood.’
to question a number of things’.
Mansel was taught Religious Studies by
‘Reflecting then on how important the
Mr Dan Williams, who went on to become
Church was to others, I embarked on a
a priest of the Diocese of Menevia. ‘He was
mission to return myself, rather like a li-
a student of the Pontifical Beda College in
brary book that had been borrowed and not
Rome where I am currently finishing four
returned before its due date. This was tricky. I
years of study and formation. I achieved what
wanted to return anonymously, and it took a
might be called a very average set of results
lot of courage and a good deal of time before
at St Joseph’s’, admitted Mansel. ‘The phrase
I was back on the shelf!’
that kept coming up on my reports, I remem-
‘Then, things started to move for me.
ber, was often ‘could do better!’ Although I
Gradually I was doing more and more in the
did enjoy my time in school, looking back I
life of the Church, getting more involved with
could have probably have done a lot better if
the liturgy and pastoral activities. Eventually,
I had pushed myself that little bit harder.’
a priest asked me if I had ever thought of
‘During a recent visit to the school I was
becoming a priest. My reaction was immediate
very pleased to see a small Chapel with the
rejection of the idea, but after a short while I
Blessed Sacrament kept in a tabernacle. That
realised that this was the question I had been
was not there when I was a pupil, but the
waiting to hear. The seed had been sown.’
school then did have a very strong Catho-
Mansel added that nothing more was done
lic ethos. I believe living out good Catholic
or said, but many hours of prayer were car-
principles in a school environment is essential
ried out that the way should be made clear
in developing pupils into good, morally-prin-
to him. ‘It may have been up to a couple
cipled citizens.’
years later when on pilgrimage to the `Seven
However, Mansel said that for a time he lost
Churches`, I stood at the tomb of St John at
interest in the Church. ‘Despite the best efforts
Ephesus and said ‘Yes’ to God. That evening,
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
I approached the priest leading the pilgrimage
ies because men entering formation here are
and said I needed to speak to him, but did not
much older and many come with extensive
say what about. His reply was, ‘About time
qualifications and life experiences.’
too!’ and since that moment many people said the same, including my parents’. ‘My mother, Valerie, is a great help and sup-
‘The outstanding moment for me during my time in Rome is the day I deaconed for the Holy Father, Pope Francis on Sunday, April
port to me, and it has been a great pleasure
14 this year during Holy Mass at the Basilica
to have her visit me in Spain and three times
of St Paul`s Outside the Walls, which is just
in Rome. Having made the decision there
across the road from our college, and where
seemed to be a weight lifted from my shoul-
last year I was ordained to the diaconate along
ders. After twenty years of making furniture I
with sixteen other men from my year, by our
was now ready for a new challenge’.
own Bishop Tom Burns.
‘The first stage was to approach the Dioc-
He feels strongly that the role of the priest
esan Vocations Director, who at the time was
has changed a lot in recent years. ‘It has
Canon Michael Flook, to discuss my possible
been made abundantly clear that the role of
vocation to the priesthood followed by an
the priest today is much changed from say
interview with Bishop Mark Jabele. Both were
twenty or thirty years ago. Today, the priest is
very supportive and encouraging. After an in-
expected to take on much more as the num-
terview before a selection panel, and an exten-
ber of priests decline and society becomes
sive programme of psychosocial, spiritual and
more inclined to a less God-orientated way
psychological testing at the St Luke`s Centre
of living. It is still, however, a vocation that
in Manchester, I was accepted by the Diocese
offers incredible rewards and satisfaction.
in 2008 and placed on the Propaedeutic year at
The privilege of being allowed into the very
The Royal English College in Valladolid, Spain.
hearts of people’s lives and share their pains,
Starting in September 2008, this was a one-year
their sufferings, their joys and their triumphs,
programme of formation prior to entering a
is something that has been expressed by every
main seminary. It was an enormous privilege
priest I have spoken to, and one which I look
for me to have had the opportunity of living in
forward to with great hope and humility’.
such a rich and historic environment.’ ‘On completion of that year, our new
‘I ask for your prayers at this time that I may be found worthy to serve God and His people
bishop, Tom Burns, sent me to the Pontifical
in the Diocese of Menevia. I will pray for all
Beda College, in Rome, starting in Septem-
you that your lives will be blessed and that our
ber 2009. The programme here is two to
Holy Mother Mary will intercede for you all.’
three years shorter than most other seminar-
l Bridget Mclaughlin
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
The futurists St. Joseph’s in 2063, According to the class of 2013….
In the year 2063, when we are all older and
completely different looking too; grand, mod-
successful, with families of our own, Laura-
ern and beautiful. As soon as you approach
Jayne Turnbull will be Prime Minister of
the school, you will walk up a spectacular
Great Britain and our beloved school will
tree-lined boulevard. Huge, colourful art ban-
remain as wonderful and brilliant as it is today,
ners with ‘St. Joseph’s’ printed on them will
with just a few tweaks here and there…
hang down from the fruitful trees, instantly
In 2063, St. Joseph’s will be a school which
welcoming any visitor to the school. Also,
offers a lot of fun, excitement and inspiration
as it will still be a Catholic school, hanging
for all pupils. It will be rebuilt on the current
from some of the trees will be the prayers of
school field as it is a bigger area. It will be
pupils, past and present, each one delivering a
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
personal message to God. I think this will be
print recognition technology system. Every
very special. Due to the wet climate, a gigan-
time you walk into a classroom, you would
tic glass dome will cover the boulevard, with
mark yourself present by simply placing your
the entrance always open to let fresh air in.
finger on the machine to instantly update the
This dome will protect the trees and shelter
register. Corridors will be replaced by under-
everybody due to its unique design that will
ground tunnels, allowing a quicker and more
set our school apart from all others. Solar
exciting way for pupils to get to their next
energy from the dome will power the school’s
class.
energy supplies. Our current school build-
l Olivia Larkman
ing will be an indoor swimming pool, fully
In lessons we will never need pens and paper
serviced by swimming robots. This swimming
again. Instead, our tables will have i-Pads
pool can be accessed via the ordinary walk
built in and we will be able to do things that
way or by the huge zip wire (depending on
will help us in real life, such as virtually dis-
the weather).
secting frogs.
As you enter the gigantic, gold plated
l Jessica Williams
entrance to the school, your eyes will be
Every single teacher will have to dress up as
transfixed by the beautiful art work of pupils
the subject they teach. Imagine Dr. Felton
displayed on the walls and the fascinating
dressed up as a calculator! Hilarious!
winding staircases and glass lifts. There will be
l Amber Morgan
a beautiful silver fountain built into the very
In the Maths department there will be ge-
centre of the school and the water inside will
niuses who will be creating the latest Maths
be dazzling and pure. In all, there will be one
symbols such as the {~# sign which will help
thousand classrooms in the school, where
you to finish the hardest sum in the world.
subjects such as life skills, decorating, camping
l Courtney Davies
skills, money skills, survival lessons, and hunt-
Detention in 2063 would mean having to stay
ing will be taught. To assist in energy efficien-
in a dark room, singing the teacher’s choice of
cy and fuel costs, teachers will teach lessons
Justin Bieber songs aloud.
from home and their holographic images will
l William Briz-Waters
be projected into the classroom in order to
In fifty years I think even the way they serve
interact with pupils. Also, seats and desks will
lunch will be different. Pupils will still have to
be much more luxurious than they are today.
line up before they are let into the dinner hall
The classrooms will be lined with cinema-type
but once inside they will order from a menu
seats and fine oak desks for greater comfort.
built into the table and the food will automat-
Replacing an ordinary register will be a finger
ically pop out along with a drink.
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
l Ariane Omana
<St. Joseph’s in 2063>
The teachers will be robots and when pupils
Please do not adjust your screen; any distor-
are naughty they will shoot lazers at them!
tion of images will self-correct momentarily.
l Jack Fleming
For enhanced commentary and supplemen-
Chairs will be massaging our shoulders to
tary images, please select the icon on the left
relax our bodies, thus helping our minds to
hand side of your touchscreen. If all is ready,
work as best they can.
select <BEGIN VIRTUAL TOUR>.
l Daniel O’Leary
Welcome to St. Joseph’s Catholic Com-
If you are ill you won’t have to worry about
prehensive School. As recently as only fifty
copying up work because you could send the
years ago these corridors thrummed with the
robot version of you in your place. It would
hustle and bustle of school life, echoing to
record the lessons and write in your books
the rings of teenage shouts and laughter as
and it would even record conversations with
hundreds of pupils walked to and from their
your friends so you don’t miss out on any gos-
daily lessons. The necessity of physical at-
sip.
tendance was, of course, phased out with the
l Gwen Symons
introduction of the Digitally Remote Interac-
When it’s time to walk to next lesson there
tive Virtual Education system, so many of
will be a rollercoaster in the corridor so you
you viewing this video will be unfamiliar with
would just have to climb aboard and whizz
the routines formerly associated with a school
off to your destination.
pupil’s day-to-day activities. To take the virtual
l Leah Williams
classroom tour, please press the <CLASS-
There will be ten X Box consoles scattered
ROOM> icon.
around the school to be played at break and
As we enter the classroom, please note the
lunch times. There will be a cinema in the
primitive use of technology. Mounted on
new hall and every Friday pupils will have to
the wall to your right is a device known as an
sleep in the school.
Interactive Whiteboard, a means of projecting
l Joel Elliott
presentations, watching video clips and anno-
School trips will be as exciting as going to the
tating text and images. Few working models
moon!
of these exist, most having been crushed
l Mia O’Leary
down as insulation material or ending up in
PE will still be in the barn and the wall would
the archives of collectors.
become a giant Wii screen for pupils to play
Next we come to the teacher’s desk. Please
Wii Sports on.
note the stacks of thin white material known
l Stephen Lloyd-Brown
as paper, often used as a primitive surface
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
upon which to write. Actual samples of paper
(some historians still speculate as to whether
were found in wall crevices when the museum
he was imprisoned there by the rest of the
first began renovating the St. Joseph’s display
staff), emerging only to stamp his authority
area, and cultural historians have spent years
when groups of pupils became too unruly, or
attempting to decipher the curious coded
when a plate of biscuits was left unattended
messages inscribed upon them, strange cryp-
in the staff room. Little is known about this
tic phrases such as <LOL> and <ROFL>.
man, but those interested are able to view
Touch <STAFF ROOM> to proceed
a display entitled The Head in our visitor’s
The true purpose of the staff room is
centre, where they will see his actual head,
unclear, even after all these years of research,
cryogenically frozen, in a glass display case.
although some theories have been offered
Small children and those with a weak disposi-
by the few former pupils who have physical
tion should avoid viewing the display.
memories of this place. One account suggests
This concludes the St. Joseph’s 2063 virtual
that the staff, known as teachers, used this
tour. We hope that it has gone some way to
as a room in which to hide from the pupils.
enlightening you about education in the past.
Traces of coffee, fruit peel and the discovery
Little is known about this place but, year on
of eating implements might support this idea,
year, with research and perseverance, we hope
with the room being stocked with food and
to eventually build a more complete picture of
drink in readiness for a siege situation, much
what school life was like all those years ago.
like the shelters used in the World Wars of the
If only these walls could talk. l Simon Smith
twentieth century. One obscure account recalls a former teacher named Dr. John Felton, a man who, according to this witness, never seemed to actually leave the school. The traces of food and eating implements, coupled with this information, might even suggest that teachers lived on the site permanently, much like a tribe, though this requires further investigation. Select <STAFF STRUCTURE>. The staff would have deferred to a leader known only as The Head. A shadowy figure, this man is reported to have lurked within the confines of one room, The Head’s Office
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Class photos G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
28
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
flower of scotland The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
It seems strange to think it was only a year
Edinburgh is an excellent university with a
ago since I was at St Joseph’s studying for my
prestigious reputation and the history course
final A Level exams. The seven years had
consisted of the eras that I wanted to focus
flown by and I couldn’t believe it was finally
my studies upon.
coming to an end.
Before I knew it August arrived and with
Although from a young age I had always
the grades I achieved, my place at Edinburgh
enjoyed history, it was from studying mod-
was confirmed. The next thing to do was
ern history at GCSE level that I knew it
book flights as a nine hour car journey did not
was the subject I wished to pursue at higher
appeal to me! However, as I was only able to
education. The crucial decision, however,
take a few cases up to Scotland on the plane, I
was at which university. I spent many nights
had to wait until I got to Edinburgh to buy all
throughout my first year at Sixth Form con-
my essentials.
sidering the different universities and courses
As the date for departure approached, ner-
and I attended numerous open days to help
vousness and trepidation set in, particularly
inform my decision. I eventually narrowed my
the reality that I was moving so away far from
options down to two universities; Sheffield
home and that popping back regularly on the
and Edinburgh.
weekend was never going to be a viable op-
Although the subject had been an easy choice, my decision to study at Edinburgh
tion for me. In addition to my excitement and nerves,
was much harder given the distance from
I was very emotional to leave home. After
home, and most importantly the fact I would
meeting my flatmates, I realised that I wasn’t
be so far away from my family and friends.
the only one with these feelings. Choosing
However, from the outset it was never my
course credits, joining societies and generally
intention to attend a university close to home,
finding my way around both the university
believing if I were to ever experience life away
and the city meant my feet hardly touched the
from home then this was the perfect oppor-
ground during the first few weeks. When my
tunity to do so. Despite Sheffield’s appeal,
mother left to return home, another dose of
I chose Edinburgh. Set in a beautiful city,
homesickness definitely kicked in but with so
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
much happening around me, including my
considerable amount of independent study
first essay deadline approaching, I had no time
and extensive reading which was not required
to dwell upon it.
at A Level. Nevertheless, I have thoroughly
I was thrilled to discover that one of my flatmates was also studying history and as we enjoyed the same eras we chose the
enjoyed the transition and I am really excited about returning for my second year. Looking back I have really settled in
same courses which meant walking into my
Edinburgh. I couldn’t be happier with both
first lecture filled with hundreds of people
my university and course choices alike.
was made a little easier! Like I had previ-
Although, like everyone else I still have
ously found with the step up from GCSE
moments of feeling homesick, having so
to A Level, the requirement for each level
much to do, both academically and socially,
of education is quite significant and I found
leaves me with little time to think about it.
there to be an even steeper incline in meet-
St Joseph’s feels like a different world away,
ing university expectations.
however, along with my family and friends,
My degree programme consists of Europe-
it gave me the support and encourage-
an and British history from the sixteenth cen-
ment to do what I am doing now and I will
tury and covers a large time span. I have come
always remember it fondly.
to realise that university studies do require a
l Rachel Thomas
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
#St Joseph’s M e s s ag e s a n d m e m o r i e s o n fac e b o o k . co m
#Computer Group Photo
#James O’Sullivan
Patrick Lyons: ‘I recall the computer group.
Sarah Thomas: ‘He was my English teacher...
First 5 minutes of the lessons was phoning
used to say “let the dog see the rabbit” when
up Swansea Guildhall to see it was connect-
we used to question things that [were] about
ed then all I recall it being used for, by me
to be answered!’
certainly, was [to] select a random number
Kathy Proudfoot: ‘I remember him saying
between 1 and 99. You then had to guess
“Straight there, straight back, no going
it with the computer giving a symbol of
around the school like a Ted”’.
either< or > to help you arrive at the result’.
Emma Leese: ‘A fab teacher. He used to tell
Lindsey Deane: ‘Aw Mr McCormack - I owe
me off for brushing my hair in class. “Er,
a lot to him, really, and Mrs Agar for what
you’re not at Gino’s now, Emma!” Good
I have learnt in computers. I used to drive
times!’
him mad as he could never find me for my
Colette Gaines: ‘“Can I go to the toilet, please,
lessons when I was in 6th form’.
Sir?” “I don’t know. Can you?” Killed me every time! He was a truly wonderful teacher.
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
A true legend’.
he asks “’Is it KEH-oe’ or ‘key-HOE?’”
Fiona Cracklin Rosie Cliffe: ‘He is a legend.
resulting in rolling eyes from Melanie. 2)
Had the best time in his class. Used to love
GCSE Welsh, everyone’s quiet and the door
it when some poor first or second years
bursts open as Kehoe rides in on a chair with
would come on a message. He seemed to
wheels, with some tribal mask one of his
have a second sight and know they were
students made!’
there, then we’d all have to be quiet and wait
Helen Lucitt: ‘Kehoe rigging out a Kehoe-
while he listened at the door to their loudly
made PA sound system from the Art room
whispered argument about who would knock
into my room next door and freaking kids
and who would ask. He’d wait until they
and supply teachers out for weeks with mid-
were in full flow then open the door REAL-
lesson ‘announcements’’.
LY quickly making them jump and scream.
Helen Lucitt: I remember [the mask inci-
Brilliant!’
dent] You were doing a test. It was a Scream
Collette Phillip: ‘I remember Mr O’Sullivan, a
mask!! It was terrifying and I swear I didn’t
great teacher. Theatre trips to Stratford and
know it was going to happen. We got Kay-
London. I remember once he held a crown
leigh Pugh to go into his classroom after
court session in an English lesson because
and say how upset she was that he’d messed
one of the boys was caught chewing in the
up her ‘coursework’. She was the only one
library! There was a jury, a defence lawyer
who managed a straight face for any length
and a prosecutor. Was he guilty or not?! Hys-
of time and he ended up grovelling… for
terical and all carried out with such dead pan
about 5 minutes until he realised we weren’t
humour but very educational!’
serious!’
Hayley Davies: “No collecting of hats, coats,
Andrew David Jones: ‘Didn’t he have a large
gloves and scarves until the plane comes to a
piece of foam painted to look like a breeze
complete stop at the terminal building!”
block? And then used to pretend it was
Giuliana Howard: ‘He was so different!!!!
heavy and throw it at a petrified pupil!’
But FAB. He would have a court case if you
Caroline Bennett: ‘I remember Mr Kehoe
didn’t do your homework. I was always in
getting us to do a collage by standing on the
court!
desk and throwing craft materials at us’. Taryn Marie Davies: ‘Kehoe was awesome.
#Sean Kehoe
He used to use that sponge brick and pre-
Mike Williams: ‘Ok, 2 things. 1) Year 8 art
tend to throw it at us. Loved St Joe’s!’
lesson, Kehoe does the register for first time
Daniel Mander: ‘Mr Kehoe walking round his
with us, and when he gets to Melanie Kehoe,
art class, struggling to carry a breeze block
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
[and] then throwing it only to find out it’s
you” will carry me through life. He is the
made of foam ....... Simple, yet class! What a
kindest, most honest, hard-working teacher
legend!’ :-)
that I have ever had :) He really does care
Sammie Mulcahy: ‘He’s awesome. I remem-
about his pupils’ futures!! What an inspira-
ber us working in his class once (radio was
tional man!’
on as usual) and he stood on his chair and
Andrew Davies: ‘Top teacher! Shame his foot-
used a broom to wheel himself along, like
balling skills weren’t up to his mathematical
a gondola! A neighbouring teacher came in
standards!’ :)
to complain about the noise and there he
Mike Williams: ‘Steve Blades’ form tutor
was gondol-ing about! Genius! Remember
registrations were often followed by remind-
when Mr Kehoe stuck giant paper flowers all
ers from the library about overdue books.
over [Steve Blades’ camper van? He went out
He read them out with his own twist. “MI-
there like Jack Bauer! Awesome!’
CHAEL YOUNG: How to make cupcakes.” “RICHARD BOWEN: Ballet for begin-
#Mrs Thomas
ners”... Brilliant!’
Alison Hughes: ‘Mrs Thomas...English! Hop-
Rachel Elizabeth: ‘Mr Gwyn was, without a
ing she wouldn’t pick you to go and get her
doubt, the most talented, dedicated and most
basket from staff room as it was too ‘sham-
inspiring teacher I was taught by during my
ing’ to be seen carrying! At end of lessons
time in St Joe’s. Got the upmost respect for
she always asked if you could leave her room
him. A close second was Mr Smith - his dedi-
looking like Buckingham Palace!’
cation and enthusiasm to his job inspired me
Caroline Bennett: ‘She used to tell me off for
a lot to do what I’m currently doing (PGCE
leaning against the wall in pastoral care les-
Secondary Welsh). Both outstanding teach-
sons. “The wall does not need your support
ers.’
Caroline”’.
Lee Taylor: It has to be Helen Lucitt for me
Fiona Cracklin Rosie Cliffe: ‘One of her fa-
all the way! What that woman inspired in me
vourites in my time was “Come on you lot,
for the love of our country and language I
fiddling while Rome is burning!”’
will be forever grateful. Amazing lessons and an amazing support figure, not only for her
#Top Teacher
subject but in everything. Thanks to Helen,
Stacey O’Connor: ‘Dr Felton. Without a doubt,
I became a Welsh teacher and a head of
the most inspirational and encouraging
Department.’
teacher/mentor I have ever had. “Invest in
Nonny Redmond: ‘Me and Leggy getting
your future and your future will invest in
caught in the boys’ dorm ‘95 on retreat and
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
Leggy being threatened with a taxi home
required of a teacher!! A great man!’
from England with Mr Coyne!’
Leanne Janet Lewis: ‘St Joseph’s helped me
Helen Griffiths: ‘So many amazing teachers
through the roughest parts of my life. Proud
and fantastic memories, it is hard to pick out
to have attended and to have attended with
just a few! The school, it’s staff and pupils
the best!’
are a credit to Port Talbot. Some fave memo-
Jo Davies: ‘Mr Coyne and our trip to Kint-
ries are the 24 hour stay awake in school for
bury. Amazing! What a great trip that was. I
charity, trip to Finland with young enter-
can’t believe it is almost 10 years since I left!
prise, skiing to Italy complete with in-room
Where does the time go?’
rodents... The list goes on! The staff are so
Kevin Mclaughlin: ‘Mrs Fuzey , one of the
passionate about inspiring pupils to go on
most beautiful women I’ve ever met , not
and do something with their lives, and always
just in school , but in life. An inspiration
went the extra mile to make it happen. Best
to all that were taught by her and had the
quote: Mr Marnell “ I want you all to reach
pleasure to know her. And she let us play
the first pillar in the 7 pillars of wisdom.”
records in her classes, the woman was cool!’
Closely followed by him saying “It’s like
Helen Griffiths: ‘Mrs Faulkner!!! An amazing
peeing into the wind with you lot!” :) An
teacher and mentor! I often credit her when
absolute legend!!!’
people say, how did you end up being a psy-
Mark O’Brien: ‘I have so many great memo-
chologist? And I tell them what an inspira-
ries of St Joe’s, it’s hard to know where to
tional psychology A Level teacher I had who
start. For me, a few particular teachers stand
brought the subject to life with her passion
out for their little catchphrases; Mr Lane;
for people. More than 10 years on, whenever
“Casual chat is the enemy of all progress”.
I get something published, my parents still
Mr Godwin; “Well...it’s a challenge for me
say, have you sent it to Mrs Faulkner, she’d
and a challenge for my coracle.”’
be so proud! Now that’s a legacy!’
Ben Garvey: ‘To be honest, all of the teachers
Sadie Oates: ‘I remember my dad saying your
at St. Joseph’s were amazing and I had some
best years will be comprehensive school
of the best times of my life whilst there. Es-
years! And looking back now - he was so
pecially playing rugby with Bladesy and the
damn right!’
rugby boys!! Some seriously funny memories!! But for me, the stand out teacher was Mr. Gwynn!! No matter how hard I tried, he wouldn’t let me misbehave and ruin my education. He definitely went far beyond what is
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
survival of the fittest G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
Great memories. I had a fantastic group of friends. We still see each other every holiday and a few of them have moved to London to work, too. My fondest memories are of dossing in the Sixth form Common room. Plus I very much enjoyed my A level subjects, particularly History with Mr Gwynn and English with Mr Lane. I loved the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, hiking around the Gower and getting lost. After a few days of going around in circles and cheering as the girls fell in the river, we’d feast all night on the huge supplies of food our anxious parents had packed for us. I also have fond memories of my mother’s INTERVIEW WITH ALEX HARRIS.
(English teacher, Janet Jones) Disneyland,
Alex left St. Joseph’s in 2005. He studied Eng-
Paris, Media Studies trips.
lish, History and Media Studies at A level and
ever found in our room during my mother’s
read Journalism for his B.A. degree at Cardiff
military style nightly checks. She still doesn’t
University. He has worked for Men’s Health
know that we hid them in the wardrobe!
magazine since 2009 and is currently Fitness
**What made you decide to choose Journal-
Editor. He lives in Islington, London. Alex is
ism for your degree?
the brother of Seren Jones, Year 12.
Because I loved English and have always en-
** Alex, what are your memories of life at St.
joyed reading and writing. Also, I became in-
Joseph’s?
terested in the magazine industry as part of
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
No girls were
the A level Media course. The B.A. course at
the opportunity to meet and interview some
Cardiff is highly recommended with excellent
celebrities I really admire. The only “lows” of
lecturers and tutors. The Postgraduate M.A.
the work are the very long hours (this is no
course provides a good pathway to employ-
9-5 career) and the immense pressure to meet
ment in the Media.
constant deadlines.
**How did you manage to get a job with
**Do you have any advice to offer students
Men’s Health?
considering a career in Journalism?
I applied for work experience there in 2009
Firstly, read. Pick up everything from your fa-
for a month and was very fortunate to be kept
vourite magazines and newspapers to books
on for longer, completing some freelance ar-
and online articles. As soon as the opportuni-
ticles for the magazine. I was delighted to be
ty arises, get involved with a local newspaper
offered a full time job there two months later
or a student magazine. Apply for work experi-
and started as Editorial Assistant. Since then
ence and be prepared to start at the bottom.
I’ve been promoted to Fitness Editor and
All of our best writers had to start with run-
now edit a large section of the magazine.
ning errands and making tea! Never feel you
**What does your role involve?
are too important to do this or you won’t get
It begins with conceiving editorial and visual
anywhere.
ideas for my section. I then commission writ-
** Finally what does the future hold for you,
ers to create the pieces and eventually edit
Alex?
their work. I write when I have the time, but
Well I’ve just completed my first book for
most of my day is spent researching, editing
Men’s Health, which will be out soon. I’ve
and meeting with writers, experts, advertisers
written a supplement for The Daily Telegraph
and PRs.
this year and plan to increase my freelance
**What would you say are the highs and lows
repertoire with different magazines.
of your job? My biggest high so far was being awarded New Journalist of the year 2010. I also enjoy the travelling that comes with the job. Plus
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Class photos G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
28
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
acceptable in the 80’s G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
It has been some ten years since I have left
money for Singleton Hospital’s Radiotherapy
St. Joseph’s Primary School where I really did
Treatment Fund. My sunflower was grown
have some wonderful school days. I moved
on Dadci Penry’s small holding, The Mill in
from Tairgwaith Primary School to St. Jo-
Rhyd Y Fro, Pontardawe. Each year my Dadci
seph’s during my nursery year.
Penry and I would find a suitably large pot,
Even at that tender age of four I felt im-
plant the seed and place it in the best space
mediately at home in my new school and the
in the greenhouse. My advantage over most
friendships I formed then are still as strong
of the competitors was that my Dadci Penry
today. Although I lived in Ammanford and
had seventy five years of farming experience
my friends were spread all over the area-
and with his guidance we were always strong
Jonathon in Ystradgynlais, Sam in Ystalyfera
contenders in the competition. One year the
and James and Alex in Clydach itself, I have
sunflower was so large my father had to take
always had a strong affinity with the Clydach
it to school in the trailer and despite this I still
area and particularly the rugby community.
only had second prize!!!
Along with Jonathon and Alex we have
The next annual event was the school fete
played rugby with the Vardre through all the
and sports day. My parents are co-owners of
junior teams up to the seniors where we turn
Cresta Ice Cream and each year they would
out every Saturday. It is no coincidence that
supply ice cream for the event to help raise
our friendship remains so strong because we
funds. My Mum would always be in charge
were part of a school environment that not
serving out cornets faster than Speedy Gon-
only taught us education but also the impor-
zales! For my part I always felt a ‘99’ cone be-
tance of caring and kindness which in turn
fore the egg and spoon race always gave me
nurtured our friendship.
an advantage over everyone
Don’t be fooled into thinking that it was
I had the pleasure of going back to
all sunshine and roses mind I can think of
St.Joseph’s on work experience where I met
two annual examples where we were pretty
some of my ‘old ‘ teachers and it was still such
competitive. The first event was the an-
a welcoming and friendly environment l
nual Sunflower day where the school raised
Christopher Jenkens
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
Harsco G r o w i n g u p i n a c a r i n g e n v i r o n m e n t, n u rt u r i n g f r i e n d s h i p s a n d g i a n t s u n f lo w e r s
It has been some ten years since I have left
money for Singleton Hospital’s Radiotherapy
St. Joseph’s Primary School where I really did
Treatment Fund. My sunflower was grown
have some wonderful school days. I moved
on Dadci Penry’s small holding, The Mill in
from Tairgwaith Primary School to St. Jo-
Rhyd Y Fro, Pontardawe. Each year my Dadci
seph’s during my nursery year.
Penry and I would find a suitably large pot,
Even at that tender age of four I felt im-
plant the seed and place it in the best space
mediately at home in my new school and the
in the greenhouse. My advantage over most
friendships I formed then are still as strong
of the competitors was that my Dadci Penry
today. Although I lived in Ammanford and
had seventy five years of farming experience
my friends were spread all over the area-
and with his guidance we were always strong
Jonathon in Ystradgynlais, Sam in Ystalyfera
contenders in the competition. One year the
and James and Alex in Clydach itself, I have
sunflower was so large my father had to take
always had a strong affinity with the Clydach
it to school in the trailer and despite this I still
area and particularly the rugby community.
only had second prize!!!
Along with Jonathon and Alex we have
The next annual event was the school fete
played rugby with the Vardre through all the
and sports day. My parents are co-owners of
junior teams up to the seniors where we turn
Cresta Ice Cream and each year they would
out every Saturday. It is no coincidence that
supply ice cream for the event to help raise
our friendship remains so strong because we
funds. My Mum would always be in charge
were part of a school environment that not
serving out cornets faster than Speedy Gon-
only taught us education but also the impor-
zales! For my part I always felt a ‘99’ cone be-
tance of caring and kindness which in turn
fore the egg and spoon race always gave me
nurtured our friendship.
an advantage over everyone
Don’t be fooled into thinking that it was
I had the pleasure of going back to
all sunshine and roses mind I can think of
St.Joseph’s on work experience where I met
two annual examples where we were pretty
some of my ‘old ‘ teachers and it was still such
competitive. The first event was the an-
a welcoming and friendly environment l
nual Sunflower day where the school raised
Christopher Jenkens
28
The St. Joseph’s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28
28
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
The St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C at h o l i c co m p r e h e n s i v e Sc h o o l a n d 6 t h F o r m C e n t r e J o u r n a l 2013
28