Since the last newsletter, work to establish the new All Through school in Y Gader catchment area hasprogressed well and the Strategic Headteacher, Mrs Jano Owen, has started in her post following theEaster holidays. The Headteacher can be contacted directly by e-mailing: JanoOwen@gwynedd.llyw.cymruor by calling 07989152968.

A word from the Strategic Headteacher

“The first few weeks in the role have been very busy. I have worked hard to get to know mycolleagues so that they can support me in shaping the future of the catchments new all-through school. Although the school does not officially come into existence until September2017, the decisions that need to be made before then are both numerous and complex. I willbe spending the next few months providing a strong foundation for the new school, evaluatingand assessing which management structure will ensure the best education for children in thecatchment. Once the structure has been confirmed the process of appointing staff will begin. It

is expected that the entire appointing process will take several months to complete, and it is anticipated that theprocess will be implemented in phases. An outline timetable for implementation is set out in the ‘Staffing’ sectionbelow, which identifies the key issues that will be addressed over the next 6 months. I'm well aware that thistransition period is difficult and creates uncertainty, however I am confident things will become more establishedonce the full team of staff is in place. There is a unique and exciting opportunity ahead of us to shape our approachto learning in the future.”

Naming the New School – ‘Ysgol Bro Idris’

Preparations for the new all-through school in the Dolgellau area have taken another exciting step forwardin the last week. 'Ysgol Bro Idris' is the official name of the 3-16 all-through school that will serve the areafrom September 2017. The name was chosen following a consultation with schoolsand the wider community in the catchment during March this year. On Thursdayafternoon, May 12th, the name was officially launched in the shadow of Cader Idris byrepresentation of pupils who will be attending the school. As part of the work ofcreating a new entity for the school, a slogan and logo will also need to bedeveloped. The development of a slogan will be led by Children's Poet Laureate,Anni Llŷn during the summer term. It is hoped that the creation of a corporateimage for the school and deciding on school uniforms will take place during thesummer term. It is also anticipated that a website will be developed in the Autumnand any news about the school will be placed on the website.

Shadow Governing Body

Two new members have joined the governing body recently, namely Arfon Hughes (Governor of DinasMawddwy and Community Council representative) and Simon Evans (Governor of Y Gader andcommunity representatives). Cllr. Peredur Jenkins has also been appointed as Vice-Chairman of theshadow governing body. The Council and Members of the Shadow Governing Body would like to thankRhianwen Edwards and Cllr. Gethin Glyn for their service during their time on the governing body. Forfurther information regarding the Shadow Governing Body, please contact Mai Bere in the educationdepartment on 01286 685049 or 01745 701114.

Modernising Education - Y Gader Catchment AreaNewsletter - Spring 2016

For more information, contact the Modernising Education Office:

01286 679247

school.organisiation@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/schoolorganisation

Information for Staff

The timetable below identifies the stages of the appointing process. The senior management team will needto be put in place first, which in turn will appoint a teaching team, followed by the support and ancillarystaff. In order to reduce stress and insecurity for all, every effort will be made to keep to this timetable.Support from the Councils’ Human Resources Consultative Department will also be made available forstaff - and various sessions are in the process of being scheduled to support and advise staff. Staff arewelcome to contact Sandra Evans (01286 679862) or Meleri Hughes/Rebecca Kiely (01286 679915)in the Human Resources Consultative department for advice or guidance. As part of the work in developingthe new school, a Staff Forum has been established to develop the schools’ policies and procedures. The forum willinclude representation of the existing schools’ staff to discuss and offer views on many issues.

Information for Pupils and Parents

The Strategic Headteacher has organised three 'Meet the Head' sessions towards the end of May in orderto share her vision for the school with parents. There are also plans to establish a Parents Forum in thenear future in order to ensure a good relationship between parents and the new all-through school duringthe transitional period. Parents may attend any one of the following sessions:

Site Developments

The construction and upgrading work has been confirmed for the threesites in question and work on the Rhydymain and Llanelltyd sites arealready under way and in keeping with the timetable that has been set.Rhydymain Site - Construction of the new extension has beencompleted. The pupils have moved into the extension for the time beingin order to release two classrooms and toilets in the old building to

undergo a refurbishment. The externalworks will start soon, with all the work being completed by the end ofAugust 2016. Llanelltyd Site- Construction work has started on thesite. The construction phase will continue until February / March 2017with the aim of completing the outdoor sports facilities between now andthe summer of 2017. Cynradd Dolgellau Site – It is anticipated thatthe building contractor will be confirmed by the end of May with theintention to start on the construction work during June 2016.

Next Steps Term

Researching/Identifying and Forming the schools Managing Structure

Summer 2016

Establishing a Staff Forum

Establishing a Parents Forum

Developing the schools Name, Logo, Slogan and website

Agreeing the Schools’ Structure – Senior Management Team (SMT)

Advertise, interview and appoint the Senior Management Team posts (SMT)

Agreeing the Staffing Structure - Teachers

Advertise, interview and appoint teachersAutumn 2016

Agreeing the Staffing Structure – Support and Ancillary Staff

Advertise, interview and appoint support and ancillary staff postsSpring 2017

Develop School Policies and Managing Procedures

Tuesday (evening), 24th of May 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Ysgol GanllwydWednesday (evening), 25th of May 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Ysgol BrithdirThursday (evening), 26th of May 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Ysgol Y Gader

Rhydymain Site

Llanelltyd Site