Head teacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg retires

Hywel Price, head teacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, retires at the end of the autumn term, after five years at the Vale Welsh-medium school and a long and successful career in the educational world.

Mr Price said: "I wish to note how proud I am to have worked at such a school as Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg.

"During my five years here the school recorded record high examination results in 2019 and 2020, ensured a very praiseworthy Estyn report in May 2019 and commenced a £21 million extension of the school which will be completed by August 2021, ready for the new term.

"Everything I note is nothing to do with me, but everything to do with the staff, pupils and governing body of the school who have continued with the ethos and high expectations of the school which was established back in 2000.

"The commitment to extra-curricular activities and the success the drama and music departments ensured annually in the national Urdd Eisteddfod only emphasises the drive and passion the staff have for the school.

"The pupils are the most courteous and friendliest pupils I have met."

MORE STORIES

Ysgol Bro Morgannwg joins Ballet Cymru Associates programme

Latest phase of improvements completed at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, Barry

Barry secondary schools gain their latest categorisation bandings

Prior Mr Price's arrival in Barry, he spent a year at Ysgol Aberconwy, Gwynedd, and then 24 years at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni before moving to Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, Aberdare for his first taste of headship for six years.

"I have too many stories to share," he said. "However when I look back, I can only thank all of my previous colleagues for their kindness, support and sense of fun.

"When I started in 1985, mobile phones and computers did not exist.

"The technological world has revolutionised teaching and Covid-19 has forced the profession to engage in blended learning which will certainly develop to become the norm in educational establishments.

"The school needs a new direction now, and the completion of the building programme will allow Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg to thrive and respond to the demands of teaching and learning in the 21st century.

"Mr Rhys A Jones, my successor, will inherit a school which is in a position of strength with facilities, pupils and staff of the highest standard."

Chairman of Governors, Rob Evans said: "Hywel’s legacy at YGBM is one of outstanding success.

"He leaves at a time when examination results have been the best in a generation, attainment in sporting and cultural activities has been exceptional and the reputation of the school has been greatly enhanced.

"Hywel’s ethos in ensuring that every pupil matters, and his approachable style and warmth has left an indelible mark on the many pupils whose lives he has helped shape throughout his tenure and his wider teaching career.

"At YGBM he has overseen a £17m school extension, a steady growth in pull numbers and an outstanding Estyn inspection report.

"And of course he has steered the school through its response to the global pandemic.

"His huge appetite for work, resilience and empathy with pupils and staff will be greatly missed.

"On behalf of pupils, staff, parents and governors alike, I extend a huge thanks for his dedication to the school and wish Hywel and his wife Mairwen and long and happy retirement; it is richly deserved."

Deputy head teacher, Catrin Bennett said: "When I first met Hywel, I reported back to the English department by saying that he had "a twinkle in his eye."

"Even in our very last SLT meeting, I have not been proved wrong!

"Through a number of difficult events and testing times, Hywel has shown that sense of humour when we have needed it most.

"I would like to thank him for his unfailing support and encouragement, and for the fact that he always puts people first.

"He will be sorely missed, and we will be green with envy when the photos of his jaunts start arriving."

Year 8 pupil Owen Weeks said: "Mr Price has been the best head teacher ever.

"He is funny, clever, but also a very kind man. H

"He used to teach my auntie - therefore he has some connections with my family.

"Mr Price has really shown me how to be polite, kind and talented.

"I’ll be sad to see him leave."

Will Thomas added: "He once covered a lesson when my teacher was absent and I’ll never forget the lesson.

"Mr Price brought history to life with his enthusiasm and humour.

Aaron Belby, of year 11, said: ‘Mr Price has done a lot for me.

"He arranged for me and my friends to have a boxing club at school.

"I will never forget him and everything that he has done for me.

"I wish him all the best in the future.

"Honestly, a great head master."

Charli-Jaye Higgins added: ‘He was very caring, someone you could talk to if you were worried about anything."

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg wished Mr Price well on his retirement thanked him for all his work.