Hi Guys

The summer has come and gone, and already we are in need of coats and jumpers. Community activities are going along nicely with the Gardening Club and now the Welsh Lessons at the school. Before we know it we will have the Christmas Nativity Play, and then it will be inter school football again!

Some people may remember that this blog was an idea that came from a meeting with the parents to discuss the 'Modernisation of Schools' programme which DCC are carrying out. We wanted to promote the use of the school as a community focus, and keep you informed about the progress of 'Modernisation of Schools'. Two Newsletters have already been sent out a third one will follow shortly.

Officially 'Modernisation of Schools' is still in its confidential stage, but I was approached by some parents who had become aware of the programme at the end of the summer. Conwy are already well into a similar process, so it was no secret Denbighshire may be doing something similar.

To prevent inaccurate rumour spreading we decided to inform parents of what we knew at that time. please refer to 'Modernisation of Schools 2010 Newsletter 1' dated 15/7/10. We had a great response to this meeting, which was preceded by a meeting I had arranged with the Minister for Wales Mr David Jones MP, who was very supportive.

We know more now.

The Local Authority are checking the accuracy of information relating to individual schools, confirming it with school Governors, before entering into the first of two 'consultation' periods. During the formal 'consultation' parents WILL be consulted, which I know has been a big concern.

Nothing is settled yet, we really are in the very early stages of securing funding from the Welsh Assembly for future educational needs in Denbighshire. As a board of Governors we have been asked for ideas to secure the high level of education we enjoy in our group of 7 schools, known as the Edeymion.

There is a consultation document being prepared. We have as Governors had the chance to review and comment on this document in its draft stage. Our comments were accepted, and changes have and will be made. Once the draft document is completed, it will be presented to the Cabinet of DCC and assuming they approve it, the first 'consultation' period will begin.

Two important facts came from the last meeting (tonight 5/10/10):-

1. This process is a long one, the final decision on how best to provide education in Denbighshire is not due until mid 2012, and it may well not affect Ysgol Betws GG in any way.

2. Ysgol Betws GG is strategically placed, being in an important position to provide the excellent Welsh medium education to this rural part of the county.

I know many parents have been concerned with what is happening in Conwy, and the lack of information from DCC is creating anxiety. But please be reassured, there IS plenty of time to discuss with DCC any concerns you have, and we will be facilitating information meetings for parents.

I will prepare Newsletter No.3, and try to keep this blog up to date. If you have any comments you can leave them on the blogs.

Regards
Graeme