St Mary’s RC Primary School in Chepstow marked St David’s Day with an eisteddfod that demonstrated the talents of students and celebrated their sense of belonging to Wales.

Each class offered two songs, artwork or poems, with the reception class participating in a short play.  Drawing on their instruction from the Gwent Music Support Service, Year Five students gave a performance on penny whistles while their counterparts from Year Six students sang solos.  All pupils and staff wore red in the form of rugby and football tops as well as traditional costume to add colour to the day’s proceedings.

The school eisteddfod ended in the traditional manner with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the Welsh national anthem.

Headteacher Joanne Weightman said; “This was a very successful event which was very much enjoyed by those participating and those in the audience.  We were pleased to carry on the tradition of holding an eisteddfod to commemorate St David’s Day/Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant with wonderful performances from our students.”

The most recent report for St Mary’s RC Primary indicates that under Mrs Weightman’s leadership, staff, governors and the whole school community have worked hard to develop a shared vision with changes implemented in terms of the learning environment, provision, planning and developing the Welsh ethos.  The impact of these changes is already starting to be evident.

Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Richard John said: “It’s great to see that St Mary’s RC Primary School is making good progress in its journey towards improvement.”