A Volunteer’s Progress!
At the New Drop in Centre there are a number of volunteers who enjoy working there and are keen to better themselves. For the past 18 months Gillian Jones has been volunteering at the community clothing shop within the Drop in Centre. She prepares clothes for future sale, recycling items of clothing and any other day to day tasks.
When Gillian first started going to the New Drop in Centre she found it very hard to communicate with other volunteers at the Centre . Over a matter of months Gillian started to grow in confidence, and now Gillian enjoys learning and meeting new people. Twelve months ago a new Basic Skills class started at the New Drop In Centre. The class helps people at all stages with Maths and English. Gillian saw this as a great opportunity to start to learn how to read and write.
From then on, every Wednesday and Thursday, Gillian started going to the classes held at the Drop in Centre and she slowly started to develop after a number of weeks.
The classes have a relaxed atmosphere and go at the learners pace, so there is no pressure. Gillian started to enjoy the classes and found them to be very helpful and enjoyed learning.
Everybody at the New Drop In Centre saw a change in Gillian. She became more confident, and had more self determination.
Gillian has since progressed from not being able to read and write, to having passed three levels of mathematics and literature. Gillian has received 3 certificates and is working towards her 4th. She can also tell the time and read and spell a selection of words. This is something she never thought she could do!
The Drop In Centre staff and volunteers feel that Gillian should be recognised for her excellent progress. Over the coming months we will update the community and encourage Gillian as she continues to grow in confidence and knowledge.
Alison Howells, the tutor for Basic Skills has been teaching Gillian over the last few years.
Alison said that Gillian is very punctual and never complains about the level of work set for her on a weekly basis. Alison said “Gillian was unable to read or write first starting but within four months her
determination got her through clearly reading six books”.
“Gill has totally changed since coming to the weekly classes, her confidence has grown dramatically”.
In the classes Gillian is never frightened to ask for help or embarrassed in saying she’s unable to do her work. The level that Gillian has reached was far from Gillian’s own expectations. Gillian has passed 2 Entry Levels for speaking and listening and has currently got 2 qualifications for levels 1 and 2.
Gillian's Maths tutor Sarah was so pleased with Gillian's progress. “Throughout the months Gill has been doing exceptionally
well, going from strength to strength. Gill has made tremendous progress in reading and writing. Gillian’s confidence has grown an awful lot in the past months. I have had great pleasure in teaching Gill and wish her the best of luck for the future. It has been a pleasure “.
Do you think you could learn from attending these classes? If so, then pop in the New Drop In Centre or the ARC.
Call the New Drop in Centre on 580905 or the ARC on 578632.
Autumn Issue 2008
A new season for Blaenymaes Primary School...
Mr Edwards,
Blaenymaes Primary School,
Broughton Ave,
Blaenymaes,
Swansea,
01792 583366
When you think of Blaenymaes Primary School, it's hard not to think of the friends made or perhaps the teachers who taught there. At the end of each year there is the cycle of older students moving up to comprehensive and the little ones just beginning their educational journey. With this unending cycle, there is the consistency of teachers that mould the minds of their students. One of these educators is Mr. Edwards. He has been an essential part of the school and Blaenymaes community for the past 32 years.
When Mr. Edwards first began as a teacher, the students were singing along to the number one song by Abba called Mamma Mia. He used blackboards instead of interactive white boards and wouldn't have imagined one day he would use computers as an aid in teaching. He acknowledges these tools are "undoubtedly the future as they enhance teaching and learning greatly".
It’s quite clear that many changes have taken place in teaching (as well in the school) while Mr. Edwards has been there.
However, he may be having a little déjà vu with the children of his former pupils singing Mamma Mia all over again. He says, “It does make me feel old but thankfully I haven’t taught the grandchildren of any of my ex-pupils. So perhaps it is best that I retire before this happens because then I would feel ancient”.
As with every job, there are highs and lows. Mr. Edwards was kind enough to share his. “The highs are being in control and deciding the best way to move forward for the school and putting it into effect. I also enjoy seeing the success our children achieve not only academically but in all aspects of school life.” He also enjoyed his favourite assembly song; an Easter hymn called The Servant King. However, one of the tedious parts of being headmaster is “the amount of paperwork, often unnecessary, which pass over my desk”. I guess he’s not so different from the students he taught who felt the same way about homework.
When Mr. Edwards first began as a teacher, the students were singing along to the number one song by Abba called Mamma Mia. He used blackboards instead of interactive white boards and wouldn't have imagined one day he would use computers as an aid in teaching. He acknowledges these tools are "undoubtedly the future as they enhance teaching and learning greatly".
It’s quite clear that many changes have taken place in teaching (as well in the school) while Mr. Edwards has been there.
However, he may be having a little déjà vu with the children of his former pupils singing Mamma Mia all over again. He says, “It does make me feel old but thankfully I haven’t taught the grandchildren of any of my ex-pupils. So perhaps it is best that I retire before this happens because then I would feel ancient”.
As with every job, there are highs and lows. Mr. Edwards was kind enough to share his. “The highs are being in control and deciding the best way to move forward for the school and putting it into effect. I also enjoy seeing the success our children achieve not only academically but in all aspects of school life.” He also enjoyed his favourite assembly song; an Easter hymn called The Servant King. However, one of the tedious parts of being headmaster is “the amount of paperwork, often unnecessary, which pass over my desk”. I guess he’s not so different from the students he taught who felt the same way about homework.
Looking back on his stay, he has got to know many students. With many having moved on and accomplished great things, we asked him what famous faces has he seen pass through the school? "I suppose the most well known is Shaun Macdonald, who plays for the Swans and Ricky Davies, who won an under 19 Welsh rugby cap, but many talented children have gone through the school and gone on to achieve degrees and work in professional occupations.”
While remembering his former students, we asked a few of them what they remember of Mr. Edwards. Leeanne Martin remembers him sitting at the dinner tables. “I remember because he is so tall and sitting in those seats made for children must have been uncomfortable.” He jokingly replies, “It is an occupational hazard, but you get used to it and I always felt it was important to socialise with the children.” Tricia Morgan is one of many former students who brought in their children to discover their former teacher the headmaster.
“His life work has been connected with the Blaenymaes School and it’s community. He will be missed and a bit strange with out him.”
In the end, it goes back to the cycle of people moving on and others stepping in their place. With the new headmistress already situated Mr. Edwards hopes, “the school will continue to progress.” Under the new headmistress, he’s quite sure it will. Moving on must be tough after 32 years. He admits it will be very difficult to just walk away, but with plans of doing some travelling with his wife after retirement, it definitely won’t be too bad. Mr. Edwards will be remembered for all the great things he has brought to the school, its students, and the community.
______________________________________While remembering his former students, we asked a few of them what they remember of Mr. Edwards. Leeanne Martin remembers him sitting at the dinner tables. “I remember because he is so tall and sitting in those seats made for children must have been uncomfortable.” He jokingly replies, “It is an occupational hazard, but you get used to it and I always felt it was important to socialise with the children.” Tricia Morgan is one of many former students who brought in their children to discover their former teacher the headmaster.
“His life work has been connected with the Blaenymaes School and it’s community. He will be missed and a bit strange with out him.”
In the end, it goes back to the cycle of people moving on and others stepping in their place. With the new headmistress already situated Mr. Edwards hopes, “the school will continue to progress.” Under the new headmistress, he’s quite sure it will. Moving on must be tough after 32 years. He admits it will be very difficult to just walk away, but with plans of doing some travelling with his wife after retirement, it definitely won’t be too bad. Mr. Edwards will be remembered for all the great things he has brought to the school, its students, and the community.
Summer Issue 2008
“I strongly believe that community regeneration is crucial” 
The Spark Centre's new Chief Executive is definitely cut from a different cloth with his skull socks and penguin brand polo shirt. Owen Pillai is bringing more than just a distinct dress sense to the centre. He brings fresh ideas to enable the further success of the centre, but how did he come to be the new Chief Executive? Other than having a background of working with children and young people within the community, he was employed by the BPP Development Trust as a Digital Outreach Worker. As an outreach worker he helped people to engage in new forms of technology and illustrated how to use the technology to enhance their lives.
Owen has a passion to enhance community members’ lives and plans to do so at the Spark Centre. However, being the new guy at the Spark Centre must be a bit daunting. So we asked Owen what keeps him motivated? "The same reasons I went for the job, I strongly believe that community regeneration is crucial.
Coming from a background of working with children and young people, Spark was really appealing because there's lots of different stuff going on for younger people. I think this is crucial when you look into revitalizing a community and empowering people. Also, seeing their smiling little faces coming through the door." This motivation has led him to go to the university for a Masters in Community Regeneration. This further displays his commitment to help revitalize the community.
With programs well under way at the centre, we asked what he plans to bring to the area through Spark? "Hopefully I can build on the strengths that the organisation has already and I would like to see a more joined-up approach to what we do. Working with more partner agencies so that we can be more effective in our delivery for the community as a whole."For example, with the Kids Club, "We are currently working with Jason Nancurvis from the Play Team, helping out with the Monday Club that is run in the Community Centre. The Club is staffed solely by a team of dedicated volunteers, and Jason has asked us to help support the good work that is going on up there. It’s a great opportunity for all of us to work together, and to learn about what else is going on in the area. It’s also an opportunity to make use of the local facilities more effectively, taking some of the children who come to the Spark Centre up to the Community Centre”.
After finding out a lot about Owen and his plans for the Spark Centre, we want to know who is Owen Pillai? What are his personal interests? Here's what we found out:
With his newly found bowling skills, Owen plans to add this to his list of hobbies that include: surfing, going to gigs/live music, and drinking tea.
*His favourite food is cheese pizza, scandalously topping it with green peppers on occasion.*His inspiration for his dress sense comes from Seth Cowen of The OC, but as said, he's cut from a different cloth.*He likes independent music, UK bands, bands that tour all year for no money, and punk music.*His favourite film is The Nightmare Before Christmas, but he also includes The Goonies, Flight of the Navigator, anything with pirates in it, Harmony Corin films, and Kevin Smith films are top of his list.*As a fan of classic 1980's films, it wasn't surprising that one of his favourite quotes was "Wax on, wax off" and “Cool Beans”!*Although the next five years is a bit far to plan, Owen sees himself as a dad. And of course being rich beyond his wildest dreams. Lol.
