The Reverend Aubin de Gruchy delivered Rydal Penrhos’ latest virtual Celebration Chapel message.

Keeping some semblance of normality in troubling times has been at the forefront of Rydal Penrhos’ adaptation to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions implemented by the Welsh Government. Whether this is from a thorough online learning provision or keeping things structured for those pupils on site, the school’s incredible staff team has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure individual goals are met.

Another element to this routine that has been prevalent throughout the last 12 months is the virtual Chapels and Assemblies, which staff, pupils, and family members can enjoy within their class bubbles or from the comfort of their own home at the start of each day.

Reverend Nick Sissons, who is the school’s Chaplain, has led the way with exceptional dedication to the initiative, with other contributions coming from staff and members of the Sixth Form pupil leadership team.

He also enlists the help of a special guest speaker on a Friday for the virtual Celebration Chapel, which has seen speakers from across the globe lend their support.

The latest of these comes from the Rev’d Aubin de Gruchy, who is the chaplain at Truro School in Cornwall, a position he has held since 2002 after serving as chaplain and deputy head at Somerset College.

Rev’d de Gruchy originally hails from South Africa and held the title of chaplain of Kingswood College, which is a co-educational school in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.

In addition to his chaplaincy duties, Rev’d de Gruchy teaches Religious Studies and PSHE, in addition to coaching football and even assisting as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and counsellor.

The special guest speaker recently completed training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and is a qualified Reality Therapist (William Glasser International – accredited by the European Association for Psychotherapy).

“My favourite pastime has to be paddling in my sea kayak which I do as often as possible.”

Rydal Penrhos’ Celebration Chapel for 5 March also saw Director of Music Pete Williams sing and perform “The Power of Love”, with pupil contributions coming from Head Girl Anna Parry-Williams and joint-Deputy Head Girl Cerys Cuddihy.

On behalf of everyone at Rydal Penrhos, we’d like to thank Rev’d de Gruchy for giving up his time.