Ysgol Bro Dinefwr headteacher retires after decades in role

Mrs Julie Griffiths has retired from her role as headteacher at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr after over two decades.

Before the super school opened in Ffairfach, Mrs Griffiths was head at both Ysgol Tre-Gib and Ysgol Pantycelyn ahead of their merger.

Julie started her career as an English teacher in Ysgol Preseli and quickly rose to be Head of English.

In 1991 she became Deputy Head of Ysgol Tre-Gib and became headteacher in 1997.

She remained in that position until 2013 when Ysgol Tre-Gib and Ysgol Pantycelyn amalgamated to become Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, where she also appointed headteacher.

She has seen many changes during her career, including various changes to curricular requirements.

She mentioned a number of these during a dinner to celebrate her retirement at the Plough Rhosmaen at the end of the Christmas term.

In particular she acknowledges the value of advice and support of her headteachers both at Ysgol Preseli, Mr George Ladd and Ysgol Tre-Gib, Mr Glyn Davies.

She also acknowledged the tremendous support of her Deputy Head Mrs Catrin Griffith Jones and the Senior Leadership Team in general.

The biggest change however was amalgamating Ysgol Pantycelyn and Ysgol Tre-Gib.

Her leadership at this time was invaluable and at every turn the question was “How will this benefit the pupils and staff?”

The pupils were always at the heart of all decisions and in particular on A level results day her effort in securing places at colleges or universities was way beyond what could be expected.

Past pupils sent messages of gratitude which were read during the dinner and included some humorous recollections, including the time Mrs Griffiths was given management advice by a 14-year-old based on the use of young rams.

A spokesperson for Ysgol Bro Dinefwr said: “Generations of pupils have benefitted from Mrs Griffiths' leadership and the gratitude owed by the area for her total commitment is immense.

“The school wishes her all the very best in the future.”