Peter Jenkins, former head at Ferndale Community School, has taken up a new post as head at Hartridge High School, Newport.

One of his last acts prior to departing was to send Phil a letter expressing his thanks for Sporting Marvels commitment and contribution to the school…..

“Dear Phil……

With my impending departure, I wanted to pass on my appreciation to you and your organisation for the outstanding contribution you have made to Ferndale Community School.  It’s now over six years since we started working together and in that time, your stated aims of showing the young people of Rhondda that they have real choices in life have been easily achieved. Sporting Marvels has succeeded in breaking the common misconception that coming from an area of deprivation means there is only the one path to follow; you have shown what can be achieved when alternatives are put in place. Key to this has obviously been the placement of workers within the school. The various ‘Marvels’ at Ferndale have been wonderful ambassadors and excellent role models. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to working with young people and to demonstrating that there are alternatives as to how they live their lives is amazing! For years we have been trying to get over the psychological barriers of ‘I’m only from Maerdy’ or ‘I’m only from Penrhys etc.’ The esteem with which they are held allows the Marvels to address this and much more too, by arguing ‘why not be the best you can possibly be?’  When they speak, the pupils listens!  Permeating everything the Marvels do is the encouragement for our students to live the ‘right way’ and to show care and compassion for others. I can recall numerous instances where this engagement has resulted in significant personal development for an individual and a lasting change of direction towards a future so much more positive as a result.  Sporting Marvels has been an extremely positive feature of the school and I will greatly miss my involvement with you and your organisation.  But yours is a work still very much in progress and I thank you for everything you’ve accomplished so far and wish you every good fortune for the future. Should I ever be able to be of any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me."

With best wishes……Peter Jenkins

Photo - Peter Jenkins pictured with former Marvels Rebecca Chapman and Elroy Duckitt