Profile Of An Individual - 'A Day In The Life Of A Manager'

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Report Of An Individual

Individual : ‘A Day In The Life Of A Manager’

Mr Rhodri Llyr Luke Jones, Administration and Communications Manager for the Education Department of the City and County of Swansea.

Mr Jones was happily enjoying his weekend away visiting family in North Wales when suddenly an announcement on Radio Cymru news startled him. Penyrheol Comprehensive, a local school in Gorseinon, Swansea, had burnt down in the early hours of the morning. Jones being the Administration and Communications manager for the education department of the City and County of Swansea, had to immediately jump in his car and drive the five hours to the ‘Graveyard of Ambition.’

“My main duties are to manage administration support for all education heads of service and all communications of functions to deal with media, schools, etc.” says Jones. When asked what has been the most challenging ordeal to be faced with since starting his job a year ago, his answer was the fire in Penyrheol School which happened at 01.00 on the 18^th of March, 2006. Jones’s role in the event was to ensure that clear and concise information was given to all involved including teachers, parents and pupils.

Jones described what is currently happening to the facility and pupils concerned. On the 14^th of April at 08.00 it was announced that all pupils of Penyrheol Comprehensive are due to be back in class by Monday, May the 15^th. Year nine will return to the school grounds on Monday the 8^th of May. On Monday the 15^th of May year 11 will go on study leave and year 8 will return to the school site. Year 7 will begin lessons in Gorseinon College Tre Uchaf site also on this day. Pupils not in class between the end of the Easter break and May the 15^th will be mailed new workbooks and offered recreational activities.

The Education manager also mentioned of the ‘Borders Fun Day’ that is being held on bank holiday Monday in the Fforstfach store, in order to raise money for the reconstruction of the school buildings. The fun day will include a readathon, Easter Egg treasure hunt, story times and face painting. Jones is keen to pressure on the need for help from the public for volunteers, anyone interested should ring KJ Fowler on 01792 579578. There is also a karaoke fundraising evening taking place in the New Lodge Club, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon on Tuesday the 18^th of April from 6-11pm. This event has been arranged by a new organisation ‘Friends of Penyrheol Comprehensive’ which has developed since the fire.

“Apart from being in charge of the Education department, I am also currently helping with the organisation of the forthcoming Eisteddfod which will be held in Swansea during the summer,” states Jones.

Hopefully we will hear more from Mr Rhodri Jones soon for more information on the development of the school and also any fundraising events in the future for the school and the Eisteddfod.