St Francis of Assisi Newsletter December 2011
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College Headteacher: Mrs P. Mullins, B.A. (Hons), M.A.
NEWSLETTER 12th December 2011
Dear Parents, We are in the season of Advent and have just completed our week‟s Mission “Waiting in Hope”. Our young people were privileged to work with the youth leaders from Soli House and, as always, put their hearts and souls into their spiritual retreat. Our Masses closed what was a very special week for our school and I hope you will enjoy the photographs included in this Newsletter. Despite the recession, our students still managed to put together 204 gift boxes for the annual Shoebox Appeal. The boxes are shipped to children abroad who do not have even basic toiletries. Christmas is a time for giving and our young people are incredibly generous. Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Bazaar. Students and staff gave their time and talents to make this a huge success. The funds raised will pay for our sixth formers‟ costs to get to Lourdes where they look after the sick and elderly. So far we have not needed to close the school due to severe weather conditions. When the snow arrives, please check the website to see if we are open. Remember that we serve a very wide geographical area and the decision to close must take account of transport to each of our feeder areas. School closure is never taken lightly and the overwhelming majority of parents are always reasonable and supportive during these occasions. Please keep our lovely school in your prayers over Christmas and have a very holy and happy festive season. Yours sincerely, P. Mullins.
Waiting in Hope Pupils at St Francis were lucky enough to take part in a whole school retreat in preparation for Advent. The retreat was hosted by Father Stephen and his team from Soli House. The team were excellent and guided pupils in their preparation for Advent through workshops, meditation, guest speakers and group work. The week ended with a fabulous Mass where all pupils joined the Soli House team in prayer and song. Liturgy Group representatives also contributed to Mass through song, prayer and drama to demonstrate what they had learnt over the week.
Hannah 8C said about her experience of the retreat: “Our retreat week has been great! We started with the fun mime workshop where we had a number of performances which were both educational and amusing.
Another memorable moment was the meditation activity. Here, we learnt the importance of calm and silence in our daily lives. We had the opportunity to let go of all of our worries, fears and sadness and we were able to picture the wonderful angel, just like Mary did. It was very peaceful and showed us the importance of open minded hearts. The Soli House team were so friendly both in activities and around school. Father Stephen‟s bible passages and teaching all helped us to understand the theme of the week „Waiting in Hope‟. The closing Mass was brilliant! It included dances, singing (I took part in this) and a variety of music. It was a fantastic close to an epic week.
Waiting in Hope
Amber from 7I: “Retreat week was lots of fun. On Monday Year 7 and Year 8 all went to the Gym Hall to meet the Soli House team. We were given a wrist band that said „Waiting in Hope‟; this was the theme of the week. The Soli House team were lots of fun and showed us a funny PowerPoint about themselves so we could get to know them before we began. We did an activity called „Praise Aerobics‟ with funny actions such as Altar Surfers! Lastly, we watched n amusing video about a modern day Advent story that contained email and Facebook! Throughout the week we took part in lots of activities, including meditation and a celebration Mass. Most pupils in Year 7 loved the Praise Aerobics and want to do it again. We all really enjoyed the week and hope we can do it again one day.”
Year 7 News Catholic Citizenship in Year 7- St Francis Day This year for St Francis day the theme was one world. In Year 7 we decided that each form would be assigned a country to research, and then present at a year group assembly. Mrs Roberts kindly put together boxes of resources for us to use which were a huge help. Pupils spent the day thinking about issues around the world and focusing on their assigned country. Each pupil also decorated a paper child to represent the country they were given, and looked in depth as to what life would be like for a child of their age in that country. During the last two
“I enjoyed doing
things in form like working on our
lessons of the day, all year 7 pupils were gathered in the sports
country, Germany.”
hall to present their findings. They did an excellent job with all pupils getting involved and offering some facts to the rest of us. Mr Stuart‟s form 7C, had an excellent box of resources based on China, which contained a dragon head piece and musical
Missy “I really enjoyed all of my year group going into the sports
instruments. Pupils also celebrated St Francis Day Mass where
hall and learning
they sang beautifully.
interesting facts about different
Picture caption: Pupils from 7B presenting their work on India.
countries.” Emma
By Helen, Sharday, Bronwen and Alisha, Year 7
Aberdovey 27th April to the 29th April 2012 Year 7 are off to Aberdovey in April. We can‟t wait to go there and are sure it will be amazing. We have been told we might do rock climbing, white water rafting and lots more.
New Year’s Card competition It easy to do 1.) Make a New Year‟s card, it can have anything that reminds you of New year on. 2.) Once you have finished
It will be a chance for us to get out of our comfort
give it to the following
zone and try new things and make new friends.
students to be judged
Look out for further information in the next newsletter...
Alisha 7F Helen 7C Sharday 7C Bronwen 7C
Year 8 News
Welcome back, our first term is nearly up and Christmas is drawing near. During this term pupils of Year 8 have had a talk about bullying. Bullying can be very serious no matter how it is done. There are three types of bullying: cyber bullying which is mainly on social networking sites, verbal bullying which is bullying someone using language and physical bullying where you physically hurt another. Bullying can hurt someone emotionally or physically. This can sometimes have an ongoing result on a person such as insecurity about them self or having very low confidence. If any students are victims of bullying or have witnessed bullying we ask them to report the information to a responsible adult who can take control of the situation. In form and in Catholic Citizenship pupils are working on a topic based on „Careers‟, this topic is to help them to find the right career for them so that they will know what options they want to take later on in the year. Most students have come back to school this term with good working attitudes and are trying their personal best to get good grades. Two examples of students‟ art work have been picked out. Congratulations to Sophie Preisler (8a), your work has been chosen. We would not like any pupils to feel down hearted that they didn‟t get picked for the best piece of artwork, as it was a hard decision as everyone has produced wonderful pieces. Please keep up the good work everybody and come back after Christmas with the same
Best Pieces of art work
positive attitude. Our news hasn‟t ended yet! To finish off for this term there are some sports groups that need to be congratulated. Firstly we say congratulations to the Year 8 girl‟s netball team, who recently played twelve games against other schools. They won five, lost five and drew two. What an excellent improvement since Year 7, well done girls! We also say well done to the boy‟s football team for their amazing effort and wins against other boy teams. The A team boy table tennis have gained 1st place in their tournaments. While the boys B team have also done very well as they came runners up. So well done to them! And finally we say…. GOOD LUCK to Francessca and Bethany who draw closer to performing a dance at the World Championships.
Boys A and B team table tennis
Year 9 News Year 9 has almost completed its first term of GCSE work. Year 9 students have risen to the challenge and have been enjoying new subjects and challenges. Here is what some pupils have said about their experiences.... Niamh on Business Studies.
Charles on Media Studies.
Beginning a new subject was
Starting a new subject was
interesting and it has
hard because of all the new
opened up to me a wider
things we had to learn but it
range of opportunities. Iâ€&#x;ve
is also fun. Studying Media
learnt so much already and
Studies gives me a chance to
I realise a business needs
learn new skills that will
lots of hard work to be
hopefully be important for a
successful. It was difficult
job in later life.
to study at first because I didnâ€&#x;t have a lot of knowledge but it is interesting and teaches some good life lessons.
Bowled over at Christmas Mr Howes is treating Year 9 to their annual bowling trip in 13th December. The trip is always a huge success and gives students the opportunity to have some fun together before the school holidays.
Who will get a strike and be crowned the best bowler in Year 9?
Year 10 News A Trip to Cambridge On the 18
th
July seven year 9 students (including myself) went to Cambridge University for the day.
It was an early start- we had to be at Queen Mary‟s high school for 7:30 am! However, we had to make a day out of it. Firstly, we went into the Newman College to hear a talk about who could apply to get into Cambridge. As a born and bred Birmingham girl, I had an idea that the people at Cambridge were posh and privileged and the university itself would be way more expensive than others. I was pleasantly surprised when the woman said that the university was a multi cultural society and was occupied by people of a variety of backgrounds. The woman also described the range of different courses available. Then, we had a mini lecture about archaeology- which is one of the many courses supplied by Cambridge. I found it very interesting. It was about what we can tell from skeletons that have been excavated. Turns out that it‟s harder to “age” and “sex” a skeleton than we think, and scientists are working on ways to find DNA from the bones. After lunch we went punting along the Cam which was very tranquil- it‟s a shame the weather wasn‟t as bright as we had anticipated! We saw some of the colleges such as Trinity and Clare as well as a firework display of architecture. This was followed by an amble around the town. There were a lot of bikes around! Then, we walked to the engineering college and had a guided tour around all the labs and workplaces. It was really high tech and immense compared to our workshops. The information the guy was telling us went right over my head, though. I guess engineering isn‟t for me! It was a good experience, nonetheless. Overall, it was an epic day out. I think I‟ll consider going to Cambridge in the future. All the other people in my group had a good day and we all got something out of it. It was a great experience, one
which I will never forget. I thank the English department for recommending me to go, Mr Griggs for taking us and Walsall for giving us the opportunity!
Year 11 News What does the future hold?
By Emily 11C
Ambition is the desire and determination to achieve success. As St Francis students this applies to every one of us. However, Year 11 students in particular are studying in detail what they aspire to be and how they will achieve their dreams. In Catholic Citizenship Year 11 have been learning how to fill in application forms and write Curriculum Vitaes as well as discussing plans for their future; whether this entails further education, apprenticeships or work experience. I have spoken to three of our year group concerning their personal goals and ambitions who are all taking very different paths to get there. Lily from 11I said: “I would like to be a doctor. I know I need to go to medical school for 5 years and need to achieve 3 science A Levels (A grades). I have been working hard in Science and aim to improve my German grades to boost UCAS points. I have also been undertaking work experience at a Doctor‟s surgery outside of school as well as taking part in a first aid course.” Brendon from 11N wishes to be a Commando Engineering Officer in the Army. He said: “Firstly, I need to be medically and physically fit. I need an A in Physics and Maths as well as a B in English. I also need 40 subject points to get into Welbeck Army College along with extra-curricular and outside activities such as Duke of Edinburgh Award, first aid qualifications, cadets and sports. After Welbeck I will then go on to study at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.” Kate from 11C wishes to pursue a career in Travel and Tourism- Cabin Crew in particular. She told me: “I need to take a course in aviation as well as gain experience in hospitality. However, I‟m unsure what I need to do in order to prepare myself as best as possible for this job so I have booked an appointment with the connexions office, This will help me when looking to decide what steps I take after my GCSEs.” Good luck to all our talented Year 11s.
Jane Howell our careers adviser is available to give advice if you would like to book an appointment.
Year 11 News Yr 11 are starting a CAFOD advent challenge, alongside the sixth form, we are hoping to raise money to assist disadvantaged people around the world through the CAFOD world gifts initiative. Our prom committee is meeting to decide the details of the prom. we have a date booked Thursday 5th July and letters will be out in the New Year. Examination preparation continues with several modules in January, March and the large scale summer examinations.
Controlled assessment continues in many subjects and most students are doing very well. Some students have attendance issues and could risk failing a subject because of missed time in their assessment.
Sixth form News The senior citizens party on Friday periods 5 and six is at the front of everyoneâ€&#x;s minds in the sixth form at the moment. As we embark on the challenge of trying to entertain the senior citizens of the local community, with singing, dancing and food! Fundraising for our Lourdes pilgrimage has also been a prominent part of sixth form life. Many of the year helped during the Christmas Bazaar, on different stands and performances to raise money!
MFL News Bonjour, Guten Tag and Hello! The trip to Strasbourg/Black forest is ever faster approaching. Those who are participating remember:
Monday 31st October - £100
Monday 5th December - £100
Monday 30th January - £100
Monday 27th February - £100
So the overall remaining price to pay before Friday 1st to Wednesday 6th June 2012 is £400, remember to keep up to date with your payments. Please ensure that cheques are made payable to St Francis of Assisi, and are handed to Miss Clarke in MFL (clearly labelled with child‟s name). If you have trouble meeting those exact dates, please contact Miss Clarke by email (rclarke@stfrancis.cc) and she will be happy to be flexible, as long as the entire balance is settled within the time scale (as requested by NST, the trip company).
Notes:
Thursdays, ES2- MFL catch up sessions for GCSE students (10 and 11) you can: o We are running voluntary controlled assessment catch-up (with specialist teacher support) if controlled assessments are not of a good enough standard, incomplete, missed due to absence, then attendance at these sessions will be compulsory. (Controlled assessments make up 60% of the final GCSE grade!). o We will also be running Kerboodle catch up sessions on a Thursday night if you cannot access the internet at home or want some extra help. If Kerboodle homework is not completed these sessions will be made compulsory o If you wish to stay behind for these sessions ensure you have made necessary travel arrangements. For students from Tamworth & Lichfield the late bus is running on a Thursday night so be sure to sign up before the end of lunch if you are using it.
MFL News
Linguist of the Month
Every month the MFL department awards a student with the title of linguist of the month. These students have shown a lot of effort, improvement or talent in MFL. Congratulations to Ryan and Jess who are the last two months winners.
In September
Ryan in Year 7
He participates regularly by putting his hand up lots and is eager to share his knowledge from primary school. He is encouraging others with his enthusiasm to enjoy French as much as he does. Keep it up!
In October
Jess in Year 13
The MFL department is delighted that Jess has chosen to study both French and German at A Level. Deepening and appreciating new cultures, she has taken part in a work experience exchange in Germany and has recently returned from a French exchange visit. She is currently applying to universities (including Oxford) to study languages. We look forward to what she might achieve and wish her all the best.
„She is an excellent linguist and will have a fantastic career in languages.â€&#x; Miss Clarke
History News History Squad – Atten-tion! The last Roman soldiers may have begun to leave these shores back in AD410 but earlier this term Year 7 came up against a very convincing legionary in the form of Mr Kevin Hicks of the History Squad. Pupils were entertained by his demonstrations of Roman arms and armour and hung on his every word as he not only told tales of conquest Roman-style but also drew on his own experiences of life in the British Army in order to explain how it feels to be involved in lifethreatening combat.
Later the same day Year 9 GCSE students were treated to a similar demonstration of arms and armour, this time relating to the First World War. Once again our visitor employed his own special blend of historical insight and personal reflections, many of the latter proving to be amusing and at times, very moving.
In both sessions students were chosen to model the uniforms and carry the weapons. This certainly gave them, and the rest of the audience, an insight into how fit and strong they would have needed to be in order to take part in the real thing.
History is always a fascinating mixture of the big picture and the personal detail. Thanks to Mr Hicks, Year 9 now know that not only was water for making tea transported to frontline trenches in petrol cans but that soldiers could even identify the brand of petrol from the taste of their tea. As for what the Romans did with dilute vinegar and a sponge on a stick, ask Year 7!
Law News After a year in the subject of applied law we as the Law Ambassadors (Tom , James and Henderson) have decided to take on more commitments and ask a few questions about the subject for future sixth form students and parents to read and to get an idea about what law entails. Together the three of us have formed questionnaires and collected the answers from two year 12 and two year 13 students . We asked the students five different questions, do they enjoy the subject and are they glad that they picked it? Has the subject been worthwhile? What is has been your favourite subject and what do you enjoy most about the lessons? Would you recommend the subject to others? And finally have you got any other comments? All four students said how they enjoy the subject and are glad that they picked it and believe the subject has been worthwhile. All of the students like the discussions that we have in class; this helps us get a better understanding of topics and allows us to give our own opinions and examples. The two subjects which have been of particular interest are family law and vitiating factors. They would all recommend the subject to younger students as we cannot fault the subject, and it is both interesting and enjoyable. The students‟ commented that the subject has been a real benefit as it has helped some students become more of an independent learner. So, if anyone is wondering if they should take Applied Law, both year 12 and 13 say “yes”!”
DT News In the summer term, Mr Barrett entered a competition with year 7 and 9 Able, Gifted and Talented students. The St Francis team came third place and we won £250 for DT/ART and £50 book vouchers for the students who were involved. To win, the students painted a radiator on the theme of the environment and sustainability. The competition was run by Biasi (a heating company) and the radiators were on display in the Sadlers Centre, Walsall. Well done to the following students: Emma 8F, Olivia 8F, Matt 8F, Ellie 8F, Rhiannon 8F, Rebecca 10C, Amelia 10C. Daniella 10, Joanna 10C and Jessica 10C.
Music News Delighting us with their presence in three masses the choir and instrumentalists continues to embrace our Catholic ethos, bringing extra joy to Mass, especially when we were graced with Bishop David McGough‟s company at the All Saints Mass. It was a pleasure to welcome him to our school. Year 9 and 10 GCSE classes have made a positive start to the GCSE courses, many congratulations and keep it up! Year 11 are deep into controlled assessments and are producing some excellent compositions good luck as you go to finish your GCSEs.
The Year 9 and 10s “are an absolute pleasure to teach.” (Miss J Clensy) Anyone wishing to learn a new instrument?? Then here‟s your chance. There are places available for those wishing to learn guitar,
Notes: 14th December - Carol
keyboard and violin. Contact Miss Clensy in
Service at St Peter and
Music for more details. Choir Choir members remember that rehearsals for the up and coming carols service will continue on Thursday Lunchtimes in MU2
Paul, Lichfield, 7.30pm.
January – second payment of £40 for instrumental lessons required.
After school Tuesdays and Thursdays- Year 11 support for GCSE performances.
To sing is to pray twice St. Augustine
PE News Success! St. Francis is thriving in netball, football, table tennis. Congratulations to all who partook in the various events this term, especially the table tennis, who swept clean all the trophies available and were crowned champions for both the boys and girls teams in the U13 and U16 categories in Walsall who will go on to represent Walsall in the West Midlands Championships and the Black Country School Games.
Coming back with a kick this year, our boys football representatives (Yr. 7 & 8) have won all of their games and came top of their leagues. Our year 9 boys although not unbeaten, also managed to top their league. Allowing years 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 qualify for the cup competitions which commence after February half term.
Sharing in the success, the netball teams have done us proud, with each age group being entered into the oncoming competitions. Particular praise goes to the Yr.7s who have risen to the demands of school netball.
Note: Girl‟s netball training every Tuesday with matches every Wednesday. This half-term look out for badminton, basketball and girls football.
Foundation Learning News By Rebekah and Hannah, Year 11
A group of St Francis students have worked hard with people from Barons Court to imp our school environment, in particular the Peace Garden and garden in the bottom yard. was an initiative brought to us by Mrs Majster, Mrs Brooks and Mr Howes.
The group are very proud of their work and would like to invite people to take some tim
admire their work which has radically transformed our gardens to a place of serenity calm where we can appreciate our environment.
Their efforts included weeding, planting, fencing, painting and generally making the p
look tidier. We thank them greatly for their work, improving our school environment following St. Francisâ€&#x; example. Here are some pictures demonstrating their extensive work:
Connexions News
By Natalie, Year 13
At St. Francis of Assisi it‟s not just the teachers who are there to help us in shaping our future. We have a Connexions Personal Advisor, Jayne Howell, who is here to help by giving advice and assistance. I spoke to Jayne about her job and how you can get in touch with her to discuss your options… Firstly, for those who are unaware, what is your job at St. Francis? I am the school‟s personal advisor and I provide free and impartial information and advice for all students. My role is to help the students plan their future and get ready for adult learning and working life. What kind of information and advice do you give to students? I give up to date information about careers, education, jobs, apprenticeships, training and volunteering opportunities and make sure students understand all the options open to them. I also give confidential support with any obstacles students may be facing by putting them in contact with other people who provide specialist support. So how can students make an appointment to see you? I can be found in the Careers Room in the P.E corridor in school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternate Fridays. Students can book an appointment with me directly or can pop in for a chat at break or lunch time. Finally, are there any specific notices you have for year groups? Year 11s have some important decisions to make this year. If they want to stay at St Francis they‟ll need to get information about the courses on offer at 6th form. If they are thinking of going to a college they‟ll need to be finding out about the courses available there, attending open days and applying as soon as possible, preferably before Christmas. Alternatively I can also provide information about apprenticeships if you wish to take that route.As well as this, Year 13 students may also need some advice about university applications or exploring what‟s available if university is not for them. Year 8s will need to be thinking about choosing options for Key Stage 4 after Christmas and Year 10s have work experience to arrange. I am here to help you with all your decisions regarding this. You can also contact Jayne Howell by emailing her:
jayne.howell@prospects.co.uk
Liturgy Group This year at St Francis, we have developed a Sixth Form liturgy group, to contribute to the school‟s Catholic ethos. There were originally twelve Sixth Form students who expressed an interest, but the group has now grown to around sixteen members. We are already active around school – on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we led a memorial assembly for our Sixth Form peers, and we also regularly help the RE staff to lead rosary sessions for the younger students. There is a lot going on at St Francis currently – we supported the Think Pink fundraising effort, presenting an assembly to aid reflection on the cause we were supporting. We have also been helping students to send their prayer petitions to Lourdes via email. When Bishop McGough came into school to celebrate Mass on All Soul‟s Day, we all participated in the Mass, from reading to singing in the school choir. After the Mass, we were privileged to enjoy lunch with the Bishop, teachers and the school governors. Two of our Year 13 members have produced a Remembrance Reflection which will be used with all form groups on 11th November. We are also helping to organise a prayer activity where every student in the school will write a personal prayer on a poppy. During November, we will be helping the Soli House team in St Francis‟ Spiritual Week – we are all looking forward to this, as most of us have been to Soli House and really enjoyed the experience. We look forward to playing an active part in providing that experience for the rest of the school. Thanks to our talented member Toby Duckworth, we also have a website – at the moment it is still a work in progress, but soon we will be adding updates to let everybody know what we‟ve been up to. Anna-Maria Kotulski – “I am glad to be part of the Sixth Form liturgy group as it will help me develop my faith.” Daniel Shephard – “Being part of this group gives me the chance to inspire others and give something back to my community.”
The Arch Bishop and the Liturgy group
School Council What does the School council do? The school council puts forward our yrs points of view to senior management & HALâ€&#x;s on ways to improve facilities etc. We pick out things that need improving to improve the welfare of students. What have they done so far? Our school council has so far put in new benches, the hut by bottom yard and updated the school computer systems to a newer system. They have also done a lot of work with the canteen by refurbishing the canteen and suggesting changes with the catering company Aspens. How can you get your voice heard? Itâ€&#x;s simple enough to get your ideas listened to. If you tell your form representative they will pass it on to your year representative or tell your year representative directly. They will then raise issues at the next school council meeting and then steps can be taken to change or improve things.
Your Year Represenatives Year 7- Oliver Mardenborough and Amber Hickman Year 8- Kane Fraser and Bethany Thomas Year 9-Declan Berryman and Jasmine Thompson Year 10- William Wisniewski and Daniella Hill Year 11- Jake Heaney, Sarah Gubbins and Paige Meakin-Richards Year 12- Toby Duckworth and Casey Moylan Year 13- Edward Key and Elizabeth Rogers
Student leaders So youâ€&#x;ve seen the gold ties around school, but what do we actually do? The student leaders are a group of year 11 students who are there to help you in your everyday school life. From keeping our canteens clean to being someone to talk to this group of student are always ready and happy to help. Fourty student leaders are lead by a group of six team leaders who report to Mr. Conway. These students are easy to recognise from their shiney gold ties and yellow prefect badges. Team leaders also wear a red team leader badge. Student leaders have an extra responsibility to ensure that school rules are adheared to and respected. This is a duty which should be respected by all years as these students have been selected by staff after a thourough application process. Student leaders are approachable, helpful people whose duty is primarly to help you to help the school be a more pleasant environment for you to learn in and to enjoy. Your student leaders respect you and in return you too should respect them.
Ask the Prefect! This is a new regular feature which will appear in future issues of the school newsletter. Any questions or queries about rules at lunch time? Do you have any problems with people around the school? Do you just need a bit of help and advice about school life? If so, ask the prefect! A box will appear in the library shortly. Any comments for this feature of the newsletter can be put in the box. Attch your name and form if you want us to contact you directly about your query but you never know, your comment could appear in the next issue of the school newsletter . Remember, if you are being bullied, never leave your comment anonymously and donâ€&#x;t leave your comment to ask a prefect. Tell an adult you trust straight away.
School Noticeboard Fair- trade news... We had notification in November that our renewal for Fair-trade Status had been successful. The assessors gave lots of positive feedback “St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College has demonstrated continuing commitment and enthusiasm from both staff and pupils in its Fair Trade initiative, There is an impressive range and depth in the activities detailed in your evidence.” Please remember that you can purchase Fair-trade products at school events and our Tradecraft stall is open for business at every parent‟s evening. Part of the Fair-trade Steering Group joined the school council in a meeting with Aspen‟s the school‟s caterers on Friday 18th December. Kyley, Kyrsty Olivia and Hannah (Year 8) asked if more Fair-trade products could be sold. Aspen‟s informed the group that all the sugar and cocoa they used in school were Fair-trade. The availability of more Fair-trade items in the vending machines was also discussed. The girls were very eloquent and put forward well informed and researched ideas. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the school council and Aspen‟s for allowing us to take part in their meeting.
Adverse weather conditions and examinations... Examinations during adverse weather conditions and when the school has to be closed: -All examination timetables and guidelines are posted under the „Examinations‟ section on the school website. -If the school does have to close due to adverse weather conditions and examinations are due to take place, wherever possible the examinations will still continue. -Information will be posted on the school website at regular intervals so students and parents are aware of the situation at school and if they can attend school safely what times the examinations will be taking place. -So in the event of a school closure, due to bad weather, please always check the website for information before starting your journey.
School Noticeboard Key Stage 4 Controlled Assessment. What is it and why does it matter? Mr Conway, Year 11 HAL. Many of our parents are familiar with the idea of coursework, many hours spent at home writing up and creating folders of evidence that then got marked and added to our overall examination score. However, the examination process has been changed, coursework no longer exists and has been replaced with controlled assessment. Controlled assessment requires the work to be supervised in class by teachers. Exam boards limit the amount of time available to a student to complete the work and if they fall behind, they can run out of time and out of marks. This can be crucial. In some departments, the controlled assessment can take two to three months of teaching time and be worth 60% of the whole examination. Student absence is a serious problem now. Missing even one lesson of controlled assessment is like missing part of your exam. Catch up usually cannot be part of future classes and cannot usually be done at home because they have to be supervised by staff, this means students will have to use lunchtimes and after school supervised sessions. Obviously, it is better to just get the controlled assessment completed at the first opportunity or the student risks missing out an examination mark altogether.
Data Protection It is the school‟s policy to ensure that every child in our care is safe and that no individual child can be contacted by visitors to the school website. As part of the process of displaying and praising work produced by children and activities taken part in by children, we will place work produced by students and photographs on the school website and occasionally in newspapers and other media. No child will be identified by more than their first name in photographs and their first name and age/year group for work unless specific permission is given by parents for more information to be displayed. We hope that parents will be supportive of the need to promote positive attributes of the children‟s work and activities and that children are very proud when their work or photograph is produced on the website. However, we also recognise a parent‟s right under the Data Protection Act of 1998 to withdraw consent for this to happen. If a parent does not wish their child‟s work or photographs to be produced on the school website, then they should withdraw their consent in writing to Mr Long, Technology Specialism Leader.
School Noticeboard Attendance Matters Appointments Medical appointments are classified as an absence. If at all possible, parents should book medical appointments outside of school time. However, there are times when this cannot be helped. In this case, booking the appointment around morning and afternoon registration times, i.e. 9 - 9.20 am and 1.40 - 1.50 pm would prevent the appointment having a negative impact upon your childâ€&#x;s attendance figures. Education welfare officer The Education Welfare Officer is informed where attendance falls below 85% and/or where persistent lateness is an issue. It should be noted that as well as a range of supportive measures, prosecution is an action the Local Authority will take for none school attendance.
All students must achieve an attendance target of 95%. The vast majority of students will be expected to exceed this target. 100% Attendance certificates will be issued to students with perfect attendance, at the end of this academic year. These would be an excellent addition to anyone's portfolio! Praise cards and Ecards will also be sent out to those who have met and exceeded their attendance targets.
School Noticeboard
Chaplain‟s Notes Grapevine We have now entered the season of Advent, which means „The Coming‟. It is a season of joyful expectation, not as it happens only for Christmas, although most of you may feel that that is the mood, but of awaiting the coming of Christ as Saviour.
We may think of the coming of Jesus in a number of ways:
His coming at the end of time to judge all humanity. His coming to Our Lady, when God was made Man – „the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us‟ (John 1:14). His coming to us every time we receive Holy Communion, because he is really and substantially present; hidden humbly under the outward forms of bread and wine. His coming to us each time we meet someone in need as described in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25).
At Advent all these come together, because God, our Father sent his Son as Redeemer of the world by sharing our humanity to show us how to live. That means demonstrating the love he has shown to us by our actions, or as St. Francis may have said, “Proclaim the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words”. We can only do all this if we welcome Our Lord as he comes to us in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Only by his strength and grace can we be those people he wants us to be. As Christmas draws nearer take the lessons of Advent to heart. The better you keep the spirit of Advent, the better will be your celebration of the Lord‟s Nativity. Expectation does not mean early celebration. Hold back on the Christmas festivities until it arrives. Don‟t let Christmas Day be the grand finale to weeks of excess, but the beginning of those Twelve Days which enrich our lives in the dark winter months. With my prayers and every blessing for Advent and Christmas (when it comes!).
Fr. Michael Leadbeater (School Chaplain).
Reviews The Day of the Triffids book review...
Music review...
It was the age of 11 that I first sat down and read
Bombay Bicycle Club
this book, and since then I have read it several times over. A modern classic; „The day of the
I am about to educate you on what was pure
Triffids‟ brought into context a new world of
epicness. Kick-starting the set list with
scientific fiction thriller‟s from which Sci-fi authors such as Arthur Clarke took inspiration. Written in 1951, John Wyndham‟s must read creates a sense of doom, claustrophobia and quite literally; blind terror.
“Shuffle”
from
their
latest
album
A
Different Kind Of Fix everyone was soon bouncing on their feet as Jack Steadman (the lead singer) appeared from the dim
„The Day of the Triffids‟ opens with its hero Bill
light on the stage. With amazing songs from
Masen, helpless and blind in hospital waiting for a
each of their three albums the atmosphere
nurse to unbandage his eyes, which have been covered since a triffid attack a week before. He is glad his eyes were covered; as he wakes up to find the population blind from a comet display during the night. They are now at mercy of the Triffids... Once, with their ability to move and their carnivorous habits, the Triffids were just a botanical curiosity. But now these homicidal plants are set to turn town and
was electric all the way through- even during the slow acoustic songs. My favourite song that was performed had to be the slow rendition
of
„Still‟
that
Jack
played,
accompanying him with a spectacular grand piano. Overall it was an absolutely great night. Be sure to check them out!
country alike into killing grounds, and perhaps, replace humanity at the top of the food chain... John Wyndham‟s most famous book, this unsettlingly vivid and thrillingly realized tale of ecological apocalypse, makes anyone weary of future garden centre purchases...
Book review by Bethany, Year 12 Music and film review by Jess and Katie, Year 10
Reviews Breaking Down to Breaking Dawn
By Jess, Year 10.
As your average teenage girl, I was eager to watch the new instalment of the Twilight Saga; Breaking Dawn. Fan girl squealing and skipping my way into the movie theatre, I practically ran to my seat and propped up my popcorn in anticipation of the opening credits. As the curtains were pulled back, a cheer rippled through the audience. Already we get the feeling that this is different to all the other films. We are grabbed from the first ten seconds, mainly because it shows heart throb Taylor Lautner rip off his shirt in an angry manner that suits our teen-girl needs. Without giving too much away, the film was significantly better than the previous ones. The chemistry between Kirsten Stewart and Robert Pattinson was better and Stewart‟s facial expressions actually had a wide range this time. Some parts caused the cinema to blub like the hormonal beings we are and others caused us to laugh or cringe; all the time keeping us hooked and leading us to a cliffhanger. So, I guess I‟ll spend my year craving for part 2 and reading the books for the 150th time but I guess I‟m a little biased. Cast: Taylor Lautner- Jacob Black Kirsten Stewart- Bella Swan Robert Pattinson- Edward Cullen Gil Birmingham- Billy Black Billy Burke- Charlie Swan Ashley Greene- Alice Greene Bill Condon- Director
Jackson Rathbone- Jasper Hale Peter Pacinelli- Carlisle Cullen Elizabeth Reaser- Esme Cullen Kellan Lutz- Emmett Cullen Nikki Reed- Rosalie Cullen
Christmas Countdown Do you have trouble buying relatives presents and getting them sent in time? Do you never have your Christmas cards written in time? Well never fear because this year, my Christmas countdown is here! 5 Christmas tasks 1. Say Ho Ho Ho to the postman 2. Give a Christmas card to at least 3 people on your street 3. If/When it snows build a snowman 4. Hand make a Christmas present for someone 5. Help your family decorate the Christmas tree
Your very own Christmas check list... 1. Have you written your Christmas cards? 2. Have you bought your friends Christmas presents? 3. Have you wrapped your friends’ presents? 4. Have you sent/given your Christmas cards to friends or relatives? 5. Have you made your Christmas cake? 6. Have you or your parents ordered your turkey? 7. Have you put the stockings up? 8. Have you decorated the Christmas tree? 9. Have you sung any Christmas carols?
By Bethany, Year 8
16 Days
May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas bring you hope, The warmth of Christmas give you love. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
School Noticeboard The next date for the newsletter is March 2012.. Can‟t wait until then for the next issue? Then, log onto the VLE and School website from January for up-to-date news before the next school newsletter. Thank you to all students who contributed to the newsletter. Special thanks to the St Francis newsletter team: Year 7 - Helen, Sharday, Bronwen, Alisha; Year 8 – Sophie, Bethany; Year 10 – Jess, Shannon, Rebecca, Katie; Year 11 – Emily, Rebekah, Megan, Marie-Claire, Hannah; Year 12 – Hannah, Emma, Georgia, Bethany; Year 13 – Charlotte, Natalie. contact Miss Nolan at hnolan@stfrancis.cc
DATES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2011—2012
3rd December 10th February 20th February 16th March 30th March
School opens School closes for half term School opens Inset Day School closes for the Easter Holidays
50/50 Club Winners. To join, please contact the School Office. Month
Winner
Amount
August
H Gleeson
£25
Cheque Number 803
£15 £10 £25 £15 £10 £25 £15
804 805 806 807 808 809 810
£10
811
Caroline Pisuto S Wayman September E Connor Mr J Mansell Mr Blackmoore October A J Brough Mr & Mrs Hingley Mrs K Swan