ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Catholic Technology College
UPDATES REVIEWS SPORTS SPECIAL
‘Nil satis optimum’ A LETTER FROM OUR HEAD TEACHER
Dear Parents, Thank you for all your support this term. Please keep our students in your daily prayers and especially our older students who are taking examinations next term. This has been a short but intense term. There have been extra support sessions during lunch and after school for our examination groups and while the majority of parents have ensured that their son or daughter attends these when directed, I am concerned that a few fail to take advantage of this tremendous support. Our young people are looking forward to their Easter break after their excellent fund raising efforts for their Lenten charities. We are overwhelmed by requests from people to support various charities but always allow our students to choose three worthy causes per year. We are tremendously proud of their commitment to the wider community. Our students take place every year in in a mock bar trial with the experience of presenting a case in court. We are thrilled that they have now got through to the nation finals, beating several grammar schools. Well done to all of them and Mr Griggs for their success. On a less positive note, I need to highlight our concerns about attendance in our Y7 cohort. We will be obliged to issue fines as there are simply too many children taking unnecessary time off school. Spring is definitely in the air. I hope you have noticed our colourful planters at the front of school , the artwork in our refurbished Bistro and the splendid outdoor seating areas we have invested in to make our school a pleasant and comfortable one for our students. We are immensely proud of our school and of the strong faith evident in our school community. I hope that all of you will celebrate the great feast of Easter with your families and give thanks for our many blessings.
Yours sincerely,
P. Mullins.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ INVITATION
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College Headteacher: Mrs P. Mullins, B.A. (Hons), M.A.
18th March 2015 Dear Parents, Below is an invitation from the Headteacher of St. Thomas of Canterbury Primary School to our Polish families. ŚWIĘCONKA DNIA 04/04/2015 O GODZ. 10:30 ODBĘDZIE SIĘ ŚWIĘCONKA W KOŚCIELE: ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY CATHOLIC CHURCH DARTMOUTH AVNEUE, WALSALL. WS3 1SP Yours sincerely
J Richmond Mrs J Richmond Head Teacher P. Mullins Head Teacher
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‘Nil satis optimum’
Mathswatch for Year 11, 10 and 9 Your child now has access to the mathswatch mathematics revision website, it can be found at www.mathswatchvle.com. On the login screen enter the „stfrancis‟ as the school centre ID, your school login code as the username e.g. if it were John Smith in year 11 „10johsmi‟, then enter „assisi‟ as the password. Any problems contact Mr Christie in the mathematics department. There is a mathswatch app for iPad and Android tablets, just search at your tablets app store, the login details are identical.
St Francis of Assisi is delighted to welcome back two past members of the Sixth form Liturgy Group. On Friday 20th January we were delighted to welcome back Megan Cox and Amie Barron, past Year 13 students who had contacted Mrs Oliver about coming into school to share their experience about working at Alton Castle. From start to finish their presentation was engaging, fun and deeply spiritual. Whilst at St Francis both girls were actively involved in the Lourdes pilgrimage, were Eucharistic Ministers, led Liturgies in school as well as leading activities to support a primary school‟s diocesan inspection. We wish them every happiness in sharing their journey of faith with others.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ ONE OF SFA’S OWN
FA new chief executive! An FA level one qualified grassroots coach, the 54-year-old was a non-executive director at Leicester City from 2002-06 and is a Molineux season ticket holder. The father-of-three hails from Aldridge and attended St Francis of Assisi Comprehensive in the town before studying at Merton College, Oxford. Now living in Twickenham, he combines watching Wolves with marathon running. The 54-year-old, who replaces executive secretary Alex Horne, will join The FA on May 18, leaving his current role as chief executive at United Biscuits. He came to prominence during his time at Walkers Snack Foods in 1992, enlisting Gary Lineker to play the „bad guy‟ in marketing campaigns and the England legend is now a close friend. Glenn was chief executive at Walkers for 14 years after a stint as marketing manager UK and Germany for Mars Petcare between 1988-92. Having increased Walkers‟ market share from the mid-20s to more than 60 per cent, he became company president in 1998 and ran the business until 2006, when he joined Birdseye. In 2003, he was awarded Marketing Week‟s CEO of the Year, and in 2004 was voted the UK‟s most influential marketer by Marketing Magazine.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ PASTORAL NEWS
Working with St Patricks’ Primary School to support their Diocesan Inspection Miss Service , 8 Sixth formers and Mrs Mulcrow, along with supportive help of Mrs Mullins and Mrs Oliver, visited St. Patrick‟ school on Wednesday 18th March, the day of their Diocesan Inspection. We worked with a small group of children who were preparing for their first Holy Communion. Through a series of interactive activities which ranged from a Prezi about maths in the story of Lent, to what would be put in a rucksack to take on a spiritual journey. We have worked with the children from this school previously and yet again they were a pleasure to work with. Working with the young children has really inspired us and made us all look more deeply at the subject of Lent and preparing for First Holy Communion from their point of view. They were extremely polite and knowledgeable about the subjects which we were exploring and this made it a very enjoyable . The afternoon spent at the school really helped us to put into practise the words of St. Francis “Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” This is because the children were able to engage in their Faith and explore it through a range of activities to strengthen and support them through their own spiritual journey.
Learner Voice by Hannah Wright I really enjoyed working with the Class 3. I found that the experience I had got was very valuable. I loved working on a one to one session with a pupil from St Patrick as I was able to get to know him and helping him. I would love to have this opportunity again as I learnt valued experience such as team work and co-operation.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ STUDENT VOICE
St Francis’ Lenten Journey 2015 By Lucy Cooper- 8N. Each day we have used Walk With Me prayers to get closer to God. This has helped me talk to God through the supplication of prayer. „Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.‟ (Philippians 4:6) This quote tells everyone that the weight that we are carrying is taken off our backs when we share our troubles with God. Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry the cross, be like Simon of Cyrene and help bear the cross of others. Be a person that doesn‟t just talk, but listens also. We have also taken part in Sacrament of Reconciliation, thanks to the time and support of Fr. Michael our Chaplain. On Wednesday 18th March, year 8 were delighted to receive a visit from Soli House. This day was uplifting, yet reflective. It allowed us to remember what the true meaning of Lent was and why it is an important time of the year. Also, on behalf of year 8, we had a wonderful day full of games, prayers and fun. „And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their
faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.‟ (Matthew 6:16-18) This quote shows us that fasting should not be considered as a negative but seen as a small sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed his life for us. It is important that we give a little back.
„It is more blessed to give than to receive.‟ (Acts 20:35) On Tuesday 24th of March, Elizabeth Cox, Matthew Cooper and I were invited to read Station 5 (Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross) at a special service held at St Thomas of Canterbury Church. This is the culmination of many activities that we have been involved in during our Lenten journey at school. This uplifted us and allowed us to reflect on everything that Jesus did for us. „For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life.‟ (John 3:16) After this service, I left feeling so thankful for what Jesus gave for us. I think that this Lent at St Francis has allowed us all to remember the meaning of Lent and how important it is to remember the ultimate sacrifice. „And there is salvation in no
one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.‟ (Acts 4:12)
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‘Nil satis optimum’ PASTORAL NEWS KS3 Liturgy group and Sixthformers working with Class 5 and 6 pupils from St. Bernadette’s Primary School On Friday 6TH February Mrs Oliver, Miss Harwood, Mrs Mulcrow, the Key Stage 3 Liturgy group and Sixth Formers, were all excited to work with Class 5 and 6 from St Bernadette‟s Primary School on liturgical activities to help to engage them in their Sacramental preparation for Confirmation. We did this in many fun and interactive ways. Every single student fully participated in the activities. From the spiritual rucksack for a journey linked to the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, to creating prayers for their own personalised prayer book, to discovering what makes the ideal Saint and a Chapel reflection on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the students were able to express their ideas fully and creatively. We really enjoyed working with these students as they were open to our activities as well as being extremely polite and full of new ideas. Their ideas were inspirational and we too have gained so much from the experiences shared that morning. We are very grateful to Danielle Linley and the staff who also took part in the activities. Learner Voice. I enjoyed Friday morning very much as I got to help younger children write prayers and also interacted with them. This definitely boosted my confidence to speak to people I don't know very well and help them with not just their knowledge and understanding of our Faith but to help them progress, develop and learn. Ellen Concannon Key Stage 3 Liturgy Group. I enjoyed working with pupils from Class 5 and 6 to help develop their Faith further. Francesca Tovey Nesbitt Key Stage 3 Liturgy Group. I enjoyed working with St Bernadette‟s pupils as we were able to share our knowledge with them and hear their ideas of how we can use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. I would like to have the chance to run this sort of activity again as it was an enlightening opportunity. Elizabeth Cox Yr 12.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ STUDENT VOICE
I thoroughly enjoyed working with the pupils from St Bernadette‟s they were very receptive, confident and made the activities enjoyable through their outstanding participation. I enjoyed creating the activities for the children to partake in and I hope that they found them useful. I would be interested in doing this again as I like to feel I am making a difference and it an experience that I was proud to be a part of. Alexandra Hall Yr 12 During the Primary school visit from St Bernadette‟s Primary school on the 6 th February 2015 I worked with the Class 5 and 6 students helping them create a ICT prayer book. This was very a very enjoyable and insightful experience. It was interesting to see the different personalities and it really filled me with a sense of accomplishment when they had finished their work and they were proud of it. It was also very nice as the school was my old Primary School and I attend the Parish that is connected. Due to this connection I have become a prayer sponsor for a student and I was able to work with him on his Prayer book and even discuss what he thinks about Confirmation. I think this was a very spiritual experience and took me back to when I received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Natalie Miley Yr 12
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‘Nil satis optimum’ STUDENT VOICE
Ushakov medal On the 25th of February 2015, 22 World War 2 navy veterans gathered for a medal ceremony in the Walsall town hall. These 22 veterans received the Ushakov medal which was presented to them by Sergey Fedichkin who is the third secretary of the embassy of the Russian federation. What is the Ushakov medal? The Ushakov medal is a decoration of the Russian federation. It is a medal created by the soviet military on the 3rd March 1944. It was named in honour of the 18th century Admiral Fyodor Ushakov. The medal was awarded to sailors, soldiers, petty officers, sergeants, ensigns and warrant officers of the soviet navy, naval infantry. Before 1980 the medal could only be awarded for wartime acts but now it also is being awarded for the defence of the Soviet Union. The veterans received the medals because they were part of the arctic convoys which took place between 1941 and 1945.
What where the arctic convoys? The Arctic convoys of World War II were oceangoing convoys which where convoys that tried to get supplies to Russia and to stop Nazi Germany, which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and North America to northern ports in the Soviet Union - primarily Arkhangelsk (Archangel) and Murmansk, both in modern-day Russia. Although there were two gaps with no sailings between July and September 1942, and March and November 1943, there were 78 convoys between August 1941 and May 1945, sailing via several seas of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. About 1400 merchant ships delivered essential supplies to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, escorted by ships of the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and the U.S. Navy. Eighty-five merchant vessels and 16 Royal Navy warships (two cruisers, six destroyers, and eight other escort ships) were lost. Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine lost a number of vessels including one battleship, three destroyers and at least 30 U-boats as well as a large number of aircraft. The convoys
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‘Nil satis optimum’ STUDENT VOICE
demonstrated the Allies commitment to helping the Soviet Union, prior to the opening of a Second Front, and tied up a substantial part of Germany's Navy and Air Force. My grandfather Ivor William Oldbury was part of these convoys and he also received an Ushakov medal. My grandfather is now 89 and he was only 18 when he left Liverpool to aid the convoy. The veterans said that it took around 10 days to get to Russia. My grandfather was a stoker on some of the ships. A stoker was one of the people which had to shovel coal into the furnaces nonstop to keep the ships going, because the ships aren‟t like they are today the old ships were high maintenance. The veterans said that “it was very hard and you had to be alert at all times.” “There was some sight that you really wish that you would never see” “You missed your family and friends a lot and you were always wondering if they were ok.” For me the day was a great experience and it really made me think about how tough things were. And now if I think that I don‟t like a lesson that I have next then I just think about what all of these veterans had to go through so my problems aren‟t anything compare to theirs. The whole day made me think of what I want to do and achieve when I leave school. Edward Green
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‘Nil satis optimum’ MUD RUN!!
MUD RUN !!! Father Hudson’s Society and Kenelm Youth Trust (Alton, Soli and BCYS) are organising a joint Mud Run at Alton, Staffordshire on the 28th June 2015 and they would love your support by either running or walking the race yourself (as long as you are over 16) or coming along to watch and support on the day at Alton in Staffordshire, and lastly by sponsoring the runners. You will notice that this event may appeal to staff teams (or staff groups) from primary or secondary schools, young people 16 yrs. old or over, and to Families. We are asking that each runner pledges to raise £50 sponsorship, as well as the £25 registration fee (which goes to the organisers) and this can be for FHS or for Kenelm or the runner can split the fundraising equally between both charities. The race will start at 11.00 on the 28th June at Alton Towers and any runner wishing to register needs to do so ASAP via the web site eightpointtwo.co.uk as numbers are limited. The run will take you through the beautiful Churnet Valley Countryside and finish back at Alton Towers. The race will have obstacles along it, but the runners may opt out of the obstacles. The day could also be a great Family day out, and there will be places in the Churnet Valley where family and friends can meet up and watch the runners and buy teas/coffees and a snack. All our guests are then invited to Alton Castle only a mile away, where there is a BBQ, or guests can bring a picnic with them. The prize winners 1st 2nd and 3rd in the categories will be presented with a medal. Any families with children aged 5 years – 13 years will be pleased to know that at Alton Castle a mini Mud Run will be available to the children along with a climbing wall activity. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email Annette Thomas – Schools and Parish Fundraiser annettethomas@fatherhudsons.org.uk or ring Dom or Sandra on 01538 703224 Thanks for your Support Andy Quinn -Head of Community Projects & Development –Father Hudson‟s Society”
A flyer is available to download >>> http://www.bdes.org.uk/news.html
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‘Nil satis optimum’ FOUNDATION LEARNING
Bird Watching! As Part of the Foundation Learning course the year 10 and 11 took part in the RSBP Big School Birdwatch and learnt some fascinating facts about birds, their environment and the history of the RSBP. Did you know that the RSBP started in 1889 by a group of militant women who were outraged at the cruelty in what came known as the „Plumage Trade‟. Feathers were imported all over the world to be worn in ladies hats?. The Foundation Learners also found out that human activity has always affected bird populations, particularly the way land is managed by farmers. Some species have benefitted from human activity such as House Sparrows that use are gardens and buildings, but a great many have fared less well, from Lapwings to rapidly declining Turtle Doves. The morning was both enjoyable, interesting and very educational. Mrs N Majster
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‘Nil satis optimum’ TRANSPORT UPDATE TRANSPORT INFORMATION AND UPDATE
Tamworth students and parents You should by now be aware of the increase in the price of the bus fare from Tamworth. Since September 2014, Tamworth services to school have been operating on a „pay as you go‟ basis for students other than those with a free bus pass, paying £1.00 per journey to the driver on the school bus on production of a „Your Staffordshire Card‟. Following discussions between the School, Staffordshire County Council and the Service Operators and also in preparation for September, it has become necessary to increase the cost of the journey. Every effort has been made to minimise such increase. However from Monday 13 th April the fare will increase to £1.50 per journey payable to the driver on each journey. This increase reflects the current general increase across the Midlands in transport costs. Whilst there is no guarantee, it is hoped that with this fare adjustment that there should be no further increase until at least April 2018. There will be no longer a requirement to produce a „Your Staffordshire Card‟ and the services, timetable and routes will continue as they are at present.
Arriva 756 School Service - Kingstanding & Streetly students and parents The school has been informed that Arriva will cease to operate the 756 school bus service as of Monday the 27th April 2015. The last operating date will be Friday the 24th April. This is very unfortunate as a large number of student‟s use this service but Arriva state that it is no longer financially viable to run the service. The school is actively pursuing an alternative or replacement bus service but in the meantime parents are advised that students who use this service will have to find an alternative means of getting to and from school. They could use the 39 school bus service (Central Buses that operate this service are looking at altering the route of this service to match that of the 756) or alternatively the 56 bus service from Birmingham to Brownhills that operates along the Erdington Road and stops directly outside the entrance of the school.
Walsall students and parents Walsall Council recently made a decision to withdraw funding in respect of transport support to faith schools. This may well effect applications for free bus passes in September 2015.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ TRANSPORT UPDATE General Information.
We would take the opportunity to remind all students/parents:-
Students should aim to arrive in the morning at their designated stop at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival of the bus.
If a school coach or bus does not turn up on time in the morning students should wait for at least 30 minutes. Sometimes delays occur due to traffic or weather, but the coach / bus will almost always turn up eventually.
All school services (except Staffordshire services that stop at specified stops) will pick up and set down at any recognised bus stop on the route.
Students should put their hands out to signal the bus to stop.
All services are due to set down in school (unless otherwise stated) by 8.55a.m.
Whenever possible and if we are aware then the school will inform parents by text or E mail when services are late or in the very rare occurrence when the school is closed at short notice (Snow etc.).
If a student misses the bus it is the parents' responsibility to make alternative arrangements. School finishes at 3.30p.m. And the buses depart at 3.40p.m (unless otherwise stated). Students have 10 minutes at the end of the day to leave class, visit lockers or toilets and then catch their bus home. If a student misses the bus he / she MUST tell a member of staff; the student will be given the opportunity to telephone home. The school will try to make other arrangements if no-one is in. Transport can sometimes be delayed due to traffic, weather or a breakdown and students may have to wait; again they will be given the opportunity to telephone home. For safety reasons and to avoid congestion with the school transport we ask parents NOT to drive or park on the school premises between 3.15p.m and 3.45p.m in the afternoon to pick up their children. If you have to drive onto the school premises then please note that there is a one way system of traffic flow in operation on the school drive so please observe it and keep your speed down to 5mph.
AT ALL TIMES WHILST DRIVING ON SCHOOL PREMISES THINK SAFETY PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY. Please also respect our neighbours when parking outside the school to collect or drop off children. Mr Tafano -School Transport
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‘Nil satis optimum’ SCIENCE TRIPS
I feel the Science Live talk has been an exceptional experience for me and I believe I can say the same for the others who came along with me. Listening to talks from some of the world‟s top scientists about their works has been a privilege for me as I was able to find out more about the issues scientists are dealing with now. From time travel to life on Mars, each scientist talked to us about their current projects. We were fed with facts about our body and the universe making us more eager to learn more about science and it made us rethink about our ambitions when it came to professions. Personally, wanting to study medicine in University, I was reassured about my choice after being told about the value of science and the benefits it can bring when applying for a job. It is estimated that a medicine degree is worth approximately £325,000! I felt glad choosing triple science after the talk and I‟m sure my friends did too. We were also given a talk from a Chief Examiner and this was the most valuable talk for all GCSE students. We were taught how to answer questions, what to avoid when answering specific questions and what an examiner expects from a student aiming for top marks. Tips on how to revise were also given and I found them very useful as my GCSE‟s are fast approaching. To be honest most of us were expecting boring talks from five scientists who were simply going to talk about science. However this changed after the very first talk from one of the scientists. Each scientist knew very well how to communicate with an audience of GCSE students and there wasn‟t a single moment where we were bored! Overall I‟m glad I had decided to go and I highly recommend this trip to all GCSE students. It‟s definitely worth the time and price.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ STUDENT VOICE
Trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester. On a cold morning in January all of 8C1 and some of Mrs Ward‟s Science Aspire group went on a science trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester. It was a great experience that we will never forget, as we participated in activities such as exploring the interactive exhibits, looking at life size models of space craft and going on a simulated mission to Jupiter‟s ice moon Europa. The planetarium show was immersive and dizzying! Many facts were discovered, and many more questions about space exploration and physics were raised!
The Big Bang STEM event at Birmingham Metropolitan College gave students an insight in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) pathways for KS4 and beyond. Students participated in a number of activities, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves! I found the trip to Sutton Campus a productive and worthwhile experience where I broadened my STEM knowledge. I recommend it to anyone. My favourite part had to be the Ruben‟s tube which showed you visible sound waves through hundreds of flames. It was interesting seeing how it was affected by different frequencies and amplitudes, especially as we are looking at sound, temperature and hearing in science, so now I can share it with my class.
It was an informative and active day where we got to do a series of experiments and
practicals, such as forensic fingerprinting, computing and coding, Rubiks cube algorithms, mathematical questions and momentum investigations. I really enjoyed the trip and I have gained lots of information which I can now put into practice. I really enjoyed the Big Bang day out as I learned how important science, technology, engineering and mathematics are to our daily lives, and it has helped me to consider what subjects I want to study when I am older.
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‘Nil satis optimum’ PE NEWS We come to the end of a very busy term of sport and that means it is time to give an update about all of the amazing achievements of our students here at St Francis of Assisi CTC. Since last terms newsletter we have had confirmation of the finishing positions of the girls‟ netball leagues from earlier in the year. It turns out that our netballers have been performing at a very good level and the year 8, 9 and senior teams all finished second in their respective Walsall School‟s league. This half term has included the netball teams taking part in individual tournaments. The boys had a very busy period following the Christmas break completing all of their basketball fixtures. Our year 7, 8, 9 and 10 team played a total of 26 games between them. We pride ourselves on honouring all of our fixtures and that has been reflected in our overall league standings. The year 7 team finished 4th and the year 8, 9 and 11 teams all finished 3rd in their respective leagues, so well done to all of the lads involved. We have been very fortunate to have many of our teams qualifying to represent Walsall in the Black Country School Games this academic year. In table tennis our year 8 boys and girls team were the Walsall representatives, as were the girls in the U16 competition. They all played very well in the event that was held at Wood Green Academy in January. Of particular note was the performance of the year 8 girls team of Els, Katie, Wendy and Charlie. They won all of their respective fixtures against the other schools and were crowned as Black Country Games Champions. In Badminton we also had representation in the form of our U16 girls as well as our U14 boys. The girls (Maria, Megan, Victoria and Katie) finished a highly respectable 3rd whilst the boys finished?? On Thursday the 26th March we will also have another 2 teams going forward to represent Walsall, this time in the sport of Indoor Athletics. In the year 9 Walsall competition our boys team finished 2 nd overall and as a result qualified for the next stage of competition. Our girls‟ team of Wendy, Precious, Erin, Charlotte, Emily, Caitlin and Olivia went one better and qualified as Walsall winners. I have very high hopes that they can repeat this in the Level 3 Black Country competition. This half term also witnessed a Walsall Schools Swimming Gala with a year 8 and a year 11 competition. We entered teams and had a resounding level of success with some fine individual performances. The year 8 team consisted of Finnan, Adam, Patrick, Nathan, Amelia and Hannah. The performances of note included Gold for the boys in the 50m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and the
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‘Nil satis optimum’ PE NEWS freestyles relay, Silver in the 50m front crawl and Bronze in the team medley relay. For the girls Amelia achieved a Gold in the 50m butterfly and 50m front crawl and Silver in the 50m breaststroke and the individual medley. In the year 11 competition the team of Toby, Luke and Joe performed admirably, with Gold medals being won in all of the events on offer. A huge congratulation‟s must go out to the students involved. Additionally this half term we had the Walsall School‟s trampolining competition. A lot of hard work and preparation went into this by the students, as well as Mrs Thorpe and Mrs Blackmoore. The students all performed very well against a number of top club performers. Football and rugby have also been back on the agenda this half term with a number of rugby festivals and the commencement of the cup competitions in football. With reference to rugby the year 7, 8 and 9 teams all performed admirably. The year 7‟s grew in confidence as the competition progressed and finished 4th overall with many of the boys tasting competitive rugby for the first time. The year 8 team won all but one fixture in their pool, losing out to the eventual winners and thus just missing out on qualification for the final. Again, it was a story of so near, yet so far for the year 9 team. They finished as runners up in their competition, winning all but one of their games and only losing to a last minute try to Shire Oak in the deciding game. In a World Cup year, it is great to see so many of the boys out playing such a good level of rugby. As always, I will finish with a big thank you to all of the students who have been involved in extra- curricular sport this term. By displaying their talents and representing the school with pride and integrity they spread the word of what our school is all about. I also thank the teachers who give up many hours of their precious time to provide our students with these opportunities. Yours in sport Mr Connell Head of PE
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‘Nil satis optimum’ USEFUL INFORMATION
Spring Term 2015 Mon 5 January
Start of Term - School opens
16 to 20 February
Half Term
Thu 26 March
End of Term - School closes for Easter 1:30pm
Summer Term 2015 Mon 13 April
Start of Term - School opens
Mon 4 May
May Day Bank Holiday
25 to 29 May
Half Term
Fri 17 July
End of Term - School closes for Summer 1:30pm
Inset Days 2015 Friday, 27th March 2015
Parents Evening 2015 Year 8
Thursday 16th April 2015
2015/16 School Term Dates Autumn Term 2015: Term starts: Tuesday 1 September 2015 Half Term: Monday 26 October 2015 to Friday 30 October 2015 Term ends: Friday 18 December 2015 Christmas Holiday: Monday 21 December 2015 to Friday 1 January 2016 Spring Term 2016: Term starts: Monday 4 January 2016 Half Term: Monday 15 February 2016 to Friday 19 February 2016 Term ends: Thursday 24 March 2016 Easter Holiday: Friday 25 March 2016 to Friday 8 April 2016 Summer Term 2016: Term starts: Monday 11 April 2016 Half Term: Monday 30 May 2016 to Friday 3 June 2016 Term ends: Wednesday 20 July 2016 Summer Holiday begins: Thursday 21 July 2016
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