Over the last term, our Post-16 students, as part of their BTEC Personal Development and Well-being programme, have been working towards the course remit of making a positive contribution to our community, whilst improving their own personal well-being.  As such, it was decided that the group would raise funds for our annual Christmas initiative; the giving of a Christmas hamper to retired members of the surrounding local area.

To raise money, the students took part in a sponsored Triathlon (running / cycling / swimming), and this met the dual-fold objective of generating the necessary funds whilst simultaneously improving the fitness of the individuals.  The students then had to consider appropriate gifts, compose a shopping list for over 60 hampers, and complete the purchasing, wrapping and distribution.  This required them to utilise a range of cross-curricular learning, ranging from mathematics to organisational ability to social interaction skills.   They achieved all of their targets most successfully, and to the delight and appreciation of the elderly members of our community.

Dear Parents/Carers,

As you are all aware the Christmas Concert – ‘A Tale of Two Christmasses’ – will be performed on Tuesday 18^th December at 2p.m. and 7p.m.

The pupils have been working very hard in preparation for the performances, and the costumes have been decided upon. Whilst most of the costumes are being provided by school, we would appreciate it if you could ensure that your child has black leggings/trousers and black pumps/shoes for the performances. In addition to these we would appreciate it if you would check the costume list below for your child’s class and any additional items of clothing they need to have in school.

Post 16 & S6 will need a scarf & hat/earmuffs, and a jumper

S4 &S5 will need a ‘Christmassy’ jumper/top

Thank you for your support and co operation.

Following on from our visit in June by OfSTED, who found the education and care of our school to be ‘outstanding’, we have now been inspected by the Diocesan Inspection Team on 20^th November . They too found the Catholic ethos and practices that we offer, to be ‘outstanding’, in all areas. The inspector was most impressed with what he saw and wanted to thank all pupils, parents, staff and governors for the high quality provision that continues to be delivered at the school. To him it was quite transparent that the catholic ethos of the school, embodied in our mission statement, clearly underpins all that we do, an ethos that recognises, welcomes and also promotes other faiths, in our multi cultural setting.

Well done to everyone!