A Catholic School for All

Parental Bulletin – Friday 20th March 2020

Let Us Pray: The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March: Catholics in China

Let Us Pray We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity. Amen

Head of School - MR SHIRES (email: shires.j1@welearn.365.com)

Year 11 & Year 13 Exam Grades We have just received guidance that the exam boards will be asking teachers who know their students well, to submit their judgement about the grade that they believe they would have received if the exams had gone ahead. Teachers will need to take into account a range of evidence and data including performance on mock exams and non-examined assessment- clear guidance on how to do this fairly and robustly will be provided to schools and colleges. The exam boards will then combine this information with other relevant data, including prior attainment and use this information to produce a calculated grade for each student. G.C.S.E and A-Level students will be awarded a grade which reflects the work they have put in. There will also be an option to sit an exam early in the next academic year for students who wish to. Universities are expected to be flexible and do all they can to ensure that students can progress to higher education. But for now I just want to take this opportunity to wish our Year 11 and 13 students all the best in their future endeavours. Their conduct and attitude during these uncertain times has been exemplary. Rest assured that everyone at Trinity Catholic School will do their very best for you in the next few months. We are mindful that many of you will be feeling mixed emotions at this moment in time. Some may have been anxious and now feel relieved there are no exams to sit, whilst others a sense of disappointment that the opportunity to showcase their talents has suddenly been taken away. We know just how hard each of you have worked over the years and this will be reflected in the grades submitted for each student by staff. School Closure I would like to thank all the staff this week who have taught additional classes to ensure that the school managed to stay open for all year groups this week and the support staff who have had to deal with a significant numbers of call and queries. We all play a vital role in keeping the school open so that key workers can continue to provide the essential services needed by the wider community. We are also acutely aware that all students continue to follow their normal curriculum whilst we are closed. As always our staff are committed to supporting our families through these challenging times.

A Message from Bernard Longley – Archbishop of Birmingham

Dear Fathers and Deacons

Dear Parishioners

Head of School: Mr J Shires Tel: (01926) 428416; Fax: (01926) 462928

trinityschooloffice@welearn365.com www.trinity-school.org.uk

Our Mission Statement Trinity is a Catholic learning community devoted to the common good.

I invite you to read this letter together with the two attached statements as they outline our present liturgical and

pastoral practice in the light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. These cannot cover every possible situation so

I would ask you to exercise prudent pastoral judgement in respect of these guidelines.

I ask all recipients to share this information as widely as possible. I also clergy to make copies of this email and

accompanying statements available for those who do not have access to them electronically and to leave them at the

back of their churches.

Each bishop has been asked to write to his own diocese and so I offer the following guidelines as a clarification of

the national guidelines for the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

The measures outlined may seem very drastic but they are a necessary and proportional temporary response to

protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

O God, come to our aid;

O Lord, make haste to help us!

Care for Priests and Deacons

Those who are over 70, and those with significant underlying health issues, should take particular care at this time

not to make themselves vulnerable to any risk. General contact with parishioners should be minimised so that the

risk of transmission of the virus is significantly reduced.

Celebrations of Holy Mass

As of Friday 20th March, a major change is that the celebration of Mass will not be public in any setting. Can clergy

please put a notice on their church door notifying people of this change, especially in time for this Sunday.

Priests will celebrate Mass privately each day. As they do so, the church will remain closed to the public – which

includes all parishioners.

Mass intentions attached to these Masses will be honoured. As priests will only be required to celebrate one Mass

each day, some Mass intentions will need to be postponed to a later date.

In line with the Bishops’ Conference guidance, only priests may be present for the celebration of Mass. As even

Deacons are not permitted to be present, I need to emphasise that nobody else may be present for the celebration of

Mass.

The obligation for the faithful to attend Holy Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation is removed until further

notice.

Since all of the faithful will be asked to make a Spiritual Communion (rather than receiving Holy Communion)

during this time, those confined to home who normally receive Holy Communion from Sunday Mass will also be

asked to make a Spiritual Communion. This will mean they will not receive Holy Communion regularly as at

present. Clergy may make visits to sick parishioners in accordance with the guidelines already given. Care should

be taken to ensure social distancing of the most vulnerable is maintained, including the welfare of those who visit. I

draw priests’ attention to specific guidance already given on the anointing of the sick.

Live- streaming of Masses is advertised on the Diocesan website (www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk) and we expect

the number of these live-streams to grow, including at St Chad’s Cathedral in the near future. If clergy could inform

the Communications team at Cathedral House if they can add to the facilities already listed, that would be

appreciated.

At other times and wherever this is possible, churches should remain open for private prayer. This may include

periods of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament but the emphasis must be on private prayer and not gathering the

people. I ask that there is no Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament since this constitutes a public service.

Baptisms, Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony

Please follow the guidelines given in the Bishops’ Conference Liturgical Advice document.

Funerals

Regrettably, while public Funeral Masses must also cease, it is recommended that on the day of a Funeral, a Mass

without the faithful may be offered by the priest for the intentions of the deceased and the family. This will be of

some consolation to the family in the absence of a public Funeral Mass. I recommend that a later Mass with the

faithful be celebrated when restrictions are lifted.

We live in difficult and unprecedented times. I, together with my brother Archbishops of England and Wales, will

be reviewing these guidelines regularly and taking into account best advice. I shall update you on any changes that

are necessary. In all we face, we know that the Lord never abandons his people.

In conclusion, as a Catholic community, we must treasure the power of prayer during these days: prayer for the

world and its needs; prayer for our country at this time of uncertainty and sickness; prayer for the families and

communities to which we belong, not only in terms of health but also for the many concerns of livelihoods affected;

prayer for ourselves.

Merciful God,

come to the help of your people.

Be our shelter in this time of peril

and strengthen the bonds of our community.

Bring healing to all who suffer the ravages of disease

and assist those whose skill and art can put an end to this affliction.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assuring you all of my prayers for you at this time and asking for your prayers for me and those who work with me

for the good of the Archdiocese.

Yours devotedly in Christ

Bernard Longley

Archbishop of Birmingham

Director of Catholic Life - MR BEESLEY (email: beesley.c@welearn365.com)

In these quite extraordinary times, some exceptional measures have had to be taken to protect everyone, especially those at most risk. As you will probably be aware the Bishops Conference of England and Wales has suspended public Masses for the foreseeable future. This means that should Trinity Catholic School remain open, weekly forms masses will not be held. Because of the ongoing situation we had already suspended planning for our end of term Mass at St. Peters Church. Speaking to the International Catholic News Weekly the Tablet, Cardinal Vincent Nicholls explained that this action was necessary to protect vulnerable people. He went on to state that although Catholics will find this development disturbing, we could follow the Mass online and sit together as families and participate. One helpful resource that we can use online is ‘Lent in Isolation’ which will share a video of daily readings, spiritual guidance from a priest and an act of spiritual communion.

Word of the Week – Week Beginning 23rd March 2020

Word of the Week for the week beginning Scope – to watch/see; viewing

Instrument (Greek word root)

Acting Head of Year 7 - MR PETTLE (email: pettle.m1@welearn365.com)

“You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” This is a well-known phrase someone is coming to resonate with

me on a very personal level in the last few years. It’s easy to take for granted what we have, any news of the devastating Corona pandemic in recent weeks serves as a very real reminder of this. Around the world people have lost love ones, the ability to travel freely, and now for many students they may feel they have lost your sense of routine. Please do reassure your child that for the duration of any school closure sufficient work will be set, to keep them occupied but also to keep them up-to-date with the course content that they would otherwise be completing in lessons. There is no denying the fact that we are living through unprecedented times, but if we all pull together as a community we can weather this storm. This week, all of our Year 7 students have been writing letters that will be sent to people isolated as part of the current situation. I have contacted local hospitals, nursing homes and churches to identify the people most in need of a few kind words at this difficult time. All of the letters will be sent out over the coming week, and I’m sure you’ll join me in commending every single Year 7 student for the positive part that they have played in making this possible. To Year 7 students: Please stay safe, stay happy and do stay in touch; if I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me, either through Edulink, email or phone.

With my very best wishes to you and your families. Acting Head of Year 8 - MISS MALLE (email: malle.j1@welearn365.com)

I would like to send my prayers and thoughts to everyone in these troubling times. I would also like to send my thanks and appreciation to any parents who are working the front lines with a special recognition to hospital staff. In times of uncertainty and distress, kindness and support is needed more than ever. Teachers will be sending out work via Edulink and will be supporting students’ education, as much as possible. I am encouraging all students to keep an open communication with their teachers if they need help with work that has been set, but please ask that you remember we will also be teaching at school to those students still attending. We will endeavour to respond to all emails. In regards to work, I have encouraged all Year 8 students to take exercise books home to complete work in. Within the Maths department, we have also produced additional work booklets as an extra support. I have done the Year 8 classes, with these booklets and have included topics which we would have been covering in the coming months, please ask your child to attempt these. If your child has been absent and not been able to collect any hard copies of work or their exercise books, we have a few options to support:

- Asking students who are friends with your child and will be in school to collect hard copies of work. - Parents to come in next week, if possible, to collect work. Please give enough notice to teachers to allow

them to leave in reception.

- Contact teachers as we may be able to scan hard copy resources and send electronically. I would also recommend students to download Microsoft office onto their phones or devices, if they will be using those to complete work. This will prevent any delays in attached work being sent. Please ensure your child’s Edulink is working and they are able to log on. If they are unable to contact teachers, then our emails can be accessed via the school website. Alternatively, you can email the Head of Year or Form Tutor who can forward your message. Hope you all stay safe and healthy. Head of Year 9 - MR WILLIS (email: willis.a@welearn365.com)

I write this Year 9 update from my home, as I have been forced to self-isolate with my family due to my daughter being sent home from school with a temperature this week. I mentioned in last week’s bulletin that aspects of our school values seem never more prevalent, and it definitely feels that way now. There is of course the opportunity now to learn in a different way and perhaps vocational or functional learning will be well received by our children and

a welcome variation from classroom learning. I am finding already that some structure and focus is greatly needed and a daily schedule with ‘academic time’, ‘quiet time’ and ‘creative time’ factored in gives my children some purpose to their day. Screen time is rationed to certain times and regular exercise breaks and dog walks are included, and needed! I will endeavour to keep to that schedule during our ‘enforced’ time away from school, in the hope that we return to some normality as soon as possible. Please do attempt to set some purpose and structure to your child’s day, and ensure that Edulink is used as the main forum for work and communication with teaching staff. In regards to Options choices, if your child hasn’t yet handed in their form, please send choices in each block to me via Edulink and I will pass them on to relevant staff. Good luck to all and my best wishes over the coming weeks.

Head of Year 10 - MR MARR (email: marr.s1@welearn365.com)

In light of the recent government decision, I am extremely keen to maintain routine for your child. Work will be set in accordance to your child’s timetable and the expectation will be to study subjects, as they would do in school. Work will be set via Edulink, so please ensure they have the “App” downloaded on their phone/tablet in order to receive the work. All students are expected to complete work in exercise books and Year 10 students will be following the GCSE specification for each of their subjects. We do not know how long this will go on for and when your child comes back to school, the expectation from the government and ourselves will be that they have completed the work. Teachers will check this and address areas of concern, please can you assist with checking the work they have completed. I know that whilst all of our students will adhere to this and will want to do well, some may need extra support and guidance. Teachers are available for support, so please do not hesitate to email them with any enquires. From a pastoral point of view, we will continue to provide students with important notices, liturgical information and Word of the Week. Any safeguarding concerns should continue to be referred to school and please check additional communication for the telephone numbers and email addresses of our designated safeguarding leads.

Pupil Premium Notice For any students in receipt of free school meals, please continue to check communication about how we will cater for students when they are away from school. Please ensure your email address and contact details are correct which is vital to allow us to support your child. I hope everyone stays safe and take care. Head of Year 11 - MR MUSSON (email: musson.e@welearn365.com)

Thank you to the vast majority of Year 11 students who conducted themselves so well this week. Many students conveyed empathy for others in this difficult time; there were also acts of kindness and maturity shown towards other people in our community. You are a credit to the school. We as staff hope that in the past five years we have made a positive difference to your lives. The vast majority of you will be more than ready for your next challenge. We believe in you. Good luck for whatever that next challenge may be. Until we meet again, I wish you good health, stay safe and look after each other.

Head of Year 13 - MR JOHNSON (email: johnson.m3@welearn365.com)

Year 13 Parents A sincere thank you for your continued support of the school with your child and their A Level studies since September 2018. I appreciate the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the government decision of school closures and cancellation of exams, and the frustration that coming so close to the end of A Level study without completion brings with it. We as a school will continue to support your child in their A Level subject areas whilst the A Level grade situation is finalised. Year 13 Students Thank you to all Year 13 students for their efforts in their studies not just through their time in Sixth Form, but their academic career with Trinity Catholic School from when they joined us in Year 7 or at a later point. As said above, I appreciate the effort they have put into their studies and it is a shame at this point they are not able to complete their A Level studies in the way they, you, I or the school would like them to. A Level Study It is strongly advised Year 13 students do continue with their study of A Level subjects outside of the school setting. In particular, all subjects where coursework is/was a requirement will still need to be completed and submitted for the deadlines advised by subject staff. I ask for your support as parents in ensuring this is completed at home. Furthermore, any work set or requested should still be completed and forwarded to subject staff, should evidence of student work be required to support any final grades.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) - MRS LA SPISA & MRS KITE (email: trinitycareers@welearn365.com)

If your son/daughter is considering Warwickshire College Group as a pathway for September 2020, please see information below, provided by the college regarding Open Events:

Warwickshire College Group Warwickshire College Group (WCG) are following government advice with regards to holding physical Open Events for visitors to attend the college sites from 23rd March to 2nd April 2020. However, WCG want to ensure that prospective students and their parents can access information about courses and college facilities. They will be hold a Virtual Open Event for everyone to find out more about each college online and via social media. When are the Virtual Open Events being held? Each virtual event (with the exception of Moreton Morrell) will be held on the same evening as was originally advertised but for varying lengths of time, as follows: Monday 23 March, 5.30 - 7.00 pm (Rugby) Tuesday 24 March, 5.30 - 6.30 pm (Trident) Wednesday 25 March, 5.30 - 7.00 pm (Leamington Spa) Tuesday 31 March, 5.30 - 6.30 pm (Malvern) Tuesday 31 March, 5.30 - 7.00 pm (Moreton Morrell) Wednesday 1 April, 5.30 - 6.30 pm (Evesham) Thursday 2 April, 5.30 - 7.00 pm (Pershore) What’s a Virtual Open Event? WCG will be hosting a brief Facebook Live and Instagram Live starting at 5.30pm on each date listed above, followed by a Q&A session via Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Twitter. Prospective students can tune in and ask any questions about studying at college for our team to answer until the event finishes, as listed above. WCG will be hosting a Virtual Open Event online hub on our website (www.wcg.ac.uk/openevent) which will allow everyone to access:

A video of the College Director giving a general talk about the college, our courses, facilities and the excellent student support

Panoramic photos and 360 videos of our workshops, studios, classrooms and student common areas

Links to all of our subject areas

Course search facility with the ability to apply online

Information on careers advice, learning support and inclusion, transport, financial support and more

How does someone take part in the Virtual Open Event? Everyone should like or follow the relevant college profile(s) on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and they will receive a notification at the start of the Virtual Open Event, and then they can tune in to our Live Welcome and Q&A session. To access the Virtual Open Event online hub, visit our website at www.wcg.ac.uk/openevents and click on the relevant college.

All previously registered attendees are being emailed with this information on how to engage online with the event. How the 'Quiet Hour' will work during our Virtual Open Events For those of you that booked onto the 'Quiet Hour' during our open events, you will not miss out as a member of our Special Educational Needs (SEN) team will be available on the night of each open event to answer questions from those who have Health Care Plans or a diagnosis that you would need to explain to someone. Our SEN team will be able to answer any questions you may have and are happy to help. Please inform us at the start of your Live Chat with us that you would like to speak to a member from the SEN team and we will ensure they are there for you. What if someone can’t access the Virtual Open Event during the stated time? WCG will be keeping the online hub live for the coming weeks to allow everyone to access the info they need, but if prospective students have any other questions or want to speak to our team about applying for a course with us, they can email our Admissions Team on info@wcg.ac.uk or call us on 0300 456 0049.

Our School Motto Equal by means of God’s image