summer newsletter 2019 for diocese - archbishopmg.co.uk · have won the welsh company programme...

Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School

Summer Newsletter 2019


Ysgol Uwchradd Gatholig Archesgob McGrath

Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School Ysgol Uwchradd Gatholig Archesgob McGrath

2 “Salus in fide”

Newsletter Summer Term 2019

I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, to school in June.

Two of our Year nine students Xander Payne and Amelia Czjakowkska took the Minister on a

tour of the school. It was a great privilege to show her around the school and introduce her

to our staff and students. The Minister visited a number of departments including Welsh,

Welsh Baccalaureate, Art and Music. The Q & A session with a group of Year 8 & 9 girls was

inspirational and gave a great insight into what it takes to become a successful woman in

politics. The Minister made time in her busy schedule to speak to members of the school’s

Governing Body and she did not shy away from engaging in discussions regarding some of

the problems facing schools such as finance and examination entry.

Ambitious Capable Learners

Year 11 and 13

The school seems really quiet now that year 11 and year 13 have finished their

examinations. I have been very impressed with the large numbers of students who have

remained behind after school to study and came in for revision lessons during the holidays,

to prepare for their examinations. I am very grateful to the staff for their dedication and I

am sure that the pupils and staff will be rewarded for their efforts.



It was lovely to celebrate the hard work of Year 11 in our Leavers’ Assembly and later that

evening the Year11 prom in the Liberty Stadium. We look forward to welcoming them back

to the sixth form in September.

The Year 13 Leavers’ Mass is always an emotional event as we say farewell to our students

and wish them all the best as they go off to university and into the world of work. I look

forward to celebrating their time as students of Archbishop McGrath by joining them at

their sixth form prom on Friday 19th July.

Festival of Learning

The theme of this year’s Festival of Learning cluster display was working together as a

family of schools. It has been a wonderful year for collaboration with staff from Archbishop

McGrath supporting literacy, numeracy and the creative arts in our family of schools.

Staff Training Day

The reading day for all staff focussed on the New Curriculum. There were 3 key reading

sessions covering Successful Futures, The National Mission and the new Curriculum

proposals. Staff gave productive feedback and this input will be reflected in the School

Improvement Plan for 2019-20.



Enterprising Creative Contributors

The ‘Archways’ Young Enterprise Team.

You may have been following with interest, the successes our Young Enterprise Team

“Archways” have had with their scented revision cards. I am proud to announce that that

have won the Welsh Company Programme Final. Archways went on to represent Wales at

the Young Enterprise UK Company of the Year awards in County Hall, London. The team,

Emma Attwood, Lauren Rogers, Isaac Watkins and Sinead McKenna were true professionals

as they were interviewed by 2 panels of judges and presented to over 350 people. They also

took the opportunity to network at their trade stand, which showcased the team's passion

for sustainability by up-cycling a decorating ladder to create their "A" logo! Each team

member, including Maisy Willows who couldn't attend the event, have developed in their

own way and have had a very fulfilling and enjoyable journey through the competition. It

says a great deal about these young people that they are planning how they can create a

Young Enterprise legacy by mentoring younger students next academic year. A special thank

you to Mrs Amanda Moore our in-house expert and the business advisors from SSE for the

support and guidance they have given to our pupils on their remarkable YE journey.

Isaac, Sinead, Lauren and Emma- the Archways team



Ethical informed citizens

The Dementia Friendly Group continue to raise awareness and have recently hosted a

Dementia friendly session for Brackla Brownies and even stayed on to help out with the

Rainbows.

Year 7 are very busy raising money for the First Give Campaign, which this year is supporting

Macmillan Cancer Charity. There have been many fundraising activities such as a Student

Silent Protest and a staff Dance off. Many thanks to Mr McAleer who closed the lunchtime

event with a rendition of a Westlife song.

I was so proud of one of our year 12 students Lucy Rathkey

There are a few exciting events before the end of term, including a two-day transition with

Year 6, sports day and the Catholic Pupil Profile activities days.

Healthy confident individuals

Year 8 have been working alongside representatives from NHS Wales to become Smoke

Free Ambassadors.Year 8 held an Assembly with NHS Wales where our JUSTB Smoke Free

Ambassadors presented to the rest of the year group and received their certificates of

participation.

Many congratulations to Isobella’s Renn on her most successful year as a dancer. Isobella

has been dancing since the age of 3 and has managed to maintain a punishing training

schedule whilst studying for her GCSE examinations. She has enjoyed great success in 2019

since starting a new partnership in the all Ladies Latin category. After 3 weeks together they

came 3rd in Champions of tomorrow followed by 2nd place in the Blackpool Tower and they

were recently awarded the prestigious title as Grand Champions in Stars of the future.

Catholic Pupil Profile

For our last week of term, we have been focussing on Laudato Si' an encyclical letter written

by Pope Francis. This letter focuses upon the importance of looking after God's creation,

the Earth and all who inhabit. As a school, we have linked this to our Catholic Pupil Profile

Virtues, in particular Compassionate, Loving, Intentional and Prophetic. Students have

spent a couple of days exploring the environment further through interactive workshops

delivered by teaching staff. Students have enjoyed creating a fashion show from recyclable

rubbish and making solar powered ovens from cardboard and foil to melt marshmallows.

Students have designed eco homes, created digital posters to change attitudes around the

school regarding recycling and conducted surveys to see how environmentally friendly our



school truly is, to name just a few of the activities taking place this week. Alongside this

students have enjoyed a digital technology detox where they have played board games and

got to know each other through the art of personal conversation. On behalf of our school,

we are extremely proud of the work produced and the participation of all students this

week. We have some very special eco warriors in our midst!

Pilgrimage to Lourdes

On 7th July, 40 students, four staff and Father Mark set off on their Pilgrimage journey to

Lourdes. After a long journey by coach, Pilgrims were welcomed at the Alba Hotel with

breakfast followed by an introduction to the Lourdes Domain and a walking tour telling the

story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous.

The week long Pilgrimage was packed with activities. Pilgrims were delighted to be able to

attend an English speaking Mass at the Grotto celebrated by the Archbishop of Edinburgh.

They also participated in Blessed Sacrament Procession, Stations of the Cross, a walking tour

of the City of the Poor and some students took the opportunity to attend the Baths that are

associated with great healing miracles and attend the powerful Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Pilgrims were proud to process behind the school banner during the Marian Candlelit

Procession. The final night saw each Pilgrim carry a personalised candle representing the

school that now burns in Lourdes symbolising all the prayers and intentions that Pilgrims

brought and left at the Grotto. Each Pilgrim received their own personal group photograph

in front of the Basilica to be reminded of this special experience shared.

As Pilgrims set out on their return journey to School, they were thrilled to wake up from a

night’s sleep on a coach to the surprise tour of the city of Paris and a perfect picture

opportunity in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The staff were thrilled to receive such positive feedback on the excellent manner and

reverence our young people displayed throughout the Pilgrimage and plans are beginning

for our next one in 2021.

It only remains to say that we wish you all a happy and safe holiday.

God bless.

Mrs Angela Keller

Headteacher



Uniform

As you are preparing for the new academic year, could I please remind you of the following:-

Skirts – should be no more than 5cm above the knee. Pupils will not be allowed to wear the

inappropriate length of skirt which seems to be so popular at the moment.

Shoes – these should be plain black and leather/leather effect. Canvas/nylon designs are

not acceptable.

Socks – black not white

Further clarification on all school uniform can be found on the school website.

Communication

Email / Mobile No: Please ensure that the school has your correct email address and mobile

number as future communication will be sent by text/email.

Parent App / Student App

Parents/Guardians – Please remember to download the ‘SIMS Parent App’. School have

sent an email to you via the email address you have provided (search for email ‘no

reply@sims’)

Students - Please remember to download the ‘SIMS Student App’ if you haven’t already

done so. School have sent an email to your @archbishopmg.co.uk email (search for email

‘no reply@sims’)

If you have not received an email, please contact the school and we will arrange to re-send

this to you.

You will receive a snapshot of school life:

•The schools calendar –terms dates

•School diary events –notifications

•Update your family information

Notifications

•Homework due

•School diary events

•Attendance summary

Your child

•Detailed calendar –all events for

your child

•Day to day timetable

Homework

•Assessment grades

•Downloadable school reports

•Attendance history



Polite Reminder

Chewing gum and energy drinks are banned items and not to be brought into school.

Staff Movement

It’s that time of year when staff move to pastures new and sadly have to say goodbye:-

Staff Leaving:-

• Mr Gavin McAleer, Teacher of RE and Head of 6th Form

• Mr Richard Sadler, Teacher of WBQ

• Miss Jade Cascarina, Cover Supervisor

• Mrs Mary Mainwaring, Teacher of English

• Miss Robyn Wilkins, Teacher of Science

Staff Joining us:-

• Mrs Joanne Bailey, Teacher of English

• Miss Rhiannon Blake, Cover Supervisor

• Mr Julien Carelli, Cover Supervisor

• Mr Mathew Jones, Temporary Teacher of RE

• Ms Joanne Pearson, Teacher of RE

• Miss Katy Sutton, Teacher of Science

• Mr Daley Roberts, Learning Support Assistant

Congratulations to:-

• Mr Brian Davies, newly appointed to Assistant Headteacher

• Mrs Marina Smith, newly appointed to Assistant Headteacher

• Mrs Creisna Comerford-Davies, newly appointed to Head of PE

• Mr Richard Jones, newly appointed to Head of Science

KEY DATES 2019-2020

6th Form Registration Monday 4 September, 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Inset Days (school closed for pupils) Monday 2 September 2019

Tuesday 3 September 2019

All pupils return to school on Wednesday 4 September 2019



GRANTS / FUNDING

Free School Meals

Children and young people attending school on a full time basis may be entitled to receive

free school meals (FSM).

Your child may be eligible for FSM if you are in receipt of any of the following

benefits/support payments:

• Income Support

• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and their annual

income does not exceed £16,190

• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four

weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• Universal Credit.

If you have any queries relating to free school meal entitlement or how to apply, please

contact Bridgend County Borough Council Benefits Section on 01656 643643.

Uniform Grant

All Uniform Grant forms have now been sent out to families. Any queries, please contact

[email protected].

Pupil Development Grant

Don’t forget to apply for the Pupil Development Grant if your child is eligible for free school

meals and is entering Year 7, Year 10.

Get £125 to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school

for your child.



Learners eligible for free school meals can apply for this grant if they are:

• entering year 7 or year 10 in secondary school

• aged 7, 11 or 14 in special schools, special needs resource bases or pupil referral units

For Year 7 learners the grant is £200, recognising the increased costs associated with

starting secondary school.

Funding for looked-after children is available in every school year.

To apply for this grant please contact your local authority.

You could get £125 (or £200 in Year 7) to help with extra costs

No Mobile Phones from September 2019

From September 2019, the school will be operating a ban on all mobile phones.

If a child brings their mobile phone into school, consent must be received in advance.

How to give consent:

You must either turn the consent button on in the ‘Parent App’ by clicking on Data

Collection, Parental Consent, ‘mobile phone consent’ turn on. This consent will go

straight to school

Or alternatively

send an email to school with your child’s name attaching the consent form (attached

to the policy emailed to you) giving permission.

• Pupils who bring their mobile phone into school must switch off their phone on

arrival at the school site.

• The phone should remain switched off throughout the day and be kept out of sight

(e.g. in their bag or locker). No distinction is made between form time, lesson time,

break, lunchtime, pre or after school activities.

• If a pupil urgently needs to use their phone whilst on school site, they must seek

permission from their Head of House or a member of the senior leadership team and

be supervised whilst using the phone.

• Alternatively, if a pupil needs to contact their parents, they may use the telephone in

the school office. Such calls, however, should only be made in an emergency.




Phone : 01656 815500

Email : [email protected]

Oak Tree Way, Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2DN

www.Archbishopmg.co.uk

Ysgol Uwchradd Gatholig Archesgob McGrath

summer newsletter 2019 for diocese - archbishopmg.co.uk · have won the welsh company programme...

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