Newsletter 05.04.23

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

End of Term

We come to the end of our Lent Term with a wonderful celebration of Mass for all students and staff. We were delighted to welcome Fr James from St Lukes, Fr Paul from St John Vianney and Deacon David from St John Vianney.

On display were the new Lent banners created by our Year 9 Art Club as well as the Lectern banner for Lent. Our choir and musicians were wonderful, as always. And we thank all those students who volunteered to read, sing or play, to make our celebration of Mass such as special one.

Thanks to all the staff for supporting the students, Mrs McKenna and Mr Rushworth for the music, the site team and IT support, and the sixth form students for helping clear away at the end of Mass.

Having so many people involved shows how important it is that we come together as a community to give thanks and our Mass to celebrate the end of this Term was a perfect way to acknowledge this.

We hope that everyone has a wonderful break and wish you the blessings of a happy and holy Easter.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Some of our local parishes will be beginning preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation after Easter. Confirmation is offered to young people who have been baptised and who are in Year 8 or above. If you know of anyone who may be interested please pass this information onto them. The details for the individual parishes are as follows –

St Joseph’s (Winsford), and St Mary’s RC Church (Middlewich) are again joining together to deliver a Confirmation programme this year. Please send an email to stmarysmiddlewichevents@gmail.com to receive details on how to enrol. Requests must be in by the 30th April 2023.

St John Vianney Parish CONFIRMATION will be celebrated on 20/10/2023. If any young people, Year 8 upwards, would like to take part, please give name and contact details to Fr Paul. The programme will begin after Easter.

St Vincent de Paul, Knutsford. CONFIRMATION will be celebrated on 23/6/2023. If any young people, Year 8 upwards, would like to take part, please give name and contact details to Fr David. The programme will begin after Easter.

St Nicholas Award

AIM

To continue to build a sense of community around the Gospel Values and to encourage all students to act in the ‘spirit’ of St Nicholas. In doing this, positive behaviour that has previously gone un-noticed will be celebrated around school.

THE AWARD

A permanent badge that can be worn on your blazer. You will be able to earn this badge only once.
Your name will be displayed on a board in our main reception area for the following term.
We will write home to your parents to celebrate your success with them.

Congratulations to

Henryk Wieckowski
Trinity Mullen
Alpha Tsang
Aleksander Wieckowski
Ashwin Nair
John Walsh
Ella Coot
Lisa Davies
Maria-Nicole Klym
Lily Knight
Shivani Solanki
Ethan Stokes
Rachel Harrison
Martha Roper
Izabella Crump

Returning Student

St Nicholas Sixth Form invited Bella Manfredi back into school to discuss what life is like studying at Oxbridge with some of our Year 12 Students as part of our Gateway Programme. Bella is about to sit her Final Examinations at Jesus College Cambridge. We all wish her the very best of luck and thank her for the time that she spent with our students this morning. Bella said “It always feels like you are coming home whenever I come back to St Nicholas, and the Sixth Form did so much for me so it’s always nice to give something back“.

A Level Chemistry trip to TATA Chemicals

Earlier this term our Year 12 Chemistry students took part in a trip to TATA Chemicals Europe in Northwich. They had a tour of TATA’s Carbon Capture Utilisation plant which is the first large-scale carbon capture project of its kind in the UK. The plant represents a world first in capturing and purifying carbon dioxide from power generation plant emissions for use as a key raw material in the manufacture of high purity sodium bicarbonate. The students were awed by the grand scale of the operation and appreciated seeing real life applications of chemistry. They have been challenged to take part in a ‘carbon footprint’ competition with three other colleges. They are now working hard as a team on their project and will return to TATA Chemicals after Easter to deliver their presentation on how to best to reduce our school’s carbon footprint. We wish them all good luck with the competition!

Letter from Mr Heffernan

On Monday, acting headteacher Mr Heffernan sent his end of term letter to parents and carers.

He highlighted all the positive things that have been going on in school over the past three months

Students and staff have responded wonderfully to our Form Patron challenge and have been extremely imaginative in their fundraising efforts. The vibrant atmosphere created around school as our community came together to serve others less fortunate was an absolute joy to experience.

I am pleased to report the success of our major trips to Paris (Art and MFL departments) and the ski trip to Austria. Alongside this, our Year 7 students enjoyed their residential event as they continued to build upon their impressive start to life at St Nicholas, and the extensive range of co-curricular activities offered to all students has continued to thrive.

Following the Easter break, we welcome Mr Craig Burns as our new Headteacher. In closing, I would like to say what a privilege it has been to lead St Nicholas Catholic High School during the Lent Term and I thank our school community for the support, encouragement and joy which has radiated from our collective efforts.
The summer Pentecost term will begin for students on Wednesday 19th April and until then may I wish you all a relaxing and peace filled Easter Holiday.

Click here to read the whole letter

Meet the new headteacher

Click here to read the article

Easter services in the local parishes

St Vincent de Paul – Knutsford

Service of Penance and Reconciliation on Tuesday of Holy Week at 7pm
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm
Good Friday – Passion of the Lord 3pm
Saturday – Easter Vigil 8pm

Easter Morning Masses 9am and 11am

St Joseph’s – Winsford

Please refer to their website for updates

St Joseph’s Winsford – The friendly parish. (stjosephs-winsford.org.uk)

St Mary’s – Middlewich

Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7.30pm,

Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3.00pm.

Saturday Paschal Vigil & First Mass of Easter 8.30pm.

Sunday 9.00am (Holmes Chapel)

11.00am

St Lukes – Frodsham

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Thursday, 6th April, 7pm at St Cuthbert’s

Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of Christ, Friday, 7th April, 3pm at St Luke’s

Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday, 8th April, 8pm at St Luke’s

Mass of the Resurrection,

Sunday, 9th April,

9am at St Cuthbert’s;

11am at St Luke’s.

St John Vianney Parish

Saturday 8th

9.00pm (Easter vigil) St. Wilfrid’s

Sunday 9^th April

9.15am St. Wilfrid’s

10.00am Our Lady’s

11.00am St Thomas Becket

11.15am St Bede’s 11.30am St Wilfrid’s

Library and Literacy

Gift a Book instead of a chocolate egg this Easter

Books make a great alternative to Easter eggs. Especially for lucky children who are likely to receive a hoard of chocolate from friends and family. With Easter in mind, here are some suggestions of books based upon the theme of new beginnings.

Younger readers

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – This heart-warming novel tells the story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping centre. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan sees a chance for a new beginning and works to create a better life for both of them.

Restart by Gordon Korman – This novel follows the story of Chase Ambrose, a middle school bully who falls off a roof and suffers amnesia. When he returns to school, he has a chance to start fresh and become a better person.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies – This novel follows the story of two siblings, Evan and Jessie, who start a lemonade stand competition to see who can make the most money. Through the ups and downs of the competition, they learn about teamwork and starting over.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – This novel tells the story of Lily Owens, a young girl who runs away from home with her housekeeper, Rosaleen. They find a new home with three beekeeping sisters who help them start a new life filled with love and acceptance.

Older Readers

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – This novel follows the story of Melinda Sordino, who starts high school as an outcast after calling the cops on a summer party. Through her journey of self-discovery, she learns to speak up for herself and start anew.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – This is a heart-warming story about two misfits who find love and a new beginning with each other. Eleanor, a new student in town, is bullied and isolated until she meets Park, who helps her feel accepted and loved.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – This is a poignant novel about two teens with cancer who fall in love and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Despite their illness, they find hope and a new beginning in each other.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – This coming-of-age novel follows the story of Charlie, a high school freshman who struggles with mental health issues and social isolation. With the help of his new friends, he learns to confront his demons and start anew.

100% attendance award

Well done to these winners of the attendance award

Year 10:

Ryan T and Michael H

Year 9:

Oliver-Kai B and Mack T

Design and Technology Technician

We are looking to appoint a Design and Technology Technician to provide practical support to the teaching staff through the maintenance and preparation of equipment and materials to enable pupils to undertake design and technology learning activities, projects and examination work.

Welding/joinery/DIY and computer/IT skills desirable.

Are you a practical, hands-on, organised, flexible team worker with a good communication skills, we would love to hear from you.

Full time, Grade 5 £21,968 to £24,054 per annum

Closing date: 5pm on Wednesday 19th April 2023

Click here for further information

HPV vaccines in school

The nurses will be in school for HPV vaccinations on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th April.

Year 8 students need to have consent before the vaccination. Please submit consent here https://www.cwpstartingwellimms.co.uk/Forms/HPV by 12 NOON MONDAY 24TH APRIL The code for the school is CP111450.

Year 9 will be receiving their second dose – no consent needed.

Cheshire West and Cheshire Parent and Carer Forum

Please click here to read Cheshire West and Cheshire Parent and Carer Forum

Boys’ and Girls’ After School Sports

No clubs or fixtures

Lunchtime and after school clubs

Wednesday lunch – MUSIC GCSE COURSEWORK in 1M
Wednesday lunch – Dungeons and Dragons Club in B2
Wednesday 3.15pm-4.15pm Dungeons and Dragons Club in B1
Wednesday lunch – week 1 – Book Club in the Library
Wednesday 3.15-5pm Chamber Choir in the Hall
Wednesday 3.15-4.15 GCSE Spanish Speaking Revision Club in L1
Wednesday lunch – Year 10 Badminton/Table Tennis in Sports Hall (MA)
Wednesday lunch – lunch – iMedia Support for Year 11 in C2
Thursday lunch – String Group in 1M
Thursday lunch – Chess Club in M5
Thursday lunch – Art Club in A2
Thursday lunch – Year 11 Badminton/Table Tennis in Sports Hall (NJS/JC)
Thursday lunch – Programming revision for Year 11 in C2
Friday Lunch – Easy As Pi Maths Club in M1
Friday Lunch ‘Everyone Aloud’ 1M
Friday lunch – Art Club in A2
Friday lunch – iMedia Support for Year 11 in C2
Friday lunch- 6th Form Football in Sports Hall (NJS/MA)

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday 19th April – SCHOOL REOPENS

May

Monday 1^st May – BANK HOLIDAY
Tuesday 2^nd May – PTFA Meeting 6.00-7.00pm
Thursday 4^th May – Year 11 Leavers Mass 6pm
Monday 8th May – BANK HOLIDAY
Tuesday 23^rd May – PTFA Meeting 6.00-7.00pm
Friday 26^th May – SCHOOL CLOSES

June

Monday 5^thJune – SCHOOL REOPENS
Friday 23^rd June – INSET DAY

July
Thursday 20^th July – SCHOOL CLOSES

For future dates click here

Click here to download 2023-24 Holiday Dates

Attendance

“Everyone matters – so attendance matters”

Facebook and Twitter

Follow St Nicholas on Facebook and Twitter for updates and insight into what is going on in school.

Newsletter 05.04.23