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Newsletter 07.07.2025

A prayer to share

God of peace,
We come before you with heavy hearts,
Remembering those who died in the 7/7 attacks,​
Those who were wounded,
and​ all who still carry the pain of that day.

We pray for their families and loved ones ​
That they may find comfort and healing.​

We pray for our world ​
That hatred may never overcome hope,​
And that peace may grow stronger than fear.

Help us, as young people,​
To build bridges, not walls.​
To speak words that heal, not hurt.​
To choose kindness over cruelty,​
And love over hate.

May we be lights in the darkness,​
Peacemakers in our schools, homes, and communities.​
May we never forget,​
But may we always move forward in hope. 

AMEN

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

This week has been a week of retreats with opportunities to break away from the school routine and take time to reflect on our values as members of St Nicholas and the wider community.
At the end of their exam period, Year 10 students have made two visits to Savio House in Bollington  for a mix of activities and reflective workshops with the Salesian community and members of St Nick’s staff. This included the traditional walk up to White Nancy on a warm afternoon and the greatly anticipated disco to celebrate our time together. Small groups met together to talk about their values as young people and, following a Reconciliation Service with Fr Joe and Fr Martin, we celebrated Mass in the chapel. Students prepared the welcome, a drama piece and some music to make the Mass all their own.
We are very grateful to the Salesian community for making us welcome and giving us such a reflective experience.
Year 12 stayed closer to home with a day at St Bede’s in Weaverham, hosted and led by the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team. They had a theme of ‘Hope’, with a very positive message from St Paul that ‘Hope does not disappoint. Again, at the end of their exam period, the students took every opportunity to make the most of the workshops and the glorious weather. Thanks to the SYMT and to Fr Paul and Sr Phyllis for their contributions and hospitality.

Music Success

 

Congratulations to these fantastic musicians on their recent exam success:

 

Penny Lee
Grade 3 Clarinet

Jack Deakin
Grade 3 Clarinet with Merit

Jemima Ridell
Grade 4 piano

James Thorpe
Grade 5 piano

Lucy Riddell
Grade 5 piano

Instrumental lessons in September

If your child would like instrumental tuition in September. Please complete this Microsoft Form.

https://forms.office.com/e/zg9eJcMxCb

This includes an exciting new opportunity for 1:1 Music Production lessons.

St Nicholas Art Exhibition

 

For the first time in a few years, we’re excited to be holding a small exhibition to showcase our GCSE and A Level Art work. It will take place on Thursday 17th July, from 4–7pm in A1.

All Welcome

Sporting success – athletics

Last week out Year 7 athletes competed at Macclesfield.
We had 10 students selected for the Mid-Cheshire team and they did not disappoint…..
Emilia Rowlings ran well in her 200m heat but did not make the final.
Luke Doran 8th in 1500m
Jessica Barnett finished 5th in 1500m and got a new BP.
Lilly Whiston finished 5th  in Long Jump
Hattie Lawson finished 4th in Shot
Alice Ward finished 3rd in 800m
Seren Thompson won her 100m heat and finished 3rd in the final
Leo Higgins is CHESHIRE CHAMPION in Long Jump.
A special mention to Sav Pacitti who finished 5th but would not let his broken arm stop him from competing.
A lovely night had by all at Macclesfield Track.
Well done everyone.
Mrs Simms

Visit to Oxford University

Students across Year 11 and Year 12 have visited Oxford University this week as part of our Gateway Programme to support students with competitive admissions. The students had the opportunity to look around all of the various colleges, speak to students and attend different lectures.

PTFA News

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to those of you who have bought a summer raffle ticket on ParentPay. This will really help us to buy extra resources for our wonderful pupils & 6th Form students. 

Please note the raffle will finish at midnight on Sunday 13th July so there is still time to buy your ticket at £1 each.

Good luck everyone.

We have some amazing prizes this year – thank you to our generous sponsors!

– Euro Camp Holiday
-Nintendo Switch
-2 x £100 Amazon Vouchers
-Vehicle Service DC Lomas, Cheshire
-Vehicle MOT DC Lomas, Cheshire
And many more.

Library and Literacy

Creative writing competition

All pupils in KS3 are invited to enter a story writing contest.

Hand in your story to your English teacher – closing date Friday 11th July.

Prizes to be won.

Sports Presentation Evening

The Physical Education department at St Nicholas Catholic High School wish to invite you to the Sports Presentation Evening on Thursday 17th July 2025 (6pm-7:45pm). All students who have represented the school this academic year are invited to attend and will receive a certificate for their contributions to school sport. Furthermore, those who have represented the school in four or more sports will receive a badge for their efforts. 
 
There will also be awards for achievement and effort in school sport along with a ‘High Performance’ presentation and live performances on the night. Students who have been nominated for an award will be notified in school before the event and will receive a ticket for themselves and two family members.
 
The evening will finish with our guest speaker, James Dewsbury from Cheshire Rowing who has worked with our rowing team this academic year.
 
Admission is free but is all ticket. Tickets can be reserved using the Form attached: https://forms.office.com/e/h5ztuyAr2k
 
Each student will receive a ticket but there will be a two ticket limit per family. In the event you wish to reserve more than two additional tickets, please contact a member of the Physical Education department.
 
Furthermore, in preparation for the evening, the Physical Education department are kindly requesting any pictures and/or information of students competing outside of school in either club, district, regional, national or international level. The information received will be used to create a High Performance presentation that will be shared on the night. 
 
Please can you send in any pictures and/or information of your child participating in sport outside of school to Mr Armstrong (m.armstrong@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk) by Friday 11th July 2025

Pickmere Lake

We have received the following message from Wincham Parish Council

I’m writing on behalf of Wincham Parish Council to ask you consider warning your pupils of the dangers of holding picnics and parties on the shores of Pickmere Lake.

Since the pandemic, an increasing number of young people have taken to spending time at Pickmere Lake, partly encouraged by a false picture painted by some on social media.  The Lakeside is indeed beautiful and we would encourage visitors who come to stroll, but there are no toilets on the Wincham side and, more importantly, since 2020, every summer the emergency services have been called because of injuries sustained by visitors to the Lake.  On one tragic occasion, a young person died in the Lake.  There are no life guards and, although it can look very inviting, the Lake water is very cold and there are hazardous currents.

Outgrown Uniform and PE kit

If your child is leaving school or has outgrown their uniform or PE kit, please send it in to school where we will reuse it for students who need it or pass it on to the Green Uniform and Babybank. This can also be sent in after the exams have finished.

Thank you for your help

After school PE

After school PE has finished for this year.
Thank you to everyone who has come along to the sessions, we look forward to welcoming you all back in September.

Music Co-Curricular

Rehearsals week commencing 07.07

Tuesday 3.15-4.15 Year 9/10 Band 1M

Wednesday Choir (and Staff Choir 3.25-3.45) 3.15-4.15

Rehearsal times for Prize Night 10th July will be sent to Form Tutors

Orchestra Rehearsals June/July

Thursday 10th July Performance at Prize Night
No orchestra Thursday 17th July

Choir Rehearsals June/July 2025
Weds 9th July All Choir 3.15-4.15pm
Thursday 10th July Performance at Prize Night

No Choir  Wednesday 23rd July

After School Clubs

Tuesday Musical Theatre Club 
Wednesday  Dungeons and Dragons
Wednesday Art Club in A2 all years 3.15-4.15

Lunchtime Clubs

Monday
Art KS4 in A2
History Musical Mondays – H1
Chess Club and Rubik’s club in M5
Y7 & Y8 Code club in C2
Tuesday:
Computer Science Revision in C2
Wednesday
KS3 Art club in A1
Thursday
Year 7 Book to Film Club in E1
Art club KS4 in A1
Dance club
Friday
Easy as Pi club (maths)
Science Club S5

Community notices

Winnington Park  Summer Rugby Camp

Courses supporting Parents.

There is a free-of-charge art club for teenagers at Sandiway Library.

Most of the young people who come are in year 7 and 8

Students can find out more and sign up here: Dream Big Art Club for 11-16s at Sandiway Library event tickets from TicketSource

Parents and Carers of SEND students

Newsletter with help and support here

https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=bf74f2fcbe32e09324e78abd9&id=99d4f39f77

Honk! The Musical

🎭 Honk! JR is coming to Hartford – and YOU could be in it! 🎭
Salt & Pepper Productions Theatre School: 28th July – 2nd August 2025
Some of our incredibly talented staff and students are teaming up once again to bring Honk! JR to The Grange Theatre this summer and they’d love for you to get involved!
🌟 Are you aged 8–18?
🎤 Do you love acting, dancing, and singing?
🎬 Fancy putting on a full musical in just one week?
If the answer is yes, then don’t miss out on this egg-cellent opportunity to join Salt & Pepper Productions’ Musical Theatre School!
What’s the experience like?
You’ll spend a full week at The Grange Theatre, rehearsing, learning new skills, and preparing to perform Honk! JR, a hilarious and heartwarming musical based on The Ugly Duckling. You’ll get to experience everything from costume fittings to stage lighting and sound, gaining a real taste of life in professional theatre.
This is their seventh Theatre School production and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and quackier than ever before!
Key Dates & Times:
📍 Location: The Grange Theatre, Hartford
Monday 28th July – Thursday 31st July | 10am–4pm – Rehearsals
Friday 1st August | 10am–4pm – Tech/Dress Rehearsal
Saturday 2nd August | 10am–6pm – Performances at 12pm & 4pm
Why join us?
✔ Experience working in a professional theatre
✔ Develop your confidence, creativity, and teamwork
✔ Make new friends and unforgettable memories
✔ Take part in a fully staged musical with costumes, make-up, set and lights!
🐣 Sign up today:
👉 Click here to register for the Theatre School
🎭 Not performing? Come and see the show!
Join them for one of the fabulous performances on Saturday 2nd August:
👉 Book your tickets here
📧 For more info, email: director@saltandpepperproductions.co.uk

Attendance

Everyone matters – so attendance matters

Upcoming dates

  • Mon 7th Jul – Year 6 non partner primary school transition day
  • Tue 8th Jul – Year 6 Transition day St Wilfrid’s & St Luke’s
  • Wed 9th Jul – Year 6 Transition Day St Joseph’s & St Mary’s, Enhanced transition evening 6pm
  • Thurs 10th Jul – Year 6 transition day St Bede’s & St Vincent’s, Prize night 6-8:30pm
  • Fri 11th Jul – Year 6 transition day all schools
  • Mon 14th Jul – Mission day, new Year 7 intake parents information evening 5pm
  • Tues 15th July – Year 8 reports to parents, Dorigatti/Pringle (Years 7,8 & 9)
  • Thurs 17th Jul – Whole School mass, Sports presentation evening 6 – 8:30pm, Art Exhibition 4-7pm in A1
  • Fri 18th Jul – Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 rewards trips
  • Mon 21st Jul – Year 12 parents evening 4:15-7:30pm
  • Tue 22nd Jul – Lucas Briscoe Rounders tournament (Year 10)
  • Wed 23rd Jul – SCHOOL CLOSES – 12:30pm

 

Click here for further dates

Click here to download 2024-25 Holiday Dates

Click here to download 2025-26 Holiday Dates

Click here to download 2026-27 Holiday Dates