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Newsletter 09.06.2026

A prayer to share

Loving God,
You created each of us in Your image and likeness,
with minds to learn, hearts to love, and gifts to share.
We thank You for the knowledge and technology
that help us discover, create, and serve others.
As new forms of artificial intelligence become part of our world,
help us to use them wisely and responsibly.
May we never forget that no machine can replace
the dignity, worth, and unique value of every human person.
Bless our school community.
Give us the courage to use our talents for good,
to grow in knowledge and virtue,
and to build a future where technology is guided by love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from our Chaplain, Mairie

Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical: A Call to Protect Human Dignity in the Age of AI
As part of their office, each pope will write to the Catholic community about matters particularly close to their heart. These letters are called encyclicals. In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“The Greatness of Humanity”), Pope Leo XIV reflects on one of the defining issues of our time: the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
Pope Leo certainly  welcomes the many benefits that technology can bring, including advances in education, healthcare and communication. At the same time, he reminds us that technology must always serve the human person and never diminish the dignity and value of human life.
Drawing on the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching as a guide for life, Pope Leo emphasises that every person is created in the image of God and possesses an undeniable worth that cannot be measured only by achievement or economic value. He encourages everyone – governments, businesses, educators and families to ensure that new technologies promote the common good, protect the vulnerable and strengthen, rather than replace, authentic human relationships.
The encyclical offers an important message for young people as they prepare for the future. In a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, Pope Leo calls us all to use wisdom, compassion and ethical responsibility so that innovation contributes to a more just, humane and hopeful society. The letter has been much talked about already in faith and secular circles and has certainly shown that the Church continues to be relevant in the modern world.
You can read, or listen to,  the encyclical on the Vatican website.

Chaplain Vacancy

St Nicholas Catholic High School is seeking to appoint a committed and inspiring Chaplain to lead and develop the spiritual life of our school community as our current Chaplain, Mairie Gelling, is retiring after ten years of excellent and dedicated service. 

This is a distinctive and rewarding role at the heart of a successful Catholic school in Northwich, Cheshire, offering the opportunity to work closely with pupils, staff, clergy and the wider community in fostering a vibrant culture of faith, reflection and service.

Mairie Gelling says:

“The role of a Lay Chaplain is, at its core, about presence: gently encouraging the school community to recognise the ways in which God is active in each of us and in all that we do.

I have been blessed with many memorable moments – from organising a whole-school Mass across two sites in my very first weeks, to finding new ways of sharing prayer during the Covid lockdown through social media. Above all, chaplaincy has taught me that every day carries its own personality and unexpected blessings, and it has been a privilege to share in that with the St Nicholas community.” Mairie Gelling.

Closing date 9:00 am, Monday 15th June 2026.

Interviews are currently scheduled for Tuesday 23rd June 2026.

St Nicholas Art & Design Exhibition 2026

We are delighted to showcase the creativity, talent and hard work of our students at the St Nicholas Art & Design Exhibition 2026.

Join us to view an inspiring collection of GCSE and A Level Art & Design work, celebrating the achievements of our young artists.

Thursday 16th July
4:00pm – 7:00pm
A1 Art Room

We look forward to welcoming students, families and friends to this special exhibition.

Library and Literacy

The Guardian’s Readers’ top 100 novels of all time
Looking for a summer reading list for the family? The Guardian published their top 100 novels of all time as voted by 3000 readers. The list is a mix of novels, classic and modern, suitable for adults and teens and children. These rankings come from the readers’ poll rather than the critics/authors poll. The most notable difference was the elevation of fantasy and popular classics such as The Lord of the Rings, which was absent from the critics’ top 100 but became readers’ #1 choice.
Here is the top 20. Click the link to see the full 100 titles. Are your favourite books on the list?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2026/jun/06/readers-top-100-novels-of-all-time
Top 20
Rank
Novel
Author
1
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien
2
Middlemarch
George Eliot
3
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
4
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck
5
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
6
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
7
Nineteen Eighty-Four
George Orwell
8
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez
9
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë
10
Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë
11
Anna Karenina
Leo Tolstoy
12
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
13
The Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas
14
His Dark Materials
Philip Pullman
15
Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier
16
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams
17
The Brothers Karamazov
Fyodor Dostoevsky
18
Catch-22
Joseph Heller
19
A Prayer for Owen Meany
John Irving
20
The Master and Margarita
Mikhail Bulgakov

Music Success

Music Success

Well done to Nieve Yeo who passed her Grade 2 Violin.

Also…Congratulations and Good Luck go to four of our school choir members who have secured auditions for the Halle Youth Choir in July:
Lena Morek Year 10
Raf Wong Year 11
Finn Costello Kelly Year 11
Imogen Cooke Year 13

Sporting Succes

Football Success

Last weekend Jacob, Rafferty and Isaac (year 8) not only won their league but won the cup final too. They play for Egerton and compete in the MYSL premier league on a Sunday.
Well done to the whole team –  all three boys gave an outstanding performance.

Volleyball Success

Well done to Rachel in Year 10.
She plays for the North West and together with her team she won bronze at the GB U15 Inter Regional Championship.

PTFA Summer Raffle

PTFA Summer Raffle – Win a Dream Holiday! 
Fancy a getaway? Our PTFA raffle is now live, with an incredible one-week Eurocamp holiday up for grabs as our main prize!
And that’s not all—even more fantastic prizes will be announced soon, so keep an eye out!
Tickets are available now on ParentPay
Don’t miss your chance to win while supporting our school—every ticket makes a difference.
Good luck!

Ice Lollies for Sale

Ice Lollies Are Back!

With the warmer weather arriving, we’re pleased to let you know that from Monday 15th June, ice lollies will be available to purchase in the canteen Monday to Thursday between 12:55pm and 1:05pm.

To avoid disappointment, please make sure your child’s catering card is topped up and ready to use.

We hope everyone enjoys this refreshing treat during the hot weather!

PTFA News

PTFA 

Thank you to everyone who supports the school and the PTFA by taking part in Your School Lottery

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

Careers

Unifrog Virtual Summer School, 13–15 July
Virtual Summer School for Y12 students, a three-day programme designed to give a realistic taste of university-level study!
Students can choose from one of five subject strands, each led by a different university, to participate in live academic sessions, skills workshops, and a structured project:
  • Criminology and law
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Business and economics
  • Engineering
  • Arts and humanities
Elevate – Alternative Provision – Open Day 26th June 
We are an Alternative Provision based in Warrington, providing vocational education and training opportunities for students aged 14–16 and post-16 learners.
  • Hair and Beauty – Hair, Nails, Makeup, Lashes, and Skincare
  • Construction – Joinery, Plumbing, Brickwork, Tiling, Decorating, and Plastering
  • Childcare
  • Creative Skills – Needlecrafts, Sewing, and Crocheting
  • Business Administration
  • Motor Vehicle, Bike, and Cycle Mechanics
  • Hospitality
  • Catering
  • Customer Service
  • Personal Wellbeing
  • Life Skills

Community Notices

Barnton Cricket are looking for new players

Hartford Hurricanes U16 Football

Recruiting new players

Armed Forces Day event

Winsford Town Council is holding its first Armed Forces Day event on Sunday 28 June 2026 at Wharton Recreation Ground, Winsford.

News from Hartford Parish Council

  • Community Clubs Directory – Sports, arts, fitness and social groups based in Hartford can be listed free of charge. If you run or host a club, please ensure it is included in the directory. To add a group, email asst.clerk@hartfordparishcouncil.org.uk.
  • Free Water Safety Sessions (Ages 11–18) – Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service is offering free 45-minute virtual water safety presentations for schools, youth clubs and community groups.
  • SWAP Summer Support Fund – Grants of up to £2,000 available for schools, charities and community groups running projects that support young people, wellbeing, inclusion and crime prevention.
  • Picnic in the Park – Sunday 12 July, 1pm–4pm, Grange Park, Hartford. Free family event featuring games, entertainment, performances, stalls and refreshments.

Summer Events in Hartford

  • First Aid Awareness Course – 13 June, Hartford Village Hall (free adult course).
  • Let’s Play – 28 June, 2pm–4pm. Free outdoor games and activities for families.
  • Picnic in the Park – 12 July, 1pm–4pm. Free community celebration.
  • Art Club (Ages 10–16) – Selected Tuesdays, 4pm–5pm, Hartford Village Hall (£3 per session).
  • Weekly Clubs & Activities – Discover martial arts, drama, football, art and more:

Co-Curricular Activities

PE Co-Curricular

Week commencing 8th June
Fixtures
Tuesday: SN/HHS/CHSL GCSE Athletics Track Night @ Hartford High Track
Wednesday : Girls Football Partnership Festival @ Moss Farm (during school day)
Wednesday : Year 5/6 Mixed Quadkids @ Hartford High Track
Thursday : SN/HHS/CHSL GCSE Athletics Field Night @ Hartford High Track
Clubs:
Monday N/A
Tuesday– Tennis
Wednesday– Athletics & Quadkids Leaderships
Thursday– Cricket, Softball, Rounders
Friday– Run Club

Music Co-Curricular

Week commencing 8th June

Wednesday Choir 3.15-4.15
Thursday Orchestra 3.15-4.15

Lunchtime Clubs

Monday lunchtime : Musical Mondays –  watch musicals in H1 – bring your lunch
Tuesday lunchtime Chess Club in M5 – all years
Tuesday lunchtime English Homework Club
Wednesday lunchtime  Writing and Poetry Club E1
Wednesday lunchtime  English Homework Club
Wednesday lunchtime Beyblading – Bring your own BeyBlades – in R1
Friday lunchtime – Dance Club DS1 – 12.35 – 1.10 – Lunch passes available – bring lunch with you.

After School Clubs

Tuesday After School – Performing Arts Club –  3.15 – 4.30

Tuesday After School – GCSE DT ‘catch up’ session on Tuesdays 3.15 – 4.15 in T3

Wednesdays after school  – Dungeons & Dragons – 3.15 to 4.30pm (Open to all year groups) In the Library.

Attendance

Everyone matters – so attendance matters

Upcoming dates


Friday 12th June Year 11 Prom
Monday 15th June PTFA meeting 5.15
Tuesday 16th June Sports Day
Friday 19th June INSET Day / Year 13 Ball
Monday 22nd June Year 10 and 12 Exams commence /Year 11 Sixth Form Day

July 2026

Wednesday 1st July Year 12 Retreat
Monday 6th July Year 10 Residential departs to Savio / Year 6 Transition Day – non feeder primaries
Tuesday 7th July Year 10 Residential returns / Year 6 Transition Day – All schools
Wednesday 8th July Year 6 Transition Day – All schools
Thursday 9th July Year 10 Residential departs to Savio / New Year 7 Intake Parents’ Information Evening 5pm
Friday 10th July Year 10 Residential returns / Dorigatti/Pringle (Years 7, 8 & 9)
Monday 13th July Mission Day
Wednesday 15th July Whole School Jubilee Mass  / Prize Night 6.00–7.30pm
Thursday 16th July Sports Presentation Evening 6.00–8.00pm / Art Exhibition 4–7pm
Friday 17th July Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 Rewards Trips
Monday 20th July Year 10 Post 16 Fair / Year 12 Parents’ Evening 4.15–7.30pm
Tuesday 21st July Lucas Briscoe Rounders Tournament (Year 10) / Sixth Form Expedition to Morocco departs
Wednesday 22nd July SCHOOL CLOSES – 12.30pm

Click here for future dates

Click here to download 2025-26 Holiday Dates

Click here to download 2026-27 Holiday Dates