Newsletter 10.12.2021

Newsletter 10.12.2021

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

Parish Advent Lunch 
We were delighted to welcome members of our local parishes back into school for an entertaining afternoon of lunch and music. Our Sixth Formers were the hosts for the afternoon, led by the head and senior prefects. The parishioners were treated to a performance by our orchestra and instrumental groups whilst they completed a quiz and enjoyed a cup of tea. Then it was time to sample a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and a delicious mince pie, whilst being serenaded by members of our Junior, Chamber and Sixth Form choirs. It was a lovely afternoon and a real blessing to be able to spend some time together. Thanks to Mrs Sandbach and her catering team and Mr Humphries and the site staff for the time and effort to make the occasion happen. Also, to Mrs McKenna and Mr Rushworth for their support of our musicians and singers. 
Advent Liturgies 
All forms are presently spending time in the chapel for the Advent Liturgy. We are reflecting on the importance of ‘ordinary people’ in the Nativity story and how we are part of that story too. It has been a lovely time for reflection and pray. It is very hard for some students to leave the chapel as it is so peaceful and restful. 
Christmas Hamper Appeal

During assemblies, all forms have been asked to collect from the food items and toiletries on the list provided and bring to the chapel by Monday 13th December. We always do really well for this appeal but the need does keep growing. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Mental Health 
We would like to share with you the following guide for parents to help support your teenagers with any Mental Health Concerns they have. The link below includes lots of information and extra support.
In particular,  there is some excellent information about keeping your teenager safe online.
Christmas lunches next week
Wednesday 15th December & Thursday 16th December Christmas lunches will be available from our amazing canteen. 
Roast Turkey served with all the traditional extras. 
Mince Pie OR Chocolate Christmas Tree ice-cream.
Vegetarian option will be Vegan Sweet Potato & Chickpea Loaf. All this for just £2.50
Covid update
Further LFD home-test kits have been delivered to school and have been distributed to forms this week.
We encourage all students to continue testing twice a week including over the Christmas holidays in line with national guidance.
RE Department – Mission Statement Competition

Sixth Form Applications for 2022 now LIVE

We are pleased to announce that applications to St Nicholas Sixth Form 2022 is now LIVE.

Please Click here to register.

What is St Nicholas Catholic Sixth Form? Where do our students go afterwards? 

Bella Manfredi – 2018-2020

Second Year Geography Student at
Jesus College Cambridge

“I am currently studying Geography at Cambridge. I’m in my second year and have chosen papers which cover everything from volcanic eruptions to
 cultural erosion to development/ economics. Throughout my A Levels my teachers really helped me to grasp the subject, helping me find my feet and apply to universities to study it further. Sixth Form had wonderful student-teacher relationships and I always felt supported in the classroom, knowing that they wanted the best for me. “

 

Katie Bryden 2013-2015

“St Nicholas Sixth Form had a massive part to play in getting me to where I am today. I achieved a place at the University of Cambridge following Year 13, which would not have been possible without the encouragement and guidance provided by St. Nicholas to push me to reach my full potential. More importantly, my time at St Nicholas instilled within me core values that translate beyond academia, including the importance of hard work, drive, community, consideration and purpose in all that you do.  “

Click here to see what our current students say about student life and hear from other former students. 

St Nicholas Christmas Carol Concert 

We will be holding a Christmas Carol Concert in school on 15th December at 7pm. Ticket numbers will be limited and offered to the parents and carers of those students participating in the first instance due to COVID restrictions. Further details on availability of tickets will follow shortly.

Library and Literacy 

BookTok: Turning TikTokers into readers. 

BookTok is an emerging corner of the video sharing social network TikTok and it’s turning our teenagers into readers.  BookTokers use the 3 minute time limit to produce engaging book related content. This has expanded from simple book reviews to recommendation lists pairing books with appropriate popular tracks from the app (i.e.  break-up novels against the backdrop of Olivia Rodrigo’s angsty Good For You ), or “What your Favorite Book Says About You” videos.  The BookTok trend has gained such traction that publishers report huge spikes in book sales after trending posts (Madeline Miller’s 2012 book The Song of Achilles sold 1,500 copies in one week in the UK after a rise in posts about it).  Our own school library has noticed a huge increase in requests for books this year and, when asked, most students say they heard about the book on TikTok.   

TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old, but there’s nothing stopping parents creating their own accounts and sharing appropriate content with younger children.  Those of you who already share your house with ardent TikTokers could take the opportunity to share an interest in their favourite platform and direct them to book related content.  You may even find some interesting titles for yourself. 

Sporting Success

Massive congratulations to Rhys Morillo in Year 12 for his impressive achievements in National Archery Competitions. His achievements this year included:
3rd in U18’s national rankings for 2021.5th in the Archery GB Junior Outdoor Nationals.6th in the Archery GB Junior Indoor Nationals. Cheshire U18’s Boys Recurve ChampionCheshire Junior Boys Clout Archery Champion.A NEW NATIONAL Clout RecordLancashire County Archery Visitors Champion.
We are all immensely proud of Rhys and his achievements at the very highest level.
Sporting Success

This week Year 11 student Nathan Morano was offered a 2 year scholarship with Liverpool Football Club.

We are absolutely delighted and proud of this fantastic achievement. He has worked so hard and made many sacrifices to get to where he is.

Well done Nathan!

PTFA Christmas Raffle
Thank you to everyone who has purchased tickets for the Grand Christmas Raffle on Parent Pay. Please buy your tickets before 13th December.  Good luck everyone.
Your PTFA??
Vacancies at St Nicholas
MID day cleaner
Grade 1, permanent, 1 hour per day 12.30 to 1.30 £9.25 per hour – advert will go live by Monday
Specialist skills Teaching Assistant for the Autism Resource Centre 
Grade 6, 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, temporary until July 2022,  £21,748 to £24,491 (Pro Rata) – contact school for details
Food Technology and Art Technician
Grade 3, £18,198 to £18,933 (Pro Rata) 2 to 3 days a week (tbc), 39 weeks per year, permanent – Advert will go live by Monday
Girls’ After School Sports
Monday 13th December:
Department Meeting (no co-curricular clubs)
Tuesday 14th December
Girls’ Netball (3:15-4:15pm)
Wednesday 15th December: 
(no co-curricular clubs)
Thursday 16th December
(no co-curricular clubs)
Friday 17th December:
School closes 12.30 (no co-curricular clubs)
Coming Soon! Total Sport Club:
After Christmas, the PE Department are excited to be offering Total Sport Club to Year 7/8 students on a Monday after school. Those attending will be able to access sports and activities such as: boccia, table cricket, curling, table tennis and basketball as well as many more. We hope to see you there!
Boys’ After School Sports
Monday 13th December:
Department Meeting (no co-curricular clubs)
Tuesday 14th December: 
Year 8 Football Training  (3:15-4:15pm)
Year 10 Rugby Training  (3:15-4:15pm)
Wednesday 15th December: 
Year 8 Cheshire Cup Football Fixture vs. Knutsford High School 
Thursday 16th December
Year 9 Rugby Training (3:15-4:15pm)
Year 7/8 Rugby Training  (3:15-4:15pm)
Friday 17th December

School closes (no co-curricular clubs)

Boys’ After School Sports
Year 7 Boys’ Football Result:
On Tuesday 7th December, a team of Year 7 boys competed in the Vale Royal Schools 5 a-side football competition. They played some brilliant football in freezing cold conditions and finished 3rd overall.

Girls Football in Northwich

Northwich Victoria Football Club are urgently recruiting for their under 14s girls team. This include girls from Years  8&9 who have a passion for football. Northwich is in the unusual position of having a women’s football team (Northwich Vixens), so the development pathway can continue through to adulthood for those continuing their passion. 
This team plays in the Mid Cheshire Girls Football League, with their home pitch at Moss Farm. Training is Tuesday evenings at Moss Farm from 8-9. Matches are Saturday mornings. Kit is provided and the monthly cost is £10 per month. 
Girls can show up at training on Tuesdays or call Rob Walsh on +44 7812 814999 if they are interested. All managers, referees and coaches are checked and registered with the Football Association. 
Upcoming Dates

Year 9 Curriculum Choices Deadline  –  Monday 13th December 2021  (9am)
Year 11 Art Mocks  –  Monday 13th December 2021 & Wednesday 15th December 2021
Year 7 Residential Information Evening – 5pm and 5.30pm Click here for letter
Christmas Carol Concert  –  Wednesday 15th December 2021  (7pm)
Year 11 Reports to Parents  –  Friday 17th December 2021
SCHOOL  CLOSES  –  Friday 17th December 2021
BANK HOLIDAY  –  SCHOOL CLOSED TO PUPILS  –  Monday 3rd January 2022
INSET DAY  –  SCHOOL CLOSED TO PUPILS  –  Tuesday 4th January 2022
SCHOOL REOPENS  –  Wednesday 5th January 2022
Year 12 & 13 Exams commence  –   Wednesday 5th January 2022
Year 10 Parents’ Evening Virtual –  Thursday 6th January 2022  (4.15 – 7.30pm) 

For future dates click here

Attendance

“Everyone matters, so attendance matters”