Newsletter 16.06.2025 – St Nicholas Catholic High School

A prayer to share

🕊 Prayer for Refugee Week 🕊

Loving God,
We remember today all those who have been forced to leave their homes—
because of war, fear, or hardship.
We pray for refugees around the world:
that they find safety, welcome, and hope.

Help us to open our hearts and understanding
to people who are seeking a new beginning.
May we show kindness instead of judgment,
compassion instead of fear.

Bless all those who work to protect and care for refugees—
in governments, charities, and communities.

May we be people of peace and justice,
building a world where everyone has a place to belong.

Amen.

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

Primary Visit

I have had my last few visits to our primary schools this week and it has been a delight to be with them in their schools sharing experiences and faith. Now it is the turn for them to visit us, so we are looking forward to welcoming year 5 children for their activity day and, very shortly, Year 6 for their transition visits. This is a lovely time of year as the school recognises the achievements of our older students and looks forward to finding out more about our new cohort. It is certainly not a quiet time of year!

Laudato Si – Request

Our staff are taking on the challenge of improving our outside environment, especially the prayer garden and pond area. We wonder if anyone has any suitable plants, pots, compost or other garden accessories that could help us develop these areas for the well-being of staff and students, especially as a tribute to Pope Francis and his love of the world around us. Thank you to those who have already donated items – they are very much appreciated.

Please contact me – m.gelling@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.org or send into school over the next week.

Refugee Week

This coming week is Refugee Week and we are asked to reflect on the many gifts and talents that refugees have contributed to our country and the wider world. The challenge of being away from all you love and yet succeed is an inspiration to us all. Pope Leo reminds us that we are meant to fight against division and instead to be bridge builders in society.

“We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us also, and then help each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always at peace.” Pope Leo XIV

Sacrament of Confirmation – St Mary’s, Middlewich and St Joseph’s, Winsford

These parishes will soon be looking to help prepare young people from St Mary’s (Middlewich) and St Joseph’s (Winsford) to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

If your child is aged 13 or over (Year 8 and above) and looking to learn more about Confirmation and faith or thinking about their relationship with God and what it means, then please contact Gemma (07796455509) or Mike (07368836053) or email stmarysmiddlewichevents@gmail.com before 23rd June 2025.

Prom 2025

The Year 11 prom of 2025 was an unforgettable celebration of youth, friendship, and achievement. Held at the picturesque Vale Royal Abbey, the evening was a dazzling display of elegance and joy. Students arrived in a parade of glamour, with many stepping out of luxury cars – four of which were organised by Cheshire Detailing Services, while others made grand entrances golf buggies, hummers and London buses. The beautiful cars and their passengers were photographed by www.joshuanicholas.co.uk

The atmosphere was great as everyone looked absolutely stunning—boys in sharp suits and ties, girls shimmering in beautiful dresses. After the grand entrance the night was filled with laughter, dancing, and a sense of freedom as students let their hair down after months of hard work.

Thank you to the PTFA for setting it up and to Mrs Azakli and Sharon along with the many other people whose hard work made it all go seamlessly.

Please our Facebook for more pictures.

Sporting Success

We had not one but two Cheshire Champions on Saturday at the County athletics competition at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

Imogen Ward- won 800m
Naomi Kirwin-won High Jump
Gio Osawara- 2nd 200m
Nancy Carrington-2nd 1500m
Milo Reeves-3rd Javelin
Annabelle Hartley-3rd Javelin
Erin Carney-3rd 800m
Ruby Carrington-4th 1500m
Annabel Hunter- 5th 100m
James Priestley-7th 100m
Flo Rowling- 7th 100m
Maisie Warrington-7th Long Jump
Evangeline Grange-7th Long Jump

I am hoping for more new school records on our Sports Day tomorrow!

Mrs Simms and the PE Team

Library and Literacy

Summer is nearly upon us, and with summer comes festivals; Literary festivals to be exact. If you’ve never attended a literary/book festival before, you’re missing out on a wonderful experience, immersing yourself in all things bookish and discovering fantastic new authors, titles and genres. Book festivals are also a great way to get your teens excited about reading.

The Hay festival has been and gone, but there is still fun to be had at these smaller festivals which have the added benefit of being specifically geared towards children, teens and young adults. Booking is necessary so make sure to check out the websites for further details.

The Festival of Brilliant – Saturday 12^th July

Taking place at Biddulph Old Hall – a truly magical venue in the Staffordshire Moorlands – the Festival of Brilliant has an incredible line-up of authors and illustrators scheduled for their family day on Saturday 12^th July, including Patrice Lawrence, Christopher Edge, and the Children’s Laureate himself, Frank Cottrell Boyce! Details here: https://outsidearts.org/events/the-festival-of-brilliant/

The Northern Young Adult Literary Festival 2025 – Saturday 19^th July

Based at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, NYALitFest has a fantastic schedule of panels and author signings. Booking essential. Details here: https://nyalitfest.wordpress.com/programme/

Sport Day 2025

We are looking forward to Sports Day tomorrow (Tuesday)

All students will take part (unless they are exempt or injured). The weather is looking promising and the sun is hopefully going to make an appearance.

What do students have to bring with them?

Full Physical Education kit
Sun cream in case of hot weather
Caps/hats to shade heads from the sun
Plenty of fluids (no cans or any fizzy drinks allowed)
Snacks to last throughout the day (there will be no break time)
Dinner card
Pen
A small amount of money if they wish to get sweets/ice pops/drinks

What do students have to DO ON THE DAY?

All students must participate in five events during the day of which they must perform in at least one track and one field (jumping/throwing) event.

What do students have to WEAR?

Physical Education kit

Blue St Nicholas rugby top or blue St Nicholas polo shirt (school kit only)
Navy shorts or skort (no leggings to be worn unless covered by shorts/skort)
White trainer socks or blue St Nicholas football socks (black socks are not to be worn)
Trainers
Students may choose to wear tracksuit bottoms. If so, these should be unbranded and either navy blue or black.

Students must not wear tracksuit tops/jackets. They may choose to wear a cap or hat, but this must be appropriate with no large logos or writing.

OTHER INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: Any pupils who require medication such as inhalers or EpiPens must bring them out to the athletics competition and keep them with them at all times.

We look forward to a fun and enjoyable day with lots of fun, energy, sportsmanship and possibly a few new school records.

Sports Day Fund Raiser

We have a group of students who are raising funds towards their Charity Sixth Form Expedition to Morocco next summer, we also have Gracie Hunter who has set up her own foundation. Please bring in of cash if you want to buy an ice pop, sweets, chocolate or drinks.

Product Design

We are very impressed with some work that our Year 12 students have complete in Product Design as part of their NEA.

Henry built a fantastic outdoor workbench, while Jacob demonstrated his metalworking skills—using the miller and lathe to create an adjustable bike stand.

Well done to both students.

PTFA News

Summer Raffle

Thank you very much to those of you who have already bought a summer raffle ticket on ParentPay at £1 a ticket. Please note the raffle will finish at midnight on Sunday 13th July.

Prizes:

Euro Camp Holiday

Nintendo Switch

2 x £100 Amazon Vouchers

Vehicle Service DC Lomas, Cheshire

Vehicle MOT DC Lomas, Cheshire

And many more.

Our next meeting will be held this evening, 16th June at 5.15pm – everyone is welcome.

Thank you as ever.

Your PTFA

PTFA Lottery & News

Our latest jackpot winning number is:
919865

Our supporter won: £13.80 in the draw!

Please consider joining our school lottery if you’ve not already done so as it helps raise funds for school. Thank you for your support as always.

www.your.schoollottery.co.uk

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here – and we have the ULTIMATE bundle to give away in our June Super Draw! Play https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-nicholas-catholic-high-school for a chance to win.

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

St Nicholas Three Peaks Challenge

Saturday was our last training session before the real Three Peaks Challenge starts on Friday.

Still time to sponsor us if you’d like to donate towards Macmillan, the Christie and Clatterbridge

https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/6888/st-nicks-three-peaks-challenge/

Road Safety and Parking at Sainsbury’s

We have been contacted by Hartford Parish Council following a number of concerns raised by the public around our students and road safety. A particular concern is the junction by Hartford Church which connects with School Lane (going towards the bypass) and Bradburns Lane (towards The Grange).

In addition, we are aware that students are careless in their crossing of the road on Greenbank Lane, and this includes a wider number given those who get the train or walk into Northwich.

Message from Sainsbury’s

Between the hours of 14.30-15.30 the Sainsbury’s car park is being over-run by parents collecting their children meaning that genuine customers cannot park on our car park. Please consider picking up from somewhere else as this is affecting our business.

Mental Health Support

At this time of year if there are any students or families who need any additional support regarding issues relating to Mental Health, Thriving Families offers an amazing support network and is based locally.

After school PE

Week commencing 16.06.2025

Fixtures :

Tuesday : sports day

Clubs:

Monday – Cricket (all years)
Tuesday –
Wednesday– Rounders & Tennis (all years)
Thursday–
Friday–

Music Co-Curricular

Lunchtime

Monday Cheshire Show Choir. Collect t-shirts and hoodies.

Wednesday Woodwind Ensemble 1M

Thursday String ensemble 1M Year 7 Band Practice room

Friday Year 9/10 Band

Orchestra Rehearsals June/July

Thursday 19th June 3.15-4.15pm
Thursday 26th June 3.15-4.15pm
Thursday 4th July 3.15-4.15pm
Thursday 10th July Performance at Prize Night
No orchestra Thursday 17th July

Choir Rehearsals June/July 2025

Monday 16th June Cheshire Show Choir Lunchtime
Tuesday 17th June Cheshire Show
Weds 18th June No rehearsal
Weds 25th June All Choir 3.15-4.15pm
Weds 2nd July All Choir 3.15-4.15pm
Weds 9th July All Choir 3.15-4.15pm

No Choir Wednesday 16th or 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.

Middlewich Town are looking for new players in Year 8 and 9

Hartford Village News

Hartford – Picnic in the Park

This year’s Picnic in the Park event will be on 13 July 2025. It will take place from 1pm – 4pm on Grange Park, Bradburns Lane, Hartford – see red pin on map https://maps.app.goo.gl/pJbaick9XSSQXb7e8

Picnic in the Park is a family event for Hartford residents, charities and community groups. There will be lots of activities and entertainment on offer, for example a DJ, Face Painter, cricket activities for children, funfair stalls, live music and more. The aim of the event is to come together as a village to socialise, relax and have fun. At the same time, the event enables charities and community groups to raise funds and connect with residents.

Hartford-based charities and community groups are invited to have free stalls at the event. These stalls need to be booked by contacting us: clerks@hartfordparishcouncil.org.uk.

If you are interested in a stall, please contact clerks@hartfordparishcouncil.org.uk.

Play French boules for free at the Village Hall

Want to play a fun new game in Hartford? Otherwise known as ‘French Boules’, Boccia is a sociable, inclusive Paralympic sport for all to enjoy. Throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court. The person who gets their ball nearest to the Jack wins!

Hartford Parish Council has installed a Boccia court at the rear of the Village Hall on Chester Road. The court is available to all Hartford residents, free of charge. You can also borrow Boccia balls and ball-ramps. To reserve the court and equipment, call 01606 784401 or email clerks@hartfordparishcouncil.org.uk. If you want to play within office hours (Mon – Fri), we can also arrange for the accessible toilet in the office porch to be open.

Keen to meet new people? To join a Tiny Steps Boccia play session for families who have children with additional needs, contact the Tiny Steps team: dianedixon@tinystepssensory.onmicrosoft.com.

Attendance

Everyone matters – so attendance matters

Upcoming dates

Mon 16^th June – PTFA meeting 5:15pm – 6:15pm
Tues 17^th Jun – Sports Day
Wed 18^th Jun – GCSE exams finish, Year 5 Activities day
Fri 20^th Jun – INSET DAY, Year 13 Leavers ball 7pm – midnight
Sat 21^st Jun – Bronze DofE training day and walk (21^st/22^nd Jun)
Mon 23^rd Jun – Year 10 & 12 Exams commence, Year 11 Sixth Form welcome day
Wed 25^th Jun – Year 7 trip to Catalyst Museum
Mon 30^th Jun – Year 10 residential departs
Tue 1^st Jul – Year 12 exams finish, Year 10 Trip 1 residential returns
Wed 2^nd Jul – Year 12 retreat day
Thurs 3^rd Jul – Year 10 Trip 2 residential departs
Fri 4^th Jul – Year 10 residential returns, Year 10 exams finish
Mon 7^th Jul – Year 6 non partner primary school transition day
Tue 8^th Jul – Year 6 Transition day St Wilfrid’s & St Luke’s
Wed 9^th Jul – Year 6 Transition Day St Joseph’s & St Mary’s, Enhanced transition evening 6pm
Thurs 10^th Jul – Year 6 transition day St Bede’s & St Vincent’s, Prize night 6-8:30pm
Fri 11^th Jul – Year 6 transition day all schools
Mon 14^th Jul – Mission day, new Year 7 intake parents information evening 5pm
Tues 15^th July – Year 8 reports to parents, Dorigatti/Pringle (Years 7,8 & 9)
Thurs 17^th Jul – Whole School mass, Sports presentation evening 6 – 8:30pm
Fri 18^th Jul – Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 rewards trips
Mon 21^st Jul – Year 12 parents evening 4:15-7:30pm
Tue 22^nd Jul – Lucas Briscoe Rounders tournament (Year 10)
Wed 23^rd 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