A prayer to share
In the face of the ordinary and how our lives could be better,
we light a candle of joy.
God’s joy is coming,
on earth as it is on heaven.
Do not be afraid.
Joy is coming.
Amen
Message from our Chaplain Mairie
Parishioners’ Lunch
On Tuesday we were delighted to welcome guests from our local parishes for an afternoon of entertainment by our orchestra and choir, followed by a lovely Christmas lunch and mince pie cooked up by our catering staff. Sixth form students prepared the afternoon by decorating and setting up the canteen in true Advent spirit, welcoming our guests and serving teas and coffees as well as waiting on for the main courses. It was a lovely afternoon for everyone concerned.
Christmas Carol Concert Wednesday 18th December.
MEGA success for our Year 8 girls at Jodrell Bank!
Congratulations to a special group of our Year 8 girls, who took part this week in the ‘CyberFirst MEGA (Motivated, Educated Generation with Ambition) event at Jodrell Bank Observatory.
The event is part of the CyberFirst Schools and colleges initiative from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ. With a particular focus on encouraging girls to build skills and interest in technology early in their school careers, the event brought together over 300 Year 8 girls from Secondary Schools across Cheshire, where they were challenged to tackle an exciting space-themed mission, racing against the clock to complete a series of challenges in a highly competitive environment. Adding to their enjoyment, the girls were also treated to a showing of CapComGo in the Observatory’s Dome theatre, an engaging short film that vividly brought to life the historic NASA Apollo 11 mission and immersed them in the spirit of exploration and innovation.
Our girls competed as 2 separate groups and both won prizes on the day. Group 1 (Penelope Lee, Chloe Smith, Rita Hall and Seren Hodge) won the whole event and were rewarded with medals, chocolates and amazon vouchers. Group 2 (Olivia Wilding, Anna Forgiel, Jessica Dutton and Emma Parkhill) put in a great effort, narrowly missing out on the top prize, but were rewarded for the best team name on the day - ‘That’s one small step for womankind’ and won themselves a chocolate prize.
All the girls had an exciting time and were an absolute credit to the school. The dynamic combination of hands-on challenges and inspiring storytelling ensured they had a memorable and enriching experience.
Sporting News – Year 8 Boys Football
On Thursday, the Year 8 football team made the journey to Congleton to play Eaton Bank in the Last 16 of the U13 Cheshire Cup. Despite creating many good chances in the first half, including hitting the post and a number of good saves from the Eaton Bank goalkeeper, St Nicholas found themselves at 0-0 at half time. Shortly into the second half, the team conceded 4 goals but despite this, continued to push forwards to try and remain in the game. Charlie W scored an instinctive half volley to give some hope to make the score 4-1 but unfortunately this came too late in the game. Jimmy W was the Man of the Match after a fantastic performance in centre midfield. Congratulations to Eaton Bank and we look forward to playing in the Cup competition again in Year 9.
A Level Philosophers Webinar
We are inviting all our current(Y12&13) philosophers to the following revision sessions. These are provided by Chris Eyre, well known in the world of Philosophy as a teacher, examiner and author. These webinars will run from 3.30 until 4.45and are open to any prospective A-level student as well as any current Y 12 or Y13 student who are expected to attend as part of the course.
PTFA
Christmas Raffle Winners
Jonah Ashworth – Euro Camp Holiday: donated by Eurocamp
Marco Azakli – Fortnum & Mason Hamper – donated by Cheshire EV by DC Lomas
Izabella Crump – Meta Quest Reality Head Set – donated by: The Neurodivergent Mechanic YouTube
Ever Vidal – Full Car Service, donated by: D C Lomas Winsford
Eva Bednarz – 7 Day Brio Leisure Pass
Matthew Alderton – Beauty Box – donated by Kay Melia
Josie Chan – Kismet Hartford, £20 voucher – donated by Kismet
Erin Thackeray – Out Door Christmas Lights: donated by Northwich Electrical Supplies
James Lear – Escape Room Experience – donated by: Sam Lomas
Lucy Monksmith – £50 J D Sports Voucher – donated by : Sam Lomas
Logan Carlton – £50 J D Sports Voucher – donated by : Sam Lomas
After school PE
Tuesday– All Years Table Tennis
Wednesday– All Years Netball and All Years Rugby
Thursday– All Years Football
Music Co-Curricular
Tuesday Year 7 Choir
Monday Staff Choir
Tuesday Shrek
Wednesday Carol Concert 6.30 pm
Lunchtime Clubs
Monday
Art KS4 in A2
History Musical Mondays – Christmas Edition – 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
Friday
No clubs – 12.30 finish
After School Clubs
Tuesday : School Production Rehearsals 3.15 – 4.45
Wednesday Dungeons and Dragons
Wednesday Art Club in A2 all years 3.15-4.15
Community Notice
Join the Dream Big Art Club at Sandiway Library
Want to get creative and make new friends? Come along to the Dream Big Art Club at Sandiway Library. It is for young people aged 11 to 16, and takes place from 3.45pm to 4.45pm on the following Mondays in 2025: 13 January, 27 January, 10 February, 24 February, 10 March and 24 March.
The idea is to have fun, use your imagination and create whatever art you like. You can try out 3D pens, origami, painting, mindfulness colouring and more. It’s free of charge to join the club, and there are free refreshments available.
To book your place, please ask your parent or guardian to call the library on 01606 271767 or book via this link: Dream Big Art Club.
Free Christmas Holiday Activities and Food across Cheshire West and Chester
Holiday Activities and Food clubs available in your area.
Coordinated by Edsential, on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, this year’s Christmas HAF programme has a whole host of clubs that are completely free for children and young people in receipt of free school meals.
Our interactive map means it’s easier than ever for parents/carers to search for various activity clubs on offer in their local area. From various sports such as winter sports like ice skating and indoor football to holiday-themed arts and crafts, baking and cooking classes, nature bushcraft, campfires, and day trips all with a Christmas twist. This Christmas promises something for every taste and interest. For older children there will be additional activities holiday wellness sessions, hair, and beauty workshops will be available. Free, nutritious meals will be served throughout the programme.
To find a full list of the Christmas holiday activity clubs visit our website.
Careers
Free Get Into Medicine Conference:
Sunday 8th December from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday 14th December from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Register here for FREE: https://airtable.com/appgXnyzN5ZD9Iwk6/shry7MZYtt3MGPjvO
Free Get Into Dentistry Conference:
Sunday 12th January 2025 from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Register here for FREE: https://airtable.com/appgXnyzN5ZD9Iwk6/shrBuiR7SBAcC19kE
Students and their parents/guardians will get to meet and speak with doctors, covering everything they’ll need to know about personal statements, entrance exams and interviews, and they’ll also get to meet some of our successful students to learn from their experiences. Following the conference, all students will instantly be enrolled onto the free virtual medical work experience programme (with access to speak to doctors and medical students alongside).
All aspiring doctors in years 10-12 are invited to register.
These conferences offer tailored advice for medicine and dentistry, covering various crucial topics, including:
– Tactically choosing universities
– Personal statements
– UCAT
– Medical/Dental school interview skills
– National Leadership Programmes
– Awards Programmes
– Extracurricular activities
– Work experience
– Building a CV
– Applying for scholarships
Attendance
Everyone Matters – so Attendance Matters
Upcoming dates
- Mon 16th Dec – Year 9 Curriculum choice deadline
- Wed 18th Dec – Christmas carol concert 6:30pm
- Fri 20th Dec – SCHOOL CLOSES – 12:30pm
- Mon 6th Jan – Inset day
- Tue 7th Jan – SCHOOL REOPENS
- Thur 9th Jan – Year 10 parents’ evening 4:15pm – 7:30pm
- Mon 13th Jan – Year 12 work experience, Year 13 exams commence, PTFA meeting 5:15 – 6:15pm
- Tue 14th Jan – Year 8 retreat day, Year 12 work experience
- Wed 15th Jan – Year 7 residential, Year 10 work experience
- Thur 16th Jan – Year 10 & 12 work experience, Year 11 theatre trip to An Inspector Calls
- Fri 17th Jan – Year 7 residential return pm, Year 10&12 work experience
- Mon 20th Jan – Year 13 exams
- Wed 29th Jan – Mission day morning, Intermediate maths challenge Years 9, 10 & 11
- Fri 31st Jan – Years 12 & 13 English trip to Stratford Upon Avon
- Tue 4th Feb – Parent focus meeting 5-6pm
- Wed 5th Feb – School production
- Thurs 6th Feb – School production
- Fri 7th Feb – School production
- Thurs 13th Feb – Art/MFL trip to Paris, Year 11 parents’ evening 4:15 – 7:30pm
- Fri 14th Feb – SCHOOL CLOSES
