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Newsletter 23.03.2026

A prayer to share

Loving God,
As we journey through this season of Lent,
Help us to open our hearts to Your presence.
Teach us to walk in kindness, patience, and love,
Reflecting Your mercy in all that we do.
May our words be gentle, our actions be just,
And our hearts be filled with compassion for others.
Guide us closer to You each day,
So that we may grow in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.

A Message from our Chaplain, Mairie

During Lent, as well as CAFOD, St Nicholas has its main fund-raising focus as CARITAS Shrewsbury, the diocesan charity that supports the vulnerable and need in our local areas.
Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury was formed in 2016 from Catholic Children’s Society (Shrewsbury), originally founded in 1889.  Throughout its history the Society sought to address the real needs of children and families who experience some form of disadvantage and exclusion. They can provide one to one family support in the home.
Caritas also work with families to enhance their parenting skills, using evidenced based parenting programmes when appropriate or adapting strategies to meet the needs of an individual family in order to change the young person’s behaviour. This work is consolidated by the support given where there are emotional / mental health concerns or where there is risk of family breakdown.
Staff in the Community Hubs work with and alongside parents and residents, to provide locally identified services and a safe space to receive advice on debt management, nutrition, family law, health concerns and foodbanks.
Counselling
Caritas also  provide counselling for adults and young people is provided in the Community Hubs, our offices and  local schools.
Schools Service
Caritas are currently working in 18 schools in the diocese to provide family support service, which meets the needs of children and families, which enables young people to be happy and achieve their full potential.
We will be setting up a parent-pay item for contributions as well as all the wonderful events that the students are planning in school.

Library and Literacy

Senior Reading Champions Quiz
Best of luck to our Senior National Reading Champion Quiz team this week. Penelope Lee, Daisie Warren, Jessica Corbishley and Chloe Smith will be battling it out with 27 senior teams across the region on Tuesday for a coveted place in the National Reading Champions Quiz Final in London.
The competition, which is in its fifth year, is run by the National Literacy Trust and funded by the Author’s Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) and celebrates keen, young readers and champions the important role of teachers and school librarians in promoting reading for pleasure.
It comes after National Literacy Trust research revealed that reading for pleasure has huge benefits to children’s wellbeing, empathy, confidence and academic achievement – but only 1 in 3 children and young people enjoy reading in their free time, meaning many are missing out.
The quiz aims to celebrate young people aged 10-14 for their interest in reading and connect them with other readers their age from across the country, to reinforce the benefits of reading for pleasure.

Sporting Success

English Schools Cross Country 

Erin Carney took part in the English Schools Cross Country Competition in Sefton Park on Saturday 14th March ably supported by Nancy Carrington.

Football Success
This weekend year 7 students Harrison Smith, Lucas Hill  and Rowan Evers topped their division winning the league in the Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL) They were undefeated which is a great footballing achievement for the boys and their team FFF Sports.
Well done to the whole team.

Household Support Fund name changed to Crisis and Resilience Fund

Message from Cheshire West and Chester:

The Government’s Household Support Fund will end on 31 March 2026 and will be replaced by a new Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026.

Support for residents experiencing financial hardship will continue. Parents and Carers do not need to take any action at this stage. More information will be shared soon.

If you need help now, you can find support, advice, and support.

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund

Careers

Virtual Work Experience Week

Opportunities from universities and employers

🏫 St Mary’s University Twickenham: Teacher & Adviser Conference 2026
Join the annual St Mary’s Teacher & Adviser Conference on Thursday 2 July, where you’ll get the latest information, advice, and guidance to support your students as they research their university options. This event is free to attend, with lunch and refreshments provided! Book your place (2 Jul)

💼 Deloitte: Virtual programme for Y12 / S5 students
Students are invited to join Deloitte’s Career Shapers (Inspiring Black Talent), a 3-day virtual programme on 29–31 July. They will hear directly from the Deloitte team, explore pathways, and build key skills through interactive activities. Learn about real-world opportunities in accounting, finance, consulting, or technology. Applications open on 27 April. Share with your students (29–31 Jul)

💻 University of Cambridge: Webinars for admissions support
Join free webinars to learn key information and guidance to help you support students through the admissions process. Hear from Cambridge admissions staff, get practical advice, and stay informed. Learn more

📝 The British Army: resources to help you support students
The British Army Supporting Education (BASE) website has been refreshed with clearer guidance, new resources, and a dedicated parent & guardian section. You’ll find improved work experience information, updated Elite Skills Academy support, and free resources linked to Gatsby Benchmarks, to help you confidently support students. Explore the updated BASE website

🩺 Bangor University: College of Medicine and Health Webinar Series
Are your students interested in Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Midwifery, Sport Science, or another health career? Bangor University’s College of Medicine and Health is hosting free online taster webinars giving students a real feel for university study, with a live Q&A. Invite your students to sign up

🏇 British Horseracing Authority: Free events for students and teachers
Explore Racing Days are free events at racecourses where students can meet industry professionals, try a racehorse simulator, and learn about potential training, work experience, and early career pathways. From working with horses to roles in science, media, business, and event management, there’s more career options than you might expect. Teachers and careers leaders are also invited to a dedicated event at Ascot on 8 May. Learn more

Law and Insurance Career Pathways

Introduce students to specialist legal and insurance positions in Liverpool with DWF Law LLP. They gain insight into insurance law while building confidence, analysis and teamwork skills.

Careers in Sports Media

Inspire future broadcasters here with Futures For All. Students explore sports journalism, digital content and marketing while building teamwork and communication skills.

Gaming Industry Design Challenge

Inspire future game creators with Futures For All. Students explore design, storytelling and the business of gaming while building teamwork and creative skills.

 

PR & Social Media Storytelling

Inspire creative communicators with Carnsight Communications. Students learn how brands tell stories online while building digital content and communication skills.

Community Notices

Boundaries without Battles

Local Hartford based ‘The Resilient Kid’  are now running online courses.
Sign up here

Bedding Plant Sale

Support Hartford Scouts – get your bedding plants from them

Dream Big Art Club

At Sandiway Library

Easter STEM skills club

Grange School Sports Centre, CW8 1LU: 7th – 10th April 2026
More information : www.skillclubs.co.uk.

Easter holiday activities in Hartford

Looking for entertainment for children and teens over the Easter school holidays?
There are lots of free or low-cost activities, in and around Hartford.
Take a look at our summary of what is on offer: https://hartfordparishcouncil.org.uk/holiday-fun

Spring holiday activities

At Sandiway Library

 

Co-curricular Activities

PE Co-Curricular

Week commencing 23rd March
Monday
Boccia and NAK Finals @ EPSV
Y11 GCSE PE Moderation Evening
Tuesday
Year 7 A & B NETBALL TOURNAMENT @ WHS
Wednesday
Y11 GCSE PE Athletics Assessment Evening
Thursday
U15 Indoor Cricket Finals Kingsway High School, Stockport 1:00pm-4:30pm
Y11 GCSE PE Moderation Evening
Year 4 Activities Day
Friday
Year 4 Activities Day
Clubs:
Monday
Lunch (12:45 – 1:05pm):Year 7
After school (3:15 – 4:15pm): Meetings
Tuesday
Lunch: Year 8
After school:GCSE Badminton
Wednesday
Lunch: Years 9 & 10
After School: Netball Practice
Thursday
Lunch: Year 11
After school: Football (Girls & Boys, All Years)
Friday
After school: Ski Fit

Music Co-Curricular

Monday
Lunch GCSE Catch up
Lunch Keyboard Club 2M
Tuesday
Lunch : GCSE composition/performance catch up
After School: GCSE performance recordings
Wednesday
Lunch GCSE composition/performance catch up
After School: 3.15-4.15 Choir 
Thursday
After School: 3.15-4.15 Orchestra

Lunchtime Clubs

Monday lunchtime : Musical Mondays –  watch musicals in H1 – bring your lunch
Tuesday lunchtime Chess Club in M5 – all years
Tuesday lunchtime Mass/Prayer in the Chapel – all years
Wednesday lunchtime  Writing and Poetry Club E1
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.
Friday lunchtime – Year 11 GCSE Computer Science revision in C2.

After School Clubs

Tuesday After School – Performing Arts Club – After Show Party for Wizard of Oz cast and crew 3.15 – 5.45

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

March 2026

Thursday 26th March 60th Anniversary Celebration 4.30-6.30

Thursday 26th March Year 4 Activities Day (St Bede’s, St Luke’s & St Vincent’s) 
Friday 27th March  Year 4 Activities Day (St Mary’s, St Joseph’s & St Wilfrid’s) / D of E Silver & Gold Training Expedition 27th–29th March
Monday 30th March Year 9 Exams / GCSE Drama Practical Exam / Year 8 Parents’ Evening 4.15–7.30pm
Tuesday 31st March Year 9 Exams / Whole School Mass

April 2026

Wednesday 1st April Year 9 Exams finish / Stanley Igoe Cup (Year 11 afternoon) / Year 7 Reports to Parents /SCHOOL CLOSES
Monday 20th April SCHOOL REOPENS
Monday 4th May BANK HOLIDAY
Friday 22nd May  SCHOOL CLOSES
Monday 1st June SCHOOL REOPENS
Friday 19th June INSET Day
Wednesday 22nd July SCHOOL CLOSES

Click here for future dates

Click here to download 2025-26 Holiday Dates

Click here to download 2026-27 Holiday Dates