Newsletter 25.10.2024 – St Nicholas Catholic High School

A prayer to share

Dear God,

Thank You for guiding me through this half-term,
For the lessons I’ve learned, the challenges I’ve faced,
And the strength You’ve given me to overcome them.
As I look back, I am grateful for the opportunities
to grow in wisdom, in kindness, and in patience.
Help me to remember what I’ve learned and apply it in my life.

As I prepare to rest and recharge,
Grant me peace and a refreshed mind.
Bless my teachers, my friends, and my family
Who have supported me along the way.
Please watch over us all during this week of rest.
Guide my steps with Your light,
And may I always seek to do my best,
Trusting in Your plans for my future.

Amen

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

St Wilfrid’s Year 6 Retreat

I was delighted to spend the day at St Wilfrid’s Church with Year 6 students from St Wilfrid’s primary school. We were thinking about Mary and her role as a Pilgrim of Hope, linked to the theme for Pope Francis’ jubilee year. We had some prayer and reflection time as well as plenty of creative opportunities and time to be with our classmates and teachers in ‘outside the classroom’. It was a lovely day and I’d like to thank all the staff and Fr Paul for his hospitality.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

We decided to have our Macmillan coffee morning at the end of this very busy half-term. We were delighted to see all the home baked and treats. So delighted that they didn’t last very long! Thank you to our bakers and to everyone who has donated to this very worthy charity.

Shoebox Appeal

This week, The student leadership (charity) launched the Shoebox Appeal for Christmas. Some of the students spoke to the Mission and Ethos committee about this project and their hope that people will be able to contribute to help those in need, in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Please do try to fill and return a shoebox after half-term. Or, if you just have some suitable items, send them in and we can use them.

The closing date will be Friday 8^th November, but this does allow for the half-term to gather the items, perhaps unwanted gifts or nearly new items would be welcome.

Safeguarding Newsletter

Here is this month’s Safeguarding Newsletter.

The newsletter includes important information about:

Image Sharing
Consent
App focus: Telegram

We encourage you to review the newsletter carefully and discuss the key points with your children. Ensuring that we all work together to provide the safest possible environment, both in and outside of school.

If you have any questions or concerns about the content in the newsletter, or if you would like further guidance on any safeguarding issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sixth Form Character Day

This morning Sixth Form Assembly looked a little different. For many years it has been a tradition for the whole of the Sixth Form, including Sixth Form Tutors, to dress up as part of our annual Character Day where our Sixth Form community look to make a wish come true for a poorly child.

An unbelievable effort this year by all and lots of money raised.

Attendance

Is my child too ill for school? Advice from the NHS

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they’re unwell.

There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about health protection and managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.

If you do keep your child at home, it’s important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won’t be in and give them the reason.

If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.

What to do about other conditions

High temperature

If your child has a high temperature, keep them off school until it goes away.

Feeling anxious or worried

It’s normal for children to feel a little anxious sometimes. They may get a tummy ache or headache, or have problems eating or sleeping.

Avoiding school can make a child’s anxiety about going to school worse. It’s good to talk about any worries they may have such as bullying, friendship problems, school work or sensory problems. You can also work with the school to find ways to help them.

If your child is still struggling and it’s affecting their everyday life, it might be good to talk to your GP or school nurse. Find information and advice about how to help children with anxiety

Coughs and colds

It’s fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold. But if they have a high temperature, keep them off school until it goes. Encourage your child to throw away any used tissues and to wash their hands regularly.

Chickenpox

If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all the spots have crusted over. This is usually about 5 days after the spots first appeared.

Cold sores

There’s no need to keep your child off school if they have a cold sore. Encourage them not to touch the blister or kiss anyone while they have the cold sore, or to share things like cups and towels.

Conjunctivitis

You don’t need to keep your child away from school if they have conjunctivitis, unless they are feeling very unwell. Do get advice from your pharmacist. Encourage your child not to rub their eyes and to wash their hands regularly.

COVID-19

If your child has mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, and feels well enough, they can go to school. Your child should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and they either:

have a high temperature
do not feel well enough to go to school or do their normal activities

What to do if your child has tested positive

Your child is no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if they have symptoms. But if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test.

Ear infection

If your child has an ear infection and a high temperature or severe earache, keep them off school until they’re feeling better or their high temperature goes away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

If your child has hand, foot and mouth disease but seems well enough to go to school, there’s no need to keep them off. Encourage your child to throw away any used tissues straight away and to wash their hands regularly.

Head lice and nits

There’s no need to keep your child off school if they have head lice. You can treat head lice and nits without seeing a GP.

Impetigo

If your child has impetigo, they’ll need treatment from a pharmacist or GP, often with antibiotics. Keep them off school until all the sores have crusted over and healed, or for 48 hours after they start antibiotic treatment. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and not to share things like towels and cups with other children at school.

Measles

If your child has measles, they’ll need to see a GP. Call the GP surgery before you go in, as measles can spread to others easily. Keep your child off school for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

Ringworm

If your child has ringworm, see your pharmacist unless it’s on their scalp, in which case you should see a GP. It’s fine for your child to go to school once they have started treatment.

Scarlet fever

If your child has scarlet fever, they’ll need treatment with antibiotics from a GP. Otherwise they’ll be infectious for 2 to 3 weeks. Your child can go back to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)

You don’t need to keep your child off school if they have slapped cheek syndrome because, once the rash appears, they’re no longer infectious. But let the school or teacher know if you think your child has slapped cheek syndrome.

Sore throat

You can still send your child to school if they have a sore throat. But if they also have a high temperature, they should stay at home until it goes away. A sore throat and a high temperature can be symptoms of tonsillitis.

Threadworms

You don’t need to keep your child off school if they have threadworms.
Speak to your pharmacist, who can recommend a treatment.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days (48 hours).

Sixth Form

Thank you to all those who attended our very successful Sixth Form Open Evening this week. The school was very busy and it was great to meet everyone and answer your questions. Click here to complete our online Application.

Deadline for Applications is 1^st December.
If you have any questions please see Mr Bradley in the Sixth Form Block at break or lunch or contact him on t.bradley@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk

Year 11 Mock timetable

Year 11 Mock exams start after half term. Good luck with all your revision!

Library and Literacy

The Benefits of Horror Stories for Children

Horror stories have long been a staple of children’s literature, from the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm to modern-day .Jennifer Killick books. While some parents might worry about the genre being too frightening for young minds, horror stories can actually offer several developmental and psychological benefits to children. Exploring fear in a controlled environment, can teach children important life skills and help them to navigate complex emotions.

Confronting Fears in a Safe Environment

Children are naturally curious about the unknown, but they also have fears—some rational, some not. Horror stories provide a safe way for kids to confront these fears. When they read about fictional monsters, ghosts, or dark woods, they learn how to face fear without actually being in danger. This can be an empowering experience, teaching children that fear is a part of life that can be managed and understood.

Developing Resilience and Coping Skills

Reading or listening to scary stories allows children to experience a range of emotions, from anxiety to relief, without any real consequences. Going through these feelings allows children to regulate their emotions, handle anxiety, and build resilience. When the protagonist in a horror story overcomes a frightening challenge, it provides a model for children to emulate in real life. They see that it is possible to face scary situations and come out on the other side.

Encouraging Imagination and Creativity

Horror stories often involve supernatural elements, mysteries, and imaginative creatures. This encourages children to think creatively and engage their imagination. It helps them think outside the box, considering scenarios and solutions they may not have encountered before. The fantastical settings and characters can inspire children to create their own stories, drawings, or games, further enhancing their creativity.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

In many horror stories, the characters must solve puzzles, find clues, or outsmart a villain. These narratives encourage children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. By following the plot and trying to predict what will happen next, children learn to analyse situations, assess risks, and make decisions. These skills are valuable both in academic settings and in real-world scenarios.

Learning About Morality and Consequences

Horror stories often contain moral lessons. Characters might be punished for wrongdoing, rewarded for bravery, or learn the consequences of making poor choices. These themes can help children understand the concepts of right and wrong, as well as the importance of making wise decisions. Additionally, the clear distinctions between good and evil in horror stories can provide a framework for children to understand more complex moral issues as they grow.

Boosting Reading Engagement

The thrill of a good horror story can be incredibly engaging. The suspense, twists, and surprises often found in horror literature can motivate reluctant readers to keep turning the pages. Horror stories can also improve reading skills and encourage a lifelong love of literature.

Encouraging Social Connection

Sharing ghost stories is a social activity. It allows children to connect with others who enjoy the same genre. This social aspect of storytelling can help children bond, share experiences, and even develop empathy as they discuss how characters might feel in different situations. Furthermore, it encourages children to communicate their thoughts and feelings, which is an essential part of emotional development.

Though some parents may hesitate to introduce horror stories to their children, these narratives can offer significant benefits. From confronting fears to boosting creativity and problem-solving skills, horror stories provide a unique way for children to grow emotionally and intellectually. As long as the content is age-appropriate and the child’s comfort level is respected, horror stories can be an exciting and enriching part of childhood.

Sporting Success – Equal Access Opportunities Award

St Nicholas Catholic High School has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to promoting girls’ football by the FA. This week we received an award for Equal Access Opportunities for boys’ and girls’ football. The award was presented by Chris Story of Vale Royal School Sports Partnership on behalf of the FA. Pictured are five of the triumphant U13 girls’ football team following their victory over All Hallows in Round 1 of the Cheshire Cup. Well done to everyone who has been involved in making this award happen!

Sporting Success – Jay Jay McCarthy

Last weekend Jay Jay McCarthy, Year 11, was invited to try out for England School Boys.

The midfielder is captain for Cheshire School Boys and the coaches were so impressed by his skill that they put him forward for the trials.

Well done Jay Jay – we look forward to hearing about the outcome.

Sporting Success – U13 Cheshire Cup

U13 Cheshire Cup Football Match

On Thursday 24th October, our Year 7 girls’ football team competed in their first Cheshire Cup football match at home versus All Hallows Catholic College. The team battled hard against an older team of Year 8 girls finishing the first half of the match 2-3 and managing to equalise to finish 5-5, with Freya scoring 3 goals and Sofia scoring 2. The game then went straight to penalties with some incredible saves made by our goalkeeper, Alisha, and penalties taken by Jessica, Seren, Freya, Emilia, and Sofia. The team won 4-2 on penalties and are now through to compete in the next round of the cup.

Sporting Success – Year 8 & 9 Netball

Our Year 8&9 Netball Teams both won convincingly against Middlewich High School this week. The girls played brilliantly and showed some real skill.

Girls of the Game for Year 8 was Freya Walker and for Year 9 Ruby Spencer- Sloan.

PTFA Newsletter

Raffle prizes needed.

The PTFA will be running their Christmas raffle as usual from 11th November at £1 per ticket on parent pay. If anyone has any prizes, they could kindly donate please contact school – thank you very much.

We hope you all have a wonderful half term and we look forward to seeing you at our AGM on 4th November in school at 5.15 pm.

Thank you,

Your PTFA

PTFA Lottery

Please consider joining our school lottery if you’ve not already done so to help raise funds for school.

If you haven’t signed up yet please visit our lottery here – https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-nicholas-catholic-high-school

Thank you. 😁

Edulink

Thank you to everyone who uses Edulink to communicate with school or check on their child’s progress and communication.

Please can we request that you check that school has the correct contact information and where possible provide more that one contact in case of emergencies.

Please also tick the permission box for paracetamol and photo permissions.

Flu Vaccination in school

The nasal flu vaccination programme for Year 7-11 is scheduled for Thursday 21st November 2024.
St Nicholas High School has a unique code that you will be prompted to input into the system. The school code is: CP111450

Please submit consent here https://www.cwpstartingwellimms.co.uk/Forms/Flu by 12 NOON on Tuesday 19th November to ensure that your child receives the vaccination.

Community Notices

Holiday activities

Weaver Hall Museum

Starting Saturday 26^th October Weaver Hall Museum has a Trick or Treat Trail that lasts all week.
Free drop in Spooky crafts will also be provided by the Library and Museum Teams Monday – Friday

Lion Salt Works

On Friday 1^st November Lion Salt Works has Free Spooky Crafts, Haunted Stories and a Trick or Treat Trail between 11am – 4pm
Northwich Explorers runs the same day exploring spooky science £5 per session – places must be booked call 01606 275066.

Grosvenor Museum

9 October – 3 November Deadly Museum Trail -Discover the deadly things at the Grosvenor Museum this October with our special trail.
29 October @ 10.30am – 12.30pm Frankenstein’s Museum. Create your own creature inspired by Frankenstein’s monster using ‘body parts’ from the museum’s collections! Free, drop in. Donations welcome.
30 October @ 1.00pm – 4.00pm Jump Scares at the Old Time Cinema. Take part in our cinema-themed handling session from 1-2:30pm, and then join us to watch Frankenstein’s Monster (1931) on the big screen of the lecture theatre. There will be popcorn. Free, drop in. Donations welcome.

29 October @ 5.30pm – 7.00pm £10 Children’s Ghost Walk. Join guide Ann Coward for a family friendly Children’s Ghost Walk.

After school PE

Week commencing 4^th November

Fixtures :

Monday:

Tuesday : Year 11 Football @ Hartford

Wednesday : Year 10 Football @ Winsford
Thursday :

Clubs:
Tuesday– GCSE Practical Night & All Years Table Tennis
Wednesday– All Years Netball
Thursday– All Years Football
Friday– All Years Run Club & Sixth Form Fitness/Gym

Music Co-Curricular

Week commencing 4th November

Lunchtime

Monday Jazz Band 1M & Keyboard Club 2M
Tuesday Year 7 Choir & Year 10 Band
Wednesday Woodwind ensemble 1M & Tenors sectional 2M
Thursday Year 7 Band
Friday

After School
Monday
Tuesday Shrek the Musical
Wednesday Choir 3.15-5pm
Thursday

Lunchtime Clubs

Monday
Art KS4 in A2
History Musical Mondays – watching Hamilton – H1
Chess Club and Rubik’s club in M5
Tuesday:
Computer Science Revision in C2
Wednesday
KS3 Art club in A1
Thursday
Art club KS4 in A1
Friday
Easy as Pi club (maths)
Year 9 -11 Science Club Week 1
Year 7 and 8 Science Club Week 2
School Production Rehearsal – Drama Studio

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
Thursday KS4 / 5 Spanish Film Club

Attendance

Everyone Matters – so Attendance Matters

Upcoming dates

Mon 4^th Nov – SCHOOL REOPENS, Remembrance Assemblies, Year 11 exams commence, PTFA AGM meeting 5:15 – 6:15pm
Mon 11^th Nov – 11am Remembrance commemoration
Fri 15^th Nov – Year 11 exams finish
Mon 18^th Nov – Art Mocks
Tue 19^th Nov – Art mocks
Mon 25^th Nov – Advent Charity assemblies
Tue 26th Nov – Year 9 Parents’ evening 4:15 – 7:30pm
Fri 29^th Nov – INSET day
Thurs 5^th Dec – Year 9 options evening 5 – 6:30pm
Fri 13^th Dec – Year 11 Mock results day,
Mon 16^th Dec – Year 9 Curriculum choice deadline
Tue 17^th Dec – Christmas carol concert 6:30pm
Fri 20^th Dec – SCHOOL CLOSES – 12:30pm
Mon 6^th Jan – Inset day
Tue 7^th Jan – SCHOOL REOPENS

Click here for further dates

Click here to download 2024-25 Holiday Dates

Click here to download 2025-26 Holiday Dates