Newsletter 27.01.2025

A prayer to share

A Prayer for Holocaust Memorial Day

Heavenly Father,
We come before You in remembrance and prayer,
Holding in our hearts the millions who suffered and perished during the Holocaust—
Your children, made in Your image,
Whose dignity and lives were stolen by hatred.

Lord, grant us the courage to learn from the past,
That we may become builders of peace in our world.
Bless us with wisdom and understanding.
Let the lessons of history inspire us
to protect the vulnerable,
To uphold the dignity of every person,
And to reject hatred and division in all its forms.
May Your light guide us, O God,
To be instruments of Your peace,
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

Jubilee Year

This year the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year, a year when the Church invites its communities to a period of forgiveness and reconciliation and being in right relationship with the world. The title of this Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and we are called to be people who work for hope through our own relationships and in our desire for social justice.

This week, along with schools across the country, we celebrated a very special launch led by CAFOD. We look forward to sharing in a number of awareness and fundraising opportunities over the year.

With this focus, Year 8 had a busy, though reflective and sometimes challenging Retreat Day in school last week. We invited the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team to reflect on this challenge with our students. Member of CARITAS and Columbans UK also worked with our students to consider some of the social justice issues surrounding poverty in the UK and the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Here is one of the prayers from our students

Dear God,
Please guide us through this Jubilee Year.
Let it fill us with Hope, Love and Kindness.
Watch over refugees who try to find safety.
Let them be reunited with friends and family.
Amen

Visit to St Wilfrid

It was lovely for me to spend a morning with year 3 and year 4 from St Wilfrid’s as we thought about the Jubilee year and how we can show ourselves to be Pilgrims of Hope. Using the pilgrim mascot, Luce, the children created some lovely artwork and, using a pilgrim shell as our focus, we spent a time of reflection and prayer in the chapel. Thank you to St Wilfrid’s for your invitation.

Food donations

Finally, I was able to take the remaining food donations from the Christmas appeal. Together with a few top-ups of post Christmas goodies, a full car of donations were delivered to MidCheshire Foodbank. Thank you again for your generosity.

St John Vianney Parish – Confirmation

St John Vianney Parish will be starting their Confirmation programme at the beginning of March. This is for young people of Year 8 or above. If you wish your child to take part, please register their interest with the parish office – by email

info@stjohnvianney.co.uk or ring 01606 42440.

Schools Media Competition

The Columbans are looking for students in Britain and Ireland (aged 13-18 inclusive) to submit an original piece of writing or an original image on the theme:

Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope

Submit a piece of writing or a picture or photo by 7th February and you could win a £300 prize.

www.columbancompetition.com

‘Read for Good’ Readathon

In the summer term, Key Stage 3 students participated in the ‘Read for Good’ Readathon, which involved sponsored reading over a week to raise money to buy books for children in hospital.

We have received confirmation that the total amount raised was £581.99. This is a massive achievement on top of all of the other charity fundraising students undertake each year, and will make a huge difference to those children who, because of illness or injury, find themselves in hospital.

Google ‘Read for Good’ to find out more about the charity and to see the impact of the raised funds.

We look forward to the opportunity to repeat the sponsored read, and raise even more money for the charity later this academic year.

Prom Pop Up Dress Shop in School.

We are very lucky to have a local prom dress shop come to St Nicolas High School for a one day only POP UP PROM SHOP on Wednesday 29th January from 3.30-5.30pm

No need to book – just turn up for some fabulous dresses and accessories at very reduced prices.

Prom Points

In order to encourage everyone to dig in and put in the effort with regards to revision and behaviour we will have launched Prom Points.

As an extra incentive we would like to add a few prom-related prizes. Therefore we would like to ask for donation of any Prom-Prizes.

If you or any local business are able to offer a free treatment – hair cut, nails, fake tan, nails, make up or similar, Mrs Azakli would like to hear from you. We will of course be mentioning your the business on social media and in the newsletter.

We are also looking for donations of prom dresses or suits from students who have left school and have outgrown their fineries.

Again, please contact Mrs Azakli if you can help. n.azakli@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk

Food Technology News

Mighty Mussels!

Students in Mrs Pacitti’s lessons have done an amazing job of safely preparing and cooking mussels. They have tasted them and learned about the nutritional benefits of eating this superfood, as well as about sustainability and the environment.

Thank you to #FishHeroes – we have all really enjoyed the delivery, cooking and tasting of rope-grown mussels and pupils have learned so much! Thanks to @FoodTCentre @FishmongersCo @OffshoreShell @dfdsgroup @RTShellfish.

Watch this space for the next Fish Heroes where we will be making dishes with Alaskan salmon.

This Year’s School Production is the Smash-Hit Musical ‘Shrek’!

Prepare to be transported to the magical, hilarious world of everyone’s favourite ogre! Based on the much-loved DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical is a laugh-out-loud adventure packed with unforgettable characters, show-stopping songs, and a heartwarming story that’s perfect for all ages.

With a fantastic cast of talented pupils from Years 7 to 11, a live orchestra, stunning sets, fabulous costumes, and plenty of surprises, this is a show that promises to be truly unforgettable!

Our school hall will be completely transformed into a magical theatre space for the occasion. Join us in the ‘Swamp’ from Wednesday 5th February to Friday 7th February, with curtain up at 7.00pm each evening.

Tickets:

· £7.00 for Students

· £10.00 for Adults

Order your tickets now via ParentPay for your preferred performance night. Tickets will be sent home with students. Any tickets purchased after Thursday 30th January can be collected at the door on the night of the show.

Seats are limited to 200 per night, so book early to avoid missing out!

Please note seating is unreserved, but if you require any access arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

We can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and musical magic. See you in the Swamp!

PTFA News

Our latest jackpot winning numbers are:
632127 , 458343, 230605, 758867

Some of our supporters won £17.70 in the draw! 😀 🎉

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. 😁
Your PTFA

Library and Literacy

Holocaust Memorial Day Monday 27^th January 2025

Sora, our ebook and audiobook platform, offers a wide range of titles to help support meaningful conversations about Holocaust Memorial Day (Monday, January 27th). With a curated selection of books and audiobooks exploring the history, stories, and lessons of the Holocaust, parents and teens can access valuable resources to learn, reflect, and discuss this important day together. These materials are easily accessible, ensuring that everyone can engage in remembrance and education at their convenience.

Tom Palmer Holocaust Remembrance event

7y/3 had the unique opportunity to attend a live virtual event this morning, hosted by the National Literacy Trust and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. This special session featured Holocaust survivor Alfred Garwood and child survivor Antoinette Mutabazi, who shared their powerful stories. The event was hosted by Tom Palmer, author of After The War, and offered students a chance to connect with history through personal testimonies and literature. The interactive experience promises to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting impact.

Reading Recommendations to support Holocaust Memorial Day

Vacancies at St Nicholas

FREE NHS group interventions for parents of children with anxiety.

FREE NHS group interventions for parents of children with anxiety.

Careers

Online work experience opportunity – NHS

Sunday 2nd February, Year 10-13

Topic – Midwifery

8:30am – 5pm, focusing on Geriatrics & Recovery.

Other courses available :

– Nursing
– Midwifery
– Paramedicine
– Physiotherapy
– Occupational Therapy
– Dietetics
– Radiography
– Prosthetics and Orthotics
– Speech and Language Therapy
– Pharmacy

Dunelm Apprenticeships

Discover a wide range of exciting apprenticeship vacancies,now open for applications.

With roles available across the business in Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics, Buying & Merchandising, Insight & Analytics (coming next week), Digital Marketing and Commercial Data Analysis, Dunelm is inviting students, teachers & careers advisers, parents & carers and anyone else interested in an apprenticeship to hear more about the exciting career opportunities available.

Click here for details

Apprenticeships at Astra Zeneca

Apprenticeships have opened up at Astra Zeneca in Macclesfield.

x1 A level grade C minimum
£21 000, plus benefits
Maintenance scientific tech
paid education for 3 years
closing date 14^th February
engineering department

Degree apprenticeships

There are also a further six higher levels apprenticeships on offer

https://careers.astrazeneca.com/employment/macclesfield-england-united-kingdom-early-talent-jobs/7684/70661/2635167-6269131-7290536-7296039-2643266/4

Post-16 Opportunites for SEND students

Willow Green is a specialist 16-25 provision in Warrington, offering a range of educational courses, including both Pre-Supported and Supported Internship programmes, to young adults with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We also offer our Elevate programme, which is a one year employability course for young people who are not planning to continue their formal education but still have ambitions to enter the workplace.

We are holding an Open Evening event on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, from 5-7pm.

After school PE

Week commencing 27/1

Fixtures :

Monday:

Tuesday :

GCSE Practical night

Y5/6 Sportshall Athletics

Wednesday :

U14 Girls’ Football @ Hartford

Thursday :

Friday:

Saturday: District Cross Country @ Knights Grange

Clubs:

Monday –

No clubs (staff meetings)

Tuesday –

All years rugby & GCSE practical evening

Wednesday –

All years netball

Thursday –

No clubs (staff meetings)

Friday –

Ski Fit

Music Co-Curricular

Week commencing 27th January

Lunchtime

Monday – Keyboard Club and Jazz band
Tuesday – Shrek
Wednesday –Shrek
Thursday – Shrek
Friday Year 10 Band

After School
Monday
Tuesday Shrek
Wednesday Shrek and GCSE Guitar intervention

Thursday –Shrek and GCSE intervention

Friday

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

Lunchtime Clubs

Monday
Art KS4 in A2
History Musical Mondays – watching Les Mis– 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
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

Courses for parents