Newsletter 28.01.22

Newsletter 21.01.22

Message from our Chaplain Mairie

Our Mission Day this week reflected our Gospel Value for the term – Forgiveness and Mercy.

The same day was Holocaust Memorial Day. Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27 January each year and is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Thanks to the witness of survivors and contemporary sources, this is a time when we try to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide develops out of many small actions of discrimination and exclusion. There is still much to do to create a safer future and our Mission Day gives us time to reflect on this and to make personal commitments to building a better world.

The HMD website contains a number of clips and other information that you may like to look at – https://www.hmd.org.uk/

 

 
Year 7 Residential
A brilliant time was had by all on the year 7 residential last week to Whitemoor Lakes. Students took part in lots of fun filled activities to encourage teamwork, problem solving, resilience, and confidence. Abseiling, kayaking and the zip wire were especially popular!

Well done and thank you to the students for their positive attitude and excellent behaviour while we were away.

Chemistry Olympiad

Last week four Year 13 Chemistry students here at St Nicholas Catholic High School took part in the first stage of the Chemistry Olympiad. This is the leading Chemistry competition for secondary students across the British Isles which is run annually. We wish Frank Cockill-Guy, Luke Deegan, Noah Martin and Toby Mitchell good luck and await to hear their success.

 

Year Group Photos – 11,12 &13

Fizz photography will be coming into school next Tuesday, 1st February to take Year Group photos of Year 11, Year 12 & Year 13 students. Proofs will then be sent to school and parents will be able to order online or by completing a slip that will be provided.
Further details will follow shortly.

Parent Focus Evening

As you are aware on the 2nd February we are holding a Parent Focus Evening on Assessment at St Nicholas Catholic High School. This will involve a short presentation from Mr. Spencer outlining our current process at Key Stage 3. There are some proposed changes and an opportunity to feedback. This will take place virtually, there is still time to register your interest by e-mailing admin@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk and a link will be sent nearer the time.

The Benefits of Reading Non-Fiction 

When encouraging your child to read, don’t forget that they should include non-fiction in their reading repertoire.  In addition to the obvious benefit of expanding student’s knowledge on a range of subjects, reading non-fiction activates the part of the brain responsible for analytical thinking. This helps to improve thought processes which allows for a better understanding of real-life concepts, making it easier to form opinions. Furthermore, reading non-fiction can improve communication skills, which can help students to effectively express their thoughts, ideas and opinions. 

Try the recommended resources below, to encourage your child to engage with non-fiction.  

COVID Vaccination

The second dose of the Covid vaccination will be hosted in school on Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th February and run by the school aged immunisation service.
Parents and carers should once again give their consent if they would like their child to receive the vaccine. The link to the online form along with the school’s unique code is contained within the letter that can be accessed here (Click here) Your consent should be given no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 9th February. Students who have not yet had their first vaccination will also be offered the vaccination.
Confirmation of the details of the immunisation schedule will be confirmed in due course.

Duke of Edinburgh Award 2021-2022 

This academic year, we will be running the Bronze and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards for pupils of St. Nicholas Catholic High School. The Bronze award will be open for pupils in Years 9 and 10, and the Gold award will be open for all sixth form pupils in Year 12. Letters have been sent out on ParentPay with all the information that you will need.

The DofE is a great chance for your child to broaden their horizons, discover new interests and talents, have fun with friends, develop essential skills for their future and achieve an internationally renowned Award.

The following dates have been booked for the expeditions:

Bronze Training Day: Saturday 10th September 2022, at St Nicholas Catholic High School

Bronze Training Walk: Sunday 11th September 2022, Delamere

Bronze Qualifying Expedition: Saturday 1st October – Sunday 2nd October 2022, Cheshire

Gold Training Expedition: Tuesday 19th April 2022 – Thursday 21st April 2022, Peak District

Gold Qualifying Expedition: Thursday 2nd June 2022 – Sunday 5th June 2022, Snowdonia

If you would like your child to take part in either Award, the reply slip and non-refundable deposit need to be returned and paid by Monday 31st January 2022.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to or email Miss Forsey at l.forsey@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk

If you would like some further information,
please look at the Duke of Edinburgh award website following this link- https://www.dofe.org/run/what/

Girls’ After School Sports
Tuesday 1st February:
Football practice  – (3:15-4:30pm)
Wednesday 2nd February:
Year 7 Netball tournament @ Hartford – (3:15-5pm)
Rugby practice – (3:15-4:30pm)
Thursday 3rd February:
Netball practice (3:15- 4:30pm)
Friday 4th February:
Run Club (3:15-4:30pm)
Saturday 5th February:
Cheshire Cross Country Competition @ Knight’s Grange
Boys’ After School Sports
Monday 31st January:
Year 7/8 Total Sport Club in Sports Hall (3:15-4:15pm)
Tuesday 1st February:
Year 7 Rugby Training with MA (3:15-4:05pm)
Wednesday 2nd February:
Year 8 Football Training with AW (3:15-4:05pm)
Year 10 Basketball Fixture vs. Hartford High School (Away) with MA (3:15-4:30pm)
Thursday 3rd February:
Year 8/9 Rugby Training with DJ & AW (3:15-4:05pm)
Year 10/11 Rugby Training with MA (3:15-4:05pm)
Friday 4th February:
Year 10 Football Fixture vs. Hartford High School (Away) with MA (3:30pm-4:30pm)
Run Club with TB (3:15-4:00pm)
Total Sport Club:

The Total Sport Club began on Monday, which is open to Year 7/8 students, in the Sports Hall. Feel free to turn up.
Those attending will have the opportunity to try new sports and activities such as: boccia, table cricket, curling, table tennis and basketball as well as many more. We hope to see you there.

Vacancies at St Nicholas’

Learning Mentor – Grade 7 – Closing date 9am 31st January 2022

Are you a caring, enthusiastic and hardworking individual who is looking for a challenging and rewarding role as a Learning Mentor?

As a Learning Mentor at St Nicholas Catholic High School, you will support students to maximise their academic potential through a range of emotional, behavioural and pastoral support strategies.

The successful candidate will work with a team of staff that undertakes a wide range of pastoral responsibilities within the school: Working 1 to 1 with students and liaising with outside agencies, supporting teaching and learning by making referrals and supporting students with barriers to learning.

https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/learning-mentor-grade-7-cheshire-west-and-chester-1555113?preview=1

 

Teacher of English – Closing date 9am Monday 7th February 2022

This is an exciting time for us as we look to further strengthen our English department here at St Nicholas. We are an excellent Catholic school with a fantastic reputation for the very highest of standards, outstanding students who are eager to learn and exceptional staff who walk the ‘extra mile’ to ensure that every student in our care lives life and lives it to the full.

We are looking to appoint a Teacher of English with a passion and vision for learning and teaching in English across all Key Stages – a highly effective practitioner who will make a difference by inspiring a love of learning in their students. The successful candidate will join a forward thinking and forward looking department who are keen to build upon the many successes within the school’s external inspection reports from both the Diocese and Ofsted.

https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/teacher-of-english-cheshire-west-and-chester-1555085?preview=1

Exam Invigilator Vacancies

 

We are looking to recruit additional invigilators to work during our Mock and External Exam Seasons. Full training will be provided.

It is essential that you are available for the main summer external season which usually takes place between early May and the end of June. Working hours are on a part time, casual basis between the hours of 8.00am and 4.30pm. Session times vary dependent on the exams running each day.

Main Responsibilities:-

1. Assist with checking, preparation and set up of exam rooms, prior to arrival of pupils.

2. Check identify of candidates, complete attendance registers and distribute exam papers.

3. Assist candidates in the exam room, minimise disruptions and maintain exam conditions throughout.

4. Assist candidates as appropriate with additional supplies of paper and stationery.

5. Monitor the efficient timing of the exam.

6. Collect, check in and maintain integrity of exam papers at the end of the exam.

 

If you are interested in the above position please contact Mrs Dawn Crosthwaite, HR Officer for an application form.

Email – d.crosthwaite@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk

 

If you would like more information on the role please contact:-

Gill Hardman (Exam Officer), Tel: 01606 539762

Upcoming Dates

Intermediate Maths Challenge Years 9, 10 and 11 – Wednesday 2nd February.
Parent Focus Meeting 2  –  Wednesday 2nd February 2022  (6.00 – 7.00pm)
Year 7 Exams commence  –  Monday 7th February 2022
Year 8 SEN Information Evening  –  Tuesday 15th February 2022  (4.00 – 5.15pm)
Covid vaccinations in school – Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th February
Year 11 Parents’ Evening  –  Thursday 17th February 2022  (4.15 – 7.30pm)
Year 7 Exams finish  –  Friday 18th February 2022
SCHOOL CLOSES  –  Friday 18th February 2022
SCHOOL REOPENS  –  Monday 28th February 2022 

For future dates click here
Attendance

“Everyone matters, so attendance matters”

% Bernadette Camera John-Paul Kolbe Romero Teresa Vincent DePaul Ward Year Total
Year 7 96 92 100 97 94 97 99 100 97
Year 8 82 88 89 98 97 94 89 96 92
Year 9 100 89 92 98 97 88 97 94 94
Year 10 98 92 95 96 92 88 98 94 94
Year 11 97 92 98 97 97 99 95 96
Whole School 94 91 95 97 95 93 96 96 95
*Data includes 96% of students in each form.