ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
There is so much to celebrate in this month’s newsletter that I really do not know where to start. I will therefore leave you to take the time to look through all of the wonderful events and opportunities and decide for yourself what you think the highlights were.
I will focus briefly on an entry I can see an entry towards the end of the newsletter that highlights the importance of good attendance in ensuring the very best education for your child. This article and accompanying graphic shows the impact of missing school in terms of learning time lost and you can all see this for yourself. What sits behind this is the impact on outcomes for your child. In our Year 11 Information Evening, an event to support pupils in this year group on their journey towards exam success this summer, Mr Knibb brought this into sharp focus. Here he highlighted the decreasing likelihood of pupils achieving 5 Good GCSE passes (including English and Maths) as attendance drops. Those pupils whose attendance drops below 90% are only half as likely to reach this standard as their peers with attendance at or above 97%. I hope you see from this that ATTENDANCE MATTERS.
This is not a call to send a sick child to school, but to make sure you make a wise decision. A minor cold, cough or sore throat should not prevent your child from accessing their education and will help build the resilience needed to ensure all pupils live out our mission statement.
Please enjoy reading our October Newsletter.
Mr Ellul
Headteacher
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Jack Petchey September Winner - Matthew Hernandez
Well done to Matthew in Year 11 who won a Jack Petchey Award for September. The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential.
Matthew was nominated by Year 11 Mentor, Ms Silva 'I would like to suggest/nominate Matthew Hernandez as he has shown a lot of effort to learn English as his second language since joining us in February 2022. Although moving across the world and settling into a new life has proven to be a challenge for him, Matthew never gives up and continues to make new friends and contribute to school life, for example in the Citizens of The World Club.'
Published Author - Bana Kibrab
Congratulations to Bana Kibrab in Year 9 who has had her own book published! Over the summer Bana had the opportunity alongside a few others her age to write her very own children's book called Max the Mouse, which has now been Independently published and sold on Amazon.
The tale of the book follows a little mouse who perseveres to get what he wants. Max the mouse learns to overcome his fears of the deep, dark forest and learns the importance of teamwork and friendship along the way.
Well done Bana, this is an amazing achievement!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 11 Inter-House Tournament
This month, we had our Inter-house football tournament with Year 11.
It was an absolutely lovely tournament; lots of students came to spectate and show support to their classmates.
Sports Leaders Event
Year 8/9 Sports Leaders spent the day as Marshals at the KS2 Borough Cross Country event.
They helped organise and manage each cross-country event for schools all across the Borough. They were complimented on their maturity and enthusiasm during the day.
Football Fixtures
Year 7 Boys
Congratulations to our Year 7 boys who won 6-1 against Saracens High School. Well done to Robert Asavetei, Nick Zogu, Kacper Sakowski and Kennedy Iloghalu for scoring!
MOTM: Kennedy Iloghalu and Robert Asavetei
Year 8/9 Girls
Another win for our Year 8/9 girls' football team who played against Mill Hill, winning 2-0. Well done to Millie Jump and Holly Humphreys for Scoring!
WOTM : Sophie Cleary
Netball Fixtures
An impressive win for our Year 11 netball team, the girls played against Mill Hill and won 12-10!
WOTM: Marie-Louise Abiola
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 7 - Cadets
After school on Fridays, our Year 7 pupils take part in Junior Police Cadets.
It was developed after recognising a vulnerability gap between primary and secondary school. It aims to teach young people life skills and social responsibility in a fun and engaging environment.
These units are led by Senior Cadets supported by VPC staff, allowing them to be positive role models to their younger peers.
Year 12 - Art Enrichment
. There was a range of opportunities for Year 12 students to complete on Wednesday afternoons. These range from sports leadership, cooking, and football to name a few. Here is our art group creating their own scratch art and exploring watercolour techniques.
Year 7 - Art Club
Our talented students dived into the world of design in their Art Club! They crafted eye-catching posters that inspire imagination and creativity.
Stay tuned to witness their artistic masterpieces!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Why is Black History Month Necessary?
Black History Month is an opportunity to learn, explore and discuss Black history, culture and heritage. We learn about prominent figures who have contributed and impacted society, and centre histories, cultures and people that we may not on a day-to-day basis.
How is Black History Month celebrated?
We use Black History Month to celebrate the achievements of people from, and of African and Caribbean descent, who have made incredible contributions to society. As well as having necessary conversations about culture, race and racism.
Black History Month in Lessons
Throughout the month's history, students have been learning about aspects of Black history and culture that go beyond the national curriculum. In these ‘mini histories’ students have learnt about key events in Black British history, the origins of different food as well as the historical and cultural significance of braids etc.
In Math pupils learnt about different Black Mathematicians across all Year groups. In addition our Year 7 pupils learnt about Hieroglyphs and had a go at translating some.
Year 10 history students spent time today learning about the origins of jollof rice and why it has been such a source of controversy such as #jollofgate. Casey and Tia discussed why they both agreed that Ghanaian Jollof was by far better than Nigerian Jollof. Although Ope and Fela disagreed!
Library
Our library has an array of non-fiction books you can read to learn more about black history. We also have amazing works of fiction by black authors that you can read.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Sixth Form Mental Health Walk
To support our mental health we took our Sixth Form pupils up on the Astroturf for registration. They had the chance to enjoy each other's company and play some sports.
Staff Tea and Talk
The Mental Health Team ran a ‘Tea and Talk’ morning, with refreshments available for free for all staff. This was a chance to socialise away from meetings and share good habits for positive mental health for staff in an educational setting. A special thanks to those who shared their own well-being top tips on the board. Thank you to our Mental Health team for organising the event!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in the Jack Petchy Speak Out challenge. During this workshop, the students learned how to write and deliver a brilliant speech with confidence and ease.
Well done to our finalists - Lucas Salih, Benjamin Nwadie, Melvin Dos Santos, Victoria Banzulu, Jessica Balan and Dominck Arasp
Secondary Celebration of Singing
The Secondary Celebration of Singing takes place annually in October and is aimed at Key Stage Three or older.
This event is an opportunity for pupils who love to sing or are interested in singing, to meet, learn and sing together without worrying about who is listening!
Participating schools receive resources for three songs (fully supported with learning recordings and suggestions for classroom development), aimed at KS3+, with flexible arrangements to support vocal development and harmony singing, and inclusive for changing or changed voices.
The event took place during the school day, our Years 7/8 pupils had workshop sessions to rehearse and perform with additional on-the-day material and activities.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Our Sixth-form Leadership team organised their own Coffee morning. This involved selling cakes and treats that were baked by our sixth-form pupils and our staff. The donations on the day were made to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. It also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care.
They managed to raise an impressive £467.07. Please look out for more charity events run by the Sixth Form in the future. Thank you to all those who supported the coffee morning and a massive well done to our Sixth Form pupils!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Sixth Form University Fair
We took the year 12's to the University Fair at Tottenham Stadium this week. Pupils said that they now have a better idea of what courses and universities they will choose after Sixth Form.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Intervention
Intervention sessions are in full swing with different groups of Year 11 pupils attending a session every Wednesday after school.
Good luck to our Year 11's to start their mock exams in the upcoming weeks.
Health and Social Care
Our Sixth Form pupils have been involved in group work during their Health and Social care lessons this term.
Last week's lessons involved pupils being given information sheets which they had to summarise in their own words and teach to their peers
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 7 Retreat
A retreat is an important part of the Religious Education curriculum in all Catholic schools and provides an invaluable opportunity for continued spiritual growth and reflection. Retreats brings the cohort together and is an excellent way to strengthen friendships.
The theme of this years retreat was happiness. All pupils took part in three workshops and ended with a short liturgy in which they prayed for the upcoming year.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Book Recommendations
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Sixth Form Open Evening
Musical Opportunities
Winter Season
As we approach the winter season where colds are spreading easily we ask you to send your child to school with tissues and hand sanitiser; and to send them to school unless they really are too unwell to attend.
Please also be reminded of the flu vaccination programme which is running at school, which can protect your child from catching and spreading the flu this winter season.
Punctuality and Attendance
Attendance
There is a strong correlation between good attendance/punctuality and examination success. Nationally, pupils with 96%+ attendance are most likely to achieve grades 5-9 at GCSE. Our school attendance target this academic year is 97%.
Pupils must attend school daily unless there is a valid reason not to attend.
Parents are requested not to arrange family holidays, or medical or dental appointments during term time.
If there is a valid reason that pupils cannot attend school, your parents must inform the school by 8:30 a.m. on the first and each subsequent day of absence.
Parents must provide evidence of medical or dental appointments and be asked to provide medical evidence for more than 3 days of absence.
Did you know you can check daily attendance and punctuality on the Arbor app?
Punctuality
Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential for time management.
Pupils must be in school by 8:30am.
At 8:30 the school gates will be closed and pupils must enter school through reception. They will be marked late and receive a detention for the same day. Parents will be sent a text message informing them that their child has been late to school.
Repeated late marks may result in your parents being fined. You and your parents may also need to attend a Punctuality Board meeting.
Signing Out
If pupils need to leave the school site during the school day for any reason, parents must inform the school in advance of the date. Parents should also write a note in your planner for you to show your teacher.
Pupils must go to student services to sign out and leave school through reception. If pupils are returning to school later on the same day, you will sign in again at student services.
Under no circumstances should you leave the school or go home without permission.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
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'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Contact Us
Email: admin@st-james.barnet.sch.uk
Website: www.st-james.barnet.sch.uk
Location: Great Strand, Colindale NW9 5PE
Phone: 020 8358 2800
Congratulations to our Year 7 football team who won 6-1 against Saracens on the 16th of October. Well done to Robert Asavetei, Nick Zogu, Kasper Chelminiak and Kennedy Iloghalu for scoring!
MOTM: Kennedy Iloghalu and Robert Asavetei