ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
MAY NEWSLETTER 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Welcome to the latest edition of our wonderful school newsletter. As you will see it is packed with news of all the events that have been going on in our school community over the past few weeks - far too many for me to list here. A huge thank you to everyone, staff and pupils, involved in making St James' such a vibrant community. You may have noticed that we have increased our presence on social media recently - this is thanks to the fantastic team at Merito Marketing, supported by our very own marketing whiz here at school, Saher Ahmed. Together they have really raised the profile of the school and everything we do, and you can now follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well as Facebook. Make sure you check out what is happening and share our posts!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Click on the photos to find out more information
Annual Book Fair
Reading for pleasure is trans-formative for pupils’ academic success and personal well-being. Our annual Book Fair took place from Tuesday 26th April to Friday 6th May. There were over 200 titles to choose from which meant there was a book for everyone!
Tender Workshop
Thank you to Tender for visiting and presenting a workshop on healthy relationships to our Year 12 students!
“Thanks to Tender, we now have a better understanding of healthy/unhealthy
relationships.” - Lily (Y12)
Mental Health Awareness Week
The Mental Health
Foundation announced the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (9 May - 15 May) - loneliness. Our students learnt the impact of mental well-being and the practical steps we can take to address it during PSHCE.
Year 11 and 13 Examinations
On behalf of everyone here at St James', Head Girl Esther has delivered a prayer wishing our Year 11 and Year 13 students all the best with their GCSE and A level examinations. We trust that you'll do nothing but your best and that your excellence will shine through as you face the challenges that lie ahead of you.
Click to watch the full video
Visit to Universities
A handful of our Year 10 students were chosen to attend the Gonville & Caius College and the University of Cambridge with Miss Johnston. They had the opportunity to talk to current pupils, as they learnt about the day-to-day life of studying at University. This included: study tips, time management and how to apply to Oxford, Cambridge and other top Russell Group universities.
Year 11 Football Team Win
Congratulations to our Year 11 Football Team who won the Barney Cup on the 4th of May 2022! They played an intense game against Ashmole Academy coming back from 2:1 down to win 4:2. Well done to the goal scorers: Orlando, Dominic, Victor and Oliver.
Click to watch the full video
Wizard of Oz Production
Look at our students rocking their Wizard of Oz dress rehearsal outfits! Our pupils have worked so hard these past few weeks perfecting their performance for their musical debut. Both cast and crew have worked really hard in the hope that you enjoyed the production!
Thank you to teachers
Maciej and Orlaith would like to express their thanks to their teachers on behalf of all the Year 11 students who are taking their GCSE examinations.
Click to watch the full video
Tate Modern Museum
Our Year 10 students visited the Tate Modern Museum this month! The students sketched sculptures and were inspired and in awe of the glorious paintings displayed at the Hew Locke exhibition.
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'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
UPCOMING EVENTS
Year 5 Primary Taster Days
Year 8 Retreat
Year 11 Prom
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
ST JAMES' WIZARD OF OZ PRODUCTION
It was a bold decision to choose a production that wasn’t written for schools to perform. This version of The Wizard of Oz was first performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican Centre in 1987. No pressure then...
The script is very close to the original picture and it’s such a well known and loved film that we didn’t want to veer too far from the source material. The play is set in Kansas and where possible we have tried to remain true to the original. I was keen to keep the light-hearted fun inherent in the story and not to shy away from the more adult themes at play. I hope we have succeeded. At its heart, the tale is about friendship and the warmth of home, about appreciating what you have and the dangers of jeopardising that by making rash decisions and acting impulsively. Maybe there’s a lesson for us all there.
A story about a young person escaping the realities and pressures of her immediate surroundings to a land far far away seemed very appropriate when we were selecting a production to bring to St James’ this year. I think we can all identify with Dorothy’s wish to go beyond the clouds where troubles melt away and life is more colourful. I know I have over the last couple of years. But now that the skies have somewhat cleared, it is with great pleasure that we were able to physically invite you back to school to share in the achievements of our wonderful and talented pupils.
Thank you so much to everyone for coming and for all your support. The students have worked extremely hard over the past few months to bring you a show that we are all very proud of!
Mr Edmondson – Head Director
The Cast
Uncle Henry
Miss Gultch
Mayor of Munchkinland
Message from Carolyn Laws
A massive well done to Mr Howlett-Reeves and Ms Williams, Mr Sellek, Ms Brandon, Mr Dunne, Ms Pearce and Mr Edmonson, for their work in promoting and encouraging this project and bringing it to life. We have so many amazing actors, singers and musicians in our school and we are thrilled that they have worked together to bring us our very first school musical. After the difficulties of the last two years, what better way for our school community to come together for an evening of wonderful entertainment!
Student Helpers
Throughout the preparation for the musical, we have been inundated with help. We would like to say thank you to all those who have helped us get to this stage, particularly our student helpers. They have been vital in the production of the set and include:
Mia, Taejah, Catherine - 7M, Matei, Immanuela, Maria - 7H, Sophie 7S, Francesca 7J, Micah, Pola - 7T, Jonathan, Naylah - 7E, Regan, Fela, Sarah - 8S, Eunice 8E, Alexandra, Delia, Dominick - 8T, Ana 8J, Aisling 8A, Zuzanna 8H, Angel 9M, Jasmine & Mya - 9C.
We are very proud of all the cast and crew who have worked so hard to make this production happen!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Retreat
The Year 10 Retreat at the RAF Museum ran during the last week of May. Our students enjoyed a session full of reflection, meditation and creativity. A huge thank you to all the staff and students who participated in the two days. We received positive feedback from student evaluations on how important this day was for each of them, giving them time to reflect, revive spirits and set them up for the important year ahead.
Ascension Mass
On 26 May, Ascension Mass was held for Year 7 pupils and staff. The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily ascension of Jesus into heaven. Thank you Fr Ako for leading the mass. Let us pray: God our Father, you have raised our humanity in Christ and have fed us with the bread of heaven: mercifully grant that, nourished with such spiritual blessings, we may set our hearts in the heavenly places; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Peace Garden
Year 11 and 13 Mass
The Year 11 and 13 Mass took place at the beginning of May. Year 13 went to St Margaret Clitherow Church to have a service led by Fr Brian. Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the laughter, joy and enjoyment our friendships at St James’ gave us. We are grateful for the strong bonds we have established and pray that these friendships will continue to blossom in the next stages of our journey. Lord hear us: Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis for May. We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service, Amen.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
New Head Student - Aoife
A massive well done to Aiofe who has been appointed our new Head Student. A tremendous effort from Sara and Eoin who both presented so well to both staff and students alike. You will hear more about Aiofe’s plans for the House Council and our Sixth Form soon. Click on the photo to see Aiofe's winning speech!
Barnet Cup - Year 11 Football Team
Congratulations to our Year 11 Football Team who won the Barnet Cup on the 4th of May 2022! They played an intense game against Ashmole Academy coming back from 2:1 down to win 4:2. Well done to the goal scorers: Orlando, Dominic, Victor and Oliver. We are immensely proud of how far the team have come as players, growing in confidence and skill, and what a positive way to end their final game as Year 11 students at St James’! A big thank you to Mr Stokes and Mr Linale for coaching our talented players too.
Europa Cup - Kyle
A massive congratulations to Kyle in Year 9, who took part playing football in The Europa Cup, 20 - 23 May 2022. His team Belmont, were selected to play in an invitational tournament that had taken place at the home of Paris Saint Germain. Kyle was the captain on the day and successfully steered the team to win the cup! Well done Kyle we are very proud of you!
Jack Petchey Award - Ellen
Well done to Ellen in Year 7 who has won a Jack Petchey Award for April. 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. Ellen was nominated by her Head of Year, Ms Alleyne. 'Ellen is a very hardworking girl and is always willing to help others. She has a very positive attitude towards learning and embodies all the Veritas values, well done Ellen!'
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Mental Health Awareness week took place between the 9-15 May with this year's theme being loneliness.
Our students learnt the impact of mental well-being and the practical steps we can take to address it during PSHCE. Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. It is important to not get overwhelmed too.
Speak to your loved ones at home and keep the avenues of communication open with your friends. You are always free to speak with a teacher or Head of Year too; it's good to talk!
Below are some resources which can help as well as some coping tips for stress, in light of the current GCSE and A level exams
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
The first-ever national ‘Thank You Day' was held last year for people to thank those in their community and is returning for a second year. It was held on Sunday 5 June to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee. As this was during our half term we celebrated this on Friday 27 May. Pupils had been given the opportunity to thank school staff using pupil thank you cards. These were handed out on the last day of term. Thank you to Ms Magee who arranged this!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
The school's Careers Advisor, Mr Stonehouse has launched Career of the Week. Each week he has updated the school website with careers starting with the letter A. Below are the careers that have been posted so far. For weekly updates check our school website:
Anesthetist
Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who are responsible for providing anaesthesia to patients for operations and procedures. In addition anaesthetists have a range of practice which extends beyond anaesthesia for surgery to include pain management and intensive care.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR3O91Y03Sc&authuser=0Barrister
A Barrister is a type of lawyer in common law jurisdictions. Barristers mostly specialise in courtroom advocacy and litigation. Their tasks include taking cases in superior courts and tribunals, drafting legal pleadings, researching the philosophy, hypothesis and history of law, and giving expert legal opinions.
Cardiologist
Disaster Manager
Disaster management is a process of effectively preparing for and responding to disasters. It involves strategically organizing resources to lessen the harm that disasters cause. It also involves a systematic approach to managing the responsibilities of disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Educational Psychologist
Educational psychologists work with children and young people who are experiencing problems that hinder their successful learning and participation in school and other activities.
Firefighter
A firefighter is a highly skilled man or woman who works to combat and extinguish fires. They also take steps to prevent fires, act as emergency medical technicians (EMT), and investigate the causes of fires.
Games Designer
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study rainfall, rivers and waterways to support the development of sustainable ways to manage water resources.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
HOUSE POINTS
'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
Great Strand, Colindale NW9 5PE
Phone: 020 8358 2800
Email: admin@st-james.barnet.sch.uk