Family Matters
Edition 3 - November 2022
Headteacher's Message
As the seasons change we begin a period of reflection and preparation. In the month of November, we remember all those who have died, including the many killed in conflicts past and present. In December we begin the season of Advent, during which we prepare for the great Feast of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
As a Catholic school we come together to mark these events in the liturgical calendar and we are very grateful to Mrs. Grierson, our School Chaplain, and her team of student helpers for all their work in organising them. You can read all about them in the Chaplaincy section.
This Advent we will have a particular focus on our local charities and on families experiencing hardship in our school and wider community. If you are a family experiencing difficulties, or if you know of someone who is, please do contact the school in confidence so that we can help.
Speak to any of the following staff: Your child's Year Leader; Mr. Gharu or Mr. Fidegnon (Wiseman Site); Mr. Murphy or Mrs. Gaynor (Walthamstow Site); Mrs. Grierson or any other member of staff.
Here at Holy Family we have a strong House system. Each House is named after a Saint, the first letter of whose names spell out our school motto "ASPIRE". Each month we feature a House Leader and this month it is Mr. Mumtaz of St. Stephen's House. Our House system is instrumental in creating a sense of community here at school, and encourages all students to live out our Aspire values: Achievement, Study, Participation, Independence, Respect and Enjoyment.
As you read through this month's edition of Family Matters you will see plenty of examples of young people embodying our values, whether it is through participation in Sports, gaining achievement points, completing a project, taking part in competitions or showing leadership. We are immensely proud of our students and continue to support them to be the very best versions of themselves, so that they can live out St Oscar Romero's wonderful words:
"Aspire not to have more, but to be more".
May God bless you and your families this month and every month.
Carolyn Laws
Headteacher
November
November is traditionally the Month of All Souls, during which the Church remembers Her dead. We began the month with All Saints Day (November 1) commemorating the saints. Students from Yr 8 attended Mass at Our Lady & St George church and we were delighted to welcome Fr Freddy from Our Lady of the Rosary and St Patrick’s church to celebrate Mass with Yr 9 in school. Thank you to Yr 9 Liturgy Leader, Geraldin, for reading.
All Souls Day (November 2) is to pray for departed souls, and in a special way we are invited to remember our family and friends who have died, especially those who have passed in the previous year. There is a Book of Remembrance on both sites for students and staff to write names of those to be remembered in our prayers.
Remembrance Day
On Friday 11 November we marked Remembrance Day, with morning prayers for the departed members of our school community, past students, staff and governors. At 11am there was a two minute silence to pay our respect and reflect on all who have died as a result of conflict. Thank you to our Readers, Geraldin, Tony, Stacy and William.
House Celebration
On 4 November we celebrated St Elizabeth House Feast Day, with all students from Yrs 7-13 in House E and EL coming together at Our Lady & St George church to celebrate Mass. Thank you to sixth form student Vicente for reading.
St Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist and cousin to Jesus’ mother, Mary and shares her Feast Day with her husband, Zachariah.
St Elizabeth
You were a person who patiently waited
May we, like you, have faith to realise
that God has a unique plan for each of us.
With confidence, help us in times of doubt and unbelief.
Amen
Reflection
A group of Sixth Formers attended an afternoon of reflection, organised by the Diocese of Brentwood and led by David Wells. David is a renowned speaker and his funny, witty and inspiring words will help young people think about their future, whatever that may look like. Our students found the afternoon to be informative and inspiring.
Interfaith Week
The religion of Islam shares so much in common with Christianity and Judaism. Indeed we all believe there is only one God and there are many prophets or messengers sent by God to the people. Muslims also believe that the holy books of the Torah and the Bible were also revealed through God's prophets. We believe in angels and we believe that angel Gabriel (pronounced Jibrail in arabic) was the one who revealed God's revelations to the prophets. We believe in the day of Judgment, heaven and hell. Indeed, the 3 religions I have mentioned are often referred to as Abrahamic faiths due to prophet Abraham being one of the most prominent prophets of God in all 3 religions.
As a Muslim teacher, although I don't participate in Catholic rituals, I feel comfortable in a Catholic school setting. Although we don't share everything between our religions, we certainly share a similar history and ethos. The relationship I have with Catholicism is one of respect and I also feel that respect from my colleagues and pupils.
Mr Aziz
Advent
We are quickly approaching the season of Advent. Sunday 27th November is the First Sunday of Advent, the season of waiting and expectation for Christmas - the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord. We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas.
Preparations are practical, like decorating a tree, but they are also intended to be spiritual. During Advent, we’re invited to enter more frequently into silence, into prayer and reflection, into Scripture, and into the sacramental life of the Church, all to prepare for celebrating Christmas.
Christmas Charities
This Advent, we will once again be supporting two local charities. The Christian Kitchen (providing support for the homeless) and the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) who provide support for local families.
This year, Christian Kitchen is in urgent need of winter clothing for their clients and it would be lovely if we could support them in this way. If possible, please consider donating the following items: hats, gloves, scarves, underwear (male and female), female toiletries and leggings (anything to survive winter on the streets).
SVP would appreciate donations of food such as mince pies, dried pasta, pasta sauce, tins of soup, fruit, vegetables or fish, cereal, tea, coffee and biscuits etc.
Collection boxes will be in each form room and we will be collecting through to Friday 9th December. We are of course conscious of the difficult economic times everyone is experiencing, but if you can be as generous as possible you will be making a huge difference to someone in need.
Donations will be presented to Christian Kitchen and SVP and our Annual Carol Service on Tuesday 13 December at 7.30pm, Our Lady & St George church. All are very welcome.
More information about our Christmas activities can be found below.
Mrs Grierson
Chaplaincy
Dates for Advent
Christmas Carol Service
Christmas lunch
Design & Technology Christmas Competition
Hand in to any DT teacher, make sure you include your name and form!
Deadline: Wednesday 30th November
Chritsmas Jumper Day
Art Christmas Competition
Hand in to any Art teacher, make sure to include your name and form on the back!
Deadline: Friday 25th November
Reach Out
What is anti-bullying week?
Anti-bullying week takes place every year to raise awareness of bullying and the impacts bullying has on children across the country. This theme of this year’s anti-bullying week is to “reach out”. This applies not just to victims, but to perpetrators and witnesses too.
At Holy Family, we take anti-bullying week seriously and aim to engage students across the whole school all the way from year 7 to year 13. This week, assemblies have been delivered across the year groups, form time activities have been focused on anti-bullying week, and our Friday PSHCE session has challenged students to think hard about the impacts of bullying whilst being reminded of what they should and could do to address instances of bullying.
Our mission statement at Holy Family focuses on the acceptance and respect of all, and celebrating the uniqueness of all whilst being part of one family. We aim to do this all the time. However, anti-bullying week helps us to shine a spotlight on this message.
Why do we take bullying so seriously at Holy Family?
Unfortunately, it is the case that there are children across the country who do not want to go to school as a direct result of bullying. 11% of children in England say that they have missed school due to bullying, and 74% of children think that educational settings have the most power to reduce bullying. We take bullying very seriously. There is no place for it at our school. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their learning environment, and as a school we are committed to ensuring this is the case for all students.
How do we handle bullying at Holy Family?
In sessions this week, students have been looking at the different roles children can play in bullying, such as ringleaders, assistants and bystanders. One of the main points that we have made to students this week is that it is unacceptable to be a bystander. Watching and knowing that someone is unsafe, but not doing anything about it, is not what we encourage at this school.
Students are regularly pointed towards the options they have if they are being bullied or have witnessed it. Actions that students can take include:
- Reporting to a teacher
- Reporting to an adult at home, who can then help the student speak to staff at school
- Report via the SHARP system on the school's website
- Seeking advice from the NSPCC
Ready, respectful and safe.
Meet the House Leader - House Stephen
Who or what inspired you at school?
At my time in school I was heavily inspired by not only my peers, but the relationship I had with my teachers who I am still in contact with till this day. They say that ‘you never forget a good teacher’ yet I haven’t forgotten a single one. The school community, environment and extracurricular initiatives are what had inspired and driven me to become the teacher I am today. Were it not for my time spent with such amazing teachers, mentors and life-long friends, I would not be where I am today.
Where did you study?
I studied at Langdon Academy from Year 7 all throughout until Year 11. Once completed, I attended NewVic Sixth Form Collegiate studying Geography, Sociology, Religious education & Politics at A level. I then went onto study a BA Human Geography degree at Kingston University London, after graduating from university I decided to undertake my PGCE in Geography at UCL (IOE).
Have you always been a teacher/worked in schools?
I have always worked in education since I left sixth form. I started working as a private tutor, as well as working with tutoring companies and teaching agencies whilst I was at university. I was tutoring subjects such as Maths, English, Science and Geography. In addition to this, from a young age I was also involved with coaching the U13’s cricket team (NCC) in my local area.
Why did you want to be a house leader?
I wanted to become house leader for 2 reasons. The first reason being that, when growing up, the secondary school I attended also adopted the house system. It allowed me to find a sense of place and belonging. It gave me the opportunity to not only bond with my peers but my teachers as well. I wanted to give back to the pupils what I had cherished growing up as a pupil which made my life in secondary school one never to forget. The second reason as to why I wanted to be a house leader was because I know that Holy Family Cathoilc school pride themselves on their house system and I want to be a part of the process which helps nurture, create positivity and provide social cohesion to all the pupils.
What has been your most embarrassing moment in school?
Embarrassing yet frightening, I was running to the exams hall in year 10 and ended up slipping midway which resulted in everyone staring at me just before they started their exams!
What would be your desert island book/song/film?
Book: A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini
Song: Lost in Istanbul by Brianna
Film: Home Alone
Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
I am a car enthusiast. I worked with Ford Motor Company before I started teaching which really fuelled my passion for fixing and modifying cars.
What’s your favourite saying or motto?
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.” Michael Altshuler
Congratulations!
Daniel O. won the ping-pong tournament organised by the Prefects.
He went up against students from each form and won.
Achievement points
Congratulations!
The Year 11 Netball Team are our new Borough Champions!!!
Congratulations to Imoleayo, Chinedum, Tiara, Janet, Maria, Grace, Neriah-Jane, Magnific, Amaris & Filipa
Well done!
Forces and pressure
E-Safety posters from Year 7
Year 11 GCSE Drama
Students in Year 11 GCSE Drama have completed their Component 1 Devised Performance Exam. For this exam students were required to create a play from scratch in response to two pieces of stimuli provided by their teacher. They are marked for their performance, focusing on their characterisation, vocal choices, movement choices, use of techniques and communication with each other (and the audience). They also have to complete a coursework portfolio that documents the development and evaluation of their performance, which they are also marked on. This component is worth 40% of their GCSE grade.
There were three group performances this year.
1. Seven Deadly Sins (an exploration of the mistakes/poor choices that people make and the consequences of these actions)
Performers: Chinedum, Michael, Stacy, Rachel and Rhianna
2. Our Society (set in a futuristic dystopian society where a dictator enforces new laws)
Performers: Eto, Neriah-Jane, Elena and Ana
3. 79% ( a play exploring human trafficking and sexual exploitation of young girls).
Performers: Gabriella, Almaz and Thianna
We would like to congratulate the students involved on some fantastic performances.
Miss Hampshire and Mrs Henry.
Year 11
Congratulations!
Year 9
Year 9 came second in the Borough Championships, winning silver medals against Chingford Foundation with a score of 11 - 3
Congratulations!
Years 7 & 8
A great time was had by all in the Borough Sports Hall Athletics event.Thank you to everyone who took part and attended.
Results to come!
Book reccomendation
At the outbreak of World War one, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France.
Caught up in enemy fire, fate takes Joey on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land.
But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.
Children's Laureate (2003-05) Michael Morpurgo leads us on a gripping journey through history.
Poetry Competition
Family Reading
Find a multitude of resources for families on their website here
Remembrance Day
Careers and aspirations
to help them think carefully about potential careers and focus on their interests and preferences, therefore being aware that understanding themselves and their interests will help shape their choices for KS4 Options and future career ideas. They are also gaining a better understanding of the subcatergories within fairly broad job sectors and how to plan a pathway into their future careers.
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