ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
MARCH NEWSLETTER 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
In my last newsletter, I wrote to you as we were embarking on our Lenten journey. Now, as the Spring term draws to a close, that journey is almost complete and we are near the joyful conclusion of this season as we celebrate Easter. I hope when this time arrives you are all able to enjoy the break with your family and loved ones.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a note in the staff bulletin, thanking all those colleagues across the school that work so hard to make available to our pupils the wider opportunities that enable the fulfilment of our school mission statement. This extracurricular enrichment is so valuable to the development of our young people and our newsletter will give you an insight into some of the many things that they are engaged in.
Have a happy and holy Easter.
Anthony Ellul
Headteacher
MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD STUDENT
As this term comes to an end, it feels as if the last few weeks have gone exceptionally quickly. Various events have occurred, including one of St James' students having their own book published, with others having poems published, and a workshop from a member of 'Stand Up!', an anti-discrimination interfaith project.
Not only these, but there have been various days throughout this month celebrated by the St James' community, including St Patrick's Day, International Women's Day, and World Book Day. Bringing this term to a close will be the anticipated 'The Addams Family' school musical, everyone is very excited to see the culmination of everyone's hard work who has helped with the show.
Thank you for reading, and have a happy and restful Easter.
Aoife Oliver
Head Student
'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
UPCOMING EVENTS
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Our lovely teachers at St James' share their favourite books with us.
Try out one book from this list and give it a read, it might be something different from what you typically read but it is an interesting read nonetheless!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
International Women's Day took place on the 8th of March, and the theme this year is Embrace Equity.
Embracing equity means recognising the imbalances in our society which we have to correct by taking into account people's differing circumstances, and allocating the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Happy St Patrick's Day! We celebrated with our talented pupils, Molly, Emily, Cliona and Olivia in Year 7, Millie, Sophie and Annie in Year 8 and Megan and Archie in Year 11, all performed Irish dancing.
Well done to all who participated as well as our Staff band playing some Music.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Kiisu Rojugbokan - Published Author
Congratulations to Kiisu Rojugbokan who has had her own book published! 'Algie Virgo and the Lilac Queen' (the first book of a trilogy!).
Kiisu had a book launch recently to celebrate this achievement. London poet Samantha Rodgers attended, she spoke about how Kiisu inspires people of all ages to follow their dreams as you are never too young or old to share your passion with the world.
The Nigerian High Commissioner was represented at the event by his wife. The Mayor of Barnet, Alison Moore, was also in attendance. Both spoke about how Kiisu is a credit to her family and St James' and how happy they were to be at her book launch. Kiisu's friends Maya and Sophie from 8S also attended and were excited to see their friend being celebrated.
Copies of Kisu's book were on sale and Kiisu kindly signed them. A copy of the book will be added to the St. James Library for pupils to read.
Ivie, Josephine, Arianna and Maya - Poetry Books
Well done to our students, Ivie, Josephine, Arianna and Maya, who took part in The Power of Poetry national poetry competition.
This exciting opportunity allowed them to have their poems published in a book, called The Power of Poertry book!
Jennis, Priscilla and Rosie - Year 10 Pancake Decorating
Congratulations to Jennis for coming 1st in the Year 10 pancake decorating competition. Well done to to Priscilla for being awarded 2nd place and Rosie for 3rd place.
They all showed great skill in their imaginative food presentation. Congratulations!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Faith in Action - Service
Aid to the Church in Need- Lent Challenge!
St John Paul II said, “Prayer linked to sacrifice is the most powerful force in the world”
Join the Lent Mobile Phone Challenge
1. Send a text to friends and family that says: “I am giving up my phone for 24 hours to support ACN and their work in Ukraine
2. Pray for peace in Ukraine and when you are tempted to pick up your phone pause and pray
3. Make a donation to Aid to the Church in Need
Faith in Action - Aspiration
The woman at the well was transformed by her encounter with Jesus. Jesus could tell and teach her all that she had done. When she met Jesus she was changed and adopted a radically different way of life and spread the Gospel.
This week ask yourself- What do you aspire to be?
How do work towards your goal?
What obstacles do you need to overcome?
Do you share your goal with others and bring them with you?
Faith in Action - Integrity
This week we can challenge ourselves to live in a way that models the actions of the Blind Man and the Samaritan woman.
They both encountered Jesus and despite the judgements and challenges that came from those around them they committed to standing up for truth.
This week ask yourself:
Do my actions reflect my beliefs and values?
Do my words to others reflect my beliefs and values?
Do I behave with integrity?
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Girls Network
We had a member of the Girls Network visit us, to speak to our current Year 10 girls about taking part in the Girls Network programme. The Girls Network partner with secondary schools and colleges across Greater London, to match girls aged 14-19 with a volunteer mentor who is a woman.
This network connects our pupils with young professionals, with the intention of supporting them in achieving their aspirations.
Our current Year 11 and 12 pupils who had either finished the programme or currently still working on it also spoke about their experiences and gave their testimonies.
Stand up!
Another Stand Up! Workshop took place last week with our Year 7 students.
Stand Up! is an anti-discrimination interfaith project, which brings Muslim and Jewish educators into the classroom to facilitate informal conversations with young people.
By creating a safe space and through interactive workshops, students are empowered to learn about and act against racism and discrimination with a specific focus on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Art
Last week in Art, some of our students helped with painting the candelabras for the Addams Family musical set.
PE
Our Year 7 girls have been playing Football this term in PE.
They have been brushing up on their skills and putting them to good use in friendly competitions amongst themselves.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 7 - Police 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.
Last week our pupils were learning about the police van and the riot uniform and they had the opportunity to try it on. They have also received a handbook and learnt the phonetic alphabet as well as some police drills.
'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
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