1. education
2. school

Page1
HAGLEY CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014
As we are now approaching the end of what has
been a very busy term I
would like to begin this
newsletter by sincerely
thanking both parents and
staff of the school for their
excellent support of the
school so far during this
academic year.
On Tuesday 2nd December we welcomed Mgr.
Tim Menezes into school
to celebrate Mass with
Year 7 to mark the beginning of Advent and bless
our crib. He was very impressed with the wonderful celebration.
On the evening of Saturday 22nd November, Mass
was celebrated at Our Lady and All Saints to mark
the Feast of Christ The
King, the focus being on
the youth members of the
church. Mgr. Pat McKinney has written to thank
the school for our wonderful contribution.
Many of you will recently
have enjoyed the wonderful Winter Concert which
was held on Thursday
27th November which
was very well received.
In addition to this, last
week there were two
wonderful dance shows. I
am confident that all of
you who were able to see
the production had a
wonderful evening.
Finally, the last major celebration our annual
Christmas Concert and
Christmas Fayre; takes
place on Wednesday 17th
December at school at
7:00 pm I would like to
extend a warm invitation
to you all.
Further details can be
found later in the
newsletter.
At our final assemblies in
school for this term, I am
once again proposing to
have a collection for a
Christmas appeal; this
year, once again, we
would like to support the
Stourbridge Food Bank to
help the hungry and
homeless of our local
community.
Further information can
be found later in the
newsletter.
CONTENTS
Page 1 and 2
Headteacher’s letter to
parents
Page 3 ,4, 5
RE Department News
Page 6
Attendance/Absence
Page 7 , 8, 9, 10, 11
PE Department News
Page 12
RSPB stamp plea,
Project Trust
Page 13
Rotary Young Chef
Competition
Page 14
Severe weather arrangements
Page2
Letter from Headteacher (continued)
During January our Year 12
and Year 13 pupils will be
sitting their sixth form mid
year assessments.
Year 12 start w/c 12th January 2015 and Year 13 w/c
19th January 2015.
Can you please ensure your
child bring the necessary
equipment and arrive at the
venue on time. No equipment will be loaned to students. Please telephone the
school if your child is going
to be late.
Sixth form dress code must
be adhered to, jeans, shorts
and trainers are not acceptable. Lanyards are to be worn
and placed on the exam
desk.
To avoid any accusations of
unfair practice there is a
strict ban on mobile phones
in examination venues. I ask
that parents remind their
children to either leave their
phone at home or hand it in
to reception for safe keeping
before they enter an
examination room.
Also in January , on Friday
9th the first of our ski trips
departs, returning on
Sunday 18th January.
Over the first weekend a
group of Year 7 students will
be off to Alton castle on retreat.
It is inevitable at this time of year that
we experience some adverse weather
conditions. We will endeavour to keep
the school open in all events except
when there is a risk to the health and
safety of pupils and staff. If the school
does have to close, due to adverse
weather conditions, information will be
posted on the school website, WCC
website and text message sent out to
all parents. If you have changed your
mobile telephone number please advise
the school accordingly.
school buses will leave at 3.05
pm and the trains to Kidderminster and to Stourbridge
depart at 15.03pm. School reopens following the Christmas
break on Monday 5th January
2015.
During the Winter months we are offering an extended breakfast service so
students can purchase hot drinks and
food before school starts.
As we begin a new term in January I ask
for parental support in ensuring that
pupils come to school appropriately
dressed in full school uniform as outlined in the pupil organisers.
Should parents need to buy their
children new items of uniform please
consult the school uniform code prior to
making a purchase to ensure that
appropriate purchases are made. I
would particularly like to highlight the
requirement for outdoor coats which
should be a plain navy blue or black
coat/anorak of sensible design with no
colour deviation.
We look forward with eager
anticipation to the challenges of the
New Year and we wish every family a
peaceful Christmas and a very happy
New Year.
As I mentioned in the last newsletter to
parents, on Thursday 18th December,
the final day of term, we will close at
3.00pm. The reason for this is to ensure
that, on one of the days of the year with
Mr T J Hammond
Headteacher
Wishing
you all a very
healthy and
happy
Christmas
Page3
RE Department
Family Mass
Thank you to all families who supported the year 7 Family Mass .It was wonderful to see so
many parents being introduced to each other through our new pupils!
The Briars
The 21-23rd of November saw year 8 students head to The Briars retreat
centre in the Diocese of Nottingham. The weekend gave students the
opportunity to reflect upon their faith and spend time building and
deepening friendships. A big thank you goes to Mr Farley for running
this trip and to Miss Smith & Mrs Elliot for their generous support of
this retreat.
CAFOD Harvest Hunger Lunch
Tuesday 4th November saw Hagley Catholic High School join with Catholics across the country to
support CAFOD’s annual Harvest Fast. As a school many staff and students gave up their usual
lunchtime meal and instead purchased soup and a bread roll in an act of solidarity with the poor.
The generous support of this event raised over £100 for CAFOD.
Harvington Hall
This term year 7 students took part in a trip to Harvington Hall. Here
they were able to learn about the life and work of St. Nicholas Owen,
our school’s patron. Students gained an insight into his craftsmanship and were able to try out his priest hides for themselves. Thanks
goes to Harvington Hall for their continued support.
Poland Trip
Final balance payments are to be paid using Payments4school or
brought to Mr McArdle (or posted in the box outside the RE office)
no later than Monday 12th January 2015.
If you are unsure of your outstanding balance please email:
[email protected]
Important Dates
Christmas Celebration
17 December 2014
Alton Castle (Y7)
9 - 11 January 2015
CAFOD Romero Mass
24 March 2015
Rome Trip (10 & 11)
27-30 March 2015
Page4
Advent Appeal 2014
During Advent 2012 and 2013 Hagley supported a local Food bank with
donations of toiletries for the homelessness packs given out over the
Christmas period. These appeals have been very successful, with over
one thousand items being donated each year.
This Advent we wish to continue our support of our local communities, and will once again collect for the homeless. This year we
will be collecting:
Year 7 – Toothpaste
Year 8 – Shampoo
Year 9 – Deodorant
Year 10 – Shower Gel
Year 11 – Baby Wipes
Sixth Form – Shave Foam/Gel
Any donations should be handed in to form tutors, who will collect items and arrange storage.
All donations are very gratefully received.
Christmas Carol
All families are warmly invited to attend our Christmas Carol Service on Wednesday 17 th December at 6.45pm
(for 7pm start). This service held in the school Hall is our formal celebration of the
liturgical season of Christmas. This is an opportunity to come and sing along you your favourite Christmas Carols
before heading to the Christmas Fayre in the gym….
Christmas Fayre
Following the Christmas Carol Service on Wednesday 17th December we shall once again beholding the Christ-
mas Fayre in aid of the Lourdes pilgrimage. The Fayre is a great opportunity to get into the Christmas
spirit as well as supporting this worthwhile cause. Among this the stalls this year are:








Mulled Wine, Tea, coffee and Hot Chocolate
Confectionary stall (including gifts
Bottle Stall
Chocolate Tombola
Jewellery & Gifts
Pamper Hamper Tombola
50/50 Raffle
Accessories Stall
Page5
A BIG thank you to all those who have made donations to the Christmas Fayre – Your
generosity is very much appreciated.
Could you help this year’s
Lourdes Pilgrims to raise vital
funds by donating to the
Fayre?
Toiletries
Do you have unopened bottles or tubs of lotions and potions that aren’t to your taste? Or toiletry gift
sets you will never use? If so, please donate them to the Lourdes Pilgrimage fund. In preparation for
our Christmas Fayre we will be lovingly repackaging donations into prizes and hampers for the Toiletries Tombola. This stall is very popular and helps us to raise much needed funds…
Gifts
… Or perhaps items for our gift stall. No matter the size or type of gift we would be keen to see it rehomed, and every year people are delighted to pick up a bargain Christmas present!
200 Club
The 200 Club is now up and running with fantastic cash prices each month! To get
involved you simply need to subscribe to a number and keep your fingers crossed.
Once a month 2 numbers are drawn; the first wins £100 and the second drawn
wins £50.
Some numbers are still available. Subscription costs £3 per month by standing
order or a one off payment of £36. To get your number contact Mr McArdle at
[email protected] or complete the forms available on the school
website and send into school FAO Mr McArdle. All monies raised goes to support
the Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund.
Page6
Attendance
Absences from School:
As a school we regard regular attendance at school as critical to a student’s progress. In order that we can be
sure of the whereabouts and safety of all our students we would like to remind parents/carers that if your son or
daughter is unable to attend school for any reason:

Please telephone on the FIRST day of absence before 9.30am (01562 883193) or email our Pastoral
Administrator, [email protected] and Sixth form absence to
[email protected]

Please advise us of the reason for absence and how long you expect your son or daughter to absent for.
If the absence extends beyond two days please ring in again to keep us informed.

On the first day back to school please send in a letter or complete the absence explanation slip inside
the student organiser to confirm the reason for the absence and hand into the form tutor.

As a school we have a duty to record all absences as authorised or unauthorised, if we do not receive an
explanation for your son/daughter’s absence the Attendance Officer will make contact with you.
Lateness:
It is a legal requirement that all students register with their Form Tutors twice a day, at 9.00am and 12.55pm.The
school day starts at 9:00am and parents and carers have a duty to ensure their son or daughter arrives at school
on time. If your son or daughter is going to be late for school parents and carers should provide them with a note
of explanation or telephone the school as soon as possible. Students are expected to arrive on time for Tutor
time and for all lessons. However, if they are unavoidably late they must report directly to the Reception and sign
the late book. Lateness will be followed up and if there is not a genuine reason for their lateness then they will be
expected to make up the time they have missed and will receive a detention for persistent lateness.
LOST MINUTES = LOST LEARNING
Dentist, Doctor or Hospital Appointments:
Wherever possible please make appointments outside of school hours. Please send in a letter or make a note in
your child’s organiser outlining the details of the appointment and sign it. Please address this notification for the
attention of the Pastoral Administrator/Attendance Officer.
If your son or daughter is going to arrive late to school for example due to doctors, dental or hospital appointment
please also telephone the school office to keep us informed. Once they arrive at school they must report to reception and sign in the late book. This is important to ensure that we know when a child is on or off the school
site. Education Investigation Officers periodically challenge school-age young people who are out of school during the day.
If students need to leave school at any time for an appointment they must sign out of school at reception. We
would prefer that students are collected in person by an adult and signed out of school however if you are unable
to do this we would request written confirmation that your son/daughter may leave school on their own to attend
an appointment with details of how they will travel home and times. We would also appreciate a phone call confirming that son/daughter has arrived safely.
Page7
WINTER SCHOOL GAMES 2014
On Wednesday 12 November we hosted the Winter Sports Day. All pupils from Year 7-10 represented their Houses across a range of sporting activities. Dodgeball, Benchball, Basketball, Netball, Football and Indoor Curling were the sports on offer and well done to all pupils for their commitment
and effort during the day. Please see the results below:
Anselm
3rd
Bede
1st
Chad
5th
Gregory
2nd
Kenelm
4th
Wulstan
6th
Overall
52
58
44
53
46
41
Year 7
13
20
12
12
16
11
Year 8
18
12
11
17
11
15
Year 9
10
17
11
9
8
8
Year 10
11
9
10
15
11
7
Well done to Bede House!! The next whole school sports event is the Spring School Games which
will be held on Wednesday 18 March 2015.
PE Department
Page8
PE EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLES – October 2014 – February 2015
The extra-curricular clubs will run until Feb 2015. Between now and then a HUGE improvement can be made. It's
not too late to join one of the clubs. Please ensure you bring the appropriate kit for the activity in which you are
participating and a packed lunch (if it's a lunchtime club).
Please come along, it will be nice to see some new faces around the department! Many thanks, PE Department.
LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES - BOYS
MONDAY
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
Table Tennis
Club (Gym-HJ)
Basketball Training
(Sports Hall-MBE/
SRI)
Basketball
Training (Sports
Hall-MBE/SRI)
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Dodgeball Club
(Gym – MBE/SRI)
Dodgeball Club
(Gym – MBE/SRI)
Dodgeball Club
(Gym – MBE/
SRI)
THURSDAY
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Badminton Club
(Sports HallSRI)
Basketball Training
(Gym-LC)
FRIDAY
Basketball Training
(Gym-LC)
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES - BOYS
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
MONDAY
Trampolining Club
(VR/HW)
Trampolining Club
(VR/HW)
Trampolining Club
(VR/HW)
TUESDAY
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Basketball
Basketball Matches
Matches
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
Basketball
Basketball
Matches
Matches
Trampolining Club
(LC)
Trampolining Club
(LC)
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Page9
PE EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLES – October 2014 – February 2015
LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES - GIRLS
MONDAY
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Table Tennis Club
Table Tennis Club
Table Tennis Club
Basketball Training
Basketball Training
(Gym-HJ)
(Gym-HJ)
(Gym-HJ)
(Sports Hall-WB)
(Sports Hall-WB)
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
Table Tennis Club
(Gym-HJ)
TUESDAY
Netball Club
Netball Club
Netball Club
Netball Club
(Courts-VRA/ER)
(Courts-VRA/ER)
(Courts-VRA/ER)
(Courts-VRA/ER)
Basketball Training
Basketball Training
(Sports Hall-WB)
(Sports Hall-WB)
Danish Longball
Danish Longball
Badminton Club
Badminton Club
Badminton Club
(Gym-VRA)
(Gym-VRA)
(Sports Hall-SRI)
(Sports Hall-SRI)
(Sports Hall-SRI)
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Danish Longball
(Gym-VRA)
FRIDAY
Netball Training
Football Training
Football Training
Football Training
Football Training
(Sports Hall-VRA)
(Field-ER/RDR)
(Field-ER/RDR)
(Field-ER/RDR)
(Field-ER/RDR)
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES - GIRLS
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Trampolining Club
Trampolining Club
Trampolining Club
Basketball
Basketball
(Gym-VR/HW)
(Gym-VR/HW)
(Gym-VR/HW)
Matches
Matches
Volleyball Club
Volleyball Club
Volleyball Club
Volleyball Club
Volleyball Club
(Sports Hall–SRI)
(Sports Hall–SRI)
(Sports Hall–SRI)
(Sports Hall–SRI)
(Sports Hall–SRI)
Football Matches
Football Matches
Basketball
Basketball
Trampolining Club
Trampolining Club
Matches
Matches
(Gym-LC)
(Gym-LC)
Badminton Club
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Badminton Club
(Sports Hall-SRI)
FRIDAY
Football Matches
(Sports Hall-SRI)
Football Matches
Page10
Year 8 Boys Match Report
The best match that Hagley RC year 8 played was against Earls in the semifinal of the cup, because
it was a very tough game. The team played very well, we passed the ball around successfully and
had lots of chances on goal. The player who I thought played very well was Wilfie because he started playing as a striker then we had to play him in defense which was his first time but he stepped
up to the job. At the end of the match it was a clear win with as it was 4-2 to us. The players that
scored were: Tom, Harry and Jake with 2 goals.
The plan for next season is to win all of the games, win the cup and try not to concede as many
goals.
By Zach Kourouyianni
Year 8 Girls Netball!
So far this year the Year 8 netball team has been succeeding in most of their matches. We have
won all our matches except one, which was against Holy Trinity. (However in our second match we
played against them; we managed to learn from our mistakes and win 18:12!) The team have
played well and kept possession in matches. To improve we need to not rush with the ball and
keep getting into space to receive passes. The player of the match has been won the most by
Georgie Mills and the person who has fallen over the most is most definitely Ellen Doyle. However,
she bounces straight back up and carries on! Overall we have improved since the start of Year 7
and are thankful for the extra matches that have helped us gain experience.
By Emma Sherwood
Year 9 boys reports
I do two main sports activities e.g. Football and rugby. I love them both!
Football
The school football team are top of the league and are also in the semi- finals for the cup. We have a very
good team but I think that’s down to the fact that the players that turn up every week to play for Hagley
Catholic High school. I am surprised at how many players turn up on a Wednesday lunch time come and
have a kick about! It’s great because if a player in the team can’t make it we have plenty of other options.
But if I had to single someone out I think it would have to be Jake Parry! Mostly because he has scored 8
goals in three games but he always try’s even though the defender is twice the height of him!
The Rugby
We’re not doing so well but we are playing against teams a year older than us! However, it is next year that
we have our sights fixed on. I think the main players are myself, Mike McCahill, Alex Williamson Josh
McEvilly and Tom Smith. As a team we are strong and we pass the ball quickly. Mike and I have the most
tries but I think I am in the lead…..just!
I love both of these sports but I thank the teachers for the support that we get. Because if it was not for
them we would not be able to do the activities we do.
By Harry Simpson
Page11
Year 9 Netball
The Year 9 netball team have had an excellent season so far, building upon their success of year 7
and year 8. A fantastic run of wins, bar one, culminated in a resounding victory against Holy Trinity
School with a 31-4 triumph to the Hagley Catholic High School girls.
All members of the squad are to be congratulated for their hard work, commitment, team spirit and
good humour. Several have been awarded player of the match-Niamh Kinsella, Grace Doyle, Izzy
Deery and Niamh Lomax.
Always committed and ready to do their best for Hagley Catholic High School, the squad of Alannah
Martin, Niamh Kinsella, Izzy Deery, Megan McVeigh, Tayler Bannister, Kiera O’Meara Patel, Aimee
Mckie, Grace Doyle, Gaby Homer, Rebecca Mcaleenan and Niamh Lomax are to be congratulated on
their achievements. We are ready to do our very best at the Pre-Season tournament on Saturday
29th November during which we will represent Dudley. We all record thanks to Miss Radio, the other
staff in the P.E department and each other.
By Niamh Lomax
Year 10 Football Team
Our football season is on course to be a winning one. So far we’ve gone undefeated with wins against
Edgecliff, Ridgewood, Leasowes and a derby day victory over Haybridge, winning 6-1.
One part of our game which has been particularly good has been our goal scoring, we have scored 21 goals in
4 games. One of our aims for the future is to stop conceding goals and keep more clean sheets. During the
season we have tried out different formations and players have played in a variety of different positions. Also
we have reached the cup final, which will be played after half term.
By Jack Concannon and Phil Sadler.
Year 10 Girls Netball
Personally I think that our Year 10 Netball team is playing very well. We have won all our matches and played
well together as team including during training. We aim to continue to do well. The person who has won player
of the match the most is Emma Murray. I feel that we played our best during the away game at Ridgewood; I
think this was because we worked well as a team and during the last quarter one of our players got injured but
we still carried on. Next term we aim to continue to do best and win as many matches as we can!
By Lucy Clift
Year 11 Netball Report
This term I think year 11 netball have been playing extremely well. We have won all of our matches by a lot. We
recently had a tournament between all of the Worcestershire schools and Hagley were able to attend and walk
out with 3rd place. We train on Thursdays in a positive environment because all of the girls get along with each
other and our Miss Roden is always encouraging and always pushing us to do our best and to improve. We aim to
continue to do well in our matches as well as training.
By Ashwani Elliott
Page12
RSPB
With Christmas rapidly approaching and the increase in mail; we would like to ask
that you save all your used postage stamps and deposit in the box in reception; if a
small margin could remain around the edge of the stamp.
These stamps will then be forwarded onto the RSBP
Project Trust
Project Trust, an educational charity, has sent a certificate of completion for student Kieran Duffy for a
voluntary work placement for Hope for Youth, in Uganda.
Congratulations to Kieran, who left Year 13 in Summer 2013 and took his Gap Year in Africa, then extended his stay. He is now studying for a degree in International Business at Nottingham Trent University
and has just completed his first Semester.
Public Health England
Free NHS Needle free flu vaccinations for school children in Years 7 and 8 in Coventry,
Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
All Year 7 and Year 8 school children are being offered needle free flu vaccinations at
most GP practices and many pharmacies across Coventry, Herefordshire, Warwickshire
and Worcestershire. Please see the website www.england.nhs.uk/ahw-flu/ for further
information or contact your GP or nearest pharmacist.
Page13
The Rotary Club of Stourbridge
Rotary Young Chef Competition 2014
On Wednesday 3rd December Grace Reeves and Lucy Edwards from Year 9 took part in the Rotary
Young Chef Competition held at Pedmore Technology College, cooking against students from Redhill
School, Oldswinford Hospital School and Pedmore Technology College.
Grace made a starter of Teriyaki salmon with roasted red pepper, sesame rice noodles, nam pia and
caper. The main course was Berkswell cheese, herb and pepper stuffed steak, fondant potatoes with
sugar snap peas followed by a dessert of Canadian maple syrup, hazelnut, pecan tarte tatan with
Crème Anglais.
Lucy made a ricotta frittata con piccolo installation di pomodoro (fried ricotta with small tomato salad
soaked in olive oil), a main course of costolette di maiale (pork chops with a stuffed pocket of sage,
pancetta, apricots and prosciutto with pan fried potatoes. The dessert of iced berries with limoncello
white chocolate sauce.
Both girls cooked wonderful meals and congratulations goes to Lucy Edwards who won the completion. Lucy now goes through to the district finals which will take place in February.
Page14
Severe Weather Arrangements
As we enter the winter months it is timely to remind you of the severe weather arrangements.
Details about closure will be published on the school website but it our plan to keep the school
open whenever possible using an adapted day as shown below:
All students should travel as normal and when they arrive in school go directly to their form
rooms and not wait outside in the cold. We do expect students to wear normal school uniform
but we would encourage them to wear sensible footwear appropriate for the weather even if not
part of the uniform code.
To assist with the return journey we do plan to change the school day so that we can finish at
2:55pm (14:55). During the extreme weather the structure of the day will be:
9:00 to 9:10
Registration
9.10 to 10:25
Lesson 1
10:25 to 10:40
Shortened break
10:40 to 11:55
Lesson 2
11:55 to 12:25
Shortened lunch break
12:25 to 12:30
Registration
12:30 to 1:45
Lesson 3
1:45 to 2:55
Lesson 4
This will allow the students to catch the 15:03 services to Kidderminster and Stourbridge.