19 July 2019 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 39 www.cncs.school Messages from the Headteacher Dear Parents/Carers It has been a very busy end to my final term as Headteacher at Cardinal Newman. Students and staff have had an exciting and fun packed week of activities to end the year. On Monday students had a wonderful time on the ‘Big Day Out’ at Harry Potter Warner Bros Tour, Drayton Manor, Alton Towers and Delta Force Paint Balling or for those students who remained in school the ‘Big Day In’ having fun on Inflatables, Roller Skates, Climbing Wall, Foot Golf and Rounders. On Wednesday students took part in our annual school Sports Day with some outstanding performances from lots of students. It was a beautiful day and students enjoyed their ice creams as they watched the different events - including the male staff relay team losing out to a strong student relay team! On Thursday we had an excellent sports assembly and on Friday we finished the academic year with our wonderful Mass of Thanksgiving led by Fr Pat before very excited students were dismissed for the summer holidays! 50th Anniversary Photograph - On Thursday this week students gathered on the field to produce the number 50 to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary. A huge thank you to Laurence Moore, Vice Chair of the Governing Body and a Director of the Holy Cross MAC Board who visited school with his drone ‘Dennis’ to take the photograph (left). It took nearly all the students from Year 7 to 10 to make the photograph and there are about 800 children in it! Many thanks also to Mr Hodgson for organising! Thank you - Thank you very much to the family of the late Sid Williams, a former World War II veteran who worked with our students and Dennis Davidson on developing peace in our community. Following the recent visit from Sid’s wife Jean, son Chris and daughter in law Gillian they sent a generous donation to the school’s fundraising efforts. We will keep Jean and her family in our prayers. Staff Leaving - At the end of the academic year we say goodbye to staff who are leaving us. We thank all of the following staff for their contribution to our school and wish them every success, good health and happiness in the future. From the school’s Leadership Team we say goodbye to Mr Hodgson, Deputy Headteacher, who leaves us after four years to take up the position of Headteacher at Hagley Catholic High School. Mr Alcott, School Business Manager, who leaves us after five years having been appointed, Chief Finance & Operating Office for the newly formed Holy Cross Catholic MAC. From our teaching staff we say goodbye to Ms Conway, teacher of RE, who leaves us after 24 year’s of outstanding service to take up a part time role at King Henry’s. Also from RE, Mrs Gray who leaves after 11 years to take up a teaching role at St Martin’s Catholic Academy. Mr Rawlins, teacher of Business Studies and Economics, leaves us after 14 years to take up a teaching role at Bablake. From PE, we say goodbye to Mrs Taylor who leaves after 16 years to spend time with her family, Mr Gray, also Head of Year 11, leaves us to take up the position of Assistant Headteacher at Wodenbridge Academy after eight years at Cardinal Newman and Miss Breeds who has been covering Mrs Harris’ maternity leave to take up a new teaching post Eden Girls’ School. From ICT we say goodbye to Mr Boyal who leaves us to take up a teaching post at Kingsley School. From our support staff we wish long and happy retirements to Mrs Taylor, Science Technician, who has worked at Cardinal Newman for 15 years and Mrs Clemons who is retiring after 21 years. Also from our support staff we say goodbye to re- ceptionist, Veronica O’Connor who joined Cardinal Newman last September. Veronica leaves us to return to care work. Baby News - Congratulation to Mr Coughlan and his partner, Ruth, following the birth of Baby Eithne on Monday 8 July. We are delighted to hear that mother and baby are both doing well and Eithne has already been into her first science lesson! Finally, I would just like to thank all the staff, students, governors, parents and families for all their tremendous support over the last seven years. As I take on my role as Catholic Senior Executive Leader, I will continue to dedicate myself to the education of young people and keep you all in my prayers. I wish the school and everyone associated with it every success in the future. I hope you have a great summer holidays, best wishes, Marina Kelly, Headteacher DATES FOR YOUR DIARY A Level Results Day - Thurs 15 Aug 19 GCSE Results Day - Thurs 22 Aug 19 2019 - 20 INSET Day - Mon 2 Sept 19 Year 7 & Sixth Form Return - Tues 3 Sept 19 Remaining Year Groups Return - Wed 4 Sept 19 Open Evening - Thurs 26 Sept 19 Archbishop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Mass - Fri 6 Sept 19 Community Day - Sat 7 Sept 19, 10am-4pm