St Peter’s Press€¦ · Chantelle said “It was incredible”, Tishana said “It was amazing, I really want to go again!” India thought it was very exciting and great to go

St Peter’s cheerleading team have entered Britain’s Got Talent TV show and have been successful in two auditions. We look forward to the live shows in February, when the rest of the nation can

see how talented the students of St Peter’s are! St Peter’s cheerleading teams won 2 national titles last summer. They also danced at Salford Red Devils Rugby league matches last season.

St Peter’s Press

Year 9 & 10 Travel & Tourism classes were lucky enough to visit the musical phenomenon Wicked, at The Palace Theatre. The trip was a reward to those students who had shown continuous commitment and enthusiasm in class, and they truly found the performance to be magical and mesmerising! This was for many, their first experience in visiting the theatre. Chantelle said “It was

incredible”, Tishana said “It was amazing, I really want to go again!” India thought it was very exciting and great to go out with her class friends in the evening. Aneta was inspired so much she now wants to be an actress; she has already started to enquire about performing arts and singing in school. Overall the students found the whole evening to be absolutely ‘WICKED’!

Twenty-five Year 10 Business Studies students enjoyed an educational and informative visit to Old Trafford where they showed their skills and awareness of Business finance and marketing at the most popular football

club in the world. (They had the figures to prove this!). This was followed by a tour of the stadium which helped to show the students how the business stays successful both on and off the pitch.

December 2013

Fax: 0161 248 1551 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stpetershigh.com

St Peter’s RC High School, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester, M12 4WB

Tel: 0161 248 1550

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St Peter’s We close for the Christmas holiday at 3.05pm on Friday 20th December 2013 and re-open at 8.45am on Monday 6th January 2014. There has been an enormous amount happening in school this term: we began with some of the best examination results in Manchester; there have been a variety of enterprise events with our partner primaries; sporting successes continue; and we round off the term with cinema trips and talent shows. In the midst of all the activity at this time of year, we also focus on the true meaning of Christmas through our Advent liturgies. I hope you enjoy reading this snapshot of school life and that you and your family have a happy and a holy Christmas. Yours sincerely

J McNerney - Headteacher

We celebrate Mass three times a week during term time, with Fr Thomas. Parents, carers and friends are invited to join staff and students in the School Chapel on any

Tuesday at 1.20pm Wednesday at 8.30am and

Friday at 1.30pm

On Friday 29th November, three members of the RE department accompanied twenty-one year 10 and 11 students on a weekend retreat to Savio House in Bollington, Cheshire. The retreat began on Friday afternoon, where on arrival at Savio House, the students were greeted by the retreat leader, a

Salesian priest. (Salesians work under the patronage of St John Bosco, the patron Saint of young people.) He was accompanied by a team of younger volunteers. The overall theme of the retreat was ‘Journeys’. As

part of the programme students were shown a video clip which highlighted the idea of forgiveness. This led very appropriately into a very moving and spiritual reconciliation service which the students were given the opportunity to participate in . The

first evening ended with a series of lively games, which the students thoroughly enjoyed. On Saturday morning, students were guided through a series of workshops, in which they completed activities related to school, friendship and a sense of belonging,

where they were able to express themselves through the use of clay, paint, paper and chalk. After lunch, the students went on a walk through the surrounding countryside. Saturday evening saw

things liven up for the students as they got into the party mood, during a disco where lots of fun and laughter was shared by all. The retreat came to

a close on Sunday, with all students participating in preparations for a Mass with a difference! Each part was created by the students themselves:- it included the playing of drums, a drama adaptation of the gospel, bidding payers, expressed

through paint and art, and the sign of peace which was also shown through drama. The students excelled themselves through this and demonstrated what true talent they have. The whole retreat was finished off nicely with a delicious Sunday lunch which was shared together.

“I have a dream….”. It is fifty years since Martin Luther King Junior uttered those iconic words as part of his inspiring and world changing words. Here at St Peter’s we celebrated the rich cultural diversity within our school as we supported the national Black History month in October. Lots of activities took place both inside and outside the classroom. There were various competitions, lessons celebrating diversity, form time reflections based on famous black icons and then some very special guests. Action Jackson spent

the day with our Y9 students. They motivated, enthused and empowered our students to look at themselves, and raise their aspirations and goals for key stage four and beyond. The year group was reminded that it was their character and courage that defined them and not the colour of their skin or cultural background. The workshops allowed students

to think about where they wanted to be in ten years’ time and what they need to put in place now, in order to try and make that dream a reality. At the end of the day, the year group felt that they had opportunities and dreams, and now know that to get there they had to work hard!

In October we also welcomed special guest John Amaechi who is the only British Basketball player in the hall of fame. Mr Amaechi inspired year ten students, as he took an hour out of his busy schedule to enthuse and motivate the year group. A clear image that he used right at the start was that in order to reach the top, to reach your goals, there in not a lift but there are stairs. These

stairs may take a long time and may be very difficult but they still get you there! The year group listened intently as he spoke about his past and his present and his passion for psychology, as well as basketball. We are so blessed to have such a rich cultural diversity within our school and we must be reminded of the words of Harriet Tubman who said “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

A group of Year 9 History students represented St Peter's at the armistice day commemorations at Gorton Cemetery on November 11th. Two of the students pictured here placed a poppy wreath on behalf of the students and staff from our school community at the war memorial before joining with the

rest of their group in remembering the local war dead and reflecting on their sacrifice as they placed crosses on their graves around the cemetery.

It’s never too early to think about what your

future might hold!

In September Mrs Turner ,joined St Peter’s as a full time Careers Advisor, meaning that St Peter’s students can access professional information, advice and guidance any day of the week. This is available to ALL students from Year 7 to Year 11, to help them make choices and plan for their future.

College? University? Apprenticeship? Career Pathway? Do you have questions you need answering? See Mrs Turner in school. This term, Mrs Turner has been working with Year 8 on Personality types, helping students to understand their strengths and preferences. This was followed by a Year 8 Careers Day during November. This event involved workshops from a variety of employers including NHS, Barclays, Manchester Metropolitan University and many more. All workshops aimed to increase students awareness of career opportunities and to help prepare for making informed option choices later this year. Look out on StPetersbook for an exciting new Careers Area – coming soon!

One cold Saturday night in November, twenty year 9, 10 and 11 girls went to Jodrell Bank to explore the

world of Astronomy. They participated in a range of workshops which included star gazing through telescopes, cup cake decorating to make stellar constellations and looking at Europe’s biggest Orary! Miss Chapman, Miss Max-Macarthy and

Miss Seniw led the trip which was aimed at encouraging more girls

to consider careers in physics and Astronomy. A great night was had by all under the gaze of the world famous Lovell telescope!

On 25th September, six students from year 9 were challenged by business leaders from the BOC gas company to measure St Peter’s carbon footprint. The challenge - measure the

whole school carbon footprint and produce a strategy to reduce our carbon emissions. This was a competition between our school and seven others. The prize

- a trophy and a sum of money (up to two hundred pounds)! The same pupils went to the Museum of Science and Industry on Tuesday 19th November, to present their report and findings to

representatives from BOC and STEMNET. After a ten minute presentation with questions and presenting a thirty-three page report on their findings, they won second place in the challenge. The students received a trophy, a certificate and one hundred pounds prize money. The students have now presented their report to Mr McNerney for consideration. Mr Johnson and the rest of the school would like to say how proud they are of their achievement

Schoolz Joolz has had a very successful year so far, making sales to the grand total of £166.53. All money raised goes towards purchasing new beads and tools for the students to use and help towards creating new and innovative jewellery designs. The students have all progressed tremendously

and have made some absolutely beautiful pieces of costume jewellery. The club goes from strength to strength with new members joining regularly. We recently recruited three male students who are busy designing jewellery for Christmas. Look out for a special gift in your Christmas stocking this year!

In November one of our school business partners, Deloitte, brought six members of staff to school to deliver a highly successful Application Form/CV Writing workshop to all our year 11 students. The workshops involved outlining the main purpose of application forms and CV’s , concise writing skills, key skills employers are

looking for and the correct way to complete an application form or CV. This has been particularly beneficial for our year 11 students who are presently in the process of completing application forms for VI form college. Deloitte will be returning in February when they will deliver an Interview Skills workshop.

SKOOLZ JOOLZ

On 3rd December the Science Department at St Peter’s invited Year 5 pupils from Sacred Heart RC Primary School for a Science Taster Day. Mr Lavelle and Mr Rimmer entertained 32 budding scientists during the morning and the students had a memorable experience. We can expect to see some talented scientists in the very near future at St Peter’s.

Twenty-two pupils from St Brigid’s visited the ICT department this week and took their first steps using computer code as part of a ten step programming challenge, using Scratch Software. By the end of the session they were able to make an object dance, change colour and talk using computer commands. The pupils enjoyed it and left with a certificate congratulating them on their new found coding skills. You can also try the challenge by visiting http://scratch.mit.edu/

Year 5 children from our partner primary schools visited this half term. They were able to experience lessons at St Peter’s in various departments including Art, Food Technology, Science and ICT . This was a great opportunity for the children to see our outstanding facilities, get to know the staff and students, and be part of our school community. The sessions were innovative and creative, and help with transition and preparation for high school. We look forward to more visits in the new year.

On 5th December, Year 5 pupils from St Willibrords came to work in the Food Technology department. Their lesson was themed on Christmas treats and all the pupils were given the opportunity to make Christmas biscuits. All the pupils were very creative and were able to come up with some great designs which they took home in specially made Christmas box.

The

I am delighted to invite you to our current Y11 musical show called “The Fame Line”. Performance nights are Wednesday and Thursday the 11th and 12th of December and start at 7:00pm. The show is an original script that highlights the importance of friendship over fame and includes songs from A Chorus Line, Fame, Footloose and Rent. An adult ticket is just £2, children’s tickets are £1 (children must be accompanied by an adult). To purchase your tickets please contact either Mrs Callaghan or Mrs Smith at St Peter’s. I look forward to seeing you there!

The wheels are moving forward and momentum has continued to grow for BMXing at St Peter’s. After being invited to take part in the Manchester Schools BMX Competition, two years ago, we have now had success in multiple Manchester Competitions, entered riders in the National Cycling Centres

Winter race series and were part of a showcase event at the UCI BMX SuperCross during April. St Peter’s took the initiative to collaborate with Andy Adkin from the National Cycling Centre to raise the profile of BMX racing as a sport in the school. We now have regular taster, beginner and intermediate coaching

which offers the students the chance to progress into racing at regional level. We have had over 150 students experience a BMX taster session, with more than 50 progressing on to beginner and intermediate coaching.