Lourdes Pilgrimage 2023

25th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

Saturday 27 May 2023 to Friday 2 June 2023

The annual Diocesan pilgrimage is returning to Lourdes under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley, and Bishop David Evans.

Around 500 pilgrims are joining the Diocesan Pilgrimage with many other groups meeting up there, including staff and students from St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, taking the numbers up to around 600.

Please pray for all those involved in this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes, as they will be praying for you.

You will be able to see photos and other coverage of the 2023 pilgrimage by clicking the link below.

https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/lourdes-daily

 

Dr. Michael Hardacre is elected Mayor of Wolverhampton

22nd May 2023Mrs D Curtis

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Councillor Dr. Michael Hardacre on his recent election as the esteemed Mayor of Wolverhampton. As the 164th Mayor to hold this honorable position, he assumes the role of the First Citizen in the City. Accompanying him in this endeavor is Deputy Mayor Councillor Linda Leach.

The appointment of Mayor is a significant recognition bestowed upon an elected Councillor, representing the highest honor conferred by the local authority. Notably, Dr. Hardacre is also the proud father of Mrs. Cooper, our esteemed science teacher, who shares in his delight and takes immense pride in his new appointment.

To learn more about the accomplishments and contributions of Mayor Dr. Michael Hardacre, we encourage you to explore further details.

Find out more: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/your-council-and-meetings/mayor/profile

 

Photo: Dr. Michael Hardacre

Today we celebrate Biodiversity Day

22nd May 2023Mrs D Curtis
It is our duty to work towards the common good. In the words of the Pope in Laudato Si, we learn how it is essential that we care for the planet God made. International Day for Biological Diversity is an excellent opportunity to work towards a better world and follow Pope Francis’s teaching. We must be humble in our actions and allow the world to grow as it needs.
How many are your works, LORD In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. – Psalm 104:24

Feast Day of the Ascension of the Lord

18th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

Today marks the sacred Feast Day of the Ascension of the Lord, a momentous occasion that commemorates the ascent of Jesus into Heaven following his resurrection. It is a holy day of obligation, calling upon believers to reflect on this significant event.

To honor this day, Father Sean and Rev Michael McKeaney led a jubilant mass in the chapel, uniting both staff and students in a spirit of celebration.

The account in the Acts of the Apostles recounts a poignant exchange: “Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

This passage encapsulates the profound message of the Ascension, emphasizing the disciples’ role as witnesses and heralds of Jesus’ teachings throughout the world. The imagery of Jesus ascending into the heavens, concealed by a cloud, signifies his departure from Earth and his divine presence in the celestial realm.

On this Feast Day, let us reflect upon the significance of Jesus’ Ascension, and may it inspire us to carry forth his teachings and serve as faithful witnesses to his message, both within our immediate community and to the ends of the earth.

 

Solemnity of the Ascension

18th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

On this day we commemorate the ascension of Jesus into Heaven, an act that showed his power over death and inaugurating his reign over heaven and earth as the Living King. While we do not hold this divine power as Jesus did, we are able to be God-like in the small acts we accomplish. This is a day for joy, celebration, and reflection with God.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:16-20

Care Award Achievements

17th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

Prior to the half term, the unveiling of the Care award boards took place in our tranquil Peace garden, with Mrs. Hazeldine, Principal, officiating the ceremony. These prominent boards proudly showcase the names of all the students who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in attaining the Bronze and Silver CARE Awards.

During the unveiling, students were present to witness this momentous occasion and received heartfelt congratulations for their remarkable accomplishments. It is important to acknowledge that every recipient of the CARE Award has made a substantial impact on both their environment and the broader community, and their dedication is genuinely appreciated by all.

Once again, congratulations are in order for all our esteemed CARE award winners, and we eagerly anticipate the inclusion of additional names next year as more students aspire to achieve the Gold and Platinum levels.

Duke of Edinburgh Training Days

17th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

From Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th May, Year 9 and 10 students embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh Training days at Standon Bowers Outdoor Education Centre, aiming to achieve their Bronze and Silver awards. This immersive trip encompassed a comprehensive range of activities, including route planning, honing navigation skills, proficiently setting up tents, participating in first aid scenarios, mastering the art of cooking on camping stoves, and, of course, engaging in invigorating hikes.

Each day, the students embarked on foot, carrying their essential supplies, traversing an impressive distance of over 12 kilometers. Throughout their expeditions, they encountered diverse weather conditions, experiencing rain and sunshine, navigating through muddy terrain, and encountering various forms of wildlife. Furthermore, the students had the privilege of receiving a guided tour of a local pumping station, accompanied by a captivating history lesson pertaining to the area.

This trip provided the students with an abundance of cherished memories, while effectively preparing them for the upcoming qualifying expedition scheduled for June. Congratulations are in order for the attending students, as their unwavering determination, tireless efforts, and exemplary conduct demonstrated them to be outstanding ambassadors for St Edmunds.

 

 

Year 10 Introduced to T-Levels and Apprenticeships

16th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

On 11th May Walsall College delivered a presentation to Year 10 students at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy.

This was an informative event aimed at introducing students to T-Levels and Apprenticeships.

T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

The objective was to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of career paths they can pursue and the corresponding qualifications required to achieve their goals.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/41Ik5Oj

Higher-Level Apprenticeships Secured By Top Sixth-Formers

16th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

BBC, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and AstraZeneca offer fully paid Degree Apprenticeships to top St Edmund’s sixth formers.

Higher-level apprenticeships have been secured by 5 of our top sixth-formers. 

  • Niven Rooprah has secured a Degree Apprenticeship with BBC at the University of York St John for Data Science
  • Martyna Szpojankowska has secured a Degree Apprenticeship with AstraZeneca in Laboratory Science at Northeastern University London (NCL)
  • Navin Sonana has secured a Degree Apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover as a Product Design and Development Engineer at the University of Warwick
  • Gjovani Cinari has secured a Degree Apprenticeship with PwC for Business Audit Accounting at the University of Manchester
  • Saad Abdullah has secured a Degree Apprenticeship with Airbus as an Aerospace Engineer at the University of the West of England     

These places are highly sought after and an absolute “golden ticket” combining paid employment within the top businesses in the country and a fully paid degree. 

Many thanks to Mr. Rawal and Mrs. Hogg who lead our careers programme and ensure the best advice and guidance lead to such exciting futures.

 

Photo L-R: Navin Sonana, Niven Rooprah, Gjovani Cinari and Martyna Szpojankowska

Mental Health Awareness Week

15th May 2023Mrs D Curtis
Jesus encouraged us to help those in need. As we think about this year’s theme of anxiety and how it affects people we must also think of how we can support others. It is important that we help those in need and provide a safe space for all people. The world can be fragile. While there are times when people can show great strength, they can also hide their pain. By being patient and kind, we can create a gentle place for people to express their feelings fully and feel the support we give.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:2-3