St Edmund's Catholic Academy

Earlier this week, St. Edmund’s hosted the Wolverhampton Primary Schools Tri-Golf competition.

Two teams from Claregate and one from Warstones attended the competition. The Year 10 Physical Education leaders aided with the running of the event and they were; Courtney Abbott, Ellie McGrath, Sinead Cullen-Barrett, Andy Caron, Robert Marczewski, Simran Glaxin, Eloisa De Gracia and Rene Sangha.

Without them the competition would not have took place and Mr Selvey would like to say a huge thank you to them all! The pupils from the primary schools participated in four golf games that tested their putting ability to the maximum, with points for accuracy and control. The results were very close with Warstones finishing on 349 points and Claregate finishing on 369 points.

Year 7 are creating their own computer games using Kodu (which you can install for free on your computer at home). They are developing their computational thinking by adding procedures to objects which they command. Kodu is proving to be a popular programming tool in lessons and is engaging all learners. We may have future employees of EA or Nintendo in our classrooms!

Well done to everyone in Year 9 who has either passed their BTEC Level 1 Jamie Oliver Award, or who has recently passed the practical part of the award. Mrs Bates, Food Technology Teacher, has really enjoyed seeing the food that everyone has produced and commented: “It has been really difficult to choose from the fabulous photographs!”

Below is also a photograph showing the sunflower seedlings just before they were planted in the raised beds, outside of the food room. We are looking forward to seeing them grow.

On Monday morning, St Edmund’s Catholic Academy welcomed International Gold Medallist and former student of the school, Kristian Thomas, to talk to the Year 11 GCSE PE class.

The Wolverhampton born gymnast was given a tour of the new Academy sports facilities commenting: “It’s changed a fair bit since I came here.”

He then received a warm welcome from staff, showing off his wonderful Gold Medal and of course starring in the odd selfie with a few of his former teachers!

Later on he gave two inspirational speeches to both the Year 11 GCSE and the A Level PE group.

Kristian spoke of his most recent experience at the European Gymnastics Championships in Montpellier and his achievement, winning the gold medal. He also shared his memories of his time at the London Olympics in 2012.

When asked what advice he would give to any St Edmund’s student who wants to be a top class athlete or gymnast, he replied:

“Balancing studying and training was really hard; everyday I’d usually do a few hours before school and a few hours after – not to mention the pressure of passing my GCSE’S. It was all about organisation for me, for example: ensuring I packed my bag the night before, making sure my homework was done on time, so I had enough time to train etc. However, the most important thing was the fantastic support I received from my family, friends and St Edmund’s.

The school was very good to me, allowing me to have time off to take part in my gymnast competitions, yet giving me that extra 1-2-1 support when I needed it. Overall, they helped me so I could get to the top. I am really grateful and it’s great to be back.”

Miss Jo Buckle PE Teacher said: “I was delighted to welcome Kristian in to speak to my Year 11 GCSE PE group this morning. The pupils were able to gain a real insight into the day to day requirements of being an outstanding gymnast and this will help them in their up-coming theory examination.”

Please keep in your prayers all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal last week.

Prayer at a time of Natural Disaster:

Lord, please be with everyone waiting to be rescued, keep them safe, and bring help to them soon.

Lord, please be with the rescue workers and keep them safe as they make heroic efforts in dangerous situations to rescue those in trouble.

God, bless each and every person affected by this earthquake and surround them with Your love and protection. Let them know we are praying for them and their loved ones.

We give you all the praise and glory forever, Lord, and know that even in the darkest hours, You are always with us.

Amen.

Maggie Hughes
Principal

Last week, Wolverhampton’s Kristian Thomas and former student of St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, won Great Britain’s first gold medal at the European Gymnastics Championships in Montpellier.

The 26-year-old scored 15.166 with a clean routine on the floor to secure his first international individual apparatus gold.

His tumbles were hugely powerful and importantly well controlled, with only the smallest hops on landing for the judges to deduct points.

He put in a super routine under pressure to record a huge points haul and take top honours, his first major championships individual title.

He was elated afterwards, saying: “It’s amazing, I’m absolutely over the moon.

“I’ve never won a floor medal at a major championships, but I knew the routine I had was consistent and I was in contention.

“I was so nervous watching the other scores come in, to win gold is incredible.”

Photograph is courtesy of The Express and Star

During the Easter break our Vice Principal, Mrs Hazeldine travelled to Nepal to distribute books to a primary school that were kindly donated by St Edmund’s students, as part of our Lenten charity work.

The school in Okhreni, a tiny mountain top village located in the Himalayas, is where Mrs Hazeldine’s daughter, Rosie, is currently teaching as a Project Trust volunteer, for a year.

The children were really excited to receive their new books – they have very little but are so keen to learn, particularly another language, such as English.

Mrs Hazeldine, commented: ‘It was an amazing privilege to visit this country and bring a little bit of St Edmund’s spirit to such a remote, beautiful part of the world. The community wants me to thank everyone for their generosity and good wishes. Our sixth formers will be finding out more about the work of Project Trust next term, to consider whether volunteering after A levels might be right for them’.

The Success Centre celebrated their annual St Clare’s Mass, yesterday. During the Mass, Fr Mark Crisp blessed the Centre, along with all students who also took part in the Liturgy.

Prayers of thanks were said for Mrs Beddows and all staff who offered their help by way of supporting students throughout the year.