St Edmund’s Students Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation

26th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

On Tuesday, 25th November, eight of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation, which was conferred by His Grace, the Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley. 

This sacrament, the final of the sacraments of initiation, where one becomes a full member of the Church, conferred on all those being confirmed, the seal of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord, Understanding, Counsel and Fortitude.

Our “Confirmandi” were:

Ochuwa Ewesor – year 7

Omuwa Ewesor – year 7

Elvina Xavier – year 7

Maria Akabua – year 7

Victor Nwakasi – year 8

Akenosi Ewesor – year 10

Amhanesi Ewesor – year 10

Foma Ejohwomu – year 12

 

Before the Confirmation Mass, at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Coalway Rd (part of the St Carlo Acutis parish), we celebrated at the end of the school day with a special congratulatory cake, to wish our students all the very best and assure them of our prayers for them on this special day. Please keep them all in your prayers too.

 

 

Confirmandi with Archbishop Bernard Longley, Monsignor Mark Crisp, Fr Gerry Bowen, and Reverend McKearney

 

 

Chair of Governors Mike Shipley, Principal Hazeldine and Reverend McKearny

Stars in Our Schools

26th November 2025Mr B Thompson

Stars in Our Schools is an annual celebration honouring the incredible contribution of school support staff. This year’s event will be held on Friday, 28 November 2025.

It takes a whole team to create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for every child. Support staff play a vital role in helping pupils learn, keeping them happy and protected, and ensuring the school runs smoothly every day. They are the caterers, administrative teams, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT technicians, and many others whose work makes a real difference.

This year, 4 members of staff were invited to a presentation and dinner with the Mayor of Wolverhampton to receive awards of recognition for their contribution to St Edmund’s.

Congratulations to Mrs Beech, Miss Stokes, Mr Buckley, and Mr Bradley, who work tirelessly to support children’s learning and development, while also ensuring everything runs smoothly, keeping children safe and happy.

 

Photo L-R: Mrs Beech, Miss Stokes, Mr Buckley, Mayor and Mr Bradley

Chloe’s Swimming Performance

25th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

Chloe is a member of Wolverhampton Swimming Club and swims in the performance squad. She trains 5 times a week.

She has recently competed at the West Midlands Regional short course championships, achieving personal best times in the 50m and 100m freestyle and is currently the fastest in her age group at 100m freestyle short course in Staffordshire.

She has qualified for nine events at Staffordshire County championships taking place in February 2026 in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and individual medley and is aiming to achieve regional qualifying times for next summer’s regional long course championship.

Congratulations, Chloe, on your swimming success and good luck in the regional championships in February.

 

Food Tasting a Great Success

25th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

Parents and carers were welcomed to join fellow families and staff for a hot drink and a taste of the food served at St Edmund’s. A growing number of attendees enjoyed delicious bagels, hot toasties, pretzels, and pizza at our latest parent partnership event.

 

 

 

Reconnecting with Nature

24th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

More than 20 volunteers from Severn Trent Water and Friends of Smestow Valley teamed up with our Eco Club pupils to reconnect with nature and carry out much-needed maintenance in our beautiful wetland area.

Braving the chilly weather, the group worked tirelessly to cut back overgrown vegetation and collect bags of litter. Reverend Mick McKearny opened the day with a prayer, reflecting on our shared responsibility to care for our common home.

Thanks to everyone’s hard work, the area is looking better than ever.

Well done everyone — an incredible team effort!

 

 

Talented Chemists Ready to Compete

24th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

Eight of our talented chemists from Years 9-11 represented St Edmund’s at the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition, held at the University of Coventry.

They formed two teams and competed in a written quiz against schools from across the West Midlands region. They also enjoyed a tour of the laboratories and university facilities, where they heard about the range of science-related courses on offer.

 

 

Matt Sen Inspires Year 9: Turning Struggle into Success

19th November 2025Rachael Stokes

On Tuesday 11th November, St Edmund’s was privileged to welcome Matt Sen,a former professional boxer turned motivational speaker, who delivered an inspiring talk to our Year 9 students about the power of resilience and determination in overcoming life’s challenges.

Drawing on his own experiences from the boxing ring and beyond, Matt spoke passionately about how success often grows from struggle. His message — titled “The Struggle in Succeed” — encouraged students to reflect on how setbacks and challenges can be powerful opportunities for growth.

Students listened intently as Matt shared powerful insights and practical wisdom, including:

“You have two ears and one mouth — that’s why you should listen twice as much as you talk.”

and

“You can’t change the start of your book, but you can control the ending.”

These words resonated deeply with the audience, sparking thoughtful questions and lively discussion. Many students commented afterwards on how Matt’s story motivated them to stay focused, work hard, and take ownership of their futures.

Matt’s visit reminded us all that success isn’t about avoiding failure — it’s about learning, adapting, and never giving up. His honesty and energy made a lasting impression on everyone present, and we’re grateful to have hosted such an inspiring guest at St Edmund’s.

St Ed’s “River of Remembrance” – Praying for the Holy Souls in November

17th November 2025Michael Mckearney

During November, the Church asks us to pray for all those who have died, not just those who have died as a result of war. This is why this month is known as “The Month of the Holy Souls”. Rev, our academy chaplain, led a series of Celebrations of the Word with each year group, which focused on this. To help further focus our prayers for the Holy Souls, we have created our own “River of Remembrance.”

On the drops of water in the “river”, students, staff, and parents have been invited to write the names of their dear, departed loved ones.   All of these will be prayed for each day in our chapel during November. The video explains this in more detail. Click Here

 

 

 

We Will Remember Them

11th November 2025Mrs D Curtis

Today, St Edmund’s came together for remembrance assemblies to honour those who gave their lives in the world wars and other conflicts.

Each year, we pledge to honour and never forget the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, civilians, and emergency service workers who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

Staff and students united in reflection and respect, paying tribute to all who have suffered or died as a result of conflict.

We will remember them.