With the annual 3v3 basketball competition not taking place this year, the students of Years 10, 11 and Sixth Form seized the opportunity to end their season with a friendly match against St. Peter’s. Despite the absence of the tradition tournament, the spirit of competition remained alive on the court.

The evening of basketball was enjoyed by all who participated. Congratulations to everyone involved. It was a testament to the passion and talent of our Academy players, showcasing the joy and fulfilment found in the sport.

Well done to all for making it a memorable evening of basketball.

Yesterday, our Eco club participated in a litter pick held in the Compton Park area, working with members of the Friends of Smestow Valley. Armed with gloves and bags, the team worked tirelessly to clean up the environment, ensuring that the area remained a clean place for both wildlife and people alike. The collective effort of both our Eco Club and the Friends of Smestow Valley was inspiring, seeing them come together to make a positive impact on our local community and promote environmental stewardship.

During the litter pick, the dedicated team collected a substantial amount of rubbish, uncovering even an old iron. This discovery served as a reminder of the detrimental effects of littering, not only tarnishing the beauty of our surroundings but also posing significant threats to the local wildlife. Discarded items like this can be hazardous, potentially causing harm to animals and disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As our Eco Club cleared away the litter, the importance of responsible waste disposal to protect both our environment and its inhabitants was reinforced.

we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible effort put forth by our Eco Club during yesterday’s litter pick. Their dedication and hard work have without doubt made a significant impact, contributing to the ongoing mission of creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for everyone in our local community. By actively engaging in initiatives like this, our Eco Club members demonstrate the power of collective action and the positive change it can bring about. Their commitment to preserving the beauty of our surrounding not only benefits us all but also serves as an inspiration for others to join in the work of environmental stewardship.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and care for it. – Genesis 2:15

Students involved: Felicity, Emmanuella, Omoye, Harry, Keira and Mahdi (not pictured) with Ms Alsop and members of Friends of Smestow Valley.

As Catholics, our faith calls us to embrace the richness of religious diversity and to recognise the sacredness present in other spiritual traditions. Rama Navami, a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on the universal themes of love, righteousness and devotion that go beyond religious boundaries.

Lord Rama holds a special place in Hindu mythology as an embodiment of virtue, compassion and dharma (righteousness). His life and teachings, chronicled in the epic Ramayana, serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world.

In the spirit of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, it is essential for Catholics to approach Rama Navami with respect and an open heart. While we may not share the same religious beliefs as our Hindu brothers and sisters, we can still honour and appreciate the significance of this sacred occasion.

One of the fundamental teachings of Catholicism is the importance of love and compassion towards all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasised the need for conversation and understanding between people of different religions, recognising the common humanity that unites us all.

In the words of Pope John Paul II, “Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and it is a duty for Christians as well as for other religious communities.” by engaging in meaningful conversations and nurturing a spirit of harmony and cooperation, we can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

On this Rama Navami, may we be inspired by the virtues of Lord Rama and strive to emulate his example of selflessness, integrity and devotion. Let us celebrate the diversity of religious expression with humility and respect, recognising the dignity of all God’s children,

As the academic year progresses, our focus at St Edmund’s is to provide our students with the best possible preparation for their upcoming GCSE exams. Recognising the importance of reinforcing science knowledge, today we welcomed PET-Xi, experts in educational support, to provide revision sessions for some of our Year 11 students.

PET-Xi brings experience and expertise in delivering targeted support for students preparing for crucial exams. Their tailored approach ensures that each session is specifically designed to address the key areas of GCSE Science, aligning with the curriculum requirements and exam expectations.

A notable feature of PET-Xi’s approach is their commitment to making learning engaging and interactive. Through a variety of teaching methods, including hands-on activities, presentations and group discussions, they create an immersive learning environment that encourages participation and supports students in their revision.

At St Edmund’s, we support our students through every part of academic life. The session hosted today provided an overview of GCSE science topics to assist our students in their revision and highlight what they need to do to succeed in their exams. With this, we believe our students will achieve the results they desire in their GCSE examinations.

Thank you PET-Xi for your work with our year 11 students today.

In a world often marked by division and conflict, National Conversation Week serves as a touching reminder of the power of dialogue to build bridges and understanding. As Catholics, we are called to engage in conversations that reflect the values of our faith – compassion, empathy and respect for the dignity of every person.

At the heart of Catholic social teaching is the belief in the importance of community and solidarity. Pope Francis has always emphasised the need for dialogue to build unity and address the challenges in our world. In his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti, he writes “Dialogue is much more than the communication of a truth. It arises from the enjoyment of speaking and the desire to communicate a message. Authentic dialogue involves a readiness to listen.”

Authentic conversation requires humility – a willingness to listen to others with an open heart and mind, even when we may disagree. it is an opportunity to recognise the humanity in each person we encounter, regardless of their background or beliefs. As Pope Francis reminds us, “When we engage in genuine dialogue, we discover that the other person has something to tell us, something to contribute.”

National Conversation Week offers an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on how we can contribute to building a culture of conversation in our communities. It is a chance to reach out to those who may hold different perspectives and engage in conversations that are grounded in love and mutual respect.

In our conversations, let us make an effort to echo the example of Jesus Christ, who welcomed all with open arms and sought to build bridges between people of diverse backgrounds. let us seek to understand the experiences and struggles of others, and to respond with compassion and solidarity.

As we celebrate National Conversation Week, let us commit ourselves to encouraging unity through conversation. Let us be agents of reconciliation and peace, bringing the light of Christ into every conversation we have. May our words and actions reflect the love of God, who calls us to be one human family, united in our diversity.

Vaisakhi celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence by our Sikh brothers and sisters, holds profound significance as a day of remembrance, renewal and celebration. While rooted in Sikh tradition, Vaisakhi offers valuable insights and lessons that resonate deeply with the Catholic faith.

As its core, Vaisakhi commemorates the birth of the Khalsa Panth and the establishment of the Sikh identity by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. It serves as a reminder of the values of courage, justice and equality that are central to Sikh teachings. As Catholics, we recognise and appreciate the importance of these virtues, which are also integral to our own faith tradition.

Courage, as exemplified by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Khalsa, reminds us of the bravery required to live out our faith in a world often marked by adversity and opposition. Just as the Khalsa stood firm in their commitment to righteousness, Catholics are called to be courageous witnesses to the Gospel, even in the face of persecution or hardship.

Justice, another cornerstone of Sikhism, echoes the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human person. Both traditions emphasise the importance of standing up for the marginalised and oppressed, working towards a world where all are treated with fairness and compassion.

Equality, a fundamental principle of Sikh teachings, finds resonance in the Catholic concept of solidarity and the belief that all are created in the image and likeness of God. Vaisakhi reminds us of our shared humanity and the call to embrace diversity, recognising that we are all equal in the eyes of our Creator.

As Catholics, we can learn much from the spirit of Vaisakhi. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ask ourselves how we can more fully live out the values of courage, justice and equality in our communities and in the world. It invite us to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for our Sikh brothers and sisters, fostering greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

On this Vaisakhi, let us join our Sikh friends in celebration, extending our heartfelt wishes for joy, peace and prosperity. May our shared commitment to love, compassion and service continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between our faith traditions.

In conclusion, Vaisakhi offers a rich tapestry of spiritual insights and values that resonate deeply with the Catholic faith. As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us embrace its teachings and strive to embody its spirit in our own lives, drawing closer to God and one another in the process.

Happy Vaisakhi to all!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1

Setting up parental controls on your child’s smartphone is a great way to support their online safety. However, parental controls can’t work alone. Regular conversations, check-ins and consistent boundaries are all also vital to keeping your child safe.

Whether your child uses Apple, Android or other devices, it’s important to consider the available parental controls and settings available.

Choose your child’s device below to find step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls. Manage everything from location tracking to screen time balance.

https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/smartphones-and-other-devices/