World Cancer Day

4th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

World Cancer Day prompts reflection on the Christian call to compassion, solidarity and the alleviation of suffering.

In the face of the global burden of cancer, we are encouraged to embody Christ’s healing ministry by offering prayers, support and comfort to those affected by this devastating disease. We are inspired to advocate for and contribute to medical advancements, compassionate care and efforts to eradicate the causes of cancer.

World Cancer Day becomes an opportunity for us to unite in prayer for those battling cancer, their families and for the medical professionals working tirelessly to provide care.

It reinforces the Christian commitment to uphold the sanctity of life and to stand with those in the midst of health challenges, recognising that the healing mission of Christ extends to the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of human existence.

Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, fo you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

International Day of Human Fraternity

4th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The International Day of Human Fraternity echos the Church’s teachings on the inherent dignity of every person and the call to unity and solidarity.

Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayyeb in 2019, this day invites us to reflect on the common bonds that unite humanity, transcending religious, cultural and ethnic differences.

It aligns with the Christian ethos of love, compassion and recognising the divine image in every individual.

The International Day of Human Fraternity becomes an occasion to actively promote dialogue, understanding and collaboration among people of diverse backgrounds, fostering a world where mutual respect and cooperation prevail in the pursuit of peace and justice.

It reinforces the church’s commitment to building bridges and fostering a culture of encounter in the spirit of Christ’s teachings.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1

French Immersive Breakfast

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today Miss Blanchette and Mr White took Year 9 and 10 pupils on an immersive French breakfast experience. The pupils were fantastic!

Pupils ordered drinks and breakfast items in French, they learnt how to name items on a table in a restaurant and they solved problems.

They got the opportunity to eat the tasty items of food and drink they ordered. They also tried out the French tradition of dunking their pain au chocolats or croissants into their bowls of hot chocolate!

All pupils got a certificate verifying that they have expanded their cultural capital and they have learnt some fantastic French vocabulary useful for life.

Well done everyone!

Parent Study Skills Support Evening

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Yesterday we hosted a parent study skills support evening for Year 11 parents to learn how to help their child when studying.

Key information was shared on how parents can support their child at whilst preparing for English, Maths, Science, RE and Spanish GCSE exams.

Parents were given tips on how they can help their child structure their revision to maximise the impact it has. They were also shared different metacognition and revision strategies for parents to guide their child to use.

Advice and guidance on how to best utilise GCSEPod to aid revision was also shared. This allowed parents to learn how GCSEPod functions and how it can provide revision content for all areas of study.

For students in our Loyola Academy, key information and strategies were shared on how these students can best prepare and revise for their exams.

It was a great evening and provided lots of information for parents. Thank you to everyone who attended.

 

GCSE Poetry Live!

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Yesterday some of our Year 11 students went to see GCSE Poetry Live! at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

There were performances by several poets who feature on the syllabus of AQA GCSE English Literature, including Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and John Agard.

The students also got the opportunity to attend sessions by exam board Chief Examiners. These session were great and helped the students with their preparations for their GCSE Literature exams.

It was a great time had by all and the students now have a new zeal for the poems they are studying.

The Presentation of the Lord

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Presentation of the Lord commemorates the biblical event described in the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40), where Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple in accordance with Jewish law.

This feast, also known as Candlemas Day, holds great significance in tradition as it marks the moments when the Holy Family encountered Simeon and Anna, who recognised Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The liturgical celebration often involves the blessing of candles, symbolising Christ as the Light of the World.

The Presentation underscores the obedience of the Holy Family to God’s law and the profound humility of Jesus. It invites us to reflect on the consecration of their lives to God and the revelation of Christ’s mission as a light.

This day reminds us of the importance of recognising and embracing Christ’s presence in our lives with faith and devotion.

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – Luke 2:22

Time to Talk Day

2nd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Time to Talk Day serves as an important occasion for fostering open and compassionate conversations about mental health, recognising the intrinsic dignity of each person as created in the image of God.

This day invites us to embody the Christian values of empathy, understanding and support for those facing mental health challenges. It encourages us to follow the example of Christ, who showed compassion to those who were suffering.

By acknowledging mental health concerns and engaging in dialogue, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create an environment where individuals feel valued and understood.

Time to Talk Day aligns with the Christian call to love one another and provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate solidarity and care for those experiencing mental health struggles.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

Parent Partnership Meeting

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week we held the first meeting of the Leading Parent Partnership working party.

A range of stakeholders, including students, staff, governors and parents, met to discuss how St Edmund’s can increase parental engagement.

A range of topics were covered, from home-school communication, to parent workshops and utilising parental skills in the academy.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated.

 

Dudley College Visits

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Over the past few weeks some of our Year 11 pupils have visited Dudley College. They have had a tour of the campuses, met with staff and been offered career workshops to support their future pathways.

This has been a really good experience for our pupils and has been supported by the team at Dudley College.

Pupils were able to take up the opportunity to look at the subjects on offer and discuss chosen subjects in more detail to support their knowledge and understanding of the pathway options available to them.

LGBTQ+ History Month

1st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to honour and acknowledge the historical contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

For us, it is an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s teachings on love, dignity and respect for all individuals. We can emphasise the importance of treating every person with compassion and understanding.

It is a time for us to engage in thoughtful dialogue, fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcomed and valued.

This month invites us to reflect on how they can contribute to a more inclusive and loving society while remaining rooted in the teachings of the Church. It is a call to recognise the shared humanity that unites all people, fostering a spirit of empathy and unity within the diverse tapestry of God’s creation.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. – 1 John 4:7-8