Maha Shivratri

8th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Maha Shivaratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds a unique place in the rich tapestry of religious observances.

For us, while recognising the diverse ways people express their faith, Maha Shivaratri is an occasion to appreciate the spiritual devotion of Hindus and their commitment to divine worship.

We value the pursuit of connection with the divine and respect the various religious traditions that contribute to the rich mosaic of global spirituality.

During Maha Shivaratri, we extend our prayers for peace, understanding and mutual respect among people of all faiths, recognising the shared aspiration for a world where love and compassion prevail, guided by the teachings of Christ and the universal call to seek God’s presence in our lives.

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. – Hebrews 10:39

Saint Josephine Bakhita Feast Day

8th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Saint Josephine Bakhita stands as a beacon of faith, resilience and the transformative power of God’s love.

Born in Sudan and enslaved as a child, she endured unspeakable suffering, yet her encounter with the Catholic faith led her to freedom and a profound relationship with Christ. Baptised and named Josephine, she embraced the Christian faith with unwavering devotion.

Her life exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and the capacity for forgiveness and healing even in the face of profound injustice.

Canonised as a saint in 2000, Saint Josephine Bakhita is venerated as a symbol of hope and an inspiration to importance of compassion, mercy and the universal call to defend the dignity of every human being.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:4-5

Apprentices at St Edmund’s – Miss Dickson

7th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re looking at three apprentices from St Edmund’s.

Miss Dickson is currently completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Her reasoning for choosing an apprenticeship is below.

“From when I was a child I always wanted to work in a school, I was not sure what this was going to be in the beginning.

When transitioning from a school to an apprenticeship, although this is scary in the beginning, it begins to become routine. You become used to the idea that you are now the teacher who is helping the students to get through their school experience.

My apprenticeship is not only helping me to develop my administrative skills but it is also helping me to build the life skills I need to build my career.

So far, throughout my apprenticeship, I have learnt how admin can take you anywhere within any career, I have learnt how within every department even within every school environment needs admin to be able to complete task in their day-to-day working schedule.

In my opinion, having an apprenticeship is the best move for a child to do when leaving school as you have the opportunity to gain a qualification, with skills and support whilst earning money whilst doing this.

I am now coming up to the end of my apprenticeship, I am due to finish in June, and St Edmund’s has allowed me to do this, giving me the quality time needed to complete the tasks for my apprenticeship.

My next step in my career is to find a job where I can elaborate on my skills that I have developed, St Edmund’s has allowed me to make the decision that I would love to continue working in Admin within a school as it varies through completing a range of different tasks for a range of different departments.”

Girl’s Rugby Skills Taster

6th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today a few of our Year 7 girls got the opportunity to take part in a rugby skills taster session at Aldersley, lead by Wolverhampton Rugby Club coaches.

They spent the afternoon learning about and practicing the different skills needed in the game of rugby.

The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves even if it did get a bit wet!

Thank you to Mrs Ridley for accompanying the students.

St Edmund’s Students Are Engaging in Local Politics

6th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Recently our Heads of School elected our Upper and Lower School Academy Councillors.

As part of our Academy Council revamp we have added specific roles – Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Our councillors were asked to complete an application to be elected for one of these roles.

To engage students with the British Value of democracy, Year 7 to Year 10 students voted to allocate roles amongst the Academy Council – just like we do at the polling booths for local and national elections!

They also had the opportunity to vote for the areas our Youth Parliament should focus on.

Thank you to everyone involved with the organising, setting up and overing the elections – especially Miss Fradgley. All your hard work has made the biggest difference!

Options Guidance From VI Form Students

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Friday 2nd February, the Sixth Form subject ambassadors and the Lower School Prefects helped guide the Year 9 pupils on their options choices.

This is in preparation for the Year 9 Progress Evening on Thursday 8th February and the Options Choices which are being opened the following day (Friday 9th February).

Pupils received lots of advice on the courses and were informed of the content, assessment methods and prerequisites for the course and beyond.

A huge thank you to all who provided the extra guidance for our Year 9 pupils.

Children’s Mental Health Week

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Children’s Mental Health Week underscores the inherent dignity and worth of each child as a unique creation of God. It emphasises the responsibility to care for the whole person, recognising that mental health is an integral aspect of a child’s well-being.

This years theme is “My Voice Matters” chosen to empower children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. Feeling empowered leads to a positive impact on well-being and can create a greater sense of community and self-esteem.

In alignment with Christian values, this week seeks to cultivate compassion, understanding and support for children facing mental health challenges. It encourages us to embrace a holistic approach that incorporates prayer, pastoral care and the teachings of live and empathy found in the Catholic faith.

Children’s Mental Health Week strives to foster a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally, spiritually and socially.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Table Tennis Competitions

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last Wednesday (31st January) a select few of St Edmund’s pupils entered the Black Country Individual Championships for their respective age groups.

Many schools entered and the standard was of a high level. All of our boys competed really well with many of them qualifying for the knockout rounds.

A special mentions to Armin B, who came second in the under 16 competition, and Geno M, who came third in the under 13 competition.

Due to their success in winning the regional qualifiers, Daniel D, Michael O O, Ethan D and Armin B advanced to the West Area Finals for Schools Table Tennis which took place on Saturday 3rd February.

The boys competed against several different schools who also qualified through winning their local competition.

The standard was exceptionally high, nonetheless the boys competed marvelously and finished 4th at the end of the competition.

A massive well done to the team on their successes so far this year!

The team: Daniel D, Michael O O, Darragh S-W, Ethan D, Armin B, Hassaan S, Loveraj S S, Cayden R, Geno M, Rio-Ashton D, Enzo M, Ralph O’C, Daniel M and Adesola O

Race Equality Week

5th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Race Equality Week is a poignant time for reflection and action, emphasising the Church’s commitment to the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God.

Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who welcomed all and broke down societal barriers, we are called to actively promote justice, understanding and equality among all races.

This week serves as a reminder that, as members of the same human family, we are called to foster unity, eliminate discrimination and work towards a world where every individual is respected and valued.

Guided by the principles of love, compassion and social justice, we strive to contribute to a society where race is not a source of division but a celebration of the beautiful diversity created by God.

Through prayer, education and advocacy, we seek to build bridges of understanding, fostering a world where all can flourish and live in harmony.

But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. – 1 John 2:11