Front Page News

Holocaust Memorial Day

27th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Holocaust Memorial Day holds profound significance for us as we reflect on the historical tragedy of the Holocaust. Recognising the immense suffering and loss endured by millions, including six million Jews, during this dark chapter of human history, we are called to bear witness to the inherent dignity of every person. In remembering the Holocaust, the Church emphasises the importance of promoting love, compassion, and understanding among diverse communities. It is an occasion for us to recommit to the principles of justice, peace, and solidarity, acknowledging the need to combat intolerance and discrimination in all its forms. By commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day, we strive to contribute to a world where the lessons of the past are not forgotten, and the collective responsibility to build a more just and compassionate society is embraced.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, – Isaiah 61:1

Holocaust Memorial Assembly

26th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today our Maths Department lead the upper and lower schools in our Holocaust Memorial Assemblies.

Reverend McKearney started the assembly with a prayer and addressed why we remember the Holocaust – as catholics and as people.

Mr Morris lead the assembly, explaining this years theme for Holocaust Memorial Day – Fragility of Freedom. He went through the loss of freedoms the Jewish people experienced in the years up to and during World War 2, how this happened and how it resulted in the loss of millions.

Three students read the story of a Holocaust survivor, who experienced the horrors of Auschwitz. Her story and the stories of people she knew are given to us so we can remember the horrors and violence of war in a hope that they are never repeated.

Mrs Ricketts sang Amazing Grace, as a moment of reflection and contemplation on what we had heard.

We ended with a Jewish prayer for the dead to honour those who were lost. We must never forget the 9 million people that were lost during the holocaust. Their memory is a constant reminder of the world we must avoid and a driver of the world we can create.

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

Indoor Athletics Success

26th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Congratulations to the Year 9 girls who came 3rd in the indoor athletics championships.

Kayliah and one other student displayed some excellent athletic qualities, both winning their heats!

Well done to all the team: Kayliah H, Sade J, Betty E-O, Karis B, Enya T, Adaobi E and one other

Regional Gymnastics Success!

26th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

St Edmund’s gymnasts were back in action on Saturday at the West Midlands Milano and Floor & Vault Championships at Fenton Manor Sports Centre.

Each gymnast performed individually on floor and vault and then three went onto perform a group routine.

All gymnasts performed exceptionally well and were a credit to themselves and St Edmund’s Catholic Academy.

As a result of this, both teams won gold and became West Midlands Champions!

They will now compete again on the 8th March and the 21st April in the British Schools Gymnastics Championships.

Floor & Vault Champions – Mahdi A, Nonso E, Sophie G and one other

Milano Champions – Mahdi A, Sophie G and one other

Congratulations to all gymnasts and good luck for the Nationals!

Saint Timothy and Saint Titus Feast Day

26th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Feast Day of Saint Timothy and Titus holds a special place in the Catholic calendar, honouring two esteemed companions of the Apostle Paul and pillars of the early Christian Church.

This day offers a moment of reflection on the exemplary lives of these holy men. Saint Timothy, known for his youthful dedication and pastoral heart, and Saint Titus, a trusted collaborator of various missions, embody the virtues of faith and service.

Their contributions to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian communities serve as an enduring testaments to their unwavering commitment to Christ. We commemorate their Feast Day with gratitude, seeking inspiration from their lives to nurture our own faith, dedication to ministry and love for God’s people.

The legacy of Saint Timothy and Saint Titus continues to resonate as an encouragement for us to embrace our roles in the Church with fervor and compassion.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. – 2 Timothy 1:5

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5

RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch

25th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week our Eco Club have been making bird feeders to encourage wildlife into our Peace Garden.

This was part of the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch, which documents the birds seen on our site. By making bird feeders, the Eco Club were able to encourage the birds into the open. This allowed for easier counting and documentation.

We can’t wait to see what wildlife visits us!

JLH Spanish Immersive Breakfast

25th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Thursday 11th January a group of 26 students (from years 9, 10 and 11) travelled to Hednesford to take part in an immersive Spanish breakfast at the Olive Tree restaurant, hosted by JLH languages.

As soon as they got off the bus, the students were greeted in Spanish and plunged into an immersive cultural experience of ordering food in a restaurant, learning how to decipher a menu, how to name restaurant vocabulary, and taking part in various memory and decoding activities – all in Spanish!

The languages leaders at JLH were extremely impressed with our students’ pronunciation and keenness to participate in all of the activities. The students enjoyed the tasty breakfast treats and were awarded a certificate to reward their participation – they were all very pleased to experience the trip.