Octave of Christian Unity – Day 2

19th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On this second day of the Octave of Christian Unity, let us continue our journey with hearts open to the Spirit of God. As we reflect on the diversity within the Body of Christ, may we embrace the unique gifts each Christian tradition brings, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our unity. Let this day be a time of dialogue and understanding, where we seek common ground and appreciate the beauty in our shared faith. May the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood be strengthened, transcending denominational lines, as we strive to fulfill the prayer of Jesus for our oneness. May the grace of unity inspire us to work together for the common good and witness the transformative power of Christ’s love to the world.

He answered. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27

Octave of Christian Unity – Day 1

18th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On this first day of the Octave of Christian Unity, let us join our hearts in prayer, seeking the grace of unity that Jesus desires for His followers. As we reflect on the importance of coming together as one body in Christ, may we be inspired to set aside differences and embrace the common faith that binds us. Let this day be a sacred journey of renewal, a time to recommit ourselves to the call for unity, understanding, and love within the diverse tapestry of the Christian family. May our shared devotion during this octave deepen our connections and foster a spirit of harmony that resonates throughout the entire Body of Christ.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be as one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. – John 17:22-23

Pupil Bikes Get MOT

16th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This morning the Sustrans bike team attended the Academy to security mark and MOT the pupils bikes.

The team did a fantastic job and completed over 30 bikes, marking them and making them safer for pupils to ride. This work was very much appreciated and meant safer riding for our pupils to and from the Academy, and around the community.

Keep an eye out for future cycling events and prize draws based on the bikes completed today! We have some bike locks that will be handed out to ten lucky winners in the foreseeable future.

Thank you for all the support from parents and pupils, and a huge thank you to the Sustrans bike team!

Laudato Si Champions

16th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Thursday 11th January, Mrs Letheren and Mr Luis took students from St Edmund’s Chaplaincy Team and the St Edmund’s Eco Club to Alton Castle for a Laudato Si Chaplaincy Day. The day provided a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical; Laudate Deum, his follow-up Apostolic Exhortation; and our own call to stewardship. In addition, students were able to explore their school’s ‘Live Simply’ award, set up by CAFOD, and discuss ideas and plans with students from other schools on how to improve sustainability in their school communities and their own homes.

The team at Alton Castle were well-versed and well-prepared to test our students to think about the role of science and geography in sustainability and how technology will play a huge part in moving forward in sustainable development. They engage the students with scavenger hunts, quizzes and calculating our carbon footprints, giving students perspective on sustainability whilst also learning new facts and figures.

The day ended with the team informing the students about the Earthshot Prize, challenging them all to design their own entry for the competition and think about how it could improve the sustainability of our planet. The team supported the groups in articulating their ideas and asked difficult questions about their inventions, making them think of fuel sources, possible greenhouse gas emissions and the disruption of nature. Our students laid forward several innovative ideas, including new biofuels and machines that purified air and removed greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They interacted and engaged with each other, the team and other students and had a great time.

We asked some students on the trip what they thought of the Chaplaincy day.

Kash K, Y9, said “It was really fun, I got to meet lots of new people. One fact I learned is that by 2050, there will be as much rubbish by weight in the ocean as fish.”

Another student said “I learned that our generation could create solutions and find more creative ways to solve global warming.”

Martin Luther King Jr Day

16th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Martin Luther King Jr. Day hols profound significance for us, as it aligns with the Church’s commitment to social justice and the inherent dignity of every human being.

Dr King’s tireless advocacy for civil rights resonates deeply with the Gospel message of love, equality, and the pursuit of justice. The Catholic Church recognises the importance of standing against discrimination and promoting the common good.

On this day, we can reflect on Dr King’s legacy, drawing inspiration from his nonviolent approach to social change and his dedication to the principles of equality and unity.

In honouring Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of our call to actively contribute to the ongoing work of building a more just and compassionate society, echoing the teachings of Jesus to love one another as brothers and sisters.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28

Chemistry Fun!

15th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Well done to our fantastic Top of the Bench team for representing St Edmund’s in the regional final of the Royal Society of Chemistry competition.

The event took place at University of Birmingham and involved challenging written quizzes and a practical investigation in the laboratory.

The standard was exceptionally high and we are so proud of our team – Gethsa Y11, Ajitha Y10, Oliver Y9 and Raymond Y9.

Only one team could make it through to the National Final. Although that wasn’t our team, they did really well and it was an amazing experience for the pupils.

Makar Sankranti

15th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Makar Sankranti holds cultural and spiritual significance for many. For us, this festival, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. It serves as a reminder of the divine order and the cyclical nature of life, aligning with our belief in the providence of God.

Makar Sankranti encourages reflection on the interconnectedness of creation and the gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy.

As we join in the festivities, we may find parallels between the festival’s themes of renewal and the Christian message of hope and rebirth. In this shared celebration of nature’s rhythms, there is an opportunity for mutual understanding and appreciation across diverse spiritual traditions.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18