St Edmund’s Celebrates Chemistry Week!

11th November 2024Rowan Ridley

Last week, St Edmund’s Catholic Academy was buzzing with excitement as students and staff celebrated Chemistry Week! Ms. Alsop pulled out all the stops to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Throughout the week, students had the chance to dive into hands-on experiments, exploring the wonders of chemistry with enthusiasm and curiosity. From colorful chemical reactions to exciting lab demonstrations, each day brought new surprises that sparked a love for science.

TOP: Carita in Y10 testing the reactions of various chemicals based on their reactions with indicators.

BOTTOM: Liliana and Gabriel Y7 conducting a rate of reaction experiment,

Adding to the fun, Ms. Alsop took creativity to a new level by dressing up as a different chemical element each day! Whether she was glowing in neon, sparkling as gold, or standing strong as iron, her costumes kept students guessing and added an extra layer of excitement. Chemistry Week at St Edmund’s was a wonderful reminder of how science can be both educational and engaging. A huge thank you to Ms. Alsop and the science team for making it an unforgettable experience for everyone!

Wolverhampton 360 Drop In Clinics

7th November 2024Rowan Ridley

Wolverhampton 360 are offering anyone, with concerns about their
personal or a loved one’s drug and alcohol use, the opportunity to discuss this with a professional and get support for the entire family.

Drop-In Clinics Near You:

Whitmore Reans (WV1 4AL) – 1st Thursday of every month – 1-5 pm
Dove (WV8 1TX) – 2nd Thursday of every month – 1-5 pm
Graisley (WV2 4NE) – 1st Wednesday of every month – 1-5 pm
Bingley (WV3 0JE) – 2nd Wednesday of every month – 1-5 pm

Private and confidential, free of charge, non-judgemental

Lower School Prefect Announcement!

15th October 2024Rowan Ridley
Thank you to all who applied for the Lower School Prefect positions. The letters of application were of a high standard and it was great to read all of them. Those who got through to the interview stage should also feel very proud of themselves and it was a pleasure to talk about your strengths and thoughts during this phase. All pupils who were interviewed could have been selected for the role. But in the end, we had to choose six Lower School Prefects. And the great team are below;
Daisy Winwood
Victoria Kidson
Charlie Roberts
Zara Qureshi
Lidia Leo
Treasure Solanke
Anna Lakeland
Once again a huge thank you to all who applied and you are a credit to the academy.
Mr Selvey (Head of Lower School)
Thanks all and take care.

Day in the Life of an ex-Sixth Form Prefect – Part One

11th October 2024Rowan Ridley

Meet Tabitha Kirby, our 2023/24 Head Prefect. Since leaving St Edmund’s Sixth Form in July 2024, Tabitha has embarked on her higher education journey in Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Birmingham. Tabitha was kind enough to let us in on a glimpse of a Day in the Life of an ex-Sixth Form Prefect!

 

Morning guys! Join me for a day as a geology and physical geography student.

 

 

 

 

To get to Uni I get a lift to the train station and then get a train before walking to my campus and finding my lecture.

 

 

 

 

And of course, Food is fuel so I treated myself to a croissant and a rhubarb lemonade.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking to my first lecture studying Stratigraphical Measurements and Tutorial Meeting.

 

 

 

 

Lecture Time! We learnt about what Stratigraphy is and the different types of rock recognition.

 

 

 

 

 

All done and same journey home! Thank you for spending the day with me!

 

 

 

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more”

A Novena for Bishop-Elect Monsignor Timothy Menezes and Bishop-Elect Canon Richard Walker

5th July 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Let us pray a novena for Bishop-Elect Monsignor Timothy Menezes and Bishop-Elect Canon Richard Walker as they prepare for their Episcopal Ordination on 16th July 2024.

This is to be prayed for 9 day.

Sign of the Cross

Loving God, we thank you and praise you for giving the sacrament of Holy Orders to your Church. You have blessed us with many loving bishops to care for your Church throughout the world.

We ask you to pour out your grace on Monsignor Timothy and Canon Richard as they prepare for their Episcopal Ordination.

Give them the Spirit of joy to lift them, the Spirit of hope to inspire them, the Spirit of love to surround them and the Spirit of truth to guide them.

Grant, O Father, that these, your servants, whom you have chosen for the office of Bishop may shepherd your holy flock.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for them.

St Chad, Pray for them.

St John Henry Newman, Pray for them.

Blessed Dominic Barberi, Pray for them.

St Timothy, Pray for them.

St Richard, Pray for them.

All holy men and women saints of God, Pray for them.

Sign of the Cross.

 

For more information see: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/News/two-new-auxiliary-bishops-appointed-for-the-archdiocese

Celebrating Success: Black Country Basketball Runners Up!

1st July 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The energy, dedication and teamwork of St Edmund’s Year 9 girls basketball team have paid have in an extraordinary fashion. We are thrilled that these talented athletes have achieved the silver medal at the Black Country School Games. Their journey to the podium is a testament to their hard work and unwavering spirit.

The competition kicked off with a 9-0 victory against Shire Oak in Walsall. This game set the tone for the tournament, showcasing the teams offensive and defencive strength and skill.

The next challenge was against Wolverhampton’s other qualifier, S. Peters. During this game both teams displayed exceptional skill and possession. Despite a valiant effort. S. Peters clinched the game with a final result of 6-2.

Refusing to be disheartened, the team bounced back with victories against Phoenix 1 and Phoenix 2 teams. Their cohesive play and relentless drive were evident as they outperformed their opponents. Special mention goes to Ginerva Mensio from Year 7, whose remarkable shooting ability played a pivotal role in these wins.

In the final match against Walsall, the team’s confidence and skill shone brightly. Precision shooting and teamwork led to a decisive victory. With only one loss throughout the tournament, St Edmund’s Year 9 girls secured the runner-up position, earning a well-deserved silver medal.

This silver medal win is a fantastic achievement for St Edmund’s Year 9 girls basketball team. It reflects not only their talent and hard work but also their ability to overcome challenges and work together as a cohesive unit. We are immensely proud of each player and their contribution to this success.

Congratulations to our superstars for their outstanding performance at the Black Country School Games. You have made your school proud, and we look forward to seeing even more great achievements from you in the future.

Photo: Ginerva M, Kayliah H, Karis B, Sade J and one other student

World Oceans Day

8th June 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

World Oceans Day is a global celebration and a call to action to protect the health and beauty of our oceans. As Catholics, this day provides a special opportunity to reflect on our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation and to consider how our faith calls us to care for the vast and wondrous bodies of water that cover our planet.

The Bible frequently references the sea, portraying it as both a symbol of God’s power and a source of life and sustenance. In Genesis, the creation story highlights the significance of water as God gathers the seas and brings forth life from the waters (Genesis 1:9-10, 20-21). The psalms also praise God’s majesty and control over the oceans, as seen in Psalm 104:24-25: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small.”

In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis emphasises the importance of caring for our common home, including the oceans. He writes, “The oceans not only contain the bulk of our planet’s water supply, but also most of the immense variety of living creatures, many of which are threatened for various reasons” (Laudato Si’, 40). The Pope calls us to an ecological conversion, recognising the interconnectedness of all creation and our duty to protect it.

Oceans are critical to the health of our planet. They regulate the climate, produce oxygen, and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people. Oceans are also home to an incredible diversity of life, from the smallest planktoon to the largest whales. However, they face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, climate change and habitat destruction.

World Oceans Day is a time to celebrate the beauty and importance of the oceans and to commit ourselves to their protection. As Catholics, we are called to be stewards of creation, caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants. By taking action to reduce pollution, support sustainable practices and advocate for policies that protect oceans, we honour God’s creation and fulfil our role as caretakers of our common home.

Let us embrace this day as an opportunity to deepen our commitment to environmental stewardship, inspired by our faith and the teachings of the Church. May our efforts to protect the oceans reflect the love and respect we have for all of God’s creation.

Celebrating St Bede Feast Day: A Beacon of Wisdom and Faith

25th May 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On 25th May, Catholics around the world celebrate the feast day of St Bede the Venerable, a remarkable figure whose contributions to the Church and to history continue to inspire us today. Known as the “Father of English History”, St Bede’s life and work offer profound lessons in faith, scholarship and devotion. As we honour his memory, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of this humble monk and how his example can guide us in our own spiritual journey.

St Bede was born around 673 CE in Northumbria, England. At the age of seven, he was entrusted to the care of the monks at the monastery of Wearmouth and later moved to the monastery of Jarrow. It was there that he spent the remainder of his life, immersed in prayer, study and writing.

Bede’s monastic life was marked by a balance of work and devotion, a reflection of the Benedictine motto “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work). his dedication to both intellectual pursuits and spiritual practices serves as a powerful reminder of the harmony between faith and reason. Bede believed that all knowledge ultimately led to a deeper understanding of God, a principle that is still relevant for Catholics today.

St Bede’s most famous work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, is a cornerstone of historical writing. This seminal text not only chronicles the early history of England but also provides invaluable insights into the spread of Christianity in the British isles. Through his meticulous research and careful documentation, Bede preserved the stories of countless saints, missionaries and martyrs, ensuring that their legacies would not be forgotten.

For modern Catholics, Bede’s historical writings are more than just a record of the past, they are a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. His work underscores the importance of preserving our heritage and passing on the faith to future generations. By studying Bede’s writings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the Church’s rich history and the many individuals who have contributed to its growth.

Despite his scholarly achievements, St Bede remained a model of humility. He never sought personal glory or recognition, dedicating all his work to the greater glory of God. This humility is evident in his simple, yet profound epitaph: “Bede, servant of Christ and priest”.

Bede’s holiness was rooted in his deep love for God and his commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. He was known for his gentleness, wisdom and pastoral care, qualities that endeared him to his fellow monks and the wider community. His life of virtue and piety serves as an example for all Catholics, reminding us that true greatness lies in humble service and unwavering faith.

The feast of St Bede the Venerable is a celebration of a life dedicated to God through scholarship, humility, and faith. As we honour this great saint, let us strive to emulate his example in our own lives. May St Bede’s intercession inspire us to seek wisdom, cherish our heritage and live out our faith with humility and devotion. Through his legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact that a life dedicated to God can have on the world.

Reflecting on Vesak: Interfaith Respect and Dialogue

23rd May 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As the world celebrates Vesak, the most significant day in the Buddhist calendar commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha, Catholics are invited to reflect on the importance of interfaith respect and dialogue. Vesak, observed by millions of Buddhists around the globe, offers a meaningful occasion for Catholics to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and reinforce the shared values that unite us across religious boundaries.

The Catholic Church, particularly through the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, encourages respectful engagement with other faith traditions. The document Nostra Aetate (In Our Time) calls Catholics to recognise and esteem the spiritual, moral and socio-cultural values found in other religions. In the context of Vesak, Catholics can appreciate the Buddhist emphasis on compassion, mindfulness and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti speaks about the universal fraternity that transcends religious and cultural differences. He emphasises the need to build bridges and foster a culture of encounter. Vesak provides a unique opportunity for Catholics to practice these teachings by reaching out to their Buddhist neighbours in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.

Interreligious dialogue is a cornerstone of the Catholic approach to other faiths. This dialogue is not about erasing differences but about understanding and learning from them. As Pope John Paul II highlighted, “Dialogue is a path toward the recognition of the deeper truth and mutual enrichment.”

In his encyclical Laudato Si’ Pope Francis calls for a united effort to protect our common home. On Vesak, Catholics can join hands with Buddhists in environmental initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to caring for creation. Such collaborations not only benefit the environment but also strengthen the bonds of solidarity between communities.

Prayer is a powerful tool in fostering unity and understanding. On Vesak, Catholics can offer prayers for their Buddhist brothers and sisters. Praying for the well-being and spiritual growth of others is a profound expression of love and respect. Catholics might also reflect on the teachings of Christ that resonate with Buddhist values, such as the Beatitudes, which call for humility, mercy and peacemaking.

As we reflect on Vesak, we are called to embrace the values of respect, dialogue and solidarity. By engaging with our Buddhist neighbours, we enrich our own faith and contribute to a more understanding and compassionate world. Let this Vesak be a time of mutual learning and shared joy, as we celebrate the diverse tapestry of human spirituality and work together to build a more peaceful and harmonious global community.

Pedaling for a Cause: Mr. Morris’ 103-Mile Journey to Make a Difference

21st May 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

On Friday 21st June Mr Morris is intending to complete the longest cycle ride of his life, AGAIN!

Riding from West Park in Wolverhampton to the Sailing Club in Aberdovey on the west coast of Wales in one day along with 500+ others.

This is to raise as much money as he can for our local, national and international charities.

If you would like to donate to Mr Morris please see the link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-morris-1715681078234?utm_term=QeZNmMAMN

If you are a member of St Edmund’s Catholic Academy you can also donate through ParentPay.