Summer Newsletter - St Mary`s Catholic School

St Mary’s Catholic School
A Catholic Community Dedicated to Achieving Excellence For All
Headteacher: Mr A Celano BSc (Hons) MEd
Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts, CM23 2NQ
Free
JULY 2016
Tel: 01279 654901
Fax: 01279 653889
E-mail: info@stmarys.net
Dear Parents,
This academic year has been a busy, fruitful and enjoyable year in so many ways. The
students and staff have worked exceptionally hard and I would like to thank them all, and
crucially you too as parents for your unwavering support of the school and our efforts to help
your children fulfil their potential.
There is so much I could write about as a summary for the year, but I am going to pick just
one or two key highlights, and firstly I would like to pick a highlight which has
positively impacted the work of every classroom, teacher and student. As a school, we felt
that the students could gain more benefit from teacher assessment if they were to engage
with it and respond in some way, as directed. To that end, in virtually every book, folder and
file, you will now see your sons and daughters making written responses to teacher assessment and in so doing, improving their work as a direct result of the feedback given. It has
been very pleasing to see that the students are now all engaging with and responding to
their teacher assessments, and as I talk to students around the school, each one is always
able to describe how assessment and marking has improved at St. Mary’s and how it now in
turn helps them to more effectively improve their work.
A second highlight would include when we invited in an OFSTED inspector in to school this
June to perform an external review of several key school areas. His feedback was hugely
positive and highlighted some of the most pleasing aspects of St. Mary’s:
Student outcomes (results) are excellent. Students comment on the
high quality of teaching and the wide range of enrichment opportunities available to them. It is not surprising therefore that students say
they are proud to be members of St. Mary’s; they enjoy coming to
school and have high regard for the adults who work there.
The review also praised the quality of behaviour, care, guidance, support, and respect
which is all so manifestly evident at St. Mary’s. All in all, the report was a very positive experience and helped us a great deal in setting the new development priorities for St. Mary’s
in
2016/17.
These
priorities
can
be
found
on
our
website
at
http://www.stmarys.net/about-us/policies-and-references/
I’d also like to draw your attention to http://www.stmarys.net/parent-information/feedback/
which shows you various documents titled “You said, we did…”. These documents have
been compiled by Mr Bonich and show very neatly how we value the feedback we receive
from you as parents during the course of the year. Many of you fill in surveys and
questionnaires at various points, and we felt it would be helpful for you to see the responses
resulting changes made (see pages 3&4). Please do always contact us if ever there is anything you would like to feedback using the email address info@stmarys.net .
1
St Mary’s Headteacher
With regard to staffing, we have a very quiet
July in terms of departures. Just 3 teaching
staff are leaving us this July, out of a
teaching staff of approximately 70 teachers.
For September we remain fully staffed with
teachers of exceptional quality and
experience – something we are hugely
pleased to be able to report, given the
present crisis in teacher recruitment. Whilst
we will miss Mr Oxley very much (as Head of
Science and Curriculum Manager), he has
secured a very well-earned promotion to an
Assistant Head post at a school in
Cambridgeshire, and we wish him well. Mr
Tatum will now take over his Curriculum role
as an Assistant Head himself here at St.
Mary’s, and it is a joy to have him back at
work and recovering. Mr Nicol and Mrs
Shuttlewood (who used to be Head of
Science here some years ago) will both take
over the Acting Head of Science role. We
also say goodbye to Mr Collins our Head of
Music. Whilst he left us back in June, I would
like to thank him for his work at St. Mary’s
and wish him the best for his future. Miss
Matthews is again Acting Head of Music and
is doing a magnificent job. Finally on the
teaching side, we say goodbye to Mr Juliff
(History) and wish him well in his new school.
We will also miss Sister Ruth Ephgrave and
Miss Jenny Ryan (TAs) who contributed to
school life so much, and we wish them well.
For Miss Amin (TA) and Miss Andrews (TA),
it is not so much goodbye as ‘welcome to
teaching’: Both colleagues are staying at St.
Mary’s and are now training to be qualified
teachers.
career as Deputy Head. Mrs Parry arrived at
St. Mary’s back in 1983 and has worked at
the school continuously as Maths Teacher,
Head of Maths, Head of Girls’ Pastoral, Director of Studies, and Deputy Head, across
33 years continuous service. On behalf of
the entire community, I thank them for their
service, and wish them a happy and long retirement.
No doubt you will also have heard much
about the Government’s plans for forced
Academisation. Regardless of your political
persuasion or point of view, I hope it will be
reassuring to you all to note that St. Mary’s
Governing Body has been working very
closely with the Diocese and our local
Catholic schools to determine what this might
need to mean for our school and how we can
ensure that any changes are always for the
better in terms of educational provision.
Whilst ultimately the Trustees of the Diocese
will set the direction for all Westminster
Catholic Schools, I can assure parents that
the Diocese and Bishops are considering the
government position most carefully and are
not rushing into any knee-jerk reactions. I
will update you all again in due course.
Regarding premises, I’d like to update you
with regard to our status on the
Government’s 2016-2021 Priority School
Building Programme. As you will recall, St.
Mary’s was very recently awarded this status
which means that we can now at last look
forward to some major refurbishment for the
oldest buildings at the school. The Diocese
of Westminster and our governors are keepNow to turn to promoted staff. It is with great ing a careful eye on the progress of this
pleasure that I can announce that Mr programme, and we hope to be able to
Mossoni, Miss Clark and Mr Eddleston have update you towards the end of next term.
been appointed as Learning Co-ordinators for
Year 7, 8 and 9, respectively, and we are I hope that you all have a hugely restful and
also very pleased that Miss Barraclough has relaxing summer. We look forward to seeing
become Assistant Subject Leader for History. our Year 11, 12 & 13 back in mid-August for
the all-important results, but until then, please
Finally, on staffing, I would like to pay tribute enjoy the break and some well-earned
to Mrs Parry and Mrs Foster – both of whom holiday time with your families and friends:
delayed their final retirement and agreed to
stay on this year until early June in our Maths May you walk with God this summer in whatever
department. Both have now begun their re- you do and wherever you go. May you talk to God
this summer and every day and in every situation.
tirement properly, and I would like to thank
May God bless you with rest and relaxation during
them for their many years of loyal service to this holiday season. Amen
the school. Mrs Foster first arrived at St.
Mary’s in 1980 as Head of Maths and then Mr Celano Headteacher
returned again in 2006 after retiring from a
St Mary’s News
2
Duke of Edinburgh at St Mary’s-September 2016
This September the school will be running the Bronze Award of the Duke of Edinburgh for the new Year 10 (current Year 9). The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
(DofE) is the world’s leading achievement award for young people and since 1956
over 8 million young people have participated in DofE which is now offered in
more than 140 countries.
The four components of the award for Bronze are: Volunteering (3 months),
Physical (3 months), Skills (3 months) and an Expedition (2 days, 1 night). All
participants must undertake a further 3 months in the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections.
Students will develop a range of skills including their self-confidence, initiative, a sense of responsibility, a greater awareness of their strengths, the ability to plan and use time effectively, the ability to
learn from and give back to others in the community, problem solving, presentation and communication
skills and leadership and team working skills
To help the students achieve their Award they are encouraged to use activities which they
enjoy and find a challenge. These may include activities in which they are already taking part
or as an opportunity to develop new skills and hobbies. A DofE programme demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm. We hope
that our students will find participation
enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding and further details will be sent home at the start of the
Autumn Term.
Mr P Dolman - Teacher of History/Politics and DofE Co-ordinator
Extended Project Qualification Trip to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
On the 5th July 2016, seventeen Year 12 students currently studying
for the EPQ Qualification went on a visit to Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, accompanied by Miss Beddow, Miss Rose and
Mrs Halford. The students listened to a range of talks focusing on
how to write a personal statement, how to apply for the University
of Cambridge and how the University differs from others across the
country. They were then treated to a very enjoyable lunch in the
College’s very impressive Dining Hall.
During the afternoon they also had the
opportunity to ask current students
questions about life at the University
and to go on a tour of the facilities that
the College has to offer. It was a very
informative and enjoyable day for both
the Staff and the students involved.
Miss R Beddow
St Mary’s Feedback
3
Feedback From Parents and Pupils
As Mr Celano has already said earlier in this Newsletter, please find here a range of feedback from parents and pupils
and what we are doing in response. Some are relatively straightforward to respond to and others will take more time as
they may take up to a year before we can see a definite change. The key, however, is that in partnership we move
forward together to strive for excellence for all.
Mr Bonich
Careers Pupil Voice April 2016
You Said, We Did
A sample of 40% in Years 8 – 12 were surveyed
You said
You would like more information on
careers.
You would like support to remember
what support you have been given in
careers throughout the academic year.
Especially those of you who are among
our younger pupils, did not know
where the Careers Library was.
You weren’t always aware of all the
marvellous resources we have to help
you with careers.
You liked many of the career events
provided but said you wanted some to
be more relevant.
We did
We will give each pupil an information sheet showing calendared careers events for their year. It will include useful
websites and information e.g. Name of the Careers Co-ordinator, where the Careers Library is, what the three main
aims of careers education are.
In addition we will use the school TV screens, our website, the weekly student bulletin and emails to parents to ensure
greater awareness of careers throughout the Year.
Throughout March (National Careers Week is in March), we will place a regular feature on careers in the
Weekly Student bulletin as follows:
Week 1 - university/Higher Education
Week 2 - apprenticeships
Week 3 - gap years
Week 4 - employment
Moreover, we will introduce a new careers noticeboard in the G Block in addition to the work experience notice board
and the careers display in the Dining Room.
Also we will let you know about drop-in sessions and careers talks especially for Years 7 -10 by advertising through
school media and your Form Tutors
In particular for Year 12 we have utilised careers programmes more in Enrichment Week this the summer term. Next
year careers will feature in Year 12’s PSHE lessons.
Finally, in March, Senior Staff will deliver careers assemblies to the whole school.
We send Careers Newletters home half termly.
We ensure that the Student bulletin showcases career opportunities.
University visits have been opened to Years 8, 9 and 10s for Able Gifted and Talented pupils to raise awareness and
aspirations.
We have Five University Open days and interview days available to all Sixth Formers and this is tracked to monitor its
use.
We will give you the Information sheet charting the events available to you so you can affix it to your School Planner.
It will have space to briefly review and record your findings.
We will introduce Careers starting in Year 7 induction. Thus when the new Year 7s are on their treasure hunt activity,
pupils will answer a question on careers by visiting the Careers Library.
We will have further PSHE session(s) on careers and include within that information on our resources such as Fast
Tomato.
We will survey pupils as to their career aspirations and in particular elicit from them ideas as to what careers talks they
might be interested in to supplement those already planned.
We will also arrange for more subject specific careers talks based on the findings of your career aspirations survey,
Keele University 2015 Parent Survey
You Said, We Did
This was undertaken by this independent provider
You said
You would like to see improved furnishing and
resources.
You would like to see better equipped ICT rooms.
You would like to see the school has sufficient books
and equipment to enable good teaching and learning.
You would like to have more information about the
school.
We did
We are working with the Education Funding Agency to secure a commitment to redevelop older parts
of the school through Priority School Building Programme 2.
Meanwhile we have a programme of works for July and August 2016 to refurbish parts of the School.
Much work was being done at the time of the survey which is not easily visible e.g. over £300,000
was spent on areas such as re-roofing of the Hall, Hume Theatre, Dining Hall, Chapel and part of the
Science Block.
We have put together a plan to renew our computer hardware and software. We are implementing a
£100,000 three year ICT programme. New computers will be installed for the start of September 2016
in the Computer suites in E Block and the programme of renewal will continue into April 2017. Some
departments, such as English, have switched from laptops to tablets with online resources such as e
textbooks preloaded onto the tablets.
There are many new courses at GCSE and A Level coming on stream nationally. Thus in the last year
buying new textbooks for old courses has been avoided. We asked Department Subject Leaders to
submit bids to resource their departments with sufficient books and equipment, especially for the new
courses, and all bids were supported with the overwhelming majority of resources in each bid agreed.
We want this figure to be higher and so at the beginning of the academic year, we started a new-look
weekly student bulletin that is sent to all parents. This has a piece from the Headteacher as well as all
the news for that week.
The Headteacher continues to write each term in the Newsletter to highlight termly developments.
The Website has been overhauled with information updated more frequently.
Certain areas of school life have seen an increase in information communicated e.g. a new Careers
Newsletter sent termly.
St Mary’s Feedback
4
Pupil Premium Pupil Voice
You Said, We did
All pupil premium pupils were surveyed
You said
We did
You asked for greater support at school.
You asked for more support with revision.
You asked for more support to help you get
organised.
You said that sometimes friendship problems
and issues at home made getting on harder.
You said that you would like more information
and help with Careers.
Pupil Premium pupils at Futures meetings and Invitation Only meetings are allocated to the PP Manager (Mrs
Wilkin) for intervention and support and it is all bespoke and personalised intervention e.g. some get
attendance cards, some rewards etc.
We provided revision materials for students, especially in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.
We also provided bespoke revision sessions for Pupil Premium students during the holiday revision sessions
from February onwards. This was in addition to revision classes that were open to all students, and typically
were smaller classes.
We put Intervention sessions for Maths in place during morning sessions.
We asked Form Tutors to deliver sessions on organisational and revision techniques in PSHE lessons. Pupil
Premium students are provided with any equipment that they are unable to provide for themselves.
We provided mentoring opportunities. This could range from counselling to academic mentoring in the run up
to public examinations to a more informal peer mentoring arrangement.
We ran the Penn Resilience programme for Year 7 PP pupils to build up emotional resilience to allow pupils
to focus on learning.
We asked Connexions (our partners in Career provision this year) to meet with all of the Year 9 Pupil
Premium boys for individual guidance interviews and conduct follow up group session on raising aspirations
for you. All Year 10 and 11 Pupil Premium students are prioritised for Careers Guidance Interviews.
Year 7 – 13 Parents Evening Surveys Parent Voice
You Said, We Did
There was a questionnaire offered to all parents that attended each Parents Evening across Years 7 to 13 in 2015 - 2016
You said
You said that the average of parents across
Years 7 – 13 who thought their child happy at
school was 92%. In Years 7-11 it was 100%.
You said that as a year group, Year 13 parents
showed in their responses to three out of twelve
questions that the results were below the high
St Mary’s average for responses.
You said that in three year groups, 9, 12 and 13,
St Mary’s was at nearly 90% in response to the
question “The school makes sure that pupils are
well behaved”. How can we get to 100%.
We did
In the summer term, we conducted a Year 10 Pupil Voice survey in Year 10. As a result we will bring together
a Year 10 Pupil Focus team early in 2016 – 2017 to discuss the findings.
We will also ensure that from next academic year we survey all years to assess in particular pupils’ feelings on
well-being, happiness and safety at school.
We will survey parents in July and again next academic year. We will also survey the Year 13s early in the
Autumn term and again in the Spring term to more closely monitor what we might address.
We asked an external consultant, Mr Paul Meredith, a former headteacher and current Ofsted inspector, to
inspect our school for a full day. He judged St Mary’s to be outstanding in all areas assessed, including behaviour. A county advisor, Ms Liz Shapland, also visited on invitation and supported these findings.
In terms of national averages, we are significantly below the average for Year 9 exclusions and have been so
for a number of years.
The new full-time lay school chaplain has taken on new pastoral roles such as “Beautiful Minds” in Years 8
and 9, and a Restorative Justice programme.
In addition, a special Headteacher’s assembly and anti-bullying special assemblies were held in the summer
term for years 7, 8 and 9. We have anti-bullying form ambassadors launched in all KS3 forms from Sept 2016.
We have placed on our website an on-line reporting tool with advice, help and support links available.
Year 10 Homework Parent Voice
You Said, We Did
You said
You said that the not all your children found
homework worthwhile.
We did
The School has monitored homework tasks and their assessment through
 Subject Leaders and the Leadership Group visiting lessons regularly and sharing their findings to
ensure homework and assessment is of a high standard
 Show My Homework (SMHW) is monitored at Leadership Group level to ensure homework and
assessment is of a high standard.
 Year 10 will be surveyed in the summer term with two from 12 questions focused on homework and
assessment of homework.
 Subject Leaders are now auditing the standard of homework being set
 Staff are being trained on how to use new aspects of SMHW
Year 11 Information Evening
This is an evening designed for all Year 11s and their parents to attend presentations and meetings with senior staff to focus on preparations
for the GCSE exams in the summer.
You said
You would like the presentations to have been a little shorter.
You found the advice from the presentations, the meetings with
staff, and the booklets useful but didn’t feel as if you had
enough time in the academic year left to really make the most of
all the ideas.
We did
We will reduce the length of the presentation but still keep all the different elements of the
presentation.
We will have the meeting earlier in the year to help pupils prepare better. It has been moved
to 27th February for 2017, whereas it was on 16 th March in 2016.
St Mary’s News / Liturgy
5
AWOL
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I wished to take this opportunity to express the huge amount of gratitude
that my family and I have for all the support from the St Mary’s community
during the last 6 months. As some of you will know I had been receiving
treatment for a relapse of a cancer I first had in my early 20s and while gruelling, the treatment has been much easier to bear with the support of
parents and students that I have received over the last few months. I feel
truly blessed to work with such generous people and your support is something that I will never forget.
I am writing to you to further inform you
about the national changes to assessment
in Key Stage 3 and how we are adapting
our practice at St Mary’s.
As I am sure you are aware the Government regulations for the assessment of Thank you,
students in Key Stage 3 have changed this Mr S .Tatum (Assistant Headteacher)
year, moving away from a single national
curriculum level for your son/daughter in 
A programme of study for each year
each subject to a system that allows
group in each subject detailing
schools to measure progress and identify a
what will be taught during the year.
student’s strengths and weaknesses in their

Level descriptors for each skill or
own way.
topic being taught to allow
At St Mary’s students in Key Stage 3 have,
parents and students what they are
this year, been awarded a grade, 9-1, in
currently doing well and also what
each skill or topic they have studied in
they must do to improve.
their subjects, with a summary grade being
sent home at the end of each half term in Access to the information detailed above
the Assessment Point Report. We are will be through the school’s website in the
hoping to further enhance the general curriculum and assessment sections. The
understanding of the new system and from level descriptors and programme of study
September parents and guardians will be will be particularly valuable when your
son/daughter’s Assessment Point Report is
able to access;
sent home at the end of each half term and
will allow you to interpret what you son/
daughter has been able to do during their
lessons and what they should focus on in
the coming terms.
If you have any questions about how your
son/daughter is getting on academically
please contact their Learning Coordinator
for overall concerns and their subject
teacher for an individual subject concerns.
Your faithfully,
Mr S .Tatum
Assessment and Curriculum
Assistant Headteacher
Catholic Life of St Mary’s
Since our last newsletter we have celebrated many exciting seasons and events, let us take a look back now!
Lent
During
we focused on the scripture passage from Corinthians that is well known thanks to many weddings ‘love is
patience, love is Kind..’. We asked ourselves what we want to choose to focus on this Lenten Season. Then we displayed them during
our liturgies as symbol of our commitment to love as Christ loved.
Easter Liturgy
We celebrated our
on the last day before Easter Holidays. With the help of many of our Year 10 drama
students we looked at different people from the Passion story such as a Crowd person from entrance into Jerusalem, St Peter, Judas and
Mother Mary. We looked at all the ways some of the characters felt during that short time that was placed upon Jesus as he died for us
such as anger, jealousy. It was a very inspiring liturgy, which many enjoyed.
We have also said a ‘goodbye’ to all our << Year 11 and Year 13 >> students
through the
Transition and Leaver’s Mass’s.
We celebrated Mass at St Joseph’s Parish with both year groups recognising
that God has plan for our lives even sometimes when we don’t!! Some parents
were able to join us for the celebration which was a great privilege for us to be
joined together in Communion with our wider community. This then followed
with celebrations with staff and year group.
St Mary’s Liturgy
6
In June the Year 8 made their way to Windhill’s Centre for their annual
Year 8 Retreat.
The students were able to get to know their form members better;
they had time to think about their faith and what it means to be a
follower of Christ. They worked in small groups asking and
answering questions. They had a team building exercise to learn
how to communicate ensuring involvement of all group members
and we had a time of prayer at the end. Here is just a snippet of the
feedback from the Retreat:
“I liked it when we reflected also when we got to talk to other people. I learnt that
we need a connection with God to have a friendship with God like we would a
friend” – Male from 8T
“I liked the games because it was team building, I
learnt that I need to talk to people I have never talked
to before” – female from 8K
“I liked when we prayed as it allowed me to have
time to myself, I learnt that listening to people is
important so that we can build our trust” – male
from 8A
“I learnt that God loves us
even more than I thought!” –
Male from 8M
“Personally I built a closer relationship to others and I
learnt a lot about others and how they feel”. Female
– 8J
Post-confirmation
LEA Valley Deanery day took place at St
On the 2nd July, the annual
Edmunds in Ware. Many of St Mary’s students were present. Bishop Paul
McAleenan asked St Mary’s to provide the music for
the Mass celebrated together in St Edmund’s Chapel,
which he said was “so prayerfully and beautifully
contributed”.
Feast day of St
Peter and St Paul. As a school we
On the 29th June was the
celebrated Mass together in to be inspired by these two
saints story, and how they paved way for us a Catholics
today.
St Mary’s News
7
Oxbridge Workshop Gifted and Talented
On 22 June, a group of Sixth-Form students and I went to Hockerill Anglo-European College for
workshops about getting into Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Here, we enjoyed sessions about the
application process, how to write a good personal statement and how to conduct a good interview
during the interviewing process. The workshop hit home
how hard getting into Oxford and Cambridge will be but it
also provided us with invaluable advice and tips that we
would not have found elsewhere which will be incredibly useful as we
begin to apply to universities. It is safe to say that the workshop changed
the perspectives of all in attendance.
Written by Nick Lloyd – Year 12 Oxbridge candidate
Retreat with St Joseph’s
Seder Meal
On Friday 8th July nine year 12s, helped by Mr O'Connell,
led a retreat for 90 pupils from St Josephs, Bishop Stortford. The day was made up of games, drama and music.
The theme of the day was that God calls us to be ourselves in the best way we can. It was a day enjoyed by all.
A comment by one year 12 was that now could see the energy needed to be with a group of pupils all day. A few of
the year 12s demonstrated definite gifts that could lead to
a successful teaching career! The retreat follows on from
previous retreats with years 5 and 6 last
year and the year 13s visiting the school
on St Mary's feast day in December.
Year 9 organised a ‘Seder
Meal’ as part of their Judaism
unit. The students provided
the lamb, matzos, haroset and
lettuce to celebrate a traditional Jewish Passover meal. We
listened to Jewish music and
read the story of the Exodus from the Haggadah. Their
participation and enthusiasm was very impressive and
we had a great time.
Ms L Barnes
David O'Connell - 10K tutor and 2nd in RE
Eco council
The current Eco Council is a small but dedicated group of year 7 year 10 students.
Some of the year 7 raised concerns about litter and plants being damaged so they
carried out a monitoring survey of the playground and fields. As a result they are
organising a poster competition for year 7 forms. They will be asked to
produce a poster on either the problems of litter or the importance of plants.
The other focus is to improve attendance and commitment to the Eco Council.
Students have already spoken in the year 7 assembly and are planning to visit
others. We hope in September to develop a vibrant, student led, group who will
have an increasing positive impact on the environment at St Mary’s. Any
student interested in protecting our world for future generations is very welcome
to join.
St Mary’s Languages
8


On the 8th June, 60 students from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School came to visit us at St
Mary’s for a French afternoon. Miss Magoga and I decided to involve eight of our current Year 7
linguists who had to teach something new to a group of five students each – the topic were
colours, animals, food and opinions. It was great to look at our students teaching with confidence
and enthusiasm. Comments from teachers and students suggest that it was an enjoyable and
productive afternoon which we look forward to repeating soon.
Mr A Mossoni
“For the whole of Period 4 other
students and I taught French to
St. Thomas of Canterbury School pupils.
I was assigned to the food table on which
I had a list and a box of foods for the
pupils to find the foods as a team and
then pronounce the words together. I
really enjoyed it, the children were really
enthusiastic and I was surprised of how
big their variety of vocabulary was!
Overall it was a great success and I
thoroughly hope that the boys and girls
had a great time learning and working as
teams!”
“It was fun to teach French to
the Primary School children. I
was in charge of a table and
they were all really enthusiastic
and good at French. We worked
with Mr Mossoni and Miss
Magoga to deliver a fun and
factual one hour French lesson”
Sean Browne 7A
“I have enjoyed having the
students from St Thomas of
Canterbury Primary School visit
us as it gave me and them the
chance to see how far I have
come in French since when I left
Primary School. It also helped
me consolidate all the basics in
French such as animals, colours
and opinion words”
Kieran Surujbally 7T
Liam McManus 7K
“I enjoyed spending
time with the Primary
School students. It was a
privilege to work with
them. They showed
talent towards the
subject and worked well
together to create
sentences in French”
Miah-Karol SanchezMartin 7T
“I found the activities an enriching educational experience for
both the students and us. It was
very good fun and the students
seemed to enjoy it as well! This
activity was a very good teaching and learning experience and
I would very happily do it
again!”
“I spent an hour
teaching French to Year
3 and Year 4 students. It
was fun and good
revision. They seemed to
really enjoy it and
worked really well in
groups. It was nice to see
them helping each other
whenever they got
stuck”
Zofia Middleton 7K
Lauren Squibb 7T
“I really enjoyed teaching the Year 5
and Year 6 students as they were all very
kind and well behaved. I would definitely
like to do this workshop again”
Hannah Lennon 7K
St Mary’s Learning Support
9
Finally, it’s Friday and our chess club.
Wednesday, is film and photography This is easily the most popular club of
club, and as with last year, the students all. Regularly, we have a full class
intensely interviewed a number of staff room of competitors. Over the year we
have observed students who had no
We have continued our lunch time
members. Together they thought of
previous experience of playing chess,
clubs, throughout this whole year.
intriguing and challenging questions
not only learn how to play chess and
On Mondays we have games clubs,
and it was a great opportunity for the
win a few games, but go on to teach
where we play such things as: snakes
students to get to know their teachers
others to play too.
and ladders, operation, ludo and any
and other members of staff. I would
number of card games. It can get
like to take this opportunity to thank all It is a joy to watch these students
wonderfully noisy as the students can staff members for agreeing to be
cheer, encourage and teach each other
get very excited and it is a great
interviewed, the students were so
different skills and come together to
opportunity to socialise with students
grateful and thoroughly enjoyed the
create a wonderful community of supform other year groups.
experience.
port and amusement. We have witness
Tuesdays is drama club, where one
Thursday we had Gardening club, and some truly magical moments of teamstudent even had the opportunity to
unfortunately our plants did not fare as work, enthusiasm, confidence building
and each week they entertain us with
write and direct a play of their own.
well as they have in previous years.
Towards the end of the year the
We have had many visitors of the slug fascinating facts, jolly jokes and great
students preformed their play to an
and snail variety, and over one week- discussion, debate and film quotes.
audience, and it was even filmed. On
end all our runner beans were no more. We hope the students have enjoyed
the last Tuesday of the year we shall
However, we still hold great hope that participating in the clubs as much as
we have. We all hope you have a
have a little premier, and show case the the tomatoes will do well, and our
incredible talent of our imaginative and courgette plant is growing splendidly. wonderful summer holiday. Take Care.
Lunch Time
Clubs
creative writers, actors and directors.
My experience
of life at St Mary’s
When I first started at St Mary’s,
back in 2011, I was very nervous,
because you are coming from a
primary school to a big secondary school, and it was very
different. There are so many different class rooms that you have
to go to, rather than in primary
school were you are in the same
class room all the time.
So after some time I did get use to the school, how it
works, and now I know my way around without any
problem at all. These five years have been some of
the best five years of my life. Also, there has been so
much excitement and joy and I have made so
many friends. Also, there has been so many lovely
teachers and LSAs that I have got to know.
AmAAn Ali’s Article on his AsDAn AoPe course
This year I started my AoPE ASDAN course on
hospitality, with the support of Miss Butterworth
and Miss Ryan.
I now know what hospitality means. It means
working or helping people in many different
services. Hospitality links in with jobs like, front
of house, housekeeping, beautician, waiter, chef,
washing up dishes, reception, organising events and much more. I
made a poster about the different types of hospitality.
Also, I did some role plays to practise how to speak to customers.
I role played as a front of house and waiter in a restaurant. I
practised greeting the customers and taking them to the table.
Also I role played dealing with complaints. This helps me because
when it comes to me speaking to a customer I now know how to
speak to them nicely, because I practised.
Months ago me, Miss Butterworth and Miss
Ryan went to an Italian restaurant called Cibo.
We went there to experience how the restauIt has gone extremely quickly, as well there have
rant was, how we were greeted, to try the food,
been so many good moments and so many things
see the price and to look at their menu, which
that I have had the honour of taking away with me,
was different to other menus because it was
and being able to treasure.
made into a newspaper. I learnt how to bring
Some of my plans for the future are to work with
food to the table and how to greet
animals or birds. And the place that I am going onto
customers. The restaurant was fascinating
next is to HRC College, to do a life skills course.
because of all the interest
things in the restaurant. I did a presentation of my experience of Cibo to some year 11 students’ and
Mr Dolman and Mrs Steele. I said in my presentation about Cibo that I would recommend it to anyone
in Bishop’s Stortford. This helped with my presentation skills.
The next challenge I did was to learn how to set up a dining table in a restaurant. I researched and then
practised setting up a table. I learnt how to set up a table for a restaurant by watching some videos that
me and Miss Ryan researched. I now know where the knife and fork, plates, napkins and glasses go.
I have enjoyed this course because I am learning a lot about hospitality and it’s a lot of fun.
Amaan Ali
St Mary’s Science
The start of the spring term saw the arrival of the long
awaited Rocket Seeds which were dispatched from the
Royal Horticultural Society after their safe arrival from
the International Space Station. Students in year 8 learnt
the importance of controlling variables as they randomised the amount of sun each seed received and carefully
labelled each potential plant. Over the next thirty days
they carefully measured plants and counted healthy
plants and leaves on the plants coming up with their own
ideas whether it was the red or blue seeds that had been
in space. The data was entered into the main database
and we discovered in June that we were correct – the
blue seeds were the ones that had been subjected to irradiation. They did seem slightly weaker – we will await
the official results to find out whether or not that was the
case.
Year 10 were pleased to welcome Dr Lewis Dartnell, an
astrobiologist who has also written books on how to rebuild our world from scratch and who has also presented
programmes on TV. He proved to be an outstanding
communicator keeping both the whole year group and
smaller year 9 and year 13 groups enthralled as he gave
them a different insight into Tim Peake’s experiences in
space.
Year 7 students were fortunate enough to get a place on
“Im an astronaut – get me out of here!”. This was another
project which was run as part of the enrichment programme around the Principia mission. For two weeks
they were able to question scientists and engineers involved with the project asking questions such as “what is
the weight of a black hole” and “Would my mobile work
in space”. They were competing for the chance to take
part in a live chat with Tim Peake after his return to earth
– unfortunately they were unsuccessful but they enjoyed
the experience and learnt a lot.
Year 9 and 10 students took part in the Biology Challenge in March – an online quiz which looks at the background knowledge of students rather than their ability to
pass exams. A number of students were awarded certificates, but congratulations should go to Tom Hesketh,
Emilia Szlosarek and Danka Hall who were the top three
students in the school.
Last newsletter we reported that a number of students
had had articles published in the Young Scientists Journal, an international peer reviewed publication written
by and for young people. Congratulations should go to
Alex Woznicka whose article on Food in Space was
awarded first prize in a competition run by the Royal
Horticultural Society. Harry Evett and Daniel Forrest
were awarded runners up prizes.
Looking forward we have been fortunate enough to be
able to arrange a STEM day for Year 10 students who will
be spending a day working on renewable energy projects. A report on this will appear in our next issue.
As part of the AQA / Dame
Kelly Holmes Trust mentoring that two of our students
have been undergoing this
year a trip was arranged for
10 students to travel to Harlow Fields School and College. The pupils, who were
drawn from year 10-12 took
responsibility for leading
workshops in basketball and
craft for the young people
from Harlow Fields with
great success. One of our
pupils summed it up perfectly when he commented
that it was amazing how
much pleasure they had
been able to give to the
younger students so easily.
10
St Mary’s Art
11
Well done to St Mary’s Art Students:
A selection of Beautiful Work Produced this Year
YEAR 7
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
YEAR 13
St Mary’s Art
12
St Mary’s News
13
Summer Art Exhibition Celebrates Student
Artwork from across the School
English High Achieving Pupils’
Challenge Club
pupils in Year 7 have
Twelve able, gifted and talented
club where their
been attending a Friday lunchtime
of “childhood”. This
brief was to write on the theme
have come up with an
was a free-writing task so pupils
monologues, poetry
array of creative pieces such as
to” advice leaflets,
anthologies, short stories, “how
.
speeches and newspaper articles
have run the sessions,
Miss O’Doherty and Mrs Culley
and extend their
helping the pupils to challenge
plete, we will be
writing. When the pieces are com
and using them as
ces
typing and illustrating the pie
s.
examples of great writing in clas
ed. They are:
The pupils have been very dedicat
Christian Gleitzman
Tanya Danko
Miah Karol Sanchez-Martins
Mae Farley
Hannah Lennon
Maame Ofosu
Sophie Tobitt
Isaac Waters
Rowan Ginger
Ethan Tackley
Martha Copsey
Liam McManus
Mrs S Cully
Student artwork
was displayed in
the library
during the
penultimate
week of term to
celebrate the
achievement of
our Key Stage
3, 4 and 5
students.
Student work
received high
praise on the
quality and
diversity of
subject matter
as well as being
a good
opportunity for
future Art
students to
experience the
high standards
and examples of
projects they
would be
undertaking in
year 11, 12 and
13. The Art
department
want to
congratulate St
Mary’s art
students on the
hard work they
have put in this
year, well done!
Miss H Nairn
St Mary’s Drama
14
National Youth Theatre
Congratulations to Alex Lemery (Yr 12) who has been accepted into the National Youth Theatre!!!
This is an incredible achievement as NYT is the world's oldest and most prestigious youth theatre,
auditioning over 5000 young people every year. Famous alumni include Orlando Bloom, Colin Firth,
Daniel Day-Lewis and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Alex has also written a play and
submitted it to the New Views,
(Alex as Silvius in 'As You Like It')
National Theatre Playwriting
competition, as have Abbi Pajak
and Lewis Russell (also in year
12 Theatre Studies), so a
huge well done to them
also.
We also have some amazingly talented students in
year 10, such as Evie Schuttenhofer -Lees and Michael Ambrose who performed in 'Joseph' (30th
April-1st May) and Yvette Agyiri-Marti who played Tiger Lily in 'Peter Pan' (2nd-4th June) at the Harlow
Playhouse.
’ here
we’re here because we’re
Alex Lemery, Year 12 was recently selected by
Rufus Norris, artistic director, to take part
in a National Theatre project. On 1 July 2016,
thousands of volunteers took part in a
modern memorial to mark the centenary of the
Battle of the Somme. ‘ we’ re here because we’
re here’ was a UK-wide event commissioned by
14-18 NOW, conceived and created by Turner Prize-winning
artist Jeremy Deller in collaboration with Rufus Norris,
Director of the National Theatre.
The National Youth Theatre will be visiting the Hume theatre
in February half-term to search for talented actors to join
their world famous company. 30 students will be taking part
in a workshop led by two professional directors and then
performing a monologue to
audition for this highly
prestigious company. There
are two spaces left, so please
email Miss Gill if you would
like your son or daughter to
take part (Years 10-13)
PICTURE : Last year’s National Youth Theatre Training Course: with former St Mary’s
student Sean O’Driscoll
St Mary’s Maths
15
On the Thursday 28th April, some our Year 8 and Year 7 students took part in the Junior Maths
Challenge.
Students completed a 1hour paper which tested their problem solving abilities in a more abstract way.
Congratulations to Benjamin Kulagowski and Ethan Tackley who both got gold certificates and were
top of their respective year groups in the school. The Junior maths challenge has been good practise
for all students involved and will hopefully equip them to take on future maths challenges and solve
maths problems in they encounter in the years ahead. The students who achieved a certificate are as
follows:
Year 8
Benjamin Kulagowski
Gold Certificate
Francesca Luppi
Amy Wright
Ian Ngugi
Roisin Canny
Harry Evett
Owen Waters
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Zachary O’Connell
Daniel McGuire
Faye Kirwan
Kira Shaw
Rebecca Hesketh
Theresa Grealy
Benjamin Callington
Alessandro Perelli
Alex Woznika
Joshua Boreham
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Year 7
Ethan Tackley
Gold Certificate
Isaac Waters
Christian Gletizman
Silver Certificate
Silver Certificate
Liam McManus
Sean Browne
Amy Daine-Williams
Miah Sanchez
Luke Edwards
Dylan Henderson
Felix Elson
Zofia Middleton
Luca Faranda
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
Bronze Certificate
St Mary’s Library
The O’Brien Library
A recent collaboration between Librarians and
the NHS has produced the ‘Reading Well for
Young People’ book list informing readers
about all sorts of mental health issues.
Featuring a mixture of fiction and non-fiction it
addresses teen issues and builds empathy and
understanding of bereavement, anxiety,
autism, stress, depression and other factors
affecting wellbeing and friendships. This term I
have curated a special Wellbeing Collection
based on the list (which is also available
through public libraries) The books all have a
green ‘wellbeing’ spine label and can be found
near the careers library.
range of books covering everything from how
flowers grow to the career path of astronauts.
All their feedback will be combined and sent to
the Royal Society in October. The winner will be
announced in November.
After a term full to bursting with revision and
exams we now turn our attention to the
pleasure and delights of summer reading.
Please do encourage your children to support
the public library Summer Reading Challenge,
either as a reader or as a volunteer (if aged 14
or older). Members of our Books and Biscuits
club are well placed to make recommendations if anyone would like suggested reads
featuring mythology, dragons, cats, scenes of
peril, suspense, magic, ancient Rome, spies,
ghosts, romance and dramatic endings.
Has your child told you they spent an afternoon catapulting a sloth over a fence at the
librarian’s behest? Unlikely as this sounds, it
may well be true. St Mary’s has, for the second I wish you all a fabulous summer full of good
successive year, been chosen as a judging panel books. Please let me know if you read
for the Royal Society Young People’s Book
something fantastic!
Mrs E Halford
Prize. Our young scientists will be analysing a
Wellbeing Collection
New books in the Library exploring
social issues, mental health and
wellbeing. Including…
16
17
St Mary’s Inside Out
Why did you become a teacher?
Teaching has always been my passion and what I have always wanted
to do. I love the fact that I get the chance to share my passion for
languages and communication.
What other jobs have you had?
I have only been a teacher. As soon as I graduated I trained to be a
teacher and started working straight after that. In the past I have been
privately teaching languages to foreigners in Italy.
Present Role: MFL Teacher
Who do you most admire and why?
Easy question: my family. They really represent everything I aim to be: enthusiastic about their
job, curious about what is around them and respectful of everyone and everything.
What do you most dislike and why?
Snails. When I was in secondary school I spent some time in France through an exchange
program. The family that hosted me was really proud of their traditions and culture and offered to
prepare for the first dinner something typical: Escargots á la Bourguignonne which, at the time,
sounded delicious. I managed to eat three before they noticed I was really close to crying. Needless
to say that that was the first and last time I ate snails.
Your best holiday?
I love travelling but I am very lucky as my favourite holidays are in the place where I come from –
Sardinia, Italy.
Your most embarrassing moment?
When I fell in the middle of Oxford Circus and I broke my trousers. I was on my own and it
happened twice in the same day.
Favourites Item of Clothing: Ties
Film: I do not have a favourite movie but I usually like to watch action movies or sci-fi.
Car: Lamborghini Aventator. I have one. On my desk.
Past-time: Reading
Book: One of the first books I have read for pleasure: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
Food: Pizza. Very Stereotypical, I know.
TV Programme: The Walking Dead.
St Mary’s Trips
18
On the Berlin trip we got the opportunity to look at various different sites of interest as we explored one of the world’s most famous cities. We were learning things before we even got off the
coach as Mr Lynch told us about the Berlin wall just like he had in PSHE, except this time we
were driving alongside it. Seeing the city in person made everything we learn about it seem so
much more real giving a learning experience which you just can’t get in a classroom.
We also visited the Concentration Camp at Sachsenhausen. This was an experience for all of us
and something that will stay with us all forever. Seeing something with such a poignant history
in person can only be experienced in the first person and for everyone it made the events we
read about in books seem much more real.
The trip was not all so sad though and also included some lighter activities, my favourite of
these was the visit to the Olympic Stadium. As a fan of football visiting such an important stadium in German football
was a great experience; especially after a year of football including Ireland beating Germany to qualify for the Euros.
One thing I could not go without mentioning is a massive thank you to all of the staff who
attended as without them trips like this could not happen. I would like to especially thank
my favourite teacher Miss Workman who despite cajoling us (as usual) was brilliant in arranging a trip everyone will remember for a lifetime. I would recommend the trip to any
student even if you don’t feel like History is your
favourite subject like me, as the trip served to remind me that my school is not just any
school.
Article by Sean Waters 11T
19
Recently, my school and I visited
Iceland on the 15th April and we
stayed for four days. On the Friday
morning at 2.20 am we all arrived
(Twenty-eight students and three
members of staff) at the St Mary’s
turning circle. We got on the coach
and we were off to reach Luton
Airport for our flight time of 6.10
am. Our flight was delayed by
approximately half an hour so we
took off around 6.40 am. As we
were flying into the wind the flight
time was longer than expected so
we landed in Keflavik international
airport at around 9.00 am. As we
stepped out of the airport, we
definitely noticed a difference in
temperature as it was roughly only
0-5°c every day! We then met our
bus driver and got on the bus and
we were away. We travelled for
around an hour and a half through
Iceland’s barren landscape but with
huge volcanoes on either side of the
road several kilometres away. We
eventually arrived at the Blue
Lagoon and from then on we relaxed
in the milky – blue, heated water for
around two hours. Then we
reluctantly left the beautiful lagoon
and carried on our journey to
Reykjavik where we spent the rest
of our day. We visited the
magnificent Harpa concert hall
which is where many gigs take place
every day as the Icelandic people
love their music. In the evening, we
attended mass in the Cathedral of
Christ the King which was very
spiritual and the Cathedral was
extremely stunning. After Mass we
headed back to the hotel for dinner
and bed which was needed after an
exhausting day.
St Mary’s Iceland Trip
On the Saturday, we visited the
Hellisheidi Geothermal power
station which was extremely
interesting as we found out how the
geothermal liquid is used to heat
water to steam to generate
electricity. Then we went on to walk
around the dramatic Kerið crater
which was very deep and the
surrounding volcanic landscape was
huge. After that, we proceeded to
Gullfoss waterfall which is powerful
as there are two drops: which made
taking any photos impossible due to
the water vapour which coated my
camera lens! Following the waterfall,
we visited the famous Geysir. Each
time the water erupted from the
vast chambers under the ground, it
was a tremendous shock as we did
not know when it would erupt!
Following the stunning eruptions
came the dramatic Mid-Atlantic
Ridge which was an extremely
prominent feature in Iceland’s
landscape. Later on that evening
when we returned to Reykjavik, we
went to one of Iceland’s famous ice
cream parlours and each of us had
cones filled with a variety of
different toppings!
taking pictures at the top, we
descended the stairs and went to
take pictures of the waterfall from
the river below. After Skógafoss,
we proceeded to travel to the Black
Sand Beaches of Iceland which
were truly spectacular. The black
sand really contrasted with the
clouds and the vicious waves that
pounded the beach. We had to be
careful as 1 in 6 waves came in a lot
further than the rest; which made
the beach very deadly. After I had
taken many pictures and the others
had finished their lunch, we visited
the huge glacier of Vatnajökull
which was extremely impressive!
Then the sun came out, and the
skies were blue. After the glacier,
we went to Seljalandsfoss waterfall
which we were able to walk behind!
The view from behind was
absolutely breath-taking and we
were often sprayed with water
vapour! For the last time we
returned to Reyjkavik to rest up for
the coming flight on the following
Monday. Wearily, we woke at half
past five, checked that we had
everything and we left on the bus
for Keflavik airport! We arrived
On the Sunday, we travelled to
back at school for about 3.50pm.
Skógafoss but on the way there we
And that was our Year 10 trip to
stopped to take a glimpse of the
Iceland!
mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano that
erupted in 2010. When we arrived
at Skógafoss, we had an arduous
climb up the steps to get to the
viewing point of the waterfall at
which time a blizzard started. It
felt like we were getting sand
blasted!
After a few minutes of
by James Bickham 10J
St Mary’s Iceland Trip
20
St Mary’s Humanities Trips
21
A Level Geography
trip to Norfolk
On Sunday 26th June 18 dedicated geographers set off to
Norfolk for a fieldtrip filled with fun activities to
accompany their geographical studies. The students
visited Sea Palling, Sheringham and Happisburgh to
evaluate management of coastal erosion. They then
spent a day in the vibrant city of Norwich comparing
areas of regeneration with those in need of it. There was
even time for a spot of shopping. Back at the Kingswood
centre there were opportunities to use GIS and then
unwind with some archery and climbing. There was even
a chance to see the highs and lows of some of the Euro
2016 matches!
Mrs C Hughes
Over the May half term break Year 8 geographers were
set the task of replicating one aspect of China in a box.
Here are some of the fantastic pieces of work that were
submitted. Well done Year 8!
Mrs C Hughes
A Level Public Examination
Results Summer 2016
GCE A2 level ONLY results will be available from 8.30am
GCE AS level results will be available from
10.00am on
Thursday 18th August from
the 6th Form Centre.
***
Information regarding Post Results Services is available
on our Website on the Exams page.
Please note that results can only be given to the student
or their representative.
Results CANNOT be emailed or given out over the telephone.
GCSE Public Examination Results
Summer 2016
for Year 11 only
will be available from 9.00am on
Thursday 25thAugust from
The Hall.
Information regarding Post Results Services is
available on our Website on the Exams page.
GCSE post results services will be available on results day
only or on the return to school in September.
GCSE results for students NOT in Year 11 will only be
available on the return to school in September.
Please note that results can only be given to the
student or their representative.
Results CANNOT be emailed or given out over the telephone.
St Mary’s Ski Trip
22
Jay Peak April 2016
26th
Very early on Sat
March 2016, about 40 students and 5 staff embarked on a school ski trip to Jay Peak, Vermont USA.
We travelled by coach to Heathrow Airport, for our 7 hour plane journey to JFK airport. Once in New York, we visited
Times Square, which was amazing then went back to our hotel for the night. The next day was Easter Sunday: we walked
through the busy streets of New York until we reached St Patricks Cathedral. We were lucky enough to have tickets to
attend the mass which was breath-taking. After this, we had a 7 hour coach journey until we reached Jay Peak, Vermont. I
loved the Vermont countryside and admired the quaint houses and churches we passed. That night we got settled in and
measured for all of our ski stuff. The following day (Monday) we met our lovely ski instructors who helped us all week. The
views and the skiing was amazing despite the fact that on the first day it poured with rain and we all got soaked! For the
rest of the week the weather was stunning which added to the enjoyment of the whole experience.
We enjoyed some beautiful, but very tiring skiing, for 5 days. Each day after skiing we had an activity, for example; one
night, we had a chance to go to the water park, where most of us bravely went on all of the slides (including the teachers)!
On another night we went to watch an ice Hockey match between Canada and America, this was really good fun. Sadly at
the end of the 5 days at Jay Peak we had to leave and go on another 7 hour coach journey back to New York where the
hotel had laid on pizza and cookies for us! The following day we went into New York City again and visited all of the big
monuments for example the Empire State building and the 911 memorial. Then it was back to the airport again, for the
journey to Heathrow, and then one last coach journey back to school. I have wonderful memories of what was a truly
fantastic trip.
Genevieve Cameron-Mowat
23
St Mary’s PE Presentation
PE Presentation Evening - 24th June, 2016
The PE Department staged our annual PE Presentation Evening to recognise the excellent achievements of our pupils in
extra-curricular PE this year.
Students were nominated from each year’s 7,8,9 and 10 who were deemed by the PE staff as the best performers at a
particular sport with an overall winner being recognised too. There were other awards that included ‘the best overall
male and female performer of their year’, ‘service to sport’ and ‘team of the year.’
One of the highlights of the evening was an inspiring talk given by Liz Johnson who won a bronze medal for Great
Britain at Swimming at the London 2012 Paralympics.
PE Presentation Evening Boys Winners
Football
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Liam McManus
Jack Carter
Sam Pinkney
Benjamin Ssengo
Joshua Boreham
Joey Umerah
Year 10
Pat Sinfield
Ewan Osei Badu
Year 7
Isac Waters
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Sean Griffin
Brad Sanchez
Harry Jones
Dylan
Henderson
Joe Crump
Euan Reynolds
Aaron Bonney
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Joe Brogan
Kyle Hay
Mateusz Oberland
Ethan Page
Luca Faranda
Jack Ferguson
Daniel Fryday
Jamie Cahill
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Zofia Middleton
Martin Tran
Billy Chadwick
Maxwell Clark
Felix Elson
Ian Ngugi
Sean King
George Ezekiel
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Robbie O'Regan
Martin Tran
Lewis McKnight
Ethan Tackley
Tom Banks
Matthew Parkin
Year 10
Ethan Page
James Cahill
Year 7
Liam McManus
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Ian Ngugi
Ciaran Fitzgerald
Deandre Blake
Kieran
Surujbally
Ethan Sandlin
Matthew Parkin
Lewis Kirbyn
McCauley
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Football
Football
Football
Football
Joseph Brogan
Ian Ngugi
Matthew
Corcoram
Lewis Kirby
McCauley
Robbie O'Regan
Oliver Heath
Billy Chadwick
George Husted
Sam Jarrett
Morris
Timmy Oyebanjo
Beau Fynan
Tom Hesketh
Aaron Bonney
Rugby
Tom Powell
Carlo Scozzaro
Joe Wright
Cross Country
Liam McManus
Martin Tran
Ben Walker
Daniel Short
Kieran Surujbally
Oliver Jakes
Louisa Cannatella
Jack Revell
Matthew Parkin
Elom Ahlijah
Wilson
Ethan Biggs
Lorenzo Fabrizi
Ben Walker
Liam O'Meara
Luca Farranda
Ollie Jakes
Matthew
Corcoran
Pat Lawrence
George Husted
Ethan Sandlin
Michael Calierno
(rang)
Riain Sellers
Ethan Biggs
Sam Jarrett
Morris
Martin Tran
Beau Fynan
George Ezikiel
Felix Cameron
Mowat
Basketball
Athletics
Overall
Tom Powell
Matthew Corcoran
Harry Jones
Team of the Year
Rugby
Rugby
Rugby
Rugby
Cricket
Gaelic Football
Basketball
Basketball
Athletics
Athletics
Cross Country
Athletics
The parents and pupils were also
treated to a presentation that
showed the sporting successes of
our talented sportsmen and women. The evening was fantastically
supported by parents and pupils
alike with a record number of
people in attendance. Those that
attended also took part in a
raffle and a competition to win a
bottle of champagne.
Thank you to everybody who
attended and made it a fantastic
celebration of our pupils’ sporting
talents.
Mr Eddleston
(Subject Leader of PE)
St Mary’s PE Presentation
24
PE Presentation Evening Girls Winners
Hockey
Year 7
Jada Gallimore
Katie Waymouth
Maddie Welsh
Amy Grenall
Year 8
Francesca Luppi
Chloe Kennedy
Amy Wright
Elysia Scarciglia
Year 9
Sam McComish
Sam Randall
Lois Ruane
Lydia Cunningham
Year 10
Lauren Nelson
Hannah Connolly
Ellie Gallimore
Charlotte Nolan
Caitlin Curran
Kat Bell
Netball
Year 7
Josephine Ricotta
Charlotte Jess
Laura Ghilardi
Year 8
Kira Shaw
Francesca Luppi
Daisey Jones
Deanna
Year 9
Sophie Byrne
Annalise Burton
Erin Banks
Susie Weymouth
Year 10
Erin Wilkonson
Niamh Hart
Hannah Ruane
Romina Ricottone
Mia Witham
Athletics
Year 7
Michaela Kinsella
Chiara Mattaliano
Sadie Jessey
Hannah lennon
Year 8
Faye Kirwan
Lois page
Teah Bernard
Rebecca Hesketh
Year 9
Sam McComish
Kayla Bernard
Kate McCarthy
Izzy Hinton
Year 10
Abbie Watson
lauren Nelson
Erin Grace Cooke
Marianna Ricotta
Joanna AR
Ellie Jarett
Sienna Fabrizi
Football
Year 7
Chase carolan
Sophoe Tobitt
Cross Country
Year 7
Sadie Jessey
Jessica McGorell
Amie Greenall
Year 8
Rebecca Hesketh
Kira Shaw
Lois Page
Daisy Jones
Year 9
Charlotte Matthews
Sam Randall
Kate McCarthy
Christy Bonich
Year 10
Erin Cooke
Hannah Connolly
Ellie Gallimore
Caitlin Griffin
Ellie Jarett
Rounders
Year 7
Maddie Welsh
Alex S
Joanna AR
Year 8
Francesca Luppi
Elysia S
Victoria AR
Klaudia S
Year 9
Susie Weymouth
lois Ruane
Katrina Bell
Niamh Housted
Year 10
Lauren Nelson
Serena Ripandelli
Ellie Hayes
Mia Berry
Swimming
Year 7
Lucy Hinks
Sadie Jessey
Shona Savage
Year 8/9
Valerie Manga
Charlotte
Matthews
Sam McComish
Year 10
Lauren Nelson
Hannah Connolly
Keira Kehoe
Girls Rugby
Year 7
Jada Gallimore
Chase Carolan
Maame Ofosu
Tanya Danko
Year 8
Lily Smith
Lauren Falco
Saffron Clapik
Francesca Luppi
Year 9
Bethan Jones
Popy Kelly
Niamh Houston
Elizabeth
Ssengo
Year 10
Erin Wilkinson
Ellie Hayes
Niamh Hart
Ellie Gallimore
Team of the Year
Year 7
Rugby
Netball
Hockey
Athletic
Year 8
Rugby
Netball
Athletics
Cross Country
Athletic
Year 9
Hockey
Netball
Rounders
Year 10
Netball
Swimming
Atheltics
Year 7
Jada Gallimore
Josephine Ricotta
Amy Greenall
Maddie Welsh
Year 8
Francesca Luppi
Elysia S
Rebecca
Hesketh
Lily Smith
Overall
Year 9
Lois Ruane
Kate McCarty
Sam Randell
Sam McComish
Year 10
Hannah Connelly
Marianna Ricotta
Lauren Nelson
Ellie Gallimore
Ava Freestone
St Mary’s PE Sports Day
25
(Wednesday 15th June, 2016)
All pupils in key stage 3 and Year 10 participated in an interesting and diverse
sports programme that gave each of them the opportunity to participate in
athletic events throughout the day as well as experience Rio Olympic themed
lessons.
Each house was assigned a particular GB athlete who is competing in the Rio
Olympics/Paralympics and these were displayed in the pupils’ form classes
along with important values that we want the pupils to abide by.
Form Group Assigned Athletes
A– Lizzie
Armitstead (Cycling)
Jonnie Peacock (Athletics)
K- Mike Kerr ( Wheelchair Rugby)
J–
M- Hannah
T- Geraint
Mills (Sailing)
Thomas (track cycling)
In the morning of the event the pupils experienced a cross curricular programme in their
respective lessons that was linked to the theme of the day. In the afternoon all students
were either competing in or supporting the track events.
The pupils performed to their best of their
ability and they each gave their all to help
their form and house succeed.
Results by Houses
Years
A
7
J M K T
302 277 241 297 320
Well done to everybody concerned.
Ranking
Mr Eddleston (Subject Leader of PE)
8
303 308 407 275 309
Ranking
4
3
1
5
2
358 265 265 287 408
9
Ranking
2
2
4
4
5
4
3
3
1
1
10
388 316 293 288 305
Ranking 1
2
4
5
3
Overall
across
Year
1437
1602
1583
1590
St Mary’s PE Netball Trip
26
Netball Tour to
The Netherlands
Our netball tour to The Netherlands was blessed by good weather,
excellent team spirit and a sense of adventure. We were warmly
welcomed by our hosts who put our Year 8 and 9 girls through
their paces in a training session to improve their technical skills.
The girls agreed it was a good experience to be taught by different
coaches and they relished the opportunity to play in such
impressive sports facilities. Whilst there, we also got to see training
sessions for basketball, handball and football.
The matches were very mixed affairs. With netball being relatively
newly established in The Netherlands our opposing teams had a
wide range of experience and abilities. This kept the St Mary’s
girls on their toes as they adjusted to the different skill sets of those
new to the game and those who had been playing for longer.
Despite some large differences in the final scores all the girls
enjoyed their games and St Mary’s were proud of their role in
fostering the development of new teams.
The social and cultural activities also proved a hit and helped the
two year groups to mix and get to know each other. The Center
Parcs swimming pool was probably the most favoured feature of
our accommodation – I think some girls would still be in it even
now! Visits to Madame Tussaud’s and Efteling theme park were
hugely enjoyable and the coach journeys were enlivened by hair
plaiting lessons, competitive sing-alongs, and detailed analysis of
the souvenir shopping trip.
The girls’ competitive pride was somewhat crushed when our tour
directors won the fiercely contested quiz. The girls had plenty of
opportunity to face up to their defeat, as they were consistently
reminded of it on a regular basis. The awarding of medals to all the
netballers, with particular prizes for the best and most improved
players, did much to restore spirits. It was an action packed week,
with some early starts and late finishes; despite the inevitable
tiredness the girls were good humoured throughout and have had
great fun reliving their memories and wishing they were back on
tour.
St Mary’s PE News
27

Two teams from year’s 7 and one team from Year 8 attended the PE Department’s
annual football tour to Holland. The teams had the opportunity to improve their
football skills by competing against local Dutch club teams. The pupils also
received two technical coaching sessions at Ajax training base. In addition to the
football the pupils played, there was plenty of interesting activities to keep the
pupils busy and these included a stadium tour of the Philips Stadium which is
where PSV Eindhoven play their home matches.
In between the matches and training the boys enjoyed the use of the Center Parcs
sports facilities which was where our touring party was based.
The pupils were a fantastic advert for the school through their excellent
behaviour and willingness to help one another both on and off the pitch.
Well done to all concerned.
Mr Eddleston
Year 7 & 8 Gaelic Football
Catholic Primary School Football
and Netball Tournament
22nd June 2016
Well done to all the teams that entered. It was a
fantastic afternoon, with a great standard of
Netball and Football played by all. Well done to
all the Year 10 Netball umpires who all passed
their Netball Umpiring course. Thanks to the Year
12 Football referees and the helpful Year 7’s
leaders who helped out on the day.
Results
Netball A Team Winners – St. Cross
Netball B Team Winners – St. Cross
Football A Team Winners – St. Josephs Bishops Stortford
Football B Team Winners – St. Josephs Hertford
All Britain Championships
On Friday 8th July our year 7 & 8 Gaelic Football team competed at
the All Britain Championships and made it to the semi-finals! In
their age group they are now the fourth school team in Great Britain!
In the group stage of the competition they won three and drew one
beating the following schools along the way; JFK, Cardinal Wiseman
and St. Peters. In a keenly contested semi-final they narrowly lost to
St. Paul’s Academy.
This fantastic
achievement was
also thanks to
the help of our
sports leaders;
Joseph O’Grady
&
David McPadden
(year 11)
&
Beau Fynan
(year 9)
U15 Girls Football District
U13 Girls Football District