Wear It Pink – Breast Cancer Awareness

20th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

Wear It Pink can be seen as an opportunity to embody the Christian values of charity and compassion. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support. Participating in Wear It Pink allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to helping those in need, especially those facing the challenges of illness. It reflects the principle of love and care for our neighbors, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and community support in times of adversity. By donning pink attire and participating in related activities, we can show their dedication to alleviating suffering and promoting the well-being of all, in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

World Mental Health Day

10th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, is an important occasion for us to reflect on the significance of mental health within the context of faith. Mental health is an integral part of a person’s overall well-being, reflecting the inherent dignity of every individual created in God’s image. It is a day to remember that seeking help for mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing and a reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those who may be struggling. It serves as an opportunity for us to pray for and promote mental health awareness, encouraging empathy, understanding, and community outreach as we follow the teachings of Christ to love and care for one another, especially the vulnerable and those facing mental health difficulties.

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

Worldwide Performer Raps at St Edmund’s

10th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

Students at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy celebrated National Poetry Day by entering a competition with the theme of Identity. The prize was a workshop with Nigerian rapper/ poet/hip-hop artist BREIS (Brother Reaching Each Inner Soul), a remarkable live performer who has performed worldwide with his fusion of Hip Hop, Jazz, and Afrobeat rhythms. BREIS is also a published author of books called Brilliant Rappers Educate Intelligent Students and Diary of a Creative Mind.

During the workshop, BREIS gave students feedback on their poetry and had the opportunity to hear some original music by BREIS.

School Librarian Sarah Smith said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for students to perform their work in front of a real-life poet.   Students were thrilled to welcome BREIS and watch him perform.”

Students were presented with a selection of Breis’ poetry as a thank-you for their amazing performances.

Photo: BREIS

Photo: BREIS and Sarah Smith
Photo: Imogen, Treasure, Ellie and Leah

Wonderful Open Evening

6th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

St Edmund’s opened its doors last night and welcomed prospective students, parents, and carers to see our amazing academy.

We are extremely proud of St Edmund’s and especially our student ambassadors and classroom helpers who were eager to share their knowledge with our visitors.  Classrooms were filled with engaging activities, creating an exciting buzz around the academy.

 

We have received some lovely comments from our visitors.

 

“I attended the open evening for St Edmunds held 06.10.23. My daughter is in year 6 so we have been visiting schools in Wolverhampton.  I have 6 children 3 of whom attended St Edmunds previously (now in their 20s) and I just wanted to say how absolutely amazing my two year seven tour guides Alex and Michelle were. They were polite friendly and extremely informative.  I asked many questions and they answered all of them. We had such a lovely time and I just wanted to pass on my thanks to the two young ladies for making our night such a pleasure. They are both a credit to your school”.

 

There is still time to come along and take a tour of St Edmund’s during our Open Morning at 9am Tuesday 10th October.

 

 

St Francis and St Clare Catholic MAC Mass

5th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

Yesterday all staff members in St Francis and St Clare Catholic MAC had the opportunity to come together to celebrate the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi at SS. Mary and John’s RC Church, Wolverhampton.

Saint Francis of Assisi, born in the 12th century, is one of the most revered and beloved saints in the Catholic tradition. He is renowned for his radical commitment to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in poverty, simplicity, and humility. Saint Francis had a deep love for all of God’s creation, often referred to as the “patron saint of animals and the environment.” He founded the Franciscan Order, emphasizing devotion to poverty, prayer, and service to the poor. His life and teachings inspire countless individuals to this day, emphasizing the importance of compassion, care for the marginalized, and a profound connection with nature. Saint Francis is remembered for his prayer “Make me a channel of your peace,” which encapsulates his desire to bring God’s love and peace to the world. His feast day, celebrated on October 4th, is a reminder of his enduring legacy and his call to live a life of genuine Christian discipleship.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

 

For more information about St Francis and St Clare Catholic MAC click  here: https://www.sfscmac.co.uk/

Photo: St Francis and St Clare Catholic MAC Band

 

Gardening at St Edmund’s

5th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

The wonderful sunshine that we’ve experienced at the start of term and the beauty of the flowers in our raised beds really make us aware, in the words of the old hymn, that 

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord

For all His love.

And just as a new crop of flowers has grown through the year, so year 6 students have now become year 7’s and begun a new stage of their lives and growth at St Edmund’s.

In the photos Hayden, Maja and Grace are helping to “deadhead” some flowers. The effect of removing dead or damaged flowers encourages the plant to produce more flowers for us all to enjoy for longer during the term and seeds gathered from some seed-heads will be sown for next year’s growth.

Mrs Nwenwu and Mr White  

Black History Month

4th October 2023Mrs D Curtis

Black History Month is a time to honor the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community to society. It is an occasion to reflect on the Gospel’s call to justice, equality, and solidarity, recognizing the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals and communities in their pursuit of civil rights and social justice.

The Catholic faith teaches that all are made in the image and likeness of God, regardless of their race or ethnicity, and Black History Month serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and valuing the dignity of every human being. It is an opportunity for us to engage in dialogue, prayer, and action to promote racial justice, reconciliation, and healing, in accordance with the Church’s teachings on social justice and love for one’s neighbor.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. – Acts 10:34-35

Macmillan Coffee Morning

29th September 2023Mrs D Curtis

As part of our European Day of Languages celebrations, parents and carers of our new Year 7 were invited to join us for a ‘European Day of Languages’ themed Macmillan Coffee Morning, between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. today.  All funds raised from the sale will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Students also had the opportunity to get involved in the cake sale at specific times throughout the day and were encouraged to come to the academy wearing clothes to represent a country from Europe.

Mr. Elliot Russell and his daughter Ariya, came along to support the Macmillan Coffee Morning and said, “It has been a fantastically pleasant morning”.

Thank you to Miss Blanchette, Curriculum Leader for Modern Foreign Languages for organising the event.

 

Photo: Mr. Elliot Russell and Ariya

 

Photo: Cairo and Jasmine

 

 

 

#parentpartnership

29th September 2023Mrs D Curtis

St Edmund’s Catholic Academy hosted its inaugural whole-school Settling In Evening yesterday, extending a warm welcome to parents and caregivers. This event provided a valuable platform for attendees to convene with their respective form tutors and engage in discussions regarding how the children are settling in and progressing so far this term, their attitude to learning, and their engagement in the wider academy life.

The school community was heartened by the enthusiastic turnout of parents and caregivers, demonstrating a strong commitment to their children’s education.

Claire highlighted the event’s value in enabling attendees to seek clarification on school procedures and homework policies, underlining its role in promoting transparency and understanding. She felt reassured that the children were settling in well.

Shelly said, “Everyone was very welcoming and it was a great opportunity to meet form tutors, build contact between parents and the school, and reassure us that the children are settling in well”.

Vik said, “I enjoyed being at school and seeing what my child sees every day and making connections with the school. I asked a question that needed further investigation and it was answered before 9 am the next morning”.

#parentpartnership

 

Photo: Vik, Claire and Shelly