This has been a busy few weeks as we approach the end of the Autumn term.
Our Year 11 students have recently completed their mock examinations, and this sees the tipping point in the year for us. From now onwards the school is very focused on preparing our students for the final examination sessions in January and the summer. It may seem like a long way to go, but it will slip by all too quickly. I know that many parents will have been receiving phone calls and emails from teachers to engage your support in concentrating the minds of your sons and daughters on a deadline or piece of Controlled Assessment. The influence of parents is absolutely crucial in creating the conditions for success and although the Year 11 Parents Evening has passed a few weeks ago I would encourage you to contact the school and individual teachers if you have any questions or would like advice. We believe that the current Year 11 have significant potential, and I know that we will work together to enable the students to achieve the grades that they are capable of.
We have also enjoyed significant sporting success over the past few weeks. This includes cross country, rugby and girls football. All students receive strong support from staff in relation to these activities, with this support being supplemented by an excellent team of sports leaders and ambassadors, who set an outstanding example to the younger students. The school is also an active members of the Sky Sports Living for Sport project and we recently were fortunate to have Paul Broadbent, an international Rugby League player working with the students for a day. It was fascinating to listen to his story, and how he made the most of his ability in order to reach the level that he did. The students report that they found these sessions particularly inspirational and a group of them, now meet on a regular basis to consider the six keys for success that Paul shared with us.
As I write this, I am waiting for the school Carol Concert at 7:00 this evening. This, along with the two Liturgies that we have enjoyed today enables me to reflect on the activities that have taken place in school during Advent. The Year 10 and 11 Genesis groups, along with the Year 10 SVP group have been incredibly pro-active in providing service to the local community and raising funds to purchase mother and baby survival packs for people less fortunate than ourselves, therefore supporting the global community. These activities have been accompanied by Advent services in the Chapel on a Friday lunchtime organised by the Year 11 Genesis group and the Year 7 Service of Light at St Mary’sCarlton. All of these events have been supported by staff, and I am grateful for this, but I would like to particularly highlight the effort, dedication and skills of the students have demonstrated great commitment to these activities whether, they are singing in the choir, reading a passage, acting a piece of drama or serving food and drink to a senior citizen. As always, I am incredibly proud of the way that the young people at Holy Family conduct themselves.
We have many activities to look forward to in the New Year, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas.
D Beardsley
Headteacher
