Principal Mr A F Quinn BA (Hons) NPQH Stonepits Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcs, B97 5LX tel 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk

Newsletter 15 Friday, 6th January 2017

Dear Parents/CarersA warm welcome back to everyone after the Christmas break. Happy New Year to you all. It has been really pleasing to see students returning to their studies in such a positive manner. Well done! An extra compliment to Year 11 students who came into school a day early, on Tuesday, to focus on assessments and coursework. They were superb and showed they want to be successful in the public examinations in the summer. Next week sees our Year 10 students undertaking their second round of assessments and we would encourage thorough revision and preparation. In addition, there are several BTEC external examinations so we wish all those students the best for these challenges. Further on, the Year 11 mock examina-tions commence on the 23rd of this month. These are very important indicators for students and teachers before we embark on the real thing after Easter. I urge parents to support, guide and coax their children to ensure they are adequately prepared for the examinations. It’s time for sacrifices and prioritising! 2017 will provide the school with considerable challenges that we must face on directly. We are proudly, one of the top performing schools in the county (18th out of 4495 schools nationally for progress) and believe that achievement and success is spread across all our students. This standard needs to be maintained as it offers so many of our students life-changing opportunities. As professionals, we are aware of the responsibilities we have to the young people. This challenge to maintain high standards is against a backdrop of considerable cuts to funding, which ultimately falls down to staffing. We remain extremely positive and have, and will continue to be creative, with the sole purpose to keep Saint Augustine’s at the top. However, if any parent would like to sponsor any aspect of the school, or make a donation, for instance, a bank of ipads for literacy and numeracy development, a set of sports team kit,

resources for the Sixth Form Centre, or any other suggestions, please let me know. Have a nice weekend.Mr QuinnExecutive Principal

PASTORAL MATTERSYEAR GROUP NOTICESYEAR 9

Happy New Year and welcome back to all the Year 9’s. Firstly I would like to thank all of you who sent me a Christmas card and for the lovely gifts I received – it was very unexpected, but much appreciated.The Year 9’s made a good start to the term, coming in on time and looking smart. May I remind you that whilst some may have received jewellery and make up for Christmas, please be aware that in line with our uniform policy, they must not be worn in school. We have another busy term ahead with assessments starting at the end of January. Revision tips and work will be issued soon in preparation for this. Ms Mason, Head of Year 9YEAR 10Welcome back to Year 10. I hope all students and families had a wonderful break over the Christmas period. It is straight back into hard work as Year 10 exams start in lessons on Monday 9th January. Students should be revising at home in a quiet environment away from distractions. In Thursday's assembly Year 10 were informed about an upcoming opportunity to apply to do the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students should look out for a

SAINT AUGUSTINE’SCatholic High School & Sixth Form CentreOur Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Company THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500 Schools

DfE: Top 100 Schools

QUICK VIEW IMPORTANT DATES Monday, 9th January 2017 - Year 10 assessment week

Monday, 23rd January 2017 - Year 11 courses finished - mock examsMonday, 30th January 2017 - Year 9 assessment week

LET US PRAY

As we begin a new year

together, we reflect on the old and look forward to the

new. May we take this time to be thankful for the blessings of the past year and to move

forward from any mistakes or worries.

May we take this time to reflect on all the hard work we did last year and all the

great things that we achieved. May we take this time to

think about all of the good times that we spent with

family and friends.May we take this time to

promise ourselves that we will be the best we can in this

new year. Lord, we place our trust in

your hands for another year filled with many great things.

Amen.

letter and an application form. Mr Mill, Head of Year 10

YEAR 11Welcome back to you all I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! A big well done for your efforts on Tuesday again it was a very productive day and staff were very pleased with work that was completed. We also had Tyler visit school on Tuesday from Elevate Education, he delivered a seminar on independent study skills and revision techniques and from the feedback we have had you all felt this was worthwhile and informative.Please ensure you are revising for your up coming Mocks which start on Monday 23rd January.Can I please remind parents to ensure you contact school if your child isn't going to be in school. Intervention sessions after school resume next week.

Mrs Gribben, Head of Year 11

THE CATHOLIC LIFE OF OUR SCHOOLLord Jesus, at this time we can look back to the old year, and forward to the new. We give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and we place into your hands the mistakes we have made. As you are “the Light of the world”, take away the darkness in our lives. As you are “the Way”, lead us in the year ahead. As you are “the gate of the sheepfold”, protect us from danger. We entrust the past to your mercy, Lord, the present to your love, and the future to your providence.Amen

Praying each day: on this day in history…On this day in history: Two thousand years ago, a visit to a Greek town by government representatives was known as an “epiphany”. It is a Greek word that describes an appearance, manifestation, or revelation of someone important arriving amongst the people. The word “Epiphany” has been used for the last two thousand years to describe God coming closer to the people, revealing himself in his Son, Jesus. The Feast of the Epiphany (on the 6th January) celebrates the Wise Men from the East recognising Jesus for who he is, and giving him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In the final verse of the hymn, “In the bleak mid-winter”, we hear the words: “What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man I would do my part, yet what I can I give him - give my heart.”. We can focus today on the gift of GOLD, knowing that it represents what is special. Special jewellery is made from gold. “Hearts of Gold” has been a popular TV programme, celebrating how people with “hearts of gold” have helped others.

I can think of special people and things in my life that are GOLD for me. I can stand with the wise men and offer what I think is “gold” in my life: - my talents; - happy memories; - times when everything has gone well; - what I enjoy; - my friends; - times when someone has encouraged me; - what I look forward to.Let us prayLord, I give thanks for the “gold” in my life: for the people who are precious to me, for the happy memories I treasure, and for all that has been good over the years. May all that has been “gold” for me, remind me always to appreciate all who are part of my life. Inspire me, Lord, to live in such a way that I help to bring out the best in others. Amen.

Ms Mason

WORK EXPERIENCE MATTERSName: Matthew Huxley Tutor Group: 11AOWork Experience provider: Hi-Q RedditchDay to day activities: Changing tyres and repairing them.Skills developed: How to jack up a car.How to do an oil change.Learnt how to do puncture repairs on

tyres.Learnt how to change a car tyre.How to take a wheel off a car and put it back on.How to balance a wheelWhat did you enjoy/not enjoy? I enjoyed developing the skills necessary to become a tyre fitter and enjoyed being offered a Saturday job because they was impressed with the work I did.Did anything surprise you? How complicated it is to get the wheel balanced right.Explain whether your work experience has helped you think about your future career?Yes it has.What advice would you give to Year 10 students thinking about Work Experience?Even if you can’t get the work experience you wanted choose another one because it’s all experience that you can put on your CV.

CALENDAR 2017SPRING TERM 2017Monday, 9th January 2017 - Year 10 assessment weekMonday, 23rd January 2017 - Year 11 courses finished - mock examsMonday, 30th January 2017 - Year 9 assessment weekThursday, 9th February 2017 - Parents’ Evening Year 10Thursday, 16th February 2017 - Parents’ Evening Year 11FRIDAY, 17TH FEBRUARY 2017 - SCHOOL ENDS FOR THIS HALF TERM AFTER AFTERNOON SESSIONS MONDAY, 20th FEBRUARY - FRIDAY, 24th FEBRUARY 2017 - HALF TERMMONDAY, 27th FEBRUARY 2017 - SCHOOL REOPENSMonday, 27th February 2017 - Year 13 courses finished - mock examsMonday, 27th February 2017 - Fair Trade Fortnight commencesMonday, 6th March 2017 - Year 12 courses finished - mock examsFriday, 10th March 2017 - Lent Family Fast Day and Mrs Rugen’s 2nd anniversary prayer service

Thursday, 16th March 2017 - Year 13 Parents’ EveningMonday, 20th March 2017 - Year 11 coursework finishedFRIDAY, 7th APRIL 2017 - LAST DAY OF SPRING TERM, SCHOOL CLOSES EARLY AT 12.30PMMONDAY, 10th APRIL - FRIDAY, 21st APRIL 2017 - EASTER HOLIDAYSUMMER TERM 2017MONDAY, 24th APRIL 2017 - SCHOOL REOPENS FOR THE SUMMER TERMMonday, 24th April – Sunday, 30th April 2017 - German students visit host English students - exchange visitFRIDAY, 26th MAY 2017 - SCHOOL ENDS FOR THIS HALF TERM AFTER AFTERNOON SESSIONSMONDAY, 29th MAY - FRIDAY, 2nd JUNE 2017 - HALF TERMMONDAY, 5th JUNE 2017 - SCHOOL REOPENSMonday, 12th June 2017 - Year 9 assessment weekMonday, 19th June 2017 - Year 10 assessment weekMonday, 26th June 2017 - Year 12 assessment weekSaturday, 15th to Friday, 21st July 2017 - Nice Music Tour and Bad Neustadt Exchange VisitTHURSDAY, 20th JULY 2017 - LAST DAY OF SUMMER TERM - SCHOOL CLOSES AT 12.30PMFriday, 21st July 2017 - INSET DAY - school closed to students

WINNING REVIEWOlaf Wala in Year 9 has been awarded for his review of the Spiderman film. Olaf left his winning review on the Into Film Club website and won the prize of a Star Trek DVD, pen and certificate. Olaf also featured in the local newspaper for his reviewing success. He wrote the review in his own time and clearly has a passion for Film. Well done Olaf. Mr Hutchison

MEDAL FOR GREAT SERVICEOn 1st January, Sixth Former Joseph McAuliffe, received his Silver St Stephen's Medal for being an Altar Server for 10 years. This medal is awarded by the Guild of St Stephen which was founded in England in 1904 by Fr Hamilton McDonald when he formed a Society of Altar Servers at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in London. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian Church and the enemies of the Church of Jesus were furious to see how

successful Stephen's preaching was. When he scolded his enemies for not having believed in Jesus, they stoned him to death outside the city

of Jerusalem, making him the first martyr. He is the patron saint of Altar Servers because he was the first person to give up his life to serve God. Normally Altar Servers who are receiving a medal (Bronze - 1 year, Silver - 10 years, or Gold - 25 years) will receive it on the Feast of St Stephen on 26th December.A big Congratulations Joe, From Ms Mason and Mrs O’Connor

ATTENDANCE2nd - 6th January 2017ATTENDANCE WEEKLY TARGET 2016-2017 - 96%

YEAR 9 - 93.8%YEAR 10 - 96.5%Year 11 - 96.5%

TOTAL - 95.6%Excellent attendance Year 10 and 11 Miss Bird, Attendance Officer

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHYIt is with deep sadness that we send our condolences to the family of Mr Nicholson, The Head of Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School in 1974, who passed away on the 9th December at the age of 93.A service will be held on Monday 9th January at St Augustine’s Church in Solihull at 10am.May our Lord bless and comfort the family of Mr Nicholson during this time of grief.

SKI TRIP INFORMATIONDRY SLOPE LESSONSIn preparation for the School ski trip, dry slope skiing lessons have been booked for students at Ackers Adventure – Birmingham (Dry Slope). Lessons are highly beneficial in getting students familiar with wearing skis and boots. They will grasp basic snow plough turns and learn to control their speed. This will save valuable time, giving them confidence and a great head start to their skiing experience once they are in Austria. These sessions are aimed at those who have little or no ski experience, and are unable to link snow plough turns. There will be two sessions which are both two hours long:Monday 9/1/17 5.30-7.30 pmMonday 16/1/17 5.30-7.30 pmStudents will leave school at 4pm (students should bring their change of clothes/equipment with them to school on the day) and will return at approximately 8.15pm. They will need to bring with them gloves, long ski socks, jacket and comfortable trousers.Any problems see Mrs Humphries

Joe and Father Tony

STARS OF THE WEEK YEAR 9

Year 9 Stars of the Week are: Aimee Parsons 9MU & Jack Churchill 9TG for being the highest point scorers this week – Great start

to the term.Ms Mason

YEAR 10Year 10 Stars of the Week are:

Mateusz Tarazewicz for a great start to class charts this week.

YEAR 11Stars of the Week for Year 11:

all Year 11 students for efforts and attendance on Tuesday 3rd January. Well done!Mrs Gribben

GENERAL MATTERSLOST PROPERTYCurrently we have the following items in lost property:X5 BAGSX1 COATX1 HOODIEX1 HAIRBRUSHX2 DRINKS BOTTLESWe also have a number of keys, memory sticks and pencil cases.If you have misplaced any of the above items, kindly come to the main office to reclaim your possessions Mrs Evans

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(Webheath, Crabbs Cross, Astwood Bank & Feckenham)

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January’s PACT Meeting / Surgery Dates

Salvation Army Store, Crabbs Cross: Date TBC Foregate St, Astwood Bank: Date TBC

Lea Croft Community Centre, Crabbs Cross: Date TBC Village Hall, Heathfield Rd, Web Heath: Weds 18th, 6-7pm

**WELCOME** PC Paul Downes will be joining the South West & Rural SNT in January. He will

be replacing PC Waterhouse as the Safer Neighbourhood Officer

How To Contact The Team

PC Richard Waterhouse After 30 years on the beat, 24 of which have been on Redditch South West & Rural, Rich Waterhouse will be retiring on 4th January 2017.

A much respected officer and colleague, Rich joined West Mercia Police at the age of 19. During his Service, he has been awarded 4 Chief Constable’s Commendations, was West Mercia’s Local Police Officer of the Year and also represented West Mercia at the National Police Officer of the Year Award in 2009.

Rich has dedicated much of his service to helping youngsters, and given many hours of his own time through his long standing involvement with the Ditch Youth Club - “When someone comes up to me on the street and thanks me for something I did years ago, that’s what makes it worthwhile”

A keen musician, Rich has also managed the West Mercia Police Band, playing along on his beloved Euphonium. Commenting on his 30 years, Rich said, “It has been a real privilege to serve this community and I have worked with some fantastic people over the years, both police, partner agencies and from our community. I hope that along the way I hope I have been able to make some positive differences”.

Rich hasn’t decided yet where his future lies, but he will be continuing his work with the Ditch Project and the West Mercia Police Band.

We wish him all the very best in his retirement !!

COMMUNITY MESSAGING SERVICE 

A key goal of West Mercia Police is to work as closely as possible with our communities. To achieve this, we encourage a flow of information with those who provide an extra set of eyes and ears in our neighbourhoods  by way of the Community Messaging Service. 

For further information and also how to register, please use the link below. 

www.westmercia.police.uk/register

PRIORITIES 1) Vehicle Crime

2) Burglary Offences 3) Youth Engagement

Follow us on Twitter @

www.twitter.com/RedditchCops

Non Emergency Phone Calls: 101

(In an emergency always call 999)

rswr.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Officers for your area:

PC 3583 Downes PCSO 6230 Rainbow

PCSO 40213 Handford

The Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme adopted by police services and other agencies across the country. It is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of a person with Dementia or other mental vulnerability going missing For further info:- www.westmercia.police.uk/article/20154/The-Herbert-Protocol

STEPPING FORWARD THE CAREERS BULLETIN FOR

ST.AUGUSTINES

Important Dates:

UCAS - Application Deadline 15th January 2017

Eversheds LLP - Law Degree Apprenticeship Closing 15th January 2017

Wates Group - Several building related Degree Apprenticeships Closing date 31st Jan

EEF Technology - Engineering Apprenticeship Recruitment Open Event 11th Feb 2017

Kennedy Law - Adv and Degree apprenticeships Closing Date 28th February 2017

Severn Trent - Advanced apprenticeships. Closing Date 1st April 2017

Capgamini - Degree Apprenticeships Closing Date 2nd April 2017

Useful Websites: Exploring ideas, interests and skills www.nationalcareersservicedirect.gov.uk www.icould.com www.bfi.org.uk - British Film Industry runs a national programme offering hands-on filmmaking. Apprenticeships www.apprenticeships.gov.uk www.notgoingtouni.co.uk Higher Education www.ucas.com www.university.which.co.uk www.whatuni.com

Stepping Forward I ssue No. 3 Date: 3rd Jan 2017

Daniel Tehan is in school every Friday.

@ ST AUGUSTINES

New Opportunities and Openings:

Mechatronic Productions System Ltd. The apprentice will train as a Multi skilled

production systems technician. After your basic training at level 2 you will continue to be

trained by the company in this work role, allowing you to gain level 3 qualifications through your

work role.You will work in all technical departments of the business, including the building of

machines andElectrical integration. You will have or be expecting to achieve GCSE grade B in

Maths, Science & C grade English. Or equivalent qualifications. Along with a good standard of

general education. Closing Date 24th April 2017

Arcelormitted Tailored Blanks Birmingham Ltd. You will be highly trained to work in

the world of manufacturing, the initial training will be broad based leading to a first appointment

as a multi skilled maintenance engineer. You will work towards a Btec Level 3 Technical

Certificate and NVQ L3. Your basic engineering skills training will take place at EEF Technology

Centre. Qualifications required are minimum five GCSE C grades including maths, English and

Science. Closing date is 19th February 2017

DWP LLP. The Paralegal Trailblazer Legal Apprenticeship are a fantastic opportunity for

ambitious school leavers or people looking for a new career in the legal sector.

Legal Apprentices will work towards achieving a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard,

which will be taught by BPP and we will cover all training costs. As well as good academics, you

must have excellent communication skills, an eye for detail and the ability to follow instructions

and be able to work well as part of a team. Closing date 31st July 2017

Kennedys Solicitors. Paralegal Apprenticeship. A levels are required. Fantastic opportunity to

work towards level 7 qualifications. Closing date 28th February 2017

Interested in apprenticeships search and register on National Apprenticeships Service go to

website www.apprenticeships.gov.uk If interested in a particular industry then check relevant

company websites is see if they are recruiting apprentices.

Eversheds Llp Law apprenticeship for Year 13 leavers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a Global Law Firm. You

will study towards a level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, qualifying as

a solicitor at the end of the programme. After the six year

apprenticeship programme, the successful candidates will be given

the opportunity to qualify into an area of law that they wish to

specialise in. Minimum of 3 B grades from three highest A Levels

(or the UCAS point equivalent) excluding General Studies, in

addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including a grade B in

both English and Maths. Closing Date 15th January 2017

NHS AAT Finance Management. After successful completion of

the first two years, apprentices can choose to apply for a place on

the fast track graduate management training scheme, where you

will have the opportunity to study for a further three years

towards a professional accountancy qualification. A levels

required. Closing date 9th January 2017

Year 11s College open events are taking place during this Spring Term.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Daniel Tehan is

available every Friday during breaks to help students complete

applications forms.

Future Events. Worcester Skills Show: the event will be held at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, and will run from 9am-3.30pm for schools and then 4pm-7pm for members of the public. The event will provide Worcestershire's future workforce with the opportunity to meet employers from key employment sectors and experience "Have A Go" style activities.

Saint Augustine’s CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE PRINCIPAL: A F QUINN BA (HONS) NPQH THE SUNDAY TIMES: Top 500 Schools

DfE: Top 100 Schools

Stonepits Lane Hunt End Redditch Worcestershire B97 5LX 01527 550400 www.st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk saints@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk

A Division of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Company - Company Number: 9064485

A Christ centred learning community committed to the development of the whole person

4th January 2017 The Doctors Show Dear Parent/Carer I am pleased to inform you that we will be running a visit to the Palace Theatre, Redditch, on Tuesday, 14th February 2017 to watch a performance of The Doctors Show. This show is aimed at Year 10 students, the show will provide the opportunity for students to revise the Medicine Through Time unit of the History GCSE in the ‘exam busting workshop’. The Doctors Show is performed by School History Scene, and exerts of the show can be seen here: www.schoolhistoryscene.co.uk/the-doctors-show.asp We will be travelling to the Theatre via Coach, leaving school at approximately 9.30am and returning at around 1.00pm The cost of the visit is £13 which covers transport and a ticket for the show. There are 50 places available for Year 10 History students and places will be secured by the first 50 students to return the reply slip below with full payment. Deadline for payment is Friday 10th February 2017. Slips and payments can be handed in at the main office during break and lunchtimes. If you have any further queries do not hesitate to contact me on rosep@st-augustines.worcs.sch.uk Yours sincerely Mr P Rose Humanities SLE Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School – Palace Theatre trip, The Doctors show – Tuesday 14th February 2017 I hereby give my permission for my child …………………………………. Form……….. to attend the trip to Redditch Palace Theatre to see The Doctors Show on Tuesday 14th February 2017.

I have paid £13 on ParentPay Signed: ……………………………………..(Parent/Carer) Date……………………………

Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School  

Spring Term 1: Extra‐Curricular Programme 

  MONDAY  TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY Before School  

 8.15am‐8.50am 

      Basketball Club 11& Sixth Form (Girls) 

Mr Owen 

Badminton Club  (All years welcome)  

– Sports Hall  

Lunchtime   

Year 9&10: Boys/Girls Indoor Football Sports Hall Mr Murphy 

Year 9 &10 Basketball  (Boys) 

Sports Hall Mr Hutchinson 

  

GCSE PE – Aerobics   Small Hall 

Mrs Humphries  

Year 11 Football –  Sports Hall Mr Murphy 

Smash Up for Badminton Club 

(All years welcome) – Sports Hall 

 

After School  

 4 – 5pm 

Year 9/10 Girls Basketball Club Sports Hall 

Mrs Humphries  

Year 9/10/11 & Sixth Form  Boys Training Night  

See Mr Murphy for details 

Basketball/Football/ Rugby Fixtures 

 Fitness Club (Boys/Girls) 

All years welcome Mr Owen 

Basketball/Football/ Rugby Fixtures 

  

Basketball/Football/ Rugby Fixtures 

 Trampolining –  

All Years External Coach, 

 Small Hall  

 

    Girls Basketball – Year 9 &10 Mrs HumphriesGirls Football – Mrs Humphries 

Girls Basketball ‐  Year 11 and Sixth Form Mr Owen Football – Year 9, 10 & Sixth Form ‐ Mr Murphy 

Year 11 – Mr Ross Rugby – All years ‐  Mr Murphy 

Boys Basketball ‐ Year 9 – Mr Hutchinson Year 11 – Mr Ross 

Year 10 & Sixth Form ‐ Mr Murphy

 

After February Half Term there will be different activities offered. If there is anything you would like to be offered please speak to one of the PE department – Mrs Humphries, Mr Ross, Mr Murphy or Mrs Waite.