Week ending Friday 14th February 2020 Inspiring Ambition, Achieving Excellence

Dear Parent/Carer,

Last week’s Gospel encouraged us to share our talents - “You are like light for the IMPORTANT NOTICES: whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they MEDICAL/DENTAL will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5 : APPOINTMENTS 14-16).

That is exactly what we did this week as we saw to full effect the results of many Whilst we would encourage parents to months of rehearsing for the school production, “Little Shop of Horrors”. As I make your daughter’s medical/dental watched the show, it struck me how fortunate we are as a school to have students appointments outside of school hours, with such a wide range of talents given to them by God. The actors, singers and we appreciate this is not always dancers were absolutely amazing, but what some people didn’t notice was that possible. However, if you have to take there were also people backstage who were quietly displaying skills of good your daughter out of school for such an planning, technical ability, and sometimes sheer patience too. Very many thanks appointment, evidence MUST be to all the teachers, members of staff and students who took part and made it such provided by way of appointment card a memorable show. Hopefully, all can now have an evening off tonight and if they etc., and only a reasonable amount of wish, mark St Valentine’s day with a nice dinner and a movie! time to attend the appointment will be authorised. Please do not expect to take Year 11 quietly marked their last day of prefecting today and will hand over duties your daughter out of school for a whole to Year 10. They have also taken home their PPE revision guides to help them plan day. for their final mock exams in March before the GCSEs start in May. It was also the last day for our two trainee teachers, Mr Day and Miss Makinde. We thank them In exceptional cases where for their work here this half term and wish them well in their future careers. appointments are far away, please speak to the school and this will be taken into School breaks up today for half term. We return to school on Monday 24th consideration. February to another busy week. We will mark Ash Wednesday with a service of Mrs C Smith ashes at 1pm and on Thursday 27th February we will welcome parents of Year 9 to their annual parents’ evening from 4-7pm. STUDENT ABSENCE

Before that, we wish everyone well and hope you all have a relaxing break. Some lucky pupils will certainly have an enjoyable time having left yesterday evening on We are seeing an increasing number of the school ski trip to Italy. Bon voyage and have fun! students taking a day’s absence due to menstrual pain. Whilst we are Happy half term to all! sympathetic towards their plight, we are concerned over the amount of school Paul O’Hanlon they are missing. Assistant Headteacher We would like to remind parents that you can send your daughters into school

with relevant pain relief which can be Students return to school for 8:25am on Monday 24th February 2020! kept in the General Office – a form will need to be completed for this purpose.

We would like to remind parents and carers to be mindful and respectful of We advise that your daughter takes her our neighbours when dropping and picking up your children at the start and pain relief at home before school which, end of the school day. We would remind you that you can drop your children if necessary, can then be topped up in Bradleigh Avenue, and that it is good exercise for your children to walk the during the day by our staff in the General rest of the way to school. If you do have to drive down College Avenue, please Office. drive slowly and carefully, and do not obstruct driveways whilst your children Mrs C Smith alight the car. Many thanks. WOW! WHAT A SHOW!

Many congratulations to students, staff, and absolutely everyone involved in the magnificent performance over two nights of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’!! It was an amazing effort by all over many, many months and, wow, how it paid off! We have photos from the Wednesday night performance on this page and the Thursday night performance on the next….enjoy!

Mr & Mrs Eve, in the audience for Wednesday’s performance, said…

I just wanted to email and say how impressive the girls were in the production this evening. There was certainly a lot of talent on stage! I was also amazed by the scenery and general set design. It must have taken an awful lot of hard work by the teachers and students alike. Congratulations to everyone involved!

WOW! WHAT A SHOW!

Mrs Perry from Little Primary School, in the audience for Tuesday’s performance to primary schools, said…

I would just like to pass on our sincerest thanks for Many congratulations to the cast, directors and inviting us to today’s performance of Little Shop of all others involved in the production of Little Horrors – what a super show and what talent the Shop of Horrors. We thoroughly enjoyed last night’s performance which was very professional Convent is nurturing! We very much appreciate the and very entertaining. As they say, it had the kind invitation and our children haven’t stopped

Wow factor! enthusing (or singing the songs!)

Mr & Mrs Kyndt, in the audience for Thursday’s performance, said…

WORLD BOOK DAY – THURSDAY 5 MARCH U16’s FOOTBALL TEAM

REACHES SEMI-FINAL!

A very big well done to the Under 16’s Football team who successfully

managed to reach the semi-finals of the Cup.

They played Stanway School, in Colchester and headed over to there on

Monday 3rd February. World Book Day takes place on th Thursday 5 March, and we would The team played brilliantly and like to invite you to join us in helping unfortunately some decisions didn’t go your daughter to make the most of our way and we lost 2-0. this special occasion. Some standout players were Nancy Foy Nurseries, schools and libraries and Vanessa Adedeji, who battled hard across the UK celebrate World Book to try score. Day with a huge range of events and activities. We will be running events in the lead up to World Book Day with KS3 pupils producing a World Book Day exhibition Well done to the whole team for including research on their favourite authors, Literature from around the world getting so far in the competition and and re-designing a book cover for their favourite books. There will be a special against some very hard opposition. assembly on Friday, teachers’ ‘Favourite Reads’ displayed throughout the school, Mrs Edwards World Book Day Quiz and ‘Design a Book Token’ competition. In the week leading up to World Book Day, there will be events running every day in the library: MATHS INTERVENTION Monday: Debate Club presentation; Tuesday: Jack Petchey Speak Out workshop YEAR 11 for Year 10; Wednesday: Activities and games. On the day itself, there will be a costume parade and a DEAR event whereby the entire school will Drop Everything And Read for half an hour. Friday after school is Maths intervention from To add to the fun of the day, we invite all pupils and staff to dress up as their 3:20-4:20pm. favourite character from literature for a £1 donation*. Topic: Probability using tree/venn diagrams (Grade 6-8). Higher tier only.

Please make sure you come along! Mr Amenze

SCHOOL PROM ANNOUNCEMENT!

World Book Day celebrates the joy and value of books and reading, especially for We are pleased to young people. To help them get staarted on their reading journey, every child announce that despite receives a £1 World Book Day Token that can either be exchangd for one of TEN not reaching the full special £1 World Book Day books or used to get £1 off any book costing £2.99 or number of students more. You can find out more about the books at worldbookday.com/books. agreed with our venue, we will still be able to go ahead with the Prom at the You can join us in building your dauther’s enthusiasm for books well beyond World Hall on Tuesday 30th June 2020. Book Day by joining your local library if you are not yet members and encouraging your daughter to quiz regularly (if she is in KS3) using the Renaissance Learning You will need to hurry and pay your Accelerated Reading program. deposit if you now wish to attend as the final numbers will be confirmed next It is never too late to start your journey with books, and the benefits of reading week! Places are limited so hurry and are enormous – so we hope, like us, you will use World Book Day to celebrate with get your deposits in to secure your your daughter. place. Mrs Nyland Happy dress shopping! *money raised will be split between a donation to Readathon and providing new Mrs Brown books for the Library and the English Department. MATHS QUESTION OF THE HALF TERM (KS3 ONLY) JACK PETCHEY AWARD

WINNER – JANUARY Question 1:

Congratulations to our Jack Petchey Award winner for January 2020, Sara Limbu 11L. Sara was nominated for the award as follows:

“Sara is a helpful and kind individual. She is always dedicated to her studies and is always lending a helping hand to others. She is a prefect who is very effective in her role. She should receive this award Question 2: because she embodies our school values John, Paul, George and Ringo have their 12th, 14th, 15th and 15th birthdays today. and is a great example to others”. How many years will it be until l their combined age reaches 100? Mrs Barrett Answers please to Mr Amenze in Room 21 by Wednesday 26th February 2020. 5 Achievement points awarded to the correct answers! Mr Amenze BCCS ANNUAL CHARITY BALL

DEBATE CLUB 2020 The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (‘bccs’) is holding its Annual Charity Ball at The Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge on Saturday 7th March 2020 from 7pm to midnight. Tickets are on sale now, costing £55 per person, which will include a drinks reception and three course dinner along with a full evening of entertainment.

Guests will be seated on tables of 12, making it the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, family or colleagues, have a fantastic night out whilst raising vital funds for our work supporting children’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Please contact Julie as soon as possible to register your interest: 01268 784544/07912 277413/ [email protected]. BCCS

Ms Hill SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN AT GRAYS CONVENT

At Grays Convent our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Collis, and our Safeguarding Officers are Mrs Wells and Mrs Bishop. Students can contact any of our Safeguarding Team during the school day.

Worried about a child? You can phone or write to The MASH about your concerns. Phone immediately if you believe it is urgent.

 Thurrock MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding hub), Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL, Tel: 01375 652802.

 Emergency Duty Team (for out of hours) 01375 372468.

 Police Child Abuse Investigation Team 01277 266822 or call 999 if you are concerned a child needs immediate

protection.

 Childline 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk

 NSPCC 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk; www.facebook.com/nspcc

Mrs Collis

SAFER INTERNET DAY 2020 BCCS VITALITY LONDON 10K RUN!

Both KS3 and KS4 students took part in the Safer Internet Day activities all week at Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS) has several Grays Convent charity places for The Vitality London 10K run on Monday High School. 25th May 2020. This May bank holiday event has a lovely atmosphere and takes in many of London’s iconic landmarks, Students participated in activities surrounding keeping safe finishing in front of Buckingham Palace with all the event online in their PSHEC lessons. Students also learnt about the facilities, food and entertainment close by in Green Park. importance of keeping their accounts on private and consequences for their online behaviour in their Computer For each place, we ask for a pledge to raise a minimum Science lessons. sponsorship of £150 before Gift Aid.

Students are now able to: For further information, please contact Julie at • Recognise the difference between online and real [email protected] or phone 07912 277413. friends and understand that social media sometimes BCCS does not reflect real life. • Know from whom to get help and advice about online issues. • Identify helpful strategies to manage online issues and stress. Mr Burr

POPE FRANCIS’ TWEET OF THE WEEK

BRONZE AWARDS GCSE HISTORY

STUDENTS Congratulations to the following students who have successfully reached in excess of 200 achievement points. The students received their Bronze Assistant Headteacher’s certificate and badge in their Year assemblies.

Dominika Szepe 7.13 Selene Read 8L Dhyana Dave 7.24 Aoife Wood 8L Norah Mvududu 7.24 Danielle Cox 8M Andreea-Nicoleta Ibram 7.24 Isabelle Hughes 8M Faith Antwi-Ampadu 7.3 Sadrya Siddiqi 9D Sarah Anwar 7.34 Shaylei McLennon 9E Gabriele Emechete 7.34 Ella Polley 9E Parneet Gill 7.34 Emma Robson 9E Sharon Smith Hammond 7.34 Angel Adesokan 9L Caitlin Mayes 7.9 Alina Anwar 9L All History students have been emailed Mia Quilter 7.9 Jazmin Cook 9M revision booklets for the 4 topics we are Tilly Forrest 8E Deliza Mjekiqi 10L studying. Jessica Coulson Cardenas 8L Victoria Willaims 11D Christina Mohanakumar 8L Joy Akinterinwa 11L Remember the Webinars are also Timi Ogunbanjo 8L Tunu Ogunttimehin 11L available on the History section of the Student Area. We now have over 250 students who have received the Bronze award which is a fantastic achievement and with many more students almost reaching the 200 Get revising…….and happy half term. achievement points target. Mrs M Smith Mrs Bishop SO LONG, FAREWELL…

FIRST COMMEDIA DELL'ARTE WORKSHOP

…so sad to see you go! On Friday 7th February we had our first commedia workshop with Bernadette, a professional, trained leader of the Commedia Arts. We began the workshop with introducing ourselves and familiarising ourselves with the history of commedia dell’arte. Everyone was excited to learn new skills and develop previous ones. We learnt new skills and once we mastered them, we added layers and were able to perform in front of each other. Taking a quick break, we came back energised and continued to work on presenting comedy through a range of emotions.

After lunch, we started to develop our gromalot (a style of language used in satirical theatre) this was really fun but challenging. In general the workshop was a great experience and we are all looking forward to our next one. Today sees the final duties of our Year Tryphena Williams 8L & Ama Donkor 8D 11 prefects who have for the last year, chivvied students along in corridors, helped with subjects, represented the school in a variety of different ways and CATERING & HOSPITALITY TASTER DAY been excellent ambassadors showing to all and everyone leadership skills, community spirit and service. We send th On Friday 7 February, Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation and you off with our thanks for your hard Nutrition students attended South Essex College, Grays, for a work and support and wish you all the Catering and Hospitality taster day. The students had three best in your exams. workshops: Mocktail Making Kitchen, where they mixed fruit juices to create a new drink; Silver Service Waves, where they Year 10 begin their perfecting on return learnt how to set a table correctly and carry multiple drinks to school and I hope that they can rely on a tray and lastly Cheesecake Kitchen, where they learnt how to make a on you to ensure a smooth hand over. cheesecake. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away with an Miss Coughlan insight into the catering industry. Miss Caruana HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

You are chosen, precious and greatly loved by Jesus.

Have a very happy Feast Day and a lovely half term! God bless you, Miss Carson

CAFÉ BIBLE STUDY

Pope Francis is encouraging us all to read our Bible and has designated 2020 as the Year of the Word.

We would like to offer a CAFÉ Bible Study course for a small group of girls on Tuesdays after school until 4:30pm and are opening this opportunity initially to girls in Year 10 and Year 9. It is a sociable way of sharing the Word of God and will involve regular home Bible reading of short passages and reflection in preparation for each meeting. If your daughter would like more information or would like to join the group, please see the Chaplain. When we have formed a group a letter will be issued to parents with the dates of the meetings. Miss Carson FIXTURE TRACKER

Date Team Opposition Venue Outcome 26/09/19 Y9 Netball (Essex Cup) William Edwards Home Lost 21-14 26/09/19 U16 Netball (Essex Cup) William Edwards Home Won 42-18 30/09/19 U14 Football Sydnel Russel Away Lost 6-2 01/10/19 U16 Netball Gable Hall Away Won 20 -17 03/10/19 Y9 Netball Gable Hall Home Won 21-9 09/10/19 Y10 & Y11 Athletics Indoor East Cup Lee Valley Won Round 11/10/19 U16 Football Mayfields (Essex Cup) William Edwards Won 6-0 16/10/19 Y10 & Y11 Athletics East England Cup-( Final) Lee Valley WON!! 16/10/19 Y8 Netball Harris OCKENDON Home Won 9-3 22/10/19 Y8 Netball William Edwards Home They postponed (03/03) 6/11/19 U16 Netball Harris OCKENDON Home They postponed 12/11/19 Y8 Netball St Clere’s A & B Away vs A: lost 14-8 vs B: Lost 9-3 14/11/19 U16 Netball RALLY Away 2nd, Regional Qualified 19/11/19 Yr9 Netball RALLY Hassenbrook 3rd Overall 20/11/19 Yr8 & Yr9 Athletics Indoor East England Cup Lee Valley Qualified 26/11/19 U16 Netball St Cleres A Home Lost 13-9 25/11/19 U16 Netball Gateway Home Won 22-14 28/11/19 U16 Netball St Cleres B team Away Won 22-19 28/11/19 Y7 Football Rally Gable Hall School 3rd 02/12/19 Y7 Netball Gateway Away They Postponed (27.01.20) 03/12/19 U16 Netball Hassenbrook Away Won 11-9 04/12/19 Yr9 Netball Brentwood Ursuline Away Lost 32-16 05/12/19 Yr9 Netball St Cleres Away We Postponed (06.02.20) 05/12/19 U16 Football King Johns School (Essex) Away Won 7-1 09/12/19 Year 9/10/11 Football Gable Hall Away Won 2-1 10/12/19 Y7 Netball Hassenbrook Away Lost 2-3 11/12/19 Yr8 & Yr9 Athletics Indoor Cup (Semi) Lee Valley Came 7th 16/12/19 Year 7/8 football Gable Hall Home Lost 3-1 17/12/19 7/8/9/10 Cricket Festival Newham College Came 2nd 17/12/19 Yr7 Netball Ormiston Park Academy Away Lost 3-2 18/12/19 U16 Netball Woodlands School Home Lost 32-17 14/01/19 U13 Cricket Festival County Ground Came 2nd 20/01/19 U13 Cricket Festival Leyton Cricket Hub Won Match 23/01/20 Yr9 Netball Gateway Away They postponed(05/03/20) 27/01/20 Y7 Netball Gateway Away We postponed 28/01/20 Yr8 Netball Gateway Away We postponed 29/01/20 Yr7 Athletics Indoor East England Cup Lee Valley 03/02/20 U16 Football Essex Cup Quarter final Away 05/02/19 Yr7 Netball Harris OCKENDON Away 06/02/20 Y9 Netball St Cleres St Cleres 07/02/20 U13 & U15 Cricket Vs Robert Clack (leave 2:10) Away 25/02/20 Yr8 Netball RALLY Hassenbrook 26/02/20 U15 Cricket Festival County Ground 26/02/20 Yr7 Athletics Indoor Cup (semi) Lee Valley 02/03/20 Y7 Netball Robert Clack (friendly) Home 03/03/20 Yr7 Netball William Edwards Away 03/03/20 Y8 Netball William Edwards Away 04/03/20 Yr7 Athletics Indoor Cup (semi) Lee Valley 05/03/20 Yr 9 Netball Gateway Academy Away 09/03/20 Yr7 Netball Harris Home 11/03/20 Yr7 Athletics Indoor Cup (Final) Lee Valley 12/03/20 Yr7 Netball Harris RIVERSIDE Away 19/03/20 Yr7 Netball St Cleres Home 24/03/20 Yr7 Netball Gable Hall Away 26/03/20 Yr7 Netball RALLY Hassenbrook EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLE FROM FEBRUARY HALF-TERM TO EASTER

KEY DATES, TRIPS & EVENTS

Friday 14th February School finishes at 3:10pm Whole School Monday 17th to Friday 21st Half Term Whole School February Monday 24th February Return to School for 8:25am (Week 2) Whole School Year 10 Prefecting commences Year 10 Monday 24th February Y7 PSHEC/Careers Day Year 7 Thursday 27th February Year 9 Parents’ Evening 4-7pm Year 9 Monday 2nd March Year 10 Head Girl Applications Open Year 10 Tuesday 3rd March PPE MFL Speaking Examinations All Day PPE MFL Speaking Examinations All Day Wednesday 4th March GCSE Drama Component 2 Examination All Day Thursday 5th March World Book Day Whole School Friday 6th March CAFOD Lent Fast Day Whole School Tuesday 10th March Year 6 Friendship Afternoon – Gold Ticket Year 6 Friday 13th March Year 10 Head Girl Applications Close Year 10 Friday 20th March Year 10 Head Girl Hustings Year 10 Friday 27th March Year 10 Head Girl Elections Year 10 Tuesday 31st March Year 9 Options Evening Year 9 Wednesday 1st April Year 11 Group Photographs Year 11 Thursday 2nd April Year 7 Parent’s Evening Year 7 Friday 3rd April School breaks for Easter Holiday Whole School Monday 6th April to Easter Holiday Whole School Friday17th April Monday 20th April Return to School for 8:25am (Week 2) Whole School Tuesday 21st April GCSE Home Language Speaking Examinations All Day Wednesday 22nd April GCSE Spanish Speaking Examinations All Day Thursday 23rd April GCSE Spanish Speaking Examinations All Day Monday 27th April GCSE French Speaking Examinations All Day GCSE French Speaking Examinations All Day Tuesday 28th April GCSE Textiles Examination All Day GCSE French Speaking Examinations All Day Wednesday 29thApril GCSE Textiles Examination All Day GCSE French Speaking Examinations All Day Thursday 30th April GCSE Art Examination All Day Friday 1st May GCSE Art Examination All Day Monday 4th May GCSE Photography Examination All Day Tuesday 5th May GCSE Photography Examination All Day Monday 11th May GCSE Written Examinations Commence All Day Wednesday 24th June GCSE Written Examinations Finish All Day