October 2018 October 2016 Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome to our first newsletter of the term. It gives an insight into how our students “live life to the full”. The new Year 7 students are already flourishing as they embrace the school motto, “Luceat Lux Vestra”.

During this month of the Rosary, we looked forward to the “Valley Mass”, a celebration with our seven feeder primary schools and Bishop John which all were welcome to attend.

To our prospective Year 6 parents who filled the school on our Open Evening, we welcome all students to the only faith school in the Valley. We continue to be the only feeder school to two nationally recognised Sixth Form Colleges, St Mary’s, Blackburn and Holy Cross College, Bury.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that we said farewell to Joanne Jeffers. Her dedication and love of All Saints’ will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.

Yours faithfully,

Mr McNally Headteacher

RE & Chaplaincy News

It’s been another busy start to the new school year in the RE Department. The department has moved its location and is now more central to the school and has two new classrooms. We have welcomed Miss Barks to the RE department and our new Year 7 students.

Open Evening was a great success; many thanks to the parents and pupils who visited us and had a good game of ‘Religious Studies Play Your Cards Right’. It was wonderful to see so many potential pupils and parents.

The Pupil Chaplaincy team is up and running and had an active part in the preparation for our first Valley Mass in October in the school hall where we welcomed Bishop John to All Saints’ to celebrate Valley Mass with us joined by Canon McBride, Canon Lupton and our Parish Priests. We also welcomed our feeder Primary schools once again, to celebrate as a Valley Community. Pupils from the Catholic schools were commissioned as chaplains for their schools by Bishop John.

Places for Castlerigg are filling up quickly; we will be visiting from 3rd-5th April 2019. The trip is open to Year 10 and Year 11 pupils since so many were eager to attend again after visiting last year. We look forward to another successful retreat in April.

A reminder that MAD group takes place in F1 with Miss Barks. There has been a brilliant uptake with this, pupils in MAD group will be taking the lead in our fundraising activities throughout the academic year. They have just led the harvest food collection for RAFT, to which we received approximately 350 tins/packets for our local food bank. Well done everyone.

Mr A Sidlow CL Religious Studies

Valley Mass

On Wednesday 17th October we were joined by Bishop John to celebrate our first Valley Mass of the school year. Bishop John was our main celebrant and he was joined by Canon McBride, Canon Lupton and Fr Boast. The hall was packed with staff, pupils, parents and Governors of all the Valley schools. Many thanks to St Mary's, for their welcome, to St Peters and Our Lady & St Anselm’s for taking the lead on our first and second readings, to St Mary's, for the responsorial psalm, to St Veronica's for the Gospel Acclamation, St James the Less and All Saints’ for the bidding prayers and to St Joseph's, Stacksteads for leading the offertory.

GIFT teams from all schools were asked to create their own school candle and these were presented at the offertory as a sign of our role as missionary disciples in our valley community. All the candles were beautifully decorated. We also made a display of some of the work that goes on

in our schools. Bishop J ohn was able to see all the wonderful things that take place in our schools.

Mass ended with the presentation of two Bene Merenti medals for services to Education to long standing members of the Governing body Mr Arthur Marriott and newly retired, Mr Noel Hoyle. Mrs Sullivan from St Peter's and Mrs Griffin from St Veronica's received their Eucharistic Ministers certificate and we had a commissioning of the new Pupil Chaplains from all the Valley Schools. Thank you to Miss

Padwell and Mrs Starkie for the music an d particular thanks to Caitlin and Ruby in Year 9 for serving at the Mass.

Thank you to all who attended - it was a wonderful celebration. The next Valley Mass is on 27th March 2019 here at All Saints'.

Mr A Sidlow CL Religious Studies

Other School News

Library All Saints’ library is now open for business! During the summer holidays, the school library books were laboriously hauled from Room 10 down to Room 1 along with all the shelving. The start of term saw the library as nothing more than a mountainous mass of unshelved and unordered fiction and non-fiction texts. Now however, with the help of several dedicated members of staff, the books are ordered and shelved and the library is up and running. While there is still a long way to go before the library reaches its full potential, students can now borrow/return books at break times and lunchtimes. The Library will also be open Monday - Thursday from 2:40 until 3:10pm (for children to exchange books have some quiet reading time) with Mrs Richardson

In the next few weeks, it is expected that there will be new furniture for the library, a computerised booking system and longer opening hours so students will be able to use this inviting and relaxing space before and after school, as well as being able to peruse the library catalogue at their leisure. These, of course, are only a handful of the services that will be available so keep a look out for Library News in All Saints’ newsletters for updates.

Mrs C Bennett, Teaching Assistant Changes to After School Clubs The Library will be open Monday - Thursday from 2:40 until 3:10pm (for children to exchange books have some quiet reading time) with Mrs Richardson. Homework club will be Monday - Thursday from 2:40 until 3:30pm with Mrs Hargreaves in the study.

Free School Meals & Pupil Premium – Are you entitled? If you think you might be entitled to Free School Meals for your child, there are several reasons why you should apply: Eating a nutritious meal at lunchtime has important health and educational benefits for children, can improve their diet and increase their concentration during afternoon lessons and can potentially decrease health inequalities. For every pupil registered with the council as eligible for free school meals, the school will receive additional funding in the school budget called Pupil Premium (worth over £900 per child) which is used to help raise achievement levels. The current daily Free School Meal allowance is £1.95 and there are numerous combinations of food available from our school canteen. Pupils can choose from a hot main meal including wraps, pasta, jacket potatoes, soup, salads and a piece of fruit or dessert. Use of the cashless catering system in school enables your child to remain anonymous with the entitlement being added to the system each day. Any unspent allowance does not accrue the following day, so it is important that pupils are encouraged to take up the entitlement daily. Application forms and information can be obtained from the Local Authority Website -www..gov.uk. You can apply online, or simply ring your local Area Education Office (01254 220711 or 220714) with details of your name, date of birth and National Insurance number and an immediate on-line decision can be given.

Parent Governor Election Results We are pleased to announce, as a result of the recent Parent Governor Election Ballot, the re-election of Mr Jonathan Tomlinson who will now serve a four year term of office. The Governing Board very much appreciate the commitment that all applicants were prepared to make to the school and would also like to thank all parents who participated in the ballot.

Building Work & Parking Builders are currently on site to extensively refurbish pupil toilets and will be present into the New Year which will have implications with a reduction in the parking space available. During this building work we will not have room for parents to turn in the school staff parking area, therefore, we ask parents drop students off at the top of the road and please refrain from entering the school grounds by car. We thank you for your cooperation during this time.

Diary Dates 15th November 2018 7.00pm Certificate Evening

19th November 2018 6.00pm Friends of All Saints’ Meeting

22nd November 2018 5.00pm – 7.00pm Year 7 Parent / Form Tutor Evening

27th November 2018 5.00pm – 7.00pm Year 9 Parents’ Evening

5th December 2018 6.00pm – 8.00pm Joint Schools’ Advent Concert

18th December 2018 Lunch Christmas Dinner

21st December 2018 School Closes for Christmas

News from the PE Department

Year 10 & 11 Rossendale Schools’ Netball The Year 10 and Year 11 netball teams competed in the Rossendale Schools’ Netball Tournament at BRGS.

The Year 10 team, which consisted of, Nell Edmondson, (10MT) Holly Pegg (10MT), Hanna Nelson (10MT), Chloe Pilling (10R), Olivia Taylor (10R), Saskia Starkie (10R), Olivia Blomley (10MT) and Amelia Potts (10R) played exceptionally well. Although the girls lost their first game against BRGS, they came back fighting against Haslingden and Alder Grange, putting up two very good performances. The girls showed excellent communication and control and demonstrated a great level of sportsmanship.

The Year 11 team which consisted of Holly Freeman-Shaw (11MT), Maisie Stafford (11MT), Hannah Mayle (11R), Hana Riley (11MT), Casey Broadhurst (11MT), Leah Fleming (11T), Leah Butterworth (11R) and Poppy Fox (11A) used their skills taught in GCSE PE to put up an excellent level of competition against Haslingden High, Alder Grange and BRGS. The girls held their own against BRGS, only losing six goals to two. They then went on to draw against Alder Grange, wining against Haslingden’s B team, followed by another close loss to Haslingden’s A team. Each girl showed excellent determination and team work throughout the competition. Miss C Hill Physical Education Year 7 Football After good turnouts at the Year 7 football trials, the team got off to a disappointing start as they were comprehensively beaten by a strong Haslingden High School team. The team responded very well in their next fixture, battling hard and playing some lovely football, before eventually going down six-three to BRGS. Goal scorers were Tom Arnott-Gent (7MT), Lenny Coogan (7MT) and Anthony Thompson (7A). Jude Starkie (7T) has performed well in defence and Billy Partington- Duerden (7T) has made some super saves in goal. The lads will hope to build on their improved performance when they face Stretford Grammar School in the ESFA Small Schools’ Cup.

News from the PE Department continued…

Year 8 Football The Year 8 football team had a promising start to the season, narrowly losing four-two at Haslingden High School after leading for a long time thanks to a brace from Callum Thomas-Hardman (8T). Unfortunately, the lads failed to reach these performance levels as they were comfortably beaten by St. Wilfrid's and School in the Lancashire Cup and ESFA Small Schools’ Cup respectively. Jason Parkinson (8R) has been the team’s most consistent performer with some excellent defensive displays.

Year 9 Football The team has had a busy start to the season playing in four matches. The first of which was a friendly at Haslingden High School and despite a spirited display, the team lost a late lead eventually going down four-two with goals from Bradley Parker (9A) and Jack Patton (9A). Next up was a crazy game of schoolboy football. The team travelled to Bury Grammar School for an ESFA Small Schools’ cup match and found themselves five-nil within twenty minutes. To the team’s credit, they battled back brilliantly before eventually losing eight-six! Goal scorers for the Saints’ were Bradley Parker (2), Jake Hodgson (9R), Jack Thomson (9R), JJ Lewis (9A) and Jack Patton (9A). The next game was slightly more straightforward with a three-two home win against BRGS in a friendly. Man of the match Ethan Gordon (9A) was on the scoresheet alongside Lennox Bell (9A) with a superb 'knuckleball' free-kick from Louis Hartley (9R) proving to be the winner. The team unfortunately bowed out of the Lancashire Cup in round one against a strong Lytham High School team who were finalists last year. The Year 9 team deserve a special mention for the commitment and enthusiasm of players which has seen us fielding squads of seventeen players for some games. Kai Goodwin (9T) and Cameron Richens (9R) have also impressed when making their debuts. Keep up the good work lads! Year 10 Football The Year 10 football team are the only All Saints’ team to remain in the ESFA Small Schools' Cup after beating Whitworth four-three away in a thrilling encounter. Facing a strong wind in the first half, the team did well to come in trailing only two-one at the break thanks to an own goal after great play out wide by Jenson Jakovlevs (10T). The team then piled on the pressure and came out victorious, thanks to further goals by Spencer Cunniff (10A) and two for Jaydon Hoyle (10MT). The lads will now be looking for revenge against All Hallows from Salford who knocked All Saints' out of the same competition last season. The lads also produced a positive performance before losing six-four to Haslingden High School in an end-to-end game. Goal scorers for the Saints’ that night were Elliot Haworth (10A), Jenson Jakovlevs, Spencer Cunniff and Jaydon Hoyle. A special mention must go to Zak Ball (10R) who has stepped up as the team’s goalkeeper this season, coining the nickname 'Bally-Goalie', he has produced some excellent saves with his somewhat unconventional style of goalkeeping! Keep it up Zak!

News from the PE Department continued…

Year 11 Football The Year 11s have had a quiet start to the new season, partly due to receiving a bye in the Lancashire Cup, where they will play St. Christopher's after half term. In the ESFA Small Schools’ Cup the team lost six-one at home to St. Anne's, Rochdale, Alex Lyth (11MT) with a late consolation for the Saints. Despite playing some excellent football at times, the team failed to deal with the visitors’ aerial bombardment from set pieces and throw-ins. They are hoping to bounce back in the ESFA full schools’ competition where they host Penwortham Priory.

The turnout for both boys’ and girls’ extra-curricular clubs at lunch times and after school has been brilliant so far! Pupils need to keep their eye out for the new timetables for next half term! Keep up the great effort guys!

Mr M Parkes CL Physical Education

School Lunches

I hope all the Year 7 pupils have now settled in and are enjoying their school lunches. If you have yet to try a school lunch, why not give it a try? As winter approaches, try our homemade soup and bread roll, chicken tikka curry, or homemade potato pie and finish off with chocolate sponge and custard. Or, why not try our delicious Pasta King pots, Chicago Town pizzas or, if you prefer something cold, try our tasty fruit juice slush drinks - ‘Froozies’. These are just some of the nutritious meals that we serve in our friendly dining room.

This term we have also introduced Love Joes wraps; sub rolls filled with delicious and exciting flavours of fresh chicken such as barbeque, chicken tikka, Italian and more. Only £1.80 with salad and sauce!

If you’re in a rush, why not beat the queues and order your ‘grab bag’ during breakfast time? Just ask one of our helpful kitchen staff. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Mrs A Niven Catering Manager

Friends of All Saints’

FOAS are a group of volunteers who form an integral part of the school community. We help raise money which is spent on improving equipment and resources to enhance our children's education and the facilities in school in general.

We are much more than just a fundraising group, we also exist to provide closer links

between home and school, and it is an excellent way to bri ng staff, parents and friends together socially in support of the school, working towards a common goal. The FOAS operate a 200 Club which has a monthly draw and there are spaces available in this.

If you would like to get involved with The Friends of All Saints’ or would simply like to be kept informed about its activities, please email: [email protected]

Visit our website: www.allsaintshigh.lancs.sch.uk

Careers Fair & PSHE Day

On Thursday 18th October, every student took part in the All Saints’ Careers Day which was a drop down day dedicated to Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance.

Pupils were able to experience a range of career related activities from employer visits to mock interviews. Over twenty-five businesses, post- 16 providers and other institutions helped support the school in ensuring a really successful event. Highlights included a visit to the Royal Blackburn Hospital organised by East Lancs Hospital Trust Work Based Education Team. The Year 8 pupils who attended the visit got to see departments in the NHS that they had never seen before including the Electro Bio-Medical Engineering Department and the Hospital Sterilisation Department. Students really enjoyed the visit: Molly, Year 8 said ‘I enjoyed learning about parts of the hospital you don’t get to see or even think about. It was fun and I gained knowledge and ideas of the job I want in the future.’

Other Year 8 pupils visited Fire Station, Karl Mather Art Gallery, Ski Rossendale, BT Accrington and Tesco Haslingden as part of helping pupils understand what local career opportunities are available and to help them understand jobs and careers they may never have heard of before, or even considered.

Other highlights included a visit from ‘FutureU’, a university funded project delivered by the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. The project is aimed at encouraging young people to aim high and progress to university. The Year 9 pupils who took part got involved in fun, classroom based activities aimed at getting them to understand their own special skills and abilities and the jobs that would suit them in the future.

Year 10 pupils were visited by STEM First, a specially funded project aimed at getting young people interested in the STEM subjects and STEM related careers. Year 11 pupils took part in ‘Mock Interviews’ in preparation for college, sixth form and job interviews in the coming months.

The whole day concluded with a Careers Fair in the Sports Hall where parents were also invited to attend in the afternoon. Thank you to all who attended and supported the day. Mr C Mayes Assistant Headteacher

Your Child Needs You – Absences Add Up!

A big thank you for supporting your child and preparing them for future success. Our attendance so far has improved on last year. Attendance is our number one priority because it helps your child get better grades, develop healthy life habits and gives them access to opportunities that shape their future. Every day of absence adds up!

We have introduced many ways of encouraging and supporting you in making regular attendance a priority. There are meetings, postcards, also badges celebrating success. We appreciate children can be ill and absent for many reasons but please do not be offended if we are fervent in our desire to make sure that every child’s academic and social prospects are maximised. Congratulations to 7 Romero who have the best attendance so far to date!

Joanne Jeffers

On Thursday 6th September, All Saints’ staff past and present gathered to pay their respects and say farewell at the funeral of their wonderful friend and colleague Joanne Jeffers who sadly passed away following her battle with cancer. Joanne joined the Modern Foreign Languages department at All Saints’ in September 2001 and quickly settled in to the well-established department that would become her second home for the next seventeen years. In 2010 she was proud to become Head of the MFL department and during her time with us she made many firm friends amongst the school staff and was well known for her infectious smile, sense of humour and love of a good party! She was a much loved and valued member of the teaching staff in school and she will be sorely missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Paul, her daughter Millie and her son Jack. Rest in peace Joanne.

She had a warm, friendly smile and a word for everyone, and was a dedicated, hard-working, thorough professional. I know that the pupils and staff of the school will miss her teaching, her advice and above all her friendship. I was fortunate to be part of the Governors’ Panel that appointed Joanne to All Saints’. Mike Brennan, former All Saints’ Headteacher

The best day’s work I ever did at All Saints’ was to insist that the interview panel appoint Joanne. She was like a breath of fresh air. Dennis Farren, former Head of MFL

She was always such fun to be around. Terrific company and always up for a laugh. Trips to France and Germany were a joy when she was there. Martyn Loynd, School Governor and former Assistant Headteacher

We had some great times on Duke of Edinburgh camps, thinking of the trips we were on always raises a smile and reminds me what teaching is all about, how much of a great teacher she was and how many lives she touched while at the school, as well as being a good friend to me and many others here at the school. Terry Briggs, Head of Science