The of It

DECEMBER 2019

Mrs O’Neill Introducing Mrs Vivienne Qurrey says…. - our new Headteacher

We were all delighted to meet Ms Qurrey, our Headteacher Designate, who visited the school this

week and introduced herself to the girls and This term has been exceptionally busy staff at assembly. She is very much looking forward and am sure the to getting to know the girls, as well as our school over the coming staff, are ready for months before taking up a break. post next September.

My end of term letter will be on its way to you by the end of the week but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy some of our stories.

Carol Singing I wish you all a safe, happy and holy Congratulations to Chamber Choir who sang Christmas

Christmas. Carol’s outside Roomes in Upminster, raising £127.55 for our Christmas Chariti y, First Steps. God bless XXX Thanks to all those who have so generously supported them.

https://sacredheartofmary.net/

National Tree Week Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal Year 8

The RE department would like to say With help from The Tree Council and the gardening club team, Year 8 got a huge thank you to pupils the opportunity to plant beautiful new for participating once again in the Silver Birch trees at the front of the Operation Christmas Child school during CP. Shoebox Appeal.

Over 670 boxes were planned, packed After a very successful cake sale to and sealed for this very worthwhile raise funds for the trees, each form improved the soil around their tree and cause. True faith in action by the then planted it as a team. pupils of Sacred Heart of Mary. Well done girls for making Christmas special for others less fortunate than ourselves.

Year 9 A-level Film Studies

Live Poetry Reading Trip to 3 Mills Studios

The girls attended a poetry reading at the Queens Theatre, arranged as Year 12 and 13 Film Studies students visited 3 Mills Studios last month as part part of the Havering Literacy Festival. of Creative Careers Week. Kwame Alexander, an American poet The girls listened to talks by several and writer, delivered an inspirational and entertaining talk about his industry professionals from animation, cinematography and TV production. journey to becoming a published Afterwards they had a tour of the studios, writer. featuring the MasterChef set.

Staff Karaoke

Last week staff took to the stage to compete in a Karaoke Sing-A-Long to raise money for First Steps, our Christmas charity. The line-up included ‘The Spice Girl Wannabees’ and a rather ‘mature’ Boy Band as well as a duet by

Mrs Munday and Mrs Presland and renditions from Mrs Esposito and Mrs O’Neill! The winner was (inevitably) Mrs O’Neill…. (she is the Boss!) The verdict was that Mr ‘Crooner’ Austin was robbed !!

Year 13 Team Zanzibar! Sunday stroll Students and Teachers enjoyed a Sunday morning walk around London, reliving the drama of the English Civil War.

In July 2021, 15 students, Miss Munday and Miss Joyce will be going to Zanzibar!

Students will be volunteering with NGOs and the local community, as well as undertaking real ecological and environmental research.

Students will be fundraising over the course of the next two years to support the trip, and they attended a fundraising workshop with Global Action to help gain some ideas!

Science Live Year 10 The Triple GCSE Science cohort attended the Science Live exhibition where they were treated to talks from world renowned scientists Sir Robert Winstone and Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Eco-Committee

We announced the introduction of this new school inititaive in our

last newsletter, and are pleased to confirm that 14 girls, two from each year group, have been selected to sit on the Eco- Committee.

The committee members will take suggestions from their peers and decide which ideas are feasible and will allow us to make a difference to the environment. We will update you on the initiatives chosen to be implemented in future newsletters. We will also be sharing an Eco top-tip from in future newsletters. This half-term’s top tip comes from Hannah Kurien in 13C

If you have any leftover food or food that passes the ‘use by’ date, composting is an eco-friendly alternative to putting kitchen waste in the bin. Compost is decomposed organic material, like leaves, grass clippings and kitchen waste. The process of composting is hugely beneficial to the environment as it reduces the amount of food waste thrown away which in turn, reduces the amount of methane greenhouse gas. Furthermore, composting provides essential nutrients for plant growth and therefore acts as a fertiliser.

Careers Corner Ex-pupils share learning with current pupils

We have been fortunate to have had three ex-pupils visit us this term to discuss the employment opportunities available to pupils wishing to go straight into work after school.

Alexandria Nash, who now works at J.P. Morgan, presented to Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 pupils interested in finding out about apprenticeships in the Financial Services industry. Katrina Hayes (nee Bentley) visited us to speak about the School Outreach Initiative available at Morgan Stanley which aims to inform pupils, especially females, of the opportunities within Investment Banking and to better educate them on how the industry works. Tara Martin, a student from last year’s Year 13, came into school to share her personal learning and experiences from her job search last year. Tara successfully secured a place on a Level 4 Information Technology Apprenticeship with Sky. During her presentation Tara shared her experiences of both searching and finding apprenticeship opportunities which met her personal needs, the application and interview process and her experience of the first few months in her role. Many thanks to Tara for her time and effort. Other past pupils will be coming in after Christmas to provide similar Winterlearning andWonderland inspiration to the current sixth-formers. Hyde Park A group of year 12 and 13 girls visited Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park last week. The Ice skating was very popular and the Ice Kingdom depicting ice sculptures of ‘A Christmas Carol’ characters was quite amazing. Despite the wet start to the evening the weather cleared up and we all had a lovely time.

SPORTS NEWS

Borough Basketball Under 14 and under 16 basketball teams took part in the borough tournament. The under 16’s played well but found it difficult to score and therefore were eliminated from the competition.

The under 14’s showed amazing athletic ability and their skill and effort was outstanding; they won every game and will now represent Havering in the School Games Competition.

Netball

The under 14 Netball Team came runners up at the Borough round of the national schools netball

competition and have progressed through to the Regional round in January.

Both the under 14 and under 16 teams got knocked out of the Essex Cup competition in 2 close games. Under 14’s lost to Brampton by 1 goal! The Under 16’s lost to Anglo-Europeon by 5 goals. Both fixtures were away

and the journey definitely played a part in the defeats!

Inter-house Basketball Congratulations! Results from a keenly fought Jess Wright, from Year 10, basketball competition are; st was nominated by the 1 place: Thanet nd Essex FA to take part in the 2 place: Rievaulx rd English Schools FA U15 3 place: Lindisfarne th Girls International Selection 4 place: Whitby

Trial.

Jess went on to represent the English Schools FA South East Regional team against the South West Regional team, at Thatcham Town FC.

PTFA

HELP Next Meeting We would be very grateful if all families would commit to helping Wednesday 8 January 6.30pm the PTFA by offering to support at just one event during the All welcome school year. This could include: We are delighted to announce that, following November’s well

attended PTFA Meeting, a new Committee has been formed.  Helping out at the Spring Fayre Many thanks to the following parents who have volunteered to  Helping to organise an event take on Committee posts on the PTFA:  Donating raffle prizes (incl. Chair Person - Annamaria Opel services/vouchers for a business) Vice Chair - Renee Paris  Baking cakes or supplying Treasurer - Margaret Mangwende craft materials  Serving refreshments at an Secretary - Marcia Grell evening event We have also formed a subcommittee for the Spring Fete.  Helping at the Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner The PTFA plays a vital role in helping the school finance purchases that otherwise would not be possible and we are  Helping to organise an event always so grateful for the support of our school PTFA for In 2018/19 fund-raising enabled enabling these additional items to be made. the following purchases to be made: If you would like to learn more about how you may be able to help the PTFA please contact Kerry Jones;  The up-keep and insurance [email protected] of the school minibuses  Prize giving awards  The Christmas Tree  Founders’ Day Doughnuts

 The Year 13 Leavers Meal  Musical equipment  P.E. equipment Without the money raised by the efforts of those who support the PTFA none of these events or items would have been possible.A News

Cost free ways to support the PTFA Fundraising efforts:

Many companies offer employees the chance to boost their fundraising efforts by 'matching' the money they raise. It really is money for nothing, and we could double the amount of cash we raise with very little effort. If

your company offers this scheme would you please contact the PTFA Chairperson Kerry Jones at [email protected]

You could raise free donations whenever you shop online – all you need to do is register at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/invite/XCV46 - the shop then turns a percentage of what you spend into a donation for the PTFA.

Christmas Pop-Up Sale Our Christmas Pop-Up Sale was a huge success and raised £1,000. These funds will be used to purchase and install 2 new projectors. Many thanks to all our customers and the staff who ran the stall. A special thank-you to Mrs Jones who put so much hard work and effort into designing and producing all the merchandise.

You could be the next winner! Pay £10 per month to enter the monthly draw The winner takes 25% of the total membership fee taken that month The remaining 75% goes to the school If all 500 memberships were taken the winning ticket would Win up to £1,250 each month

Thank-you! To all families who have either already paid this year’s School Fund contribution in full or who have started making regular instalments via ScoPay. Your prompt payment really does make a difference.

As you are aware, school Finances are in crisis and we, like other schools, rely on our School Fund, other fundraising and personal contributions to survive. School Fund is £100 per family per year and is available to pay on Scopay as either a one-off payment or in instalments to suit your personal circumstances.

The Cashless Payment System which provides a faster, more efficient and convenient way to pay for school meals, school trips etc.

Please ensure that you regularly update your children’s account so there is sufficient money available to pay for school meals and other payments. Any queries please phone Mrs Jones or Mrs Kearney in the Finance Office 01708 222660

https://www.scopay.com

Key Dates for Next Term

Monday 6 January Spring Term commences Monday – 6 January Year 13 Mock A Levels Friday 10 January Wednesday 8 January PTFA Committee Meeting 6.30pm Tuesday – 14 January Year 8 Retreats at Walsingham House Friday 17 January Tuesday 14 January 5pm – 8pm Year 11 Parents’ Evening Friday 24 January PTFA Disco for Years 7 and 8 Monday 27 January Non-Contact Day (Holiday for pupils) Tuesday 28 January 5pm – 8pm Year 9 Parents’ Evening Wednesday 29 January 6pm – 7pm: Year 11 Parents’ Meeting re The Psychology of Revision Monday – 10 February Week of Prayer Friday 14 February Wednesday – 12 January Year 9 Revaxis & Me ACWY Vaccinations Thursday 13 January Friday – 14 February Year 11 History Trip to Berlin Monday 17 February Monday – 17 February Half-Term Friday 21 February