We are very proud to announce that our Year 10 Football Team have won the league.
They were in Division Two and have done very well in ensuring that they finished on top. Credit has to go to all the boys who represented the academy on a weekly basis and to Mr Tolley who has guided this team for many years.
Well done!
On the last day of the Lenten term St Edmund’s came together as a whole community to listen, watch and participate in our Lenten liturgy before we departed for our Easter Break.
The liturgy was based on the Stations of the Cross. The stations were performed with compassion and dignity by a group of students from all year groups . After each station we reflected on contemporary struggles recalling the struggles Jesus faced as he walked to Calvery. A candle was lit and we prayed together.
Accompanying our performers were St Edmund’s Academy choir, performing songs from ‘Born For This’ with an amazing solo from Abigail Caligong.
The message of Easter and the Resurrection was established today – the Lord died and Rose for us to take away our sins and set us free.
Pope Francis to the youth of today: ‘You matter and you are important’
In the last week of term, the Kenelm trust, Soli House team and visitors from America and Canada came to St Edmund’s to speak to students involved in Pope Francis’ Synod on youth. Last year our students had discussed what challenges and issues they face in today’s modern world as a child of faith. On this visit the team shared the Pope’s response to their questions and concerns in a new document ‘Christus Vivit’
The Pope highlighted the challenges that young people face offering this as a “letter from the father to his kids’. Pope Francis reminds us: ‘you matter and you are important, and the church think you are important’.
The students received feedback on the Pope’s message and the session finished with prayers and music.
On Thursday 14 March St Edmund’s Catholic Academy held the first ever Year 8 Careers Day. The Kristian Thomas Sports Arena was host to more than 25 professionals who kindly agreed to hold a stall, displaying tools for their profession, and engage in conversation with students sharing their career experiences.
Students had the opportunity to ask the stall holders many questions and seek advice on subjects they may need to choose for their options in year 9. Students then recorded the information in their books to note their aspirations for their future.
Special thanks to everyone who gave their time so generously to make the event a huge success.
Confirmandi
On Monday 4th March, five of our students, along with students from SS.Mary’s and John’s Catholic Primary took their Sacrament of Confirmation. The Mass was celebrated by the Rt Rev Bishop David McGough. Bishop David had spent the afternoon with the students talking to them about the strength of Holy Spirit.
The students renewed the promises, which were made on their behalf, by their godparents during baptism; and then Bishop David prayed for the candidates, while stretching his hands over them
Each candidate knelt before the Bishop with his or her sponsor. The sponsor placed their right hand on their shoulder while the Bishop anointed them with the oil of Chrism. During the anoint, the Bishop addressed each by his or her confirmation name saying, ‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit’
After the Mass they continued their celebrations in the church hall.
On Thursday 14th March 4 more of our students will be receiving their Confirmation at St Michaels Catholic Church in Penn, along with the students from St Michael’s Catholic Primary at 7 o’clock. The RT Rev Bishop MC Gough will be the celebrant once again.
The students have been working hard with Mrs Ferris after school and during their lunch to complete their spiritual preparation confirmation.
We ask that you keep these students in your prayers that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Last half term, twelve of our Debate Mate students competed in the first round of Debate Mate’s Urban Debate League. Students worked in teams of four to debate topical issues with teams from other schools.
Our students raised many interesting points and one team even got into an inspiring debate about how Stormzy’s ‘Blinded by Your Grace’ is used by our school community as a part of meaningful worship. All three teams performed extremely well and our school won five out of six debates.
We have recently been informed that St. Edmund’s Catholic Academy are currently placed third in the Urban Debate League for the West Midlands. This is an excellent achievement and all credit goes to our Debate Mate students. We wish them every success as they enter the second round of the competition on 11th March.
Two of our students attended a girls weekend retreat at Soli House. Here is Molly Kerins testimony of her time there.
Soli house weekend
During the 15th and the 17th of February Siwi and I went on a girls retreat to Soli House. The weekend was focused on our treasure, what is it, how we find it and how we use it. During the weekend we took part in multiple outdoor activities such as a scavenger hunt around Alton Castle, escape room and crate stacking. Additionally, we also had discussions about what we treasure in life and went to a mass on the Saturday evening where we all took part either through reading, singing or dancing. Over the whole weekend girls from all over the country were able to come together and discuss our faith and how we can use our talents to better our lives and the lives of others. I think that the weekend was an amazing experience and I look forward to going on another retreat soon.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mrs Lowe, the Academy Librarian.
After serving St Edmund’s Catholic Academy for 20 years, Mrs Lowe decided it was time to turn the page in her book and start a new chapter called retirement.
Mrs Lowe spent 20 years working for Sandwell Council Library Services before joining St Edmund’s in June 1999. Her unique specialist role included supporting students’ learning and their development into effective, independent learners and readers.
Mrs Lowe’s determination to give students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience, resulted in the commissioning of poets and authors to deliver workshops in the Academy. This fun and engaging activity inspired reading amongst the students.
Mrs Lowe was presented with cards, gifts and flowers today. However, it was the handmade posters and the presentation by Year 7 students that bought a tear to her eye.
Thank you Mrs Lowe for your commitment and dedication to the St Edmund’s community over the last 20 years. Enjoy and embrace the next chapter.
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