DEAR PARENTS

A BLESSING FROM WALK WITH ME

Lord, we struggle with our broken and divided hearts.  Bless us with your peace as we strive to look and act in honesty about ourselves.  Strengthen in us the glimpse of the glory you hold in store for us.  Let that be the attractive force which stirs our hearts and not the attraction of sin.  Give us true wisdom in our search for your justice.  Amen.

LENTEN CHARITIES 2010

Thank you for all your efforts so far.  I know that Year 7 had a special Assembly on Tuesday and all other year groups are making great efforts.

Year 7           Fr Hudson's Society

Year 8           CAFOD Haiti Appeal

Year 9           Edward's Trust

Year 10         West Midlands Air Ambulance Appeal

Year 11         St Mary's Hospital Uganda

Year 12         CAFOD Haiti and an Indian Orphanage

Year 13         Educaide

EXCELLENT NON UNIFORM DAY LAST FRIDAY

I am delighted to report that we managed to collect just over £1,000 last Friday for our Lenten Charities.

YEAR 8 AT ALTON CASTLE THIS WEEK

Well done to our 78 Year 8 students who were at Alton Castle, the junior Diocesan Retreat Centre in Staffordshire, from Monday to Thursday this week.  A big thank you to all the staff who accompanied the group - Mr Flood, Miss Kavanagh, Miss Radinez, Mr Rowlands, Mr Saunderson, Mrs Ulmkalns and Anne-Marie.

MR ANTHONY HICKEY RIP

We have had a very sad run of bereavements recently and we were shocked and saddened to hear of Anthony's sudden death last Friday.  We pray for the repose of his soul and think of Jim, Nuala and the whole family at this very sad time.  May he rest in peace.

MR TRACY MCCONNELL RIP

Many of us remember the tragic death of Tracy last year.  His Anniversary Mass takes place at 10.00 am on Sunday 21 March at St John Fisher.  I understand that Canon Browne will be present.  All Tracy's friends are invited to join the family to mark this important occasion.

ARCHBISHOP ROMERO THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY MASS AT 7.00 PM ON 24 MARCH

We have been invited by Bishop William Kenny to attend a special Mass to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Archbishop Romero at St Chad's Cathedral.  As we know, Archbishop Romero was brutally murdered in El Salvador for standing up for peace and justice in his country.  He is an inspiration to us all and perhaps especially to young people in our troubled world.  We shall certainly be accepting Bishop William's invitation. 

YEAR 7 PARENTS' EVENING CANCELLED

We were looking forward to meeting a huge number of Year 7 parents and pupils last night.  Unfortunately, forces beyond our control intervened and we have had a major power cut that required work overnight last night.  We shall let Year 7 parents know the new date as soon as possible.

YEAR 8 EDUCATION EVENING - 7.00 PM THURSDAY 18 MARCH

Following the very successful Year 8 Parents' Evening before half term we now look forward to an equally good turnout to discuss the important choices Year 8 pupils will be making before starting their GCSE courses in September.  Mrs Kelly will outline the programme and then there will be an opportunity for parents and pupils to meet the various staff responsible for the GCSE courses.  Watch this space.

GOVERNORS' AWARDS EVENING - 7.00 PM TUESDAY 30 MARCH

We are all looking forward to one of the major celebrations of the year when we come together to recognise the amazing achievements of our students past and present.  I am pleased to tell you that this year's Guest of Honour is particularly well qualified to speak to us.  Mr Mike Moran attended St Thomas Aquinas joining the school in September 1964 (the second year) and to this day is very proud of his former school.  Mike is currently a school advisor in Oxfordshire having recently retired as headteacher of Bishop Walsh School in Sutton Coldfield.  Do make a note of the time and date in your diary.

CATHOLIC PARTNERSHIP INSET DAY - FRIDAY 19 MARCH

A reminder to parents that school will be closed to pupils in two weeks time as we gather for our annual Partnership INSET Day.  There will be a Thursday Letter on 18 March.

WELL DONE TO THE SCHOOL COUNCIL

I am always proud of our School Council but never more so than this week.  They were very involved in interviewing candidates for a very important post in school and all the senior staff were really impressed by the feedback we received on each candidate later.  The interview groups were led by Gerry Grandon 12ELE and Jade O'Rourke 12MBO supported by the following students: Kareem Beckford 7JDE, Alaina Williams 7GME, Daniel Henry 8EWO, Ella Stephenson 8AHE, Tyrell Aldred-Jevons 9LMC, Katie Boot 9CJN, Tom McCann 10TCA, Grace McWilliam 10NRO, Jack Curwen 11EBA and Molly Walker 11EBA.  Well done to them all.  I am writing individual letters to their parents to thank them for their work.

World Book Day

Yesterday was World Book Day when all around the World the focus was on reading and books.  To celebrate, each pupil has been given a £1 voucher which they can exchange for one of the special £1 books written by top class authors, or part-exchange for a Quick Read (£1.99) for older readers, or any book of their choice.  All good bookshops participate in this.  All the details and World Book Day related activities can be found at www.worldbookday.com.   If for some reason your child does not have a voucher and would like one, please contact the ARC.

SPORTS RESULTS

Years 9 and 10 girls' Football

v    Bartley Green                             lost 1 - 0

v    King Edwards Camp Hill            won 3 - 0

v    Baverstock A                              won 2 - 0

v    Colmers A                                  won 3 - 2

Year 10 Boys' Football

v   Wheelers Lane                            won 8 - 1

Year 9 and 10 Rugby 7's Tournament at King Edward's Aston School.  This week our Year 10 and 9 rugby teams were involved in an exciting Seven's tournament at King Edward's Aston School on Monday and Tuesday respectively.  On both occasions we played against experienced rugby schools and excellent opposition sides.  In both competitions we came 4th which is quite an achievement.  Well done to the boys and thanks to the parents who turned up to support us on both days.  Thanks to Mr Rees for training and organising the teams.

LAST WEEK'S QUIZ QUESTION

Michael Owen scored the first goal for Manchester United at the 2010 League Cup Final against Aston Villa as we were correctly informed by Nishal Thakrar of 7JDE who wins £5.  Well done Nishal! And well done Michael Owen!

THIS WEEK'S QUIZ QUESTION

This week we heard that the leaders of the three main parties will take part in three televised debates.  We know about Gordon Brown and David Cameron.  Who is the leader of the Liberal Democrats?