Saint Bede's Catholic High School

ADVENT COLLECTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS HAMPERS - NOVEMBER 2020

Over the next 4 weeks (between 9th November and 8th December), to prepare our young people for Advent and the true meaning of Christmas, we would like them to make a small sacrifice and bring something in from home to contribute towards filling Christmas hampers which will be sent on to homeless young people or disadvantaged families in our local communities.

Each of the forms will be given a Reverse Advent Calendar and a hamper which begins its life as an empty box which is filled day-by-day with the donated items. So, rather than taking something out of their Advent Calendar at home, pupils are encouraged to give by filling one in form instead. Each pupil will be asked to sign up to bring at least one thing into school; no later than December 8th; as their contribution. Then on December 11th: after having been quarantined for 72 hours: all of the Christmas hampers will be collected from school by representatives from Harbour House, Fylde Foodbank, Streetlife, Vincent House, St. Cuthbert’s Family Centre and by representatives from the local network of SVP conferences before being distributed to children and families locally. Catholic School Life credits will be awarded to all pupils who remember to bring their item into school. We will happily accept most long-life convenience-style store cupboard items and personal toiletries you send in to school but here is a general list of suggestions below which, though not exhaustive, could answer any questions you may have as to which goods are required:

Tinned goods: meat, fish, meals, vegetables, tomatoes, fruit, rice pudding, Dried goods: instant noodles, pasta, savoury rice, Cup-A-Soups, tea bags, coffee, biscuits, cereal bars, Long-life goods: pasta sauce, coffee, long-life or powdered milk, fruit juice, breakfast cereal, instant mash, baby milk/baby food Toiletries: hair spray/mousse/gel, toothpaste. toothbrushes, soap, deodorant/body spray, female sanitary products, combs, face coverings, brushes, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, packs of tissues, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, razors, sponges/flannels. Clothing: new/unused underwear (male/female small/medium) Christmas goodies/treats.

We think it is really important for our young people to connect with the spirit of giving at Christmas and are grateful for any contributions you are able to make.

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BBC News has just announced the winners of the national #Got It Covered competition for best face mask designs organised by Patrick Grant’s ‘The Big Community Sew’. The winner of the age 12 and under category is Theresa, a Year 8 at pupil at Saint Bede’s, with her aeroplane mask. The prize is a Singer sewing machine for the winner of each age category. Theresa has recorded a video clip for the BBC news, so make sure you look out for it on TV or online. Congratulations Theresa.

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Rotary Lythams’ next major initiative is on 9th May 2020 at Saint Bede's and is a food packing day under the banner 'Rise Against Hunger'. On 6th February, we look forward to welcoming ambassadors from the international charity Rise Against Hunger, who will be giving a presentation in assembly about the meal packing event.

Huge congratulations go to our Year 8 boys who have won the Lancashire Emerging Schools U13’s Table Tennis Tournament. Archie, Oliver, Piotr and Thomas represented Saint Bede’s at the county finals in Garstang on 8th May, taking on other Lancashire schools' teams. The boys worked tirelessly to secure a thirty-seven point victory, nine points ahead of the runners up from All Hallows High School, Preston.

Mr Townson, who has managed the team throughout, said “The boys played exceptionally well and I’m extremely proud! They kept their cool when they came up against some very tough opponents and it was brilliant to see them win. All the early morning getups and practices before school have obviously paid off. Well done!”

Congratulations to our table tennis team for their victorious performance at the Wyre & Fylde Emerging Schools competition. The group of 13 took on pupils from other local schools at Garstang Community Academy last night and came away with gold medals, not to mention high spirits! The boys’ A-Team played exceptionally well, winning all of their games and coming 1st place as a result. Meanwhile, the boys’ B Team secured themselves second place, whilst the girls’ team ranked third in their category. Our pupils showed skill, enthusiasm and strong teamwork throughout, which made their overall success even more deserved. A huge well done to all! Good luck also goes to the boys who go on to play in the Lancashire County Finals on Wednesday 8th May.

Congratulations to Holly, Tom and Oliver, who were runners up at a table tennis competition over the weekend.

The three Year 8s represented Blackpool in the National Junior & Cadet League competition, held at Garstang TTC on Sunday. After a hard-fought match, they were narrowly defeated 85-82 by fellow Division 2 competitors Wigan, however, they still came away in high spirits and with deserved silver medals.

Holly, Tom and Oliver are returning to Garstang to take part in yet another table tennis tournament. This time they will be representing Saint Bede’s along with nine other pupils from their year. We wish them all the best of luck!
 

A huge well done to Zach! His volunteering and social action have helped him gain a commendation in the High Sheriff of Lancashire's Young Citizen Award 2019.

Natasha of Year 9, recently played in the Lancashire Schoolgirls Northern Cup Semi-final. Her team won by six goals to nil which sees them go straight through to the final of the competition. Their opponent in the final is yet to be confirmed. 

Natasha also has another exciting opportunity booked in her diary. At Easter, she will be travelling to Dallas for a week with the Blackburn Rovers Under-16 squad to play in the International Girls World Cup. Wishing you every success, Natasha.

We would like to share the fantastic achievements of Sophie in Year 9. Competing at the Blackpool Aquatics Club Championships, Sophie won 10 medals in all - 5 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze. Sophie puts in over 11 hours a week training and it's obvious from her medal haul that all the hard work is paying off. An amazing result, Sophie. Well done!

Dan and Dan of Year 7, represented their club, Fleetwood Town Academy, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Along with their team, the boys played against Manchester City Academy. The evening consisted of three 25 minute games, in which the boys participated. Dan scored two goals over two games, whilst Dan scored in the third.

On Tuesday 13th November, Zachery of Year 9 was invited to join the #iwill Ambassadors. #iwill Ambassadors are young people between 10-20 years of age who lead positive social action in their communities. Zachery attended a celebration event at Kew Gardens in London, along with another forty-nine other young people, chosen as #iwill Ambassadors. The event was supported by representatives from other national organisations all celebrating social action.

Zachery has volunteered in various local organisations, supporting social action and fundraising for most of his life. He planted bulbs at Stanley Park in an area specially designed for people with additional needs when he was just 2 years of age! Zachery is a keen member of his scout group and plays an active role in fundraising at the school. Zachery has raised funds for Homestart, Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde for the last few years and is now an active volunteer fundraiser with the organisation. In 2019, Zachery is planning a 24-hour ping-pong event with his friends to raise money for Homestart and to raise awareness of the services they provide. Zachery is also part of the Youth Forum for The Washington Group CIC.

Well done Zachery. Great work!
 

Joseph Elston completed a charity sleep-out to raise awareness of homelessness among young people on the streets of Blackpool on Friday 23rd - 24th Saturday, March. Joe had hoped to raise £300 for Streetlife but more than doubled his initial target. To date, he has raised £606.60 + £96.50 Gift Aid. For more details, please take a look at Joe's Just Giving page at:
 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joeelstonsleepout18.
The money Joe has raised will go towards supporting young people living on the streets in Blackpool. Well done, Joe. 
 

Daisy of Year 10 recently competed in the ‘FINA World Series - French Open Montreuil’ in Paris. Her team took part in the ‘Team Free Final’ and finished in a very credible sixth place. Prior to the event, Daisy and her group attended a pre-competition training camp in Milan, Italy, staying on the banks of the beautiful Lake Como. Reflecting on the event, Daisy said “It was a great experience taking part in the competition with all the top teams from around the world and getting to compete against your idols.” Well done Daisy!

Please click on the image to see the team in action.
 

A team of Year 10 pupils from Saint Bede's has won the top prize in the Young Engineers Competition at Blackpool and the Fylde College. Congratulations to all the pupils involved on their fantastic achievement.

 Blackpool Gazette website

The atmosphere was electric during the school's annual 'Stars in their Eyes' production at Lowther Pavilion on Thursday 8th February. Talented pupils from all year groups entertained a packed house with their spectacular showcase of classic and current hits. Year 9 pupils, Renee, Maya, Ellie and Neve were crowned winners on the night with their rendition of ‘Wings’ by Little Mix. In second place was Matthew of Year 8 who performed ‘Man’s Not Hot’ by Big Shaq, and in third place was Year 11’s Charlotte who sang ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day. There were also a number of backing dancers who supported our singers and performed exquisitely thanks to choreography and training from Year 10 pupil Ella Rawcliffe. Well done to all who took part; everyone’s efforts certainly paid off! A big thank you goes to the whole cast, technicians and all the members of staff who gave their time to help out. 

Year 9 pupil Ella recently visited London to receive the Jimmy Mizen Award for her work on Peace and Solidarity. Ella was honoured for her work as a Young Peace Journalist by raising awareness of the plight of refugees and her work for Peace with Pax Christi, campaigning as a Young Leader for CAFOD, ACTION: YCW IMPACT and also as a RESPECT Ambassador. The awards ceremony was held in the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s Leicester Square and was hosted by national youth charity, Million Minutes in partnership with St Mary’s University, Twickenham. “I was completely thrilled to be nominated, not only did I know what an opportunity had come my way, but I knew I could continue to promote awareness of the refugee crisis and make their voices louder.,” said Ella. 
Congratulation go to Ella on her award.