ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
APRIL NEWSLETTER 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
As I write my first newsletter entry of the summer term, our focus as a school turns to those in our community about to commence their public exams. For both Year 11 and Year 13 pupils, this marks a hugely significant transition point in their academic journey, and I ask you all to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
I must also thank the staff that, as always, have done everything they can to support our pupils in their endeavours in this regard.
Our newsletter is packed with articles that give you all an insight into so many of the wonderful opportunities available to your children here at St James'.
Anthony Ellul
Headteacher
MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD STUDENT
It's hard to believe that we are already two weeks into the final term. For many older years, this means a copious amount of revision. It is a bittersweet time of year as years 11 and 13 prepare not only for exams but also for their final days at school.
In the past month, the excellence of many has been celebrated with the Jack Petchey winners across all year groups. The annual ski trip also took place, to La Massana in Andorra, over the Easter Holidays. Towards the end of April, over 20 mentors for the Girls Network were welcomed to the school to speak with their mentees in years 10 and 12. The Girls Network charity aims to empower girls and young women to achieve their goals, which is a very valuable opportunity. And finally, congratulations to the Year 8 boys' football team, who won their semi-final 9-0!
Good luck with the exam years, and I hope everyone enjoys the following weeks of the penultimate half-term.
Aoife Oliver
Head Student
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
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'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
UPCOMING EVENTS
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Jack Petchey Winners
The following students have won the Jack Petchey awards over the last few months. The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential. These pupils have shown a great attitude toward learning and are resilient in all lessons. This is a real embodiment of our Veritas Values.
Yeisha Domingo - December
Elisabeth Ciortan - January
Rachel Horgan - February
Dawson Johnson - March
Year 8 Boys Football Win
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
The Addams Family is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. It follows the tale of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who has grown up and fallen in love! With a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met.
And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on a fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Directors Notes
We are so happy to be able to run our second-ever musical production, The Addams Family. After the success of The Wizard of Oz last year, the music and drama teams were inspired to develop the musical production into a yearly event. Following a lengthy period, we finally decided on a show which is more modern, mature, and musically challenging than last year's offering.
The score for the Addams Family is highly technically, demanding for our singers, littered with irregular time signatures, complex harmonies, syncopation, and a good deal of hearty belting, but the cast has tackled these challenges fearlessly. Listen to the chorus numbers "When You're an Addams" and "Just Around the Corner" to hear the ensemble's full power! Working with such talented, dedicated young people has been a joy, and I know many of them will have successful, enduring careers in the arts ahead of them.
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to every individual ticket-holder - without your sustained support it would not have been possible to produce this event.
Mr Howlett-Reeves - Musical Director
Our Cast
The Principals
The Ancestors
Dancers
Staff
Message from Headteacher
Congratulations to all of the pupils and staff involved in this year’s musical production of “The Addams Family”
I was privileged, along with my family, to attend this fantastic production. I was delighted to see such a great collaboration of talents and dedication come together to produce a show that will live long in the memory of all concerned.
I would like to extend particular thanks to Mr Howlett-Reeves and Mr Edmondson who have led this project for a second successive year, and to all of our wonderful pupils who have brought this amazing event to life.
I am already looking forward to seeing what is in store for 2024.
Thank you!
Throughout the preparation for the musical, we have been inundated with help. We would like to say thank you to all those who have helped us get to this stage, particularly our student helpers. They have been vital in the production of the set and include Jordan Kearney, Gabriel Petryla, Sarah Shaikh, Eunice Law, Dominick Arasp, Ellie Simpson, Jessica Solga and Patryk Kowal.
Thank you to our student Stage Management Team. They were a credit to the show, well done for all your hard work. They include Winston Henriques, Kiisu Rojugbokan, Aaron Barton-Yankey, Sebastian Palepou-Foxley and Micah Ameako Gyampah.
Messages From Our Leads
Gomez - Georgie Hunter
"My name is Georgie Hunter I am currently in Year 10 and I am playing Gomez Addams. I have performed before at Harrow Arts Centre with a group outside of school called CPPA, where we do regular small-scale performances. The Addams Family is the biggest production I’ve ever been part of. I am currently taking Music and Drama at GCSE, and I hope to be an actor in the future, so I have massively enjoyed this process. I am looking forward to taking part in the next shows at St James, and I want to thank all of the cast and teachers for their support and friendship during the production. I hope you enjoy the work we’ve put into the show."
Morticia - Matylda Magnaye Palacios
"I’m Matylda, currently in Year 10. In the Addams Family, I play the obvious best character Morticia. I’ve always been a fan of acting and I take an interest in leading roles very often. As of now, I attend a performing arts school called Spencer Stage School in which I take classes in drama and musical theatre. I always strive to partake in big roles. I enjoy singing as a hobby especially songs where I have to belt!"
Wednesday - Anastasia Pascu
"My name is Anastasia Pascu and I am in Year 7. I have previously played the role of Nancy in Oliver Twist and I really enjoyed it. I love to sing and act even outside of school. Playing Wednesday Addams has been a great opportunity for me, and I have enjoyed it a lot."
Pugsley - Joseph Elliot
"Hello! My name is JJ and I am in Year 8. I joined the Addams Family for a new experience in theatre. I feel like being in the Addams Family gives me new opportunities. I am playing Pugsley, and this is the best role I have ever had (apart from The Wizard of Oz where I previously played the Lion). I hope that I can entertain and inspire people with my performance this year in the Addams Family, and I hope you enjoy the show."
Uncle Fester - Jason Zhao
"My name is Jason and I am in Year 9. Last year I was the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz production, and this year I am excited to play Fester. I have always had a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. I have performed in productions of Peter Pan and 13 in primary school. As for singing, I have done my ABRSM grade 5 singing. I have also danced in the Hong Kong dance studio “StudioDanz”."
Grandma - Keliane Diasivi
"Hi, my name is Keliane and I am in Year 10. I play the role of the Grandma in "The Addams Family". This was my second time partaking in a play, having previously acted as Robin Hood in "Robin and The Sherwood Hoodies" and I found the experience very enjoyable. I enjoy watching films with other people, reading and acting. My favourite film is "The Pursuit of Happyness" as it is uplifting and motivational. This year, I have started learning to play guitar. I practice daily for fun and I've learnt a few songs!"
Lurch - Flilip Baka
"Hi, my name is Filip Baka and I am in Year 10. My role in this production is Lurch who is a tall servant for the Addams family. I wanted to join this production as I thought it would be a fun experience to have and I would gain some confidence."
Alice - Kaycee Chan
"My name is Kaycee, and I am in Year 8. This is the second musical I’ve done after I played Glinda in The Wizard of Oz last year. My dad is currently on tour with the King and I am heavily inspired by him. He was also in Miss Saigon on the West End, and I would love to be on the West End one day. I’d like to thank my family for all of their support and encouragement throughout the process of the Addams Family. I enjoyed working closely with the cast and teachers in rehearsals."
Mal - Cyryl Kornacki
"My name is Cyryl and I am in Year 9. I have never taken part in another production, so the Addams Family is an entirely new experience for me. I play the clarinet and have recently received my ABRSM grade 3, so the music has been one of the best parts of the process. I would like to thank my mum for her support and encouragement throughout the process this year."
Lucas - Gabriel Staszcyk
"My name is Gabriel Stasczyk and I am in Year 7. I'm in all the same classes as Anastasia who plays Wednesday, which has made it really easy for us to rehearse our scenes. My favourite lesson is drama because Mr Edmondson is such a great teacher. I've never had a big part in a school show before, but I have massively enjoyed doing the Addams Family this year and I want to do the show next year too. My favourite song has been Full Disclosure, which is the big number at the end of Act 1."
Spook-tacular performances by our talented students who brought The Addams Family Musical to life! The magic of their performance left the audience in awe. Thank you to those who supported us and joined us for the show!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
During the Easter break a handful of our Year 9 and 10 pupils travelled to Andorra.
They enjoyed picture-perfect conditions along the Pyrenean mountain range between France and Spain. La Massana is one of the seven parishes of the Principality of Andorra. It is located in the northwest of the country and is extremely mountainous containing the highest mountain in Andorra, Coma Pedrosa at 2,942 metres. It neighbours La Vella where we have skied in the last few years.
The pupils stayed at the Marco Polo, a Hotel situated in La Massana, a few meters from Pal Arinsal Vallnord Ski Resort.
Excited to be learning a new skill, our pupils had five hours of daily ski lessons with a fully qualified instructor. They had a fantastic time and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the skiing and time spent with their friends and teachers!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Victoria and Albert Museum
Year 10 & 11 Drama students recently visited the Theatre Victoria and Albert Museum to watch a special screening of An Inspector Calls.
The screening helped to reinforce pupils understanding and appreciation of the play they are studying for GCSE English Literature and acts as a useful aide for exam revision.
University of Cambridge
A handful of our Year 12 pupils had the chance to visit Cambridge University.
"The trip to the University of Cambridge was a very fun experience. Speaking with students and professors, we were given an insight into what student life at Cambridge could be like. My favourite part of the day was the tour, as we were able to visit the college's library and also learn about its history." ~ Julia, Year 12
Mousetrap
Our A-Level English class was given an amazing opportunity to go and watch ‘The Mousetrap’ - a carefully crafted whodunit by Agatha Christie.
'The tension, atmosphere and suspense made everything 10 times better, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. It was an experience that we as pupils will always remember, and a memory we will be able to use as we continue working towards our exams.' - Kirsten, Year 12
Parliament and the Supreme Court.
Our Sixth Form pupils had a brilliant time last Tuesday visiting Parliament and the Supreme Court.
They were given a tour around Parliament, getting to walk through the House of Lords and the Robing room. One of the most exciting parts of the day was getting to see famous MPs, Lords and Baronesses around the building.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
The Girls Network
On the 20th of April, we welcomed 20 mentors to our school who voluntarily give up their time, over the course of a year, to mentor girls from St James' in Years 10 & 12.
The programme is run through The Girls' Network, a charity seeking to empower girls and young women to achieve their career goals in highly competitive fields. This is our third year of running this at St James' and we have secured a positive impact on over 60 young people so far!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Maths
Well done for your dedication and hard work! Not long now…
PE
Our Year 7 boys had a blast during their Dance PE lessons, last term!
Although hesitant as first, they enjoyed being creative, learning new dance moves and using dance as an aerobic workout.
Sixth Form Support
Our Year 12 pupils had a talk from Dr Ana Hastoy from Christchurch College Oxford about university life and applying to the Univeristy Of Oxford.
The talk was informative and there were plenty of opportunities for questions, allowing the students to find out about the courses they are interested in and the application process.
Art
Year 12 enrichment is held every Wednesday with a number of sessions taking place. During the Art session, pupils were making clay tiles with ceramics, next week they will glaze them.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Support for you child's Mental Health
As a school, we are here during term time to support your child and their mental health.
During the holidays and outside of the school day, this is not the case and parents/carers may be unsure who to turn to. Below you can find a list of supportive services for you or your child to contact.
Miss V Agolli - Designated Safeguarding Lead
KOOTH
Provides free, online mental health support for children and young people 365 days a year; this includes live chats and discussion boards.
SHOUT
Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free and can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support. Opening times: 24/7
HOPELINEUK
SAMARITANS
For confidential mental health support, opening times: 24/7. Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide.
CHILDLINE
It’s important for children to be aware of where they can get help if they need it when not at school. If a child is worried about their own safety or safety of a friend, Childline provides support over the phone.
YOUNG MINDS
Free confidential online and telephone support to anyone worried about the emotional and mental well-being of a child or young person up to the age of 25. Parents helpline - 08088025544.
BEAT
Support to help young people who may be struggling with an eating disorder. Opening times: 9 am-midnight
BARNET MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
The MASH team is available Mon to Thu 9 am to 5.15 pm and Fri 9 am to 5 pm, 02083594066
Outside of these hours, you should report any concerns that need an immediate response to our emergency duty team on 020 8359 2000.
Early Help Services
https://barnetyouth.uk/About-us https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help-children-young-people-and-families
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
ACN Mobile Phone Challenge
At St James’, our Catholic ethos and values are at the heart of our school community. During the season of Lent as a school, we have been engaging with different forms of fundraising as part of our Lenten commitment to charity.
This has provided staff and pupils to live out our VERITAS value of service and to support those in need. During Liturgical Assemblies at school, we promoted an initiative, which has been created by a charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). They had set us up with a challenge to abstain from using our phones for 24 hours. To make time and space for individuals to remember those who have been affected by the war in Ukraine. The ACN Mobile Phone Challenge incorporates the three Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and alms-giving.
- Fasting - We fast from our mobile phones (except for emergencies)
- Almsgiving - We raise money by asking our friends and family to sponsor us or we make a donation. The money we raise will go directly to those who need it at the ACN projects in Ukraine
- Prayer and Reflection - We ask that participants pray/remember during the challenge, particularly when they miss their phones and those involved in the conflict in Ukraine at this time.
We managed to raise £83 as a community which will be donated to support Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who took part in the challenge.
Easter Prayer
This piece of art hangs in our chapel and reminds us of Christ’s suffering on the cross.
During Good Friday we paused and remembered God’s love for us.
Faith in Action - Trust
Jesus tells St. Faustina that the 'graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is - trust'. Like the Apostles and St. Faustina, we must place our trust in Jesus.
This week in form time prayer or in RE lesson prayer trust Jesus with a situation that you would like Him to be with you in.
Faith in Action - Integrity
Integrity by being merciful to one another. It’s often easier to show mercy toward a stranger than to our friends and family. This week try to show mercy to your friends and family by being quick to apologise and to forgive.
Faith in Action - Service
Actively listen to your friends this week. Let them speak. Avoid speaking over them.
Take time to be present with your friends and family. Avoid scrolling through your phone or being distracted by things around you. Like Jesus gave the disciples his full attention, give your full attention to them.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Overdue Book Competition
Launching between May and June the LRC will be hosting a competition for returning overdue library books. See details below:
Book Fair
Between the 22nd - 26th of May, the LRC is having a book fair. Either during break, lunch or after school till 3:30 pm. Please pop by and see our range of books to buy!
LRC Clubs
There are a range of extra-curricular clubs you can get involved in with the LRC. Whether that is 'book dragons' or exam help there are a range of clubs for you to get involved in. Please look below at each poster to get more information.
LRC Timetable
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Contact Us
Email: admin@st-james.barnet.sch.uk
Website: www.st-james.barnet.sch.uk
Location: Great Strand, Colindale NW9 5PE
Phone: 020 8358 2800