Parents' Newsletter

As we reach the close of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible achievement that highlights the strength of our school community. Cardinal Pole Catholic School was honoured to receive the School of the Year Award at the National Schools Awards 2024!

This prestigious recognition is a direct reflection of the outstanding efforts of our students, staff and families. The National Schools Awards celebrate excellence across the education sector, and we were chosen for our exceptional dedication to delivering outstanding pupil outcomes. The judges from the National Governance Association and the Confederation of School Trusts recognised the hard work and commitment that has gone into creating an environment where all students thrive.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to making Cardinal Pole such a special place. From our incredible students to their supportive families and our devoted staff, this achievement belongs to all of you. It is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together and it inspires us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we remain committed to providing the very best education for all of our students. There is so much to be proud of and we are excited to continue this journey in 2025, building on our success and working towards even greater achievements.

Wishing you all a restful, joyful and Holy Christmas. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year, ready for the next chapter in our shared journey.

Yours in service,

Adam Hall

Executive Headteacher

In November, after serving our school community, Kim, our Chaplain, left Cardinal Pole to seek adventure abroad. We wish her all the best of luck on her travels. In her absence, Mr. Tisi has taken on the mantle for all things Chaplaincy, and the pace doesn't stop during Advent!

So far this half-term, we’ve been working hard to collect items for the Hackney Foodbank. Each form was tasked with filling just one ‘family box’ to be distributed to a family in need in the local area. But the Cardinal Pole community has excelled itself, with over 1,100 items donated by every year group and staff members too! That’s nearly 50 families we’ll be supporting during this period, which many people find extremely difficult. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed.

Please see here for more information about how the Hackney Foodbank operates.

We also celebrated the festive season with our annual Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas meal. There was some fantastic festive fashion on display, and it was a wonderful opportunity to embrace the joy of the season while raising money for charity. We enjoyed a delicious Christmas meal together and shared our plans for the upcoming break.

In the last week of term, we also celebrated our annual Carol Concert. Each Year 7 form worked incredibly hard to learn a Christmas carol to perform as part of the service, which also included readings from scripture and prayers for our community and the wider world. The year group also performed a hit from Stormzy, and they truly raised the roof! It was a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season together. A huge thank you to the Music Department for preparing the year group so wonderfully. You can hear a sample from the concert here:

We've been very busy as we wrap up this half term, but we've made sure not to forget the true meaning of Christmas and have taken time for prayer. Each year group celebrated their own liturgy, focusing on the symbolism of the Advent wreath and how it speaks to us in our busy lives. As we break up and head into the holidays, we pray that you and your families can also remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christmas brings. If you're looking for creative and inspirational ways to pray as a family, CAFOD has some excellent, free resources available here:

Christ, come into our world of darkness
Light up our lives with your coming.
Fulfil all our longings with the joy of your birth
Strengthen our resolve to work for change in our world
And to share the hope of your birth that each Advent brings.

Amen

(taken from Sr. Bridgetta Rooney of CAFOD)

Three students from 7 Arrowsmith reflect on their first experience of our assessment week, AP1.

“At first I was nervous about the tests, it felt a bit like SATs week in Year 6,” says Olu. “But as we settled into it, it became more familiar and I became more confident.” Each day, students sit at least two assessments in the subjects they have studied since September, covering the material they have most recently learned.

Mia-Rose said, “I was a bit worried at the beginning in case my scores weren’t good,” but it’s clear to see that the young people become more and more at ease with the process as the week progresses. Each subject plans an exam, but “the teachers carefully make sure that they’re not all written exams. We had a range,” says Taylor. “So in Drama, we rehearsed then performed a piece, and in Music, we got to listen to the pieces as well as write about them.” “My favourite was the day with Art and PE because we could also run around and play games, as well as be creative in the Art exam; Thursday was the best.”

Students were also rewarded for all their hard work with an early finish on the last day, which they really enjoyed. Reflecting on the purpose of this week, Mia-Rose summed it up nicely: “It might have been a bit hard at first, but it was a good opportunity to show what I know, and what I need to focus on. I’m new to revision, so I think a few of us will need to practice that for the next time!”

It is no secret that during Advent, Christians are called to think about those less fortunate than themselves and not get caught up in the material hype that seems to grow each year. Jesus was born into a family unwelcome in their homeland, forced to live for the first years of his life on the generosity of others in a land unknown to them. As a newborn, he was sheltered by the kindness of strangers, yet visited and recognised by those who would be in awe of him from the moment he drew his first breath.

There is a paradox here, and our own lived experience can also reflect that paradox if we are not mindful. We are challenged to "show hospitality to strangers, for many have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). At Cardinal Pole, we are mindful that the stark reality of those within our community may include periods of struggle during what is otherwise known as the ‘festive’ period. We are passionate about ensuring no one is left without or denied the same kindness shown to our Lord in his hour of greatest need.

Christmas can be a very challenging time for many. For some, loneliness is their greatest worry; for others, the crowds and expectations to be sociable may lead them to decline invitations. At this time, it is important to take a step back and remember the purpose of it all: to recharge and make space for Jesus. When gathered with friends, this could mean ensuring everyone feels included, being mindful of those who might feel uncomfortable, or quietly checking in with someone who hasn’t replied to an invitation.

It can also mean carving out time for stillness in prayer or meditation, whether at home or in a place of worship. In this stillness, we can better hear the Lord’s voice and open our hearts to the messages and plans he has for us.

Before breaking up as a school community, we will gather in year groups for prayer and contemplation. We will give thanks for the blessings of this term and remind ourselves to make space for Jesus to join our families over the Christmas break. I will pray that you and your families have a holy and happy Christmas, one that is full of peace, love, and joy.

Clodagh Benning

Assistant Headteacher

'In these halls of learning your dreams will ignite and lead you to futures both brilliant and bright!'

At Cardinal Pole Sixth Form, we believe that post-16 education is about so much more than just exams. It's about growing into the adult you want to become and discovering your own unique possibilities.

Sixth Form applications are now open! The deadline for external students is 23rd January 2025.

Click the photo below to have a look at our Sixth Form video!

Once a Cardinal Pole student, always a Cardinal Pole student!

Just because you’ve left and gone onto new and exciting things it doesn’t have to be goodbye!

At Cardinal Pole, we are humbled to have an incredible network of Alumni who play a vital role in our school community.

Whether it’s by offering mentoring, sharing your stories or helping to support the school’s initiatives we’d love you to keep in touch.

To sign up to be a part of the Alumni Network, simply follow the link below and complete the short form.

Looking for something fun and festive to do with family or friends this December? Check out these lively local markets where you can shop for gifts, enjoy treats, and soak up the holiday spirit. Whether you’re after Christmas carols, crafts, or face painting, there’s something for everyone!

Ridley Road Market

📍 When: Daily, Monday to Saturday, with a special festive day on 20 December

Get into the festive mood at Ridley Road Market with Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, and face painting. Don’t miss out on fresh produce and holiday essentials before the big day!

Broadway Market

📍 When: 20 & 23 December

Visit Broadway Market for its extended hours and festive vibes! On 20 and 23 December, you can stock up on last-minute fresh produce, perfect for your Christmas celebrations.

Hoxton Street Market

📍 When: Saturdays – 21 & 28 December, 9am–4pm

Make the most of your weekend with Hoxton Street Market! Browse gifts, food, and essentials, and enjoy a festive outing with friends or family.

Chatsworth Road Market

📍 When: 22 December, 10am–5pm

Celebrate Christmas early at Chatsworth Road! On 22 December, the market will come alive with children’s entertainment, face painting, Christmas stalls, and even fairground rides. Perfect for some festive fun and last-minute shopping.

Enjoy the holidays, and make the most of these local events! 🎄

Monday 6th January 2025: Selected Year 11 & 13 students on site from 10:15am.

Monday 6th January 2025: Target students Parents’ Morning 10:30am - 3pm. Specific times provided to parents/carers by the Year Teams.

Tuesday 7th January 2025: Whole school returns 8:30am registration.

Thursday 9th January 2025: Year 7 Parents’ Evening (4pm - 7pm).

Saturday 11th January 2025: Saturday school begins for select students.

Monday 3rd February 2025: Saint Josephine Bakhita Day

Week Commencing Monday 10th & 24th February 2025: Year 11/13 Mocks

Half Term: 17th - 21st February 2025

Website: https://www.cardinalpole.co.uk/
Location: 205 Morning Ln, London E9 6LG, UK
Phone: 020 8985 5150