St Bernard's Newsletter

Dear Families,

Welcome to the first edition of the new academic year 2024-25.

We welcome all who are new to the St Bernard’s family – our year 7 families and those who have joined us in year 12. I hope that your child has settled in and that they are beginning to feel very much part of the family. It has been great to see the new faces that have joined us and I look forward to getting to know you and your child in due course.

Once again, we have a vibrant, diverse newsletter that gives you just a small glimpse as to what we have been doing this half term – time never stands still! Whilst the student's academic endeavours are important to us, we take very seriously our wider responsibility to educate our young people not just to pass exams but to have fruitful and fulfilling lives far beyond the walls of St Bernard’s so that they may ‘have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:9).

This digital diary allows you to see the different ways in which we aim to provide this to our students in order for them to have a range of opportunities to encounter God in all that they do. I know that I am biased, but I am always in awe of the remarkable things that our young people do and achieve. When you get the chance, please congratulate them.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a great half term when you get there and I look forward to seeing the students back in school on Tuesday 5 November at 8.45 am. (NB. Monday 4 November is INSET Day)

Warmest regards

Mrs Moise-Dixon

Headteacher

Welcome from the New Head of Sixth Form

I am delighted to have completed my first half term here at St Bernard’s, and I have been truly touched by the warm welcome from both staff and students. Having served as Head of Sixth Form at my previous school, I am well aware of the complexities of the role. However, my primary focus has been getting to know the students and observing the unique dynamics of the Sixth Form here. As we move forward, my goal is to ensure that every student is fully supported in achieving their best possible academic outcomes.

Year 12 Key Updates

It has been fantastic to welcome our Year 12 students, both those who were already part of St Bernard’s and those joining us from other schools. They have settled into Sixth Form life remarkably well, enjoying many of the privileges that come with this new stage in their education while also adjusting to the demands of A-level study.

This week, we hosted a successful newcomers' breakfast aimed at supporting those who are brand new to St Bernard’s and refining our induction process. This event helped create connections and provide a smoother transition for our new Sixth Formers. I will share photos from the event tomorrow!

Year 12 students have just made the largest academic leap of their educational journey—transitioning from GCSEs to A-levels. To support this shift, we have implemented a new homework policy for both Year 12 and Year 13, aimed at providing structure and ensuring students make the most of their free periods and Supervised Study sessions. Teachers are now setting a minimum of five hours of independent learning per subject each week, helping students deepen their understanding and better prepare for assessments.

Year 13: Progress and Support

Our Year 13 UCAS programme is in full swing. Many of our students have already successfully submitted their applications to UCAS, with a number of Oxbridge and Medical applicants leading the way. St Bernard’s has a robust programme in place to support students through this critical stage of their academic careers, and the majority of Year 13 students are now finalising their personal statements with feedback from their tutors. The first assessment point of the year is fast approaching, and students are focusing on preparing for this key milestone.

In addition, we offer tailored support for any Year 13 students who underperformed in their Year 12 exams. These students have been paired with learning mentors—either Ms. Owen or Ms. Hogan—who meet with them biweekly to provide guidance, accountability, and strategies to help improve their grades in the upcoming assessments.

Sixth Form Involvement and Events

Our Sixth Formers have been actively engaged across a wide range of school activities, from leading Year 7 retreat days as Liturgy and House Captains, to running clubs and chairing school council meetings. One of the many things that makes St Bernard’s special is the breadth of opportunities available to students, and our Sixth Formers are integral in driving these activities forward.

October marks the celebration of Black History Month, and our Sixth Form students have taken the lead in organising a creative showcase to culminate the month’s events. They have done an excellent job in coordinating performances and presentations from the younger students, all celebrating Black culture and heritage.

Earlier this term, we also hosted a fantastic Law MOOT session, organised by our careers lead, Ms. Phillips. Aspiring lawyers had the opportunity to put their debating skills to the test against other local schools—a great example of the enriching opportunities available here at St Bernard’s, allowing students to develop skills beyond their academic subjects.

I am incredibly proud of what our Sixth Form students have already achieved this term, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

Mrs Owen

Assistant Headteacher, 6th Form

Join us for our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 28th November, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Discover what makes our Sixth Form special, explore courses, and meet our fantastic team of teachers. Don’t miss the Headteacher's talk at 6:45 pm, where you’ll get valuable insights into our programs and the opportunities awaiting you.

To reserve your place, kindly complete the form below.

October is the Month when we acknowledge the vast contribution made by the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Catholic faith. We marked this important occasion by saying the Rosary each day. Students from various form groups met in the Chapel each morning when the Rosary is recited, led on occasion by a member of the Head Student team.

We also celebrating the Harvest this month, with lots of activities, including raising funds for CAFOD. The School marked Family Fast Day on the 4th of October by serving only Soup and a Roll for lunch in solidarity with the hungry in the world. The students paid a small amount for the

lunch with all profits donated to CAFOD. Parents also donated to a special fund set up on Parent Pay. Thank you, Parents!

Year 7 also celebrated their Harvest Mass at 6 pm on the 10th of October with their form Tutors and Parents/Carers present. Father Paul judged Harvest banners produced by Years 7 and 8, with 7R and 8M won a prize for their Forms. Well done

There was one other noteworthy and important event at this Mass. The following Readers got commissioned into St Bernard’s Reading Ministry. Ruby-Rose Wheeler, Sera Bejoy, Abigail Cauchi, Matilda Baker, Benecia Dias, Quianne Concepcion, Kassie Bance, Eloise Arnold, Sophia Paduano, Tamaraebi Ebiwarebo and Ella Graham.

Father Paul blessed and presented the students with their Religious Life of the School badges. Congratulations to all these students for their outstanding effort and for committing themselves to serving St Bernard’s catholic ethos in a special way.

In addition, students collected donations for three charities in Southend that work with the homeless and hungry. These donations were brought up to the Altar during the Offertory and blessed by Father Paul. The Charities are: HARP, St Vincent DePaul Society and Southend

Foodbank. St Vincent’s and the Southend Foodbank had representatives at the Mass who thanked the parents and girls for their support.

If October was not busy enough for Year 7, the entire year group went on their annual Retreat on the 8th and 10th of October to Aylesford Priory in Maidstone in Kent. The students were accompanied by their Form Tutors and Sixth Form Liturgy Leaders who managed all the Retreat activities in groups. In addition to these activities, the students attended a Noon Mass in the Shrine Chapel celebrated by one of the Friars.

The Year 7s were congratulated by the public who attended this Mass for their exceptional and respectful behaviour during the Mass. As Parents/Carers, you would have been proud of your daughters.

We also owe a special thanks to our Year 13 Liturgy Leaders: Tobi Famose, Georgia Ball, Annetta Shibu, Freya Wood, Matilda Mathew, Sophia Daly-English, Gabby Arce, Lillie Lloyd, Amelia Stiles, Helen Davies, and Maddie Marshall. They did an outstanding job of keeping the girls entertained and engaged in the day.

Dear Parents and Carers,

At St Bernard’s, our mission is to create a school where reading for pleasure is part of everyday life. We recognise the value of books to transform minds and transport readers to new places where they can see different lives and learn new ideas. Building on our incredible success last year, we have another exciting literacy strategy in place this year.

All students in Years 7 to 9 will be involved in our Tutor Reads programme, a weekly form-time event where all students in each year group read a novel linked to the liturgical theme of the year with their tutor. We also invite the authors of these books into the school to sign the students’ books and host a workshop on creative writing, to inspire the next generation of aspiring writers.

We are continuing our elite ‘Reading Scholars’ committee, a group of avid readers from all year groups, who help to shape the main literacy-based calendar in the school, from World Book Day to National Book Giving Day. They are the spokespeople for literacy across the school and are often seen in assemblies, promoting the fabulous events that take place. If your daughter is keen to join, please send me an email eab@stbernards.southend.sch.uk. Spaces are limited, so please respond as quickly as possible.

All students in Year 7 this year will have a Library Lesson once per fortnight, and they will be enrolled in Lexia, an online program that supports the learning of vocabulary, comprehension and grammar tailored to the abilities of each child. Additionally, students will be enrolled in Accelerated Reader, a reading programme that supports students in actively reading a range of texts suited to their reading age. With rewards including ‘Word Millionaire’ and prizes for the students who reach their individual reading target, this programme will encourage students to read books that are appropriate to their reading age and will encourage them to select texts that will stretch their abilities. A separate letter will be sent out to parents explaining more about these programmes.

We are working with the book provider ‘Love Reading 4 Kids’ this year. We have a school portal page to promote books for each year group. If you need any recommendations, please feel free to log into the website and select St. Bernard’s High School. We also have a ‘Wish List’ on this portal and parents and carers can purchase books as gifts for the school. Our wish List this year corresponds to the liturgical theme of the year: ‘Hope’. https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/school/15299

We have a Journalism club – open to all - starting this half-term to encourage students to sharpen their pens and minds! Please see Ms McGowan in English for further information.

This year we will also be entering students into the National Jack Petchey Speak Out competition. A competition for our Year 10 students, this is a fabulous way for them to learn about public speaking and how to keep an audience engaged and enthralled!

Yours faithfully,

Mrs E Bailey

Assistant Headteacher

‘Hello’ from Ms Jackson, the Mental Health & Wellbeing lead at St Bernard’s High School.

Ups and downs are a normal part of everyday life; but how do we know when the normal becomes something to worry about? And who do we reach out to for help and advice when we need help?

At St Bernard’s we have an established pastoral system to ensure that every child is nurtured. Students have a tutor who sees them every morning and meets with them individually, a minimum of once every half term. In addition to this, our Heads of Year and the Learning Mentor team work together to support students who need additional support. We believe that the earlier young people can access the right help, the more likely it is that they avoid reaching a crisis point.

In PSHE lessons, the curriculum provides them with the tools to look after their mental health and encourages students to make choices that promote their wellbeing. Students learn about mental health in a way which is age-appropriate and pro-active. This year, Years 11, 12 and 13 will be working with external training providers to help them manage stress around exams. We signpost students to further support if they are worried about their mental health, or that of a friend or family member.

In addition to having a school counsellor, we also work with outside agencies such as the school nursing team, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and charities such as Young Minds and Safe Steps to support students who need specialist help.

We all have good days and bad days, but when negative thoughts and feelings start to affect your daily life and stop you from doing the things you enjoy, or your ability to feel okay, this means you need support with your mental health. For example, nearly everyone gets anxious before an exam, a job interview or a first date. But if you feel anxious all the time and this is stopping you from sleeping well or meeting up with friends, you might need help.

If you think you or your child need support or information about a variety of mental health and well-being issues, you can visit the school website and look at Mental Health & Wellbeing - St Bernard’s High School where you will find useful information and links to support for you and your family.

If you have concerns about the mental health of your child, please contact your child’s Head of Year or mentalhealth@stbernards.southend.sch.uk

Teenagers can sometimes struggle to get out of bed in the morning – but ensuring enough sleep could be vital for health in later life.

It's late morning and the teenagers in the house are still fast asleep long after you've got up. Should you rush upstairs and pull them out of bed by their feet? It may be tempting, but the answer is probably no. The evidence is mounting that sleep in adolescence is important for current and future mental health.

It should come as no surprise that a serious lack of sleep, or seriously disturbed sleep, is one of the most common symptoms of depression among adolescents. After all, however, tired you might feel, it's hard to drop off if you're wracked with doubts or worries. This is true for adults too, with 92% of people with depression complaining of sleep difficulties. What is perhaps less intuitive is that, for some, problems with sleeping might start before the depression, raising the risk of mental health problems in the future.

Does this mean that sleep in teenagers should be taken more seriously? And can it lower the risk of depression later? In a study published in 2020, Faith Orchard, a psychologist at the University of Sussex, examined the data from a large group of teenagers followed from the age of 15 to 24. Those who reported sleeping badly at the age of 15, but didn't have depression or anxiety at the time, were more likely than their peers to be experiencing anxiety or depression when they reached 17, 21 or 24 years of age.

But you can see why in some cases poor sleep might contribute to poor mental health. A deficit of sleep has well-established negative effects on us, including a tendency to withdraw from friends and family, a lack of motivation and increased irritability, all of which can affect the quality of a person's relationships, putting them at greater risk of depression. On top of that, there are biological factors to consider. A lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which has been implicated in mental health difficulties.

Researchers are now examining the relationship between sleep disorders and other mental health conditions. Clinical psychologist Daniel Freeman has called for sleep problems to be given a higher priority within mental health care. Because they are common across different diagnoses, they don't tend to be viewed as central to a particular condition. He feels they are sometimes neglected when they could be tackled.

And, as we've already seen, it's likely that insomnia and mental health issues exacerbate each other, making both issues worse. You're distressed so you can't sleep; you can't sleep so you are more distressed – and so on, and so on, in an escalating cycle.

It's also possible that a lack of sleep is not so much a cause of later depression, but more of an early warning signal. The worrying that stops you from dropping off can in some cases be the first symptom of more serious mental health issues to come.

So perhaps persistent issues with sleep need to be taken more seriously in teenagers and adults. Sleep interventions are straightforward, and in some cases successful.

What is already clear, from a meta-analysis of 49 studies, is that tackling poor sleep among those with insomnia, who are already experiencing symptoms of depression, not only helps them sleep better but also reduces depression. In the meantime, anyone who has trouble sleeping can try the techniques shown to be most effective:

• Ensuring you get enough light during the day (in the morning for most people);
• Not napping for longer than 20 minutes;
• Not eating or exercising or drinking caffeine late in the evening;
• Avoid reading your emails or texts in bed;
• Keeping the bedroom cool, quiet and dark; and trying to get up and go to bed at the same time each day.

Getting better sleep won't on its own solve the mental health crisis, of course. But could it make a difference in the long run? Even if it doesn't, as sleepy teenagers know, even for its own sake, there's nothing better than a good night's sleep. Adapted from a BBC news article Why teenage sleep is so important for mental health - BBC Future

Exams are a uniquely stressful time for everyone involved. So what can parents do to help their children to get through A Levels and GCSE's? Here's what the education experts say:

Make sure they get enough sleep

Sleep is your child’s greatest ally as they prepare for the exams. To make sure that your child gets enough sleep, try to stick to the same schedule every day even during the holidays. This will make it easier for them to return to school after Easter and will train their mind to be sharp at the times when they will be sitting their exams. In order for learning to be transferred from short to long-term memory, they need sufficient sleep, so studying late into the night may actually make their revision less efficient.

Plan how to use time

One of the reasons that students can sometimes struggle with revision and study, is because they don't plan how to use their time effectively. Students have received an assembly about how to plan a revision timetable and there are many resources available online too. A good revision plan will take the decision-making out of the available time by blocking the time available for each subject fairly. Students should also leave some time free each week to prepare resources (for example, finding and printing exam papers) so that the hour they have assigned on a Tuesday for Biology is spent in actual learning, rather than admin.

Keep the momentum going with small rewards

The revision and exams are a long haul, so how do you maintain your child's stamina and motivation? Balance is the key. Encourage your child to take breaks and see their friends. For all teenagers, having something to look forward to, imminently and long term, is important so plan things they'd like to do when exams are finished. On a weekday, make their favourite meal. At weekends, plan cinema trips or a visit to friends. It’s also important to recognise that they might need to ‘get away with more than normal’, so if you have the capacity, ask a sibling to take on some of their regular chores.

Exercise helps to learn to stick

Doctor Mithu Storoni, a neuroscience researcher suggests getting your teenager to exercise after studying. A 2016 study found that exercise taken 4 hours after learning can help you to retain information. Excitement too can help cement learning, so rewarding periods of study by listening to a song they like, catching up with friends, or watching a dramatic film or TV programme can be beneficial.

Help them manage their phone use

If adolescents are to work effectively, they need to resist their phones. You might suggest they put their phone in another room, set a timer for 45 minutes and then leave where they're studying at the end of that, to spend 15 minutes on their phone, catching up with friends. This is a better option than allowing them to work for long hours with their phone next to them.

If they don’t know when to stop, step in.

When it comes to work, knowing when to stop is as important as the discipline of starting. If your child is anxious and wearing themselves out with revision, remind them that when you are relaxed and rested you absorb more than when you're anxious tired and stressed. Good study habits do not mean studying excessively, they mean balancing study with breaks.

Breakfasts to avoid brain fog

One practical thing you can do as a parent is try to ensure that they eat something nutritious before the exam. Wholegrain cereals or toast are a better bet for preventing a spike in blood sugar followed by a mid-morning slump. Also encourage them to make sure that they are drinking plenty of water, but again, avoid high-caffeine drinks which will make them jittery, and in need of the toilet.

Don’t Panic! Help them to stay calm if an exam doesn’t go well

A recent phenomenon is the post-exam social media discussion which is successful in whipping students up into a state of anxiety. It’s important to encourage the attitude that once you leave the exam room, you leave the exam behind, without second guessing how they have done. Gently guide them towards understanding that they need to focus on the next exam.

Adapted from a Times article

MFL Careers

The MFL department was delighted to welcome back a former pupil, Eunice Erbynn, as our Intern. Eunice is currently studying Spanish at the University of Warwick. She enthused the pupils with her cultural lesson about Colombia, where she has just spent her year abroad. Pupils are excited at the thought of studying and working abroad in the future whilst using their language skills. Eunice is considering teaching as a profession after she graduates next year. Good luck with your final year, Eunice!

World Languages Day 26th September 2024

The MFL department was excited to be running our 2nd World Languages Day to celebrate all things languages! We offered activities in form time and language lessons to celebrate the 33 languages in our school. We ran this event in conjunction with The European Day of Languages (EDL), which is celebrated across Europe on the 26th of September every year. It aims to promote the rich linguistic diversity of Europe and raise awareness of the importance of lifelong language learning for everyone.

Paris Trip

In July, we celebrated French culture and language on our trip to Paris! We visited The Orsay Museum and Sacre Coeur Basilica, took a boat trip on the Seine to see the Eiffel Tower, sampled French food and of course went to Disneyland! The 47 pupils from Years 8&9 were excellent role models for the school and we were very grateful to all the staff who accompanied the trip. Look out for future trips to Normandy and Madrid.

Cross Country Club:

St Bernard's Cross Country Club has been popular this term with over 70 students having attended across the term. The girls have been attending before school on Wednesdays and after school on Fridays to build up their fitness. We look forward to seeing the girls continue their training and using this fitness to represent the school in the Borough Cross Country Championships in November.

Our cross-country teams competed in the annual Thorpe Hall Relay in glorious sunshine. Each team consisted of 4 runners that each ran 1.2 kilometres in a relay-style format. A and B teams entered in Year 7, 8 and 10 and an A team in Year 9.

Our year 7's started us off with an excellent race which saw the A team come 4th out of 16 teams and our B team 10th. The pick of the runs came from Abigail Gauchi who ran an outstanding 3rd leg for the A team. Our year 8s continued the strong start with our A team battling hard to take 4th out of 15 teams and the B team a respectable 11th. The pick of the runners again came on the third leg from Darcey Joslin who overtook several runners on the course.

Our year 9s gave it their all and finished a respectable 9th out of 11. Lilly Ngyun was the pick of the runners with a gutsy effort. Our year 10 girls finished the day off with two excellent team efforts. Our A team finished 4th out of 8 and our B team 6th. Florence Wallace ran a strong opening leg for the A's, whilst Eva Williams produced a strong final leg for the B team.

Football:

The U13 football team has started their season and was drawn against a strong Fitzwymarc team in the Essex Cup. The girls battled hard but Fitzwymarc proved too strong winning the game 4-1. Our goal came from Chloe Connolly. The girls begin their league after half term.

Additionally, the U16 Football team had a great start to the football season with a 4-1 home win in the Essex Cup against Shoebury. In the next round, we are away in Basildon against Woodlands School. A fantastic start with some very good football on show, we look forward to the next round.

Netball:

It was great to see so many girls wanting to try out for the school netball teams this year. Our Year 7,&8&9, and U16 teams are working hard to build on their netball skills and develop tactical strategies to enhance their gameplay.

Year 7 and 8 teams started the season with matches against Shoeburyness High School. The year 9 team began with a win against Southend High School for Girls and our U16 team was leading 6-5 going into the third quarter against Belfair's. The girls fought hard to keep their lead however Belfairs pushed back hard and took the win.

Badminton:

Our KS3 and KS4 badminton teams competed in a local School Games badminton tournament hosted by St. Bernards.

All of our players produced some fantastic badminton against strong opposition from Southend and Westcliff Girls in both singles and doubles games. Our KS3 B and KS4 B teams finished in 5th place, whilst our KS4 A team finished 3rd and our KS3 A team a fantastic 2nd. With the top two teams advancing to the next round, our KS3 A team should now progress to the next round of the School Games.

We are thrilled to announce the start of an exciting new chapter with our Culture Committee for the 2024-2025 academic year.

With a fresh team on board, we are eager to begin planning and organizing a fantastic Culture Week in the summer. We have already started brainstorming and have some amazing ideas in the works.

The committee is hard at work, diving into the details to ensure this year’s event will be one to remember! Stay tuned for more updates as our plans unfold, and get ready for an incredible celebration of creativity and diversity!

Dear parents, carers, and friends,

We are holding our PTFA Annual General Meeting on Monday 11th November from 7 pm in the Sixth Form Common Room.

You are all very welcome to attend and refreshments will be provided. This is an important meeting where committee members will be resigning their positions and new members elected. The PTFA has been running with just four parents as volunteers and we really could use some extra help to continue our work to enhance the education and experience of all the students at the school.

Over the last two years, we have provided new library books, sports equipment, art equipment, technology equipment, air-conditioning, outdoor shelters, outdoor seating, laptops and many more items. We need the support of parents to continue to do so. Please come along if you can and see what we are about, there is no obligation to sign up for anything. There will be pre-loved uniforms available to purchase on the night too.

The PTFA are also always looking for donations of good condition, clean, pre-loved uniforms to re-sell. If you have any donations, please drop them into the office and a committee member will collect them.

We hope to see you on November 11th to elect your new committee. If you have any questions, or to advise of your attendance, please contact us at stbernardspta@gmail.com

• 5th of Nov / 22nd of November - Mock exams
• 28th of November - Sixth Form Open Evening
• 12th of December - Year 12 & 13 Consultation Evening
• 13th of December - Year 12 Taster Day
• 18th of December - Christmas Dinner
• 19th of December - Advent Service
• 19th of December - Last day of term - Early school finish

We are looking for Exam Invigilators and Bank Supply Teachers to join our St. Bernard's community.

If you’re interested in overseeing exams or covering occasional teaching (KS3/4 and A-level), we’d love to hear from you! Full training is provided for invigilators.

Visit our Vacancies page to learn more!

Help us to show kindness and understanding through open hearts Help us to continue to flourish and grow in Your love and support those in need of Your friendship.

Prompt our learning today using our talents and gifts so that we may serve You more faithfully. Prompt our actions with Your grace and complete them with Your help So that we may truly love one another as You have loved us.

St Bernard Pray for Us

Amen

Email: office@stbernards.southend.sch.uk
Website: stbernardswestcliff.org.uk
Location: Milton Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7JS UK
Phone: 01702 343583