ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
JANUARY NEWSLETTER 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Welcome to the January edition of our newsletter. It does not seem that long ago that I wrote to wish you and your family a happy and holy Christmas, and now as I write we are almost at the end of the first of the Spring half terms. In schools things always move on at a pace, so our newsletter will be an opportunity for us all to reflect on the many wonderful events and successes of the past weeks. Please keep all in our community in your thoughts and prayers, particularly those pupils in Years 11 and 13, and their teachers, as we move into the public exam season.
MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD STUDENT
Welcome back to St James’ after hopefully a restful break, and happy 2023! As we enter this new year, there have already been various opportunities across the school, including a Year 12 Brilliant Club trip to Oxford University, and a Year 10 drama trip to see ‘The Woman in Black’. There has also been a celebration of world religion day, a reminder of the understanding between, and an appreciation of, different religions. Already over one term of the way through this academic year, time appears to be flying by.
'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
Every year, the victims and the families of the Holocaust are remembered with a series of events as a way to honour their memory and remind the world of the horrors that took place.
Six million Jews are killed during the Holocaust, but in a world scarred by genocide, its not just those who died under Nazi persecution that is remembered, but also those that died in the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. We pray for all those affected by hatred and persecution.
Pope Francis said: 'If we lose out memory, we destroy our future. May the anniversary of the unspeakable cruelty that humanity learned of 78 years ago serve as a summons to pause, to be still and to remember. We need to do this, lest we become indifferent. It is troubling to see, in many parts of the world, an increase in selfishness and indifference, lack of concern for others and the attitude that says life is good as long as it is good for me, and when things go wrong, anger and malice are unleashed.'
Let us Pray:
'Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered ruing the Holocaust.
In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity and in genocides which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that drive people apart.
Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us. In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine and can know the courage to face the darkness.
Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil.'
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
On this day, communities of different faiths have the opportunity to get together and listen to each other and celebrate the differences and commonalities that the delicate intermingling of culture and religion brings.
There are approximately over 20 different religions practiced in our school!
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 10 Drama Trip
As part of their GCSE course, our Year 10 Drama students went to see 'The Woman in Black' at the Fortune Theatre.
This haunting story kept the students on the edge of their seats. With a perfect mix of tension and suspense, the acting, storytelling, and special effects gave the students much to discuss on the journey home and in their next drama class!
Year 12 Brilliant Club Trip
On Wednesday 25th January our Year 12 Brilliant Club participants attended the programme's launch trip to Keble College, Oxford. On the day students were briefed on their upcoming course and taught valuable research skills that will help them on their upcoming projects.
In the afternoon they were given a campus tour of the 150-year-old College by a current 3rd-year student. This was followed by information on how to apply for Oxbridge and a Q&A session with two current students where our Year 12's asked some interesting and important questions about university life. Overall, an informative day enjoyed by all.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10'
Sports Leaders Events
Tender workshop
Our Year 9 and 10 House Representatives attended a one-day workshop in school provided by Tender.
Tender is a charity working to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence in the lives of children and young people. Their work supports young people to build healthy relationships: preventing them from becoming victims or perpetrators of abuse and equipping them to have relationships based on equality and respect.
This was a workshop focusing on tackling abuse in all its forms. Our students responded in such an articulate and insightful way - and not only gained knowledge and insight but will also be able to pass on positive messages, advice and guidance.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10'
Reciprocal Reading Club
Art Club
Every Wednesday there is an Art club after school for Years 7, 8 and 9. Last week they were creating optical illusions of hands, taking inspiration from artists such as Bright Reily.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Year 9 Retreat
Our Year 9 Student's Retreat focused on 'Answering God’s Call'.
We were joined by a representative from The Passage Charity, who shared how we can answer through our actions towards those in need.
Fr. David shared about answering the call to the priesthood, and we concluded our retreat with the celebration of Mass.
Faith in Action
Excellence:
By modelling these values we are living and being the best/ most excellent version of ourselves.
Did you make a resolution or commitment for 2023? Perhaps you have broken it or would like to make one?
What does excellence mean to me?
What does excellence look like in my studies/ my friendships/ my activities?
Trust
John the Baptist trusted in God’s promise of a Messiah. When he encountered Jesus his commitment was fulfilled. At the start of this year what do we place our trust in?
Are we trustworthy?
Are we loyal?
How do we create a community of trust?
Aspiration:
We need to aspire to hold the Beatitudes as our standard of living. Jesus in the Beatitudes reminds us that being followers of Him means we must live in a way that is counter-cultural.
How could you bring peace in your friendship group or family?
How could you comfort someone this week?
How could you advocate for a cause this week or stand against injustice?
Service:
Even though Jesus was God incarnate. God’s chosen He still came to earth to model service and love. John the Baptist was a forerunner and prepared a path for Jesus. John modelled service in his act of offering baptism to those who wanted to repent.
We are Christ’s witness in the world today and we can show the love of God by serving one another and our community.
How can we serve God and others today?
Integrity:
We are called to turn away from the things that cause us to sin and be tempted. These things change our behaviour. We are called to model the Gospel values of integrity and acting in a way that models this. John the Baptist, Jesus and those who during the Holocaust witnessed and protected those who were being persecuted were people of integrity. As individuals we all want to, deep down, do what is right. To help people and to be people that others trust, respect and are loyal to. To be this we simply need people of integrity. To do what is right even if others around us are choosing not to.
Speak out when you see people doing things that are unkind
Commit to doing one small act of kindness each day
Avoiding gossip, liking things on social media which are not affirming to others
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
Enchanted Fairy Tales
School Good and Evil
Every four years, two children are kidnapped from the village of Gavaldon. Usually, one child is well-behaved and beautiful, and the other is ugly and peculiar. The kidnapper, referred to as "the School Master", allegedly kidnaps them to the School for Good and Evil in the surrounding Endless Woods, where they are trained to become fairytale heroes and villains. Beautiful and pink-loving Sophie dreams of attending the School for Good and finding true love. Meanwhile, her best friend Agatha, who isn't stereotypically pretty and withdrawn, is deemed the perfect candidate for the School for Evil.
School Good and Evil
Both girls are kidnapped but are seemingly sent to the "wrong" schools. Sophie to the School for Evil and Agatha to the School for Good. Soon after, Sophie becomes smitten with King Arthur's son, Tedros of Camelot, who also takes notice of her. Agatha, however, only wants to go home; she and Sophie ask the School Master to go home, but the Storian begins their fairy tale. He tells them they must follow it and give them a riddle to solve; the answer is true love's kiss. Follow these 2 friends on their journey to discover who they become and where they really belong.
Potion Diaries
When the Princess of Nova accidentally poisons herself with a love potion meant for her crush, she falls crown-over-heels in love with her own reflection. Oops. A nationwide hunt is called to find the cure, with competitors travelling the world for the rarest ingredients, deep in magical forests and frozen tundras, facing death at every turn. Enter Samantha Kemi - an ordinary girl with extraordinary talent. Sam's family were once the most respected alchemists in the kingdom, but they've fallen on hard times, and winning the hunt would save their reputation. But can Sam really compete with the dazzling powers of the Zoroaster mega pharma company? Just how close is Sam willing to get to Zain Aster, her dashing former classmate and enemy, in the meantime? And just to add to the pressure, this quest is ALL OVER social media. And the world news. No big deal, then.
Horror Books
The Demon Road Trilogy
The Demon Road Trilogy revolves around Amber, a seemingly ordinary 16-year-old YA fan-girl from Florida who, after a shocking encounter, discovers a dark and twisted family secret: that her parents, their friends, and she herself are demons, out for her blood to fulfill a violent pact with a creature known as the Shining Demon. Forced to run for her life, Amber finds herself under the protection of Milo, a quiet, sarcastic and mysterious man driving a Dodge Charger, which seems to be alive. Tagging along for the ride is Glen, an annoying road trip companion from Hell, who has come to America from Ireland after being told he has forty days to live. Forced to flee across the United States of America via the eponymous Demon Road, from which all horror fiction is derived, the trio find themselves facing demonic and otherworldly dangers as they search for a way to stop Amber's parents; un dead serial killers, vampires, servants of hell and, of course, the ebony-horned and red-skinned demons that are relentlessly hunting the trio.
Skulduggery Pleasant
Stephanie Edgley's uncle died leaving her a fortune including his mansion. While staying there, she was attacked by a strange man and was rescued by Skulduggery Pleasant, a mysterious skeleton mage. Together with Ghastly Bespoke, China Sorrows and Tanith Low, Stephanie and Skulduggery tried to stop a plot for world domination of Serpine, an evil wizard. Serpine wanted to rule the world with the Sceptre of the Ancients, a weapon used to defeat the tyrannical gods called the Faceless Ones. The books revolve around the adventures of fledgling detective Valkyrie Cain, her mentor Skulduggery Pleasant, along with other friends and allies. The central story concerns Valkyrie's struggle to stop evil forces threatening the world and her internal struggle to resist the darkness within.
Science Books
Periodic Tales
Everything in the universe is made of them, including you. Like you, the elements have personalities, attitudes, talents, shortcomings, and stories rich with meaning. Here you'll meet iron that rains from the heavens and noble gases that light the way to vice. You'll learn how lead can tell your future while zinc may one day line your coffin. You'll discover what connects the bones in your body with the White-house in Washington, the glow of a streetlamp with the salt on your dinner table.
Science Tales
Author Darryl Cunningham takes on controversial topics like fracking, climate change and evolution through a graphic novel that presents complex information in an accessible format. While Science Tales summarises each argument incredibly well, its real quality lies in its ability to encourage critical thinking and reading, particularly by looking at lies and hoaxes debunked by science over the years.
Meet Itch - an accidental, accident-prone hero. Science is his weapon. Elements are his gadgets. Itchingham Lofte - known as Itch - is fourteen, and loves science, especially chemistry. He's also an element-hunter: he's collecting all the elements in the periodic table, which has some interesting and rather destructive results in his bedroom. Then, Itch makes a discovery. A new element, never seen before. At first, no one believes him - but soon someone hears about the strange new rock and wants it for himself. Itch and his family are catapulted into a breathless adventure with terrifyingly high stakes.
'I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL' JOHN 10:10
House Points
'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