FROM THE ‘BIG BANG’ TO THE ‘XFROM THE ‘BIG BANG’ TO THE ‘X--FACTOR’FACTOR’

During the Spring term, All Saints’ hosted pupils from our family of Primary schools. Each week, for seven weeks,

various staff, with a selection of Yr 7 helpers, provided experiences of fun learning - on one occasion the primary

pupils even managed to smash 46 eggs!

The enrichment days have delved through the universe, from the big bang to the quantum world of the atom. Pupils

have showcased their talents in a French-style ‘X Factor’ competition, and created films of their favourite genres -

even managing to create a daring new mash-up genre called the ‘horror/romance/comedy/domestic drama’. The

young people have explored the beauty of mathematical patterns around us, and produced a ‘play in a day’.

The pupils excelled themselves in their enthusiasm and curiosity. From quiet

beginnings at the start of each day, they were soon running around, mixing

and badgering the rest of the school, like seasoned pupils. All the mystique

and trepidation of secondary school was suddenly lifted, and the gap

between secondary and primary rapidly shrunk.

A big thank you must go to all the staff, for organising the events, but most

especially to the Yr 7s who, once again, proved what an outstanding year

group we have.

Well done to everyone!

ALL SAINTS’ NEWSALL SAINTS’ NEWS EASTER 2012

LENTEN CHARITYLENTEN CHARITY

During Lent we have been busy raising money for CAFOD

and St Joseph’s Penny. We introduced “loose change

Friday”, with a group of pupils regularly giving up their

lunch-times to collect spare change around school; this

will also be donated to the designated charities.

We also promoted a “bring a tin to school” campaign,

which has been very generously supported - we have

collected over 300 items of food. These tins have been

sent to the Cornerstone charity in Manchester, to assist

them in providing a hot meal for everyone in difficulty, who

comes through their door.

HOLY WEEK PRAYER HOLY WEEK PRAYER

Lord, Jesus

As we follow your life and remember your death,

we also look at our own lives and ask you to help us

to walk with you.

Help us when we feel discouraged to seek your

guidance.

Teach us to see each day as a gift from you

and give us humility to offer ourselves back to you

in your service.

Renew us, we pray, in the mystery of the Cross,

and as we look to the joy of Easter,

strengthen us in body and soul.

Amen

DIOCESAN OLYMPIC PRAYER RELAYDIOCESAN OLYMPIC PRAYER RELAY

On Monday 30th January, All Saints’ received the diocesan Relay of Prayer torch, as it is passed from school to

school around the Diocese in celebration of the Olympics being in our country. We were the 56th school to receive

the torch, out of a total of 208. The Pupil Ambassadors from St Mary’s in Haslingden brought us the torch and gave an assembly to our Yr 7 pupils about their Olympic Country, Austria. Our Yr 7s then sang the Relay hymn, “Christ Be Our Light”, with international Opera star, Sean Ruane, which was very exciting.

After lunch the All Saints’ Ambassadors, Callum Barnes, Dixon Charlton, Natalie Bentley, Tara Rowan and Dominic Grcar, accompanied by Mr Beesley and Mrs Atherton, donned the very attractive bright orange Diocesan safety jackets and walked with flags, banner and torch to St James-the-Less. On the way we took the torch skiing, snowboarding and tubing down the newly reopened Ski Rossendale, joined by other students from our school. Thankfully the torch (and our pupils) emerged in one piece! We wish to say a big thank you to the Ski Slope for facilitating this for us, and to the Mayor, who also lent her support, along with the Ambassadors from St.James-the-Less.

The day ended with us taking the torch to St James-the-Less, and presenting our assembly on our country, Eritrea. We were made very welcome and taught the pupils to count to ten in one of the main languages of Eritrea, with a bribe of sweets to aid the learning . What a fun day - one that we will remember for a long time - the day the torch relay came to All Saints’.

STEM CLUBSTEM CLUB

All Saints’ High will be starting a STEM club in the Summer term, after school on Thursdays. STEM creates opportuni-ties to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathe-matics (STEM). This en-ables them to develop their creativity, problem-solving and key employability skills, whilst having fun.

The club will carry out small projects, for example, who can design a rocket to go the furthest distance, or de-signing containers to transport tomatoes, without them being squashed - the list is endless!

If any parents have experience in any STEM careers and feel that they or their company could sponsor or provide any financial assistance to the club, this would be more than welcomed and appreciated.

If you are interested, can you please email Mrs Moun-field on l.mounfield@allsaintshigh.lancs.sch.uk

SHINE NEWSSHINE NEWS

The first ever edition of SHINE Magazine, a publication written by pupils for pupils, is out now . This edition includes a ‘Happy Birthday’ section, School Improvements, Yr 11 London Trip, Competi-tions and Advice. If you would like to contribute to the magazine, please see Mrs Groom. You can contribute as little or as much as you would like.

SCHOOL SCHOOL SPORTS SPORTS PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP NEWSNEWS

Yr 7 - The indoor athletics team finished 2nd overall at the Rossendale Schools Indoor Athletics event held at Fearns. The team was; Marco Pacheco-Laureiro, Callum Peers-Holland, Josh Weldon, Jacob Price, Malachy Graham and Harrison Astin.

The football team participated in a 7-a-side tournament at Fearns. They played extremely well, with the highlight being a 3-0 win over Fearns. The 11-a-side team had their first win of the season, beating Haslingden 4-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Callum Peers-Holland.

Yr 8 - The football team have continued to improve this year but unfortunately lost 5-3 in a friendly to Haslingden. The boys were 3-0 down at half time but fought back to 3-3, before eventually conceding 2 late goals. The lads were then knocked out of the Rossendale cup at the semi final stage, losing 4-1 to BRGS, but the scoreline would have been a lot different with more composed finishing in front of goal. Dan O'Connor netted the consolation.

Yr 8 - The indoor athletics team also finished 2nd in their competition at Fearns. The team was; Jordan Wilmore, Jake Greenwood, Dan O'Connor, Aidan Keating, Luke Davies and Dom Grcar.

Yr 9 - The basketball team have been in Lancashire Cup action and have finished 3rd in their group. Hard fought defeats against BRGS (38 - 19) and Primet High School from Colne (40-20) were followed by walk-overs against Alder Grange and Mount Carmel, who were unable to fulfil the fixtures. Notable performers for the team were Max Metcalf, Dixon Charlton and James Fletcher. The team also finished 3rd in the Rossendale Schools basketball competition, hosted by the Rossendale Raptors at Haslingden Sports Centre.

Yr 9 - The rugby team enjoyed success at the Rossendale Schools Competition at Marl Pits, where they were runners-up. The team were very well led by Tom Boys, Danny Flynn and Luke Comer. Luke McDonald and Ryan Chadwick also scored crucial tries.

The football team suffered defeat in an end-to-end game, losing 6-4 at home to Haslingden.

Yr 10 - The 7-a-side football team played magnificently to win the Rossendale Schools tournament at Fearns. The competition was extremely close with the lads topping the table on goals scored.

Yr 11 - The football team have been busy, playing in 3 Cup Competitions this year. After losing in the 3rd Round of the English Schools Cup before Christmas, the team progressed to the last 16 of the Lancashire Cup, after victories over Albany High School from Chorley and BRGS. The lads were eventually defeated 6-5 in extra time after a thrilling game away to Central Lancaster High School. The team bounced back to win the Rossendale Cup with a 2-1 victory, in a tense final at Whitworth. Goalscorers were Denham Skelton and man of the match Joe Spencer.

The basketball team have also been busy in Lancashire Cup action, playing against Albany High School, BRGS, Blessed Trinity and Park High School. Unfortunately the team did not qualify from the group stage, but played with heart and skill in each of the games. The squad was; Suzel Ahmed, Callum O'Neill, Connor Makin, Patrick Flynn, Matt Clarke, Joe Jose and Sybil Largo.

A team of Yr 7 & 8 girls took part in a football tournament held at Ewood Park. The girls played 6 games and won 3 of these, just missing out on the finals, and coming 3rd in their group. The girls played really well, showing good effort and team work. Star performer was Sammi-Jay Woodrup, 7MP, scoring a bag-full of goals.

The U13 girls cricket team entered the Ladies Taverners’ competition; they had a some tough competition from schools across Lancashire. The girls played extremely well and eventually finished runners-up. Player of the tournament went to Jemma Reynolds 7MP.

Over the past months All Saints’ has played host to many primary school competitions. Starting with the Indoor athletics for Yrs 5 & 6 and Yrs 3 & 4, St James the Less re-gained their titles for both age groups, and went on the represent our Catholic primary schools at the Rossendale finals. Our young sports leaders helped organise and run the event, including Katherine Pegg, Maddy White, Hannah Bones, Jana Jackman and Lauren Green. The girls did an excellent job ensuring the event ran smoothly.

The Rossendale Gymnastics event and Netball final were also held here at All Saints’. 22 primary schools entered the primary netball event, and joint winners were Thorn and Constable Lee. The weather was glorious and all who took part had an excellent day at All Saints'. Again our young sports leaders played a valuable part in this event, and they were a credit to our school.

Yr 11 LONDON TRIPYr 11 LONDON TRIP

In February, 54 Yr 11 students travelled to London for an English trip. As well as spending time exploring the city, shopping at Covent Garden, and eating at Planet Hollywood, the young people also went to the theatre to see ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Billy Elliot’.

Despite the very heavy snow on the way back home, which made the return journey much longer than expected, everyone had a really good time, and the pupils were a credit to the school. It was not only an enjoyable trip, but was also excellent preparation for the English exam in the summer.

WORLD BOOK DAYWORLD BOOK DAY

The Mad Hatter, Mother Malkin and Bellatrix Lestrange all made an appearance at All Saints’ Catholic High School in March, as part of the celebrations for World Book Day.

Over 100 students took part in a book swap to help spread their love of reading, as well as participating in themed events held in the library and English department.

Yr 7 students also contributed to the day by holding a bake sale, which raised £67 for Cancer Research. Thank you to everyone who participated, including, Miss Kenrick, Miss Foster, Mr O’Sullivan, Mrs McKeown & Mrs Young!

READATHONREADATHON

Yrs 7 & 8 students recently took part in Readathon, during their English lessons. Readathon is a charity which holds sponsored reads in schools across the country, raising money for CLIC Sargent and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Students were invited to bring in their favourite reads, from The Beano to Jacqueline Wilson, as well as numerous Harry Potters. As well as ‘reading their socks off’, students also baked some tasty buns and biscuits to sell, and to add to their sponsor money. In all, students raised a whopping £811.75, which will go towards helping young children with cancer or serious disabilities.

YR 11 REVISION WEEKENDYR 11 REVISION WEEKEND

On Friday 30th March, 40 Yr 11 pupils went to Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre in North Wales, to help kick-start their preparation for the Summer exams . The weekend was well supported by staff, who led all the revision sessions, including Spanish, German, RE, Geography & Revision Skills. The weekend wasn’t just about revision, though - it also involved activities that focused on team-work and leadership skills. There were many different activities on offer, including the Leap of Faith, Jacob’s Ladder, Low Ropes, Archery, Water Rockets & Caving. On Saturday night we all gathered to make a camp-fire. At each of the sessions, staff were asked to nominate the student who had ‘shone’ the brightest, and prizes were awarded on a regular basis. The weekend culminated in an awards ceremony, where many of the students were recognised for their contribution. Congratulations to Sally Kilroy, who won the overall prize, but well done to everyone, for working so hard, and joining in - you were all stars! All students in Yr 11 have now been given their own personalised revision plan, and they have specific revision activities for every day of the week, between now and each of their exams. A copy of the plan has also been posted home to parents, so that they can work together, with their son or daughter, to make the most of the next couple of months. Important points to remember about the revision plans:

This programme of revision sets out the work that students have to complete between Monday 2 April and Wednesday 27 June 2012 (or the date of their final exam).

For most subjects there are two blocks of revision per week. For Maths and English there are three blocks per week. Friday night has been left free.

Students must complete the revision work that is set out in their plan.

Throughout the programme teachers will monitor how well students are revising. If they are concerned that a pupil is struggling, teachers may contact parents.

If anyone would like to find out more about the revision plans, or ask any questions about revision or the forthcoming exams, please contact your child’s form tutor, Mrs Keen (Head of Yr 11), or Mrs Wilde (Exams Officer). If parents are concerned about a particular subject, they should contact their child’s subject teacher. The full exam time-table, for both Yr 11 and Yr 10, can be found on the school website.

THIS IS IT, YEAR 11

GOOD LUCK!!!

ALL SAINTS’ GETS A ‘FACEALL SAINTS’ GETS A ‘FACE--LIFT’LIFT’

This year’s building improvement work is now complete, and what a difference it has made! The front of the school is unrecognisable from what it was previously. The whole of the front facade has been cleaned and re-pointed, and new windows, aluminium cladding and an illuminated school sign have been installed. We have also had new windows installed to classrooms around the rear of the school.

These works are a part of our overall Buildings Development Plan, with the new Sports Hall being Phase One, and we are currently awaiting news of next year’s funding allocation from the Diocese, with the hope that we will be able to continue this transformation of our school building. We have received many positive comments about the work so far, and we are particularly pleased by the pupils’ reactions - it is clear that they are delighted with it, and are quite rightly proud of their school.

This year’s work went very smoothly indeed, and we would like to thank the Diocese for its continued support, as well as our architects, Bate & Taylor, and the construction company, P & L. Watch this space for developments!!

HEALTH & SAFETYHEALTH & SAFETY

As always, we strive to ensure that Health and Safety procedures are in place and followed by all users of school premises. Pupils should, therefore, enter and leave school by either the path leading from the bus stop on Haslingden Road or the main drive, using the designated path. Pupils must NOT cross the school car park.

We are aware that the main driveway into school is very narrow. Parents must not park on the main drive at the end of the day as this constitutes a major hazard for buses coming up and down and also for pupils who walk home. Pupils should, therefore, be picked up on Haslingden Road. There should be no parking in the school car park, where buses need to manoeuvre. In the event that parents need to come down the drive and onto school premises they must strictly adhere to the speed limit of 5mph.

As always, we are keen to maintain good relation-ships with our neighbours, and parents are requested not to park, turn around in or block residents’ drives. Could we also please ask that when parking on Haslingden Rd, parents are considerate and sensitive to the needs of our neighbours

HAPPY RETIREMENT!HAPPY RETIREMENT!

All Saints’ says ‘goodbye’ to Mrs Arthur.

Jacob Price, Harrison Astin & Malachy Graham returned to their primary school, St Veronica’s, to wish their teacher, Mrs Arthur, a long and happy retirement after 11 very happy and successful years at the school.

Mrs Arthur will be fondly remembered for her hard work and dedication, especially with the choir and the nativity plays.

THEO’S BIG LEAPTHEO’S BIG LEAP

Theo Bishop came to our whole-school assembly this term, along with his Aunty. He spoke a very simple message, through the microphone: “Thank you very much!” - we raised over £500 last term, through a non-uniform day, to help with his medical treat-ment. It was a very small gesture, compared with the challenges that he is facing. The theme of the assembly was about ‘Happiness’, and Mr Beesley told everyone how infectious Theo’s happy smile was, causing him to smile from ear to ear when he had first met him that morning.

Everyone agrees what a very brave young boy, and an inspiration Theo is to us. All the pupils genuinely appreciated his coming to visit us, and they were inspired by his courage and strength.

If you would like to donate to Theo’s Big Leap, visit: http://www.theosbigleap.org.uk/

SPORTING STARSSPORTING STARS

Two of our Yr 11 pupils have been part of the successful Burnley FC Youth Team that reached the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup, before losing a two-legged tie against Blackburn Rovers Youth Team. The games were played at Turf Moor and Ewood Park, in front of crowds of over 10,000. Both Charlie Holt and Callum Jakovlevs have been important members of a squad who currently sit at the top of the Youth Alliance Northern league, with only a few games remaining. During the Cup run Burnley saw off competition from Boston United, Ipswich Town, West Brom and Fulham, before finally losing 3-1 over 2 legs to their East Lancashire rivals.

Callum is a goalkeeper and Charlie plays at either full-back position. They are both very highly regarded at the club and have been fast-tracked into the youth team set-up this season. They are playing with and against players who are two years older than themselves, some of whom have first team experience.

Both of the pupils have signed two-year scholarship contracts, which will keep them at the club until they are 18 years old. This involves the boys training every day with the youth team squad at Burnley FC's training base at Gawthorpe.

On Friday 30th March the school held a non-uniform day, with the proceeds contributing to sending one of our Yr 7 pupils, Sammi-Jay Woodrup, to the World

Kickboxing Championships in Canada. Sammi-Jay is the second All Saints’ student

to participate in a World Kickboxing Championship, as Connor Jones, in Year 11, came first and third in his two categories earlier this year, in Spain. We wish Sammi-Jay the very best of luck when she competes next October.

Congratulations also to Tom Boys, in Yr 8. Tom has recently been selected for the Lancashire Under-14 Rugby Development Squad. He will be representing his county over the Easter holidays in an inter-county competition. Good luck, Tom!

LEARNING IN THE ‘REAL WORLD’LEARNING IN THE ‘REAL WORLD’ Just before Christmas, twelve pupils from across Rossendale started out on a new scheme - to project-manage a leisure company whose aim was to attract young people into the Valley, to try out adrenaline sports. The group had a budget of £1500, but no experience or knowledge of how to manage such a big undertaking. Three of our pupils excelled, and made it to the very end of the course, which is especially pleasing as there were only 5 pupils in total who achieved this. The drop-out rate was high because there was a ‘marine toughness’ about achieving the targets. They had to test and risks assess the sports, market the products to young people, book out all the facilities and safety equipment, and arrange transport to and from the venues. Just like the ‘Apprentice’ they had to do all this while making a profit. With such high standards, it is no wonder a few got fired along the way!

We are proud of Shay Scott, Adrian Booth and Sam Fielden for making it to the end, and being able to deliver a presentation to local business leaders, demonstrating what they had achieved. There was no room for silliness and immaturity - this was the real world, with real world standards, and they succeeded with the assurance and humility gained through 10 weeks of persistence and perseverance; qualities we can all learn to develop.

WELCOME!WELCOME!

We have welcomed sixteen new pupils to All Saints’ this term - Alex Bischtschuk (Yr 7), Izaak Coulter (Yr 7), Nicole Lyth (Yr 7), Louis Perrie (Yr 7), Leah Philips (Yr 7), Lewis Smith (Yr 7), Rebecca Urwin (Yr 7), Dylan Shaw (Yr 8), Parys Faulkner (Yr 9), Megan Hudson (Yr 9), Zoe O’Connor (Yr 9), Thomas Settle (Yr 9), Daniel Leicester (Yr 10), Thomas Pearson (Yr 10), Liam Renwick (Yr 10) & Adam Wright (Yr 10).

We wish them all a very happy and successful time with us, here at All Saints’ Catholic High School.

VACANCIESVACANCIES

WELFARE ASSISTANTSWELFARE ASSISTANTS Required as soon as possible

Permanent contract 7.5 Hours per Week, Term Time only

£6.30 - £6.47 per hour

We have 2 vacancies for Welfare Assistants to work at All Saints’ Catholic High School & Specialist Language College. You will be required to supervise pupils during the school lunchtime and help tidy up the school environment afterwards. The hours will be 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm Monday to Friday, Term Time only. No previous experience is necessary, but applicants must have a pleasant and friendly manner and experience of dealing with young people. You will be required to provide an enhanced CRB disclosure, the cost of which will be met by the school. An application form and further details are available on the school website or contact the school office on 01706 213693 or e-mail; office@allsaintshigh.lancs.sch.uk.

Upcoming EventsUpcoming Events

Monday 23rd April School Re-opens Monday 30th April Yr 10 Castlerigg Retreat Friends of All Saints’ Meeting - 6.00pm Monday 7th May Bank Holiday Monday 14th May Summer Exam Series begins Monday 4th June - Friday 8th June Half-Term Holiday Monday 11th June School Opens Thursday 21st June Yr 6 Day Friday 22nd June Yr 11 Prom Monday 2nd July Yr 10 Work Experience Week Tuesday 3rd July Valley Mass Thursday 12th July Yr 6 Parents’ Evening Wednesday 18th July Awards Evening Friday 20th July Last Day of Term

FAREWELLFAREWELL

On 8th March we received the very sad news that one of our past pupils, Adam Madden, had passed away in a car accident. Adam was a lovely young man. He will be very

fondly remembered by all who knew him, here at All Saints’. He was a real character, with a fantastic sense of humour and a brilliant smile. He was very popular with pupils and staff alike, and had many friends at school.

We have vivid memories Adam working really hard for his exams, and leaving All Saints’ with much deserved qualifications and a bright future.

We were all very, very sad to hear this tragic news, and we

gathered together as a school, in prayer, to remember him

and to celebrate his life. Our thoughts and prayers are very

much with his family at this time.