Convent School, Loughborough, Spring 2018 Newsletter

Our Lady's Convent School Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation Issue 46 • Spring 2018 Follow us on Twitter @OLCS_News Issue 44 • Summer 2017 @OLCS_News @LESConvent @lesconvent

Challenge • Care • Confidence

A few words from the Headmaster Dear Parents Welcome to the second newsletter of this academic year and a review of another packed term. In February we celebrated Candlemas, such a lovely event where everyone sang beautifully and it was wonderful that the whole School was involved. We are now looking forward to the Burton Services at the end of this term - an occasion when all the Schools within the Foundation join, in year groups, to worship together.

Another highlight of the term has been the annual dance and music production, ‘A Night at the Musicals’. It was a wonderful and heart-warming event and I was delighted to receive several emails from parents who commented on the joie de vivre and enjoyment that was so clearly in evidence from all of the performers. More on that in the next newsletter.

It was a poignant time for Amber Savage, Grace Elliott, Lucy Baker and Rebecca Pendery, as this was their last production before they leave us at the end of Year 13. They have been absolute stars in all they have given to the School performing arts and in everyday life over their time at the School.

At this point, I would of course like to thank all the pupils and staff who were involved in the production, without you it would not be possible. Particular thanks go to Mr David Morris of the Music School who has been so helpful and supportive this term – it is much appreciated.

Mid-March brought British Science Week 2018 and the Science department have my congratulations for the number of different, fun and exciting projects they have offered the pupils.

The younger years have really enjoyed creating slime and I’ve been very impressed by the project of tagging plastics washed up on our shorelines – such an important and topical activity.

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My congratulations also go to our Public Speaking teams, we have a long tradition of excelling in this area and we have several new young teams learning the ropes and necessary skills. They have all worked incredibly hard this year and, as you will read later, their hard work has paid dividends.

Miss Bradshaw and the English department have again pulled out all the stops for World Book Day 2018. I am in awe of how they encourage such wholehearted involvement by pupils and staff. It is encouraging to see such enthusiastic readers in our School community. Thank you to everyone for participating in the range of activities that lasted all week and included, among other things, the ‘shelfies’ competition.

The inaugural Minerva workshop for parents took place this term and addressed the important issue of online safety. I will deliver the next workshop on Understanding Growth Mindset on 3 May 2018 and I look forward to hopefully seeing many of you there.

Looking forward, you may be aware that we will be undertaking fundraising for completing the fitting out of the new Girls’ Sports Centre. This will be a fabulous resource for all our girls, whether they are budding elite athletes or just enjoy sport for fun and relaxation. Further details of the fundraising events will be released soon and will include activities such as a run to Tokyo (not by one person I hasten to add!) and a festival of sport in the autumn.

I would like to take time to thank you for your on-going support of our School and the Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation and wish you a happy and restful Easter break.

Julian Murphy

3M Science Detectives Challenge Pupils from Year 10 were given the opportunity to participate in the Young Innovators Challenge run by 3M and supported by the Loughborough Echo. The Science department entered a team of five pupils (Heather Brown, Naomi Van Bunnens, Charlotte Allen, Lydia Johnson and Jessica Higginson) for the Science Detectives Challenge.

The team spent an afternoon visiting the Death Below Zero ‘crime scene’, making forensic observations and analysing some of the samples in the on-site laboratory. This is what some of the girls had to say about the experience…

Charlotte Allen It was a fun experience and I am sure we all enjoyed it, especially the investigating part. It was really interesting to see the crime scene and what the experts could use and do.

Heather Brown It was really interesting to have a go at doing this. It is harder than expected so I admire the people that do this for a job.

I hope at some point we will figure it out and then hand it back to the professionals.

Jess Higginson When we got to 3M we were greeted by a group of scientists who led us through the potential crime scenes. Later we were taken to the lab where we tested the evidence, using tests such as gas/paper chromatography and infrared spectroscopy.

We are now producing a crime scene report and a lab report on who we think killed Frank Mikoss.

Rotary Public Speaking Success

Rotary Public Speaking Success On 24 February three teams from Our Lady’s Convent School competed, in the regional finals of the Rotary Youth Speaks public speaking competition in Uppingham.

the next roundLoughborough, of the competition will be doing The nine girlsOn from 7 to 10 wereteams enteredfrom as two teams for the 24Years February three Our Lady’s Convent School, competed in so thein their own time during the Easter holidays andinthey have my wholehearted thanks, Intermediate section and one for the competition. reach public regional finals of Senior the Rotary Youth To Speaks speaking competition Uppingham. congratulations and good wishes.” this stage the girls had seen off stiff opposition from Leicester High School, Beauchamp College and Twycross School in the regional The nine girls from Years 7 to 10 were entered as two Year 10 pupils, were up against some very experienced Sixth semi-finals at the end of January.

Form teams and to have achieved all they have so far is a credit teams for the Intermediate section and one for the Senior to their hard work and determination.”

At the regionalTofinals onethis of our Intermediate teams, 8, competition. reach stage the girls had seenYear off stiff was awarded a place in theHigh next School, stage of Beauchamp the competition opposition from Leicester College Headmaster, Dr Julian Murphy, said, “Skills such as public which will take place during and Twycross School in theApril. regional semi-finals at the end speaking are invaluable throughout life and these three teams of January.

Speaking after the event Mr Chris Gallagher, Head of Spiritual Life have given up their lunchtimes and evenings to hone their said, threefinals teamsone performed well on the day and IYear was 8, very At the“The regional of our Intermediate teams, proudawarded of them.aThe Senior team, of Year 10 was place in the nextwhich stageisofcomprised the competition pupils, were up against some very experienced Sixth Form teams which will take place during April. and to have achieved all they have so far is a credit to their hard work and determination.”

Speaking after the event Mr Chris Gallagher, Head of Spiritual Life said, “The three teams performed well on the day and I was Headmaster, Dr Julian Murphy, said, “Skills such as public speaking very proud of throughout them. The life Senior whichteams is comprised of up are invaluable and team, these three have given

techniques and delivery. Obviously I would like to have seen all three progress to the next stage of the competition but I would like to congratulate each team member for their hard work. The Intermediate team progressing to the next round of the competition will be doing so in their own time during the Easter holidays and they have my wholehearted thanks, congratulations and good wishes.”

their lunchtimes and evenings to hone their techniques and delivery.

Obviously I would like to have seen all three progress to the next stage of the competition but I would like to congratulate each team member for their hard work. The Intermediate team progressing to

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AMSTERDAM

ompanied by Mrs Grest, from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 acc ents stud 28 y, ruar Feb 9 ay On Frid trip to Amsterdam. Here’s departed School for a four-day Mr Gallagher and Mrs Chadwick, experience. what they had to say about the Orianne Capsticks, Y12

The Canal Boat Trip

other city. I underestimated Amsterdam is simply unique, like no be - there was an endless sea to g goin how many bikes there were canals, quaint coffee shops of them, scattered along the miles of is so vast I feel like we only and quirky architecture. Amsterdam city has to offer. the explored a small section of what the canal boat tour; seeing The part of the trip I enjoyed most was streets of Amsterdam rent diffe the the houses on the canals and t was completely different from was incredible. Each canal and stree d and seeing the section of the next. The buildings were very gran other bridges was magnificent. the canal where you can see seven

Lucy Baker, Y13

The Anne Frank House

ical side of life in hiding, and the ‘One day we’re laughing at the com days), we’re frightened, and the next day (and there are many such on our faces.’ Anne Frank, read fear, tension and despair can be 4.

The Diary of a Young Girl, 26 May 194 in Amsterdam, we were all On our visit to the Anne Frank House each given an audio-guide that touched by the experience. We were nd the various rooms within gave us information as we walked arou g as it helped to bring the estin the house. This was extremely inter er understand what we were bett to us led experience to life and enab seeing. look around the secret annex Personally, I found it very moving to Jewish people shared for more that Anne, her family and four other able that they hid there for so than two years, it seemed unfathom long in a state of fear and worry. able to see into the attic room.

As I walked around the house, I was the attic, however a mirror into ss Unfortunately there was no acce le you to see all of the had been placed in the opening to enab me, seeing the furniture and their furniture that was still up there. For reality. personal items made Anne’s story a re Anne’s father had marked It was particularly upsetting to see whe of the walls; this solid symbol one the heights of her and her sister on tragically cut short certainly of their lives, and how they had been me, and many others I’m sure. provoked a feeling of sadness within

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Camp Vught

d Camp Vught, an SS On the second day of our trip, we visite an hour from Amsterdam. concentration camp located about orial centre and museum, mem d The camp contained a combine a wall of reflection; this enabled which featured a memorial room and lives there and those who us to remember those who lost their death camps. passed through on their way to the the camp was divided into two Our guide informed us that originally re who were briefly detained there befo sections; one for Jewish prisoners, h Dutc for Eastern Europe, and one being moved on to death camps in two more sections were added, one r, Late . ners priso and Belgian political detention. for women and one for prisoners in ters, the crematorium and the We were also shown the living quar particularly poignant as it contained children’s memorial. The latter was had been sent to the camp, some of a list of 1,269 Jewish children who also told us about the execution area whom were only babies. Our guide t 15 minutes away from the camp that was located in the woods abou resistance were executed. itself, where many members of the extremely moving, yet visiting such Our experiences at the camp were younger generations to help them to places is a necessary experience for n. to ensure that it never happens agai understand what happened and try

Grace Elliott, Y13

al Rijksmuseum was of huge education As an A Level Art student, visiting the 0 8,00 over s yone, however, as it showcase benefit. There is something for ever t mos ry’s histo of e rience firsthand som objects. Personally, being able to expe h’s ‘Self-portrait’ and Vermeer’s ‘The Gog Van as such art, famous pieces of lege iration for my work and it was a privi Milkmaid’ was a great source of insp also ing build beautiful architecture of the to see these paintings so closely. The emaz its spite …de of the work it held helped to emphasise the magnificence ; sign am’ terd ams ‘I ic icon the museum is like layout! To top it all, in front of the ists a compulsory photoshoot for all tour

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Mission Statement Towards the end of the last term, as part of a PSHCCE lesson, Year 7 were set the task of translating our Mission Statement into child friendly language.

Original

Fabulous Food Hygiene Award for Third Consecutive Year In February, following an exhaustive visit by the Environmental Health Officer, Mr Orrill and his team were delighted to once again be recognised as having the highest standards of food hygiene by the Food Standards Agency. Congratulations to everyone in the team and thank you for all the delicious meals.

As a Catholic School we welcome pupils of all faiths or none. We aim to develop the whole person; intellectually, morally and emotionally. Our Christian ethos, small classes and close knit community enable everyone to be known, understood and cared for as an individual. Our young people leave us as confident, ambitious and compassionate members of society.

Our pupils, who experience our Mission Statement in action every day at School came up with the version below. We think they have done such an outstanding job that we have decided to adopt their version as our new Mission Statement.

You will find it displayed on boards placed strategically around the site to remind everyone who we are.

Our New Mission Statement We are a Catholic School.

We welcome everyone and we respect everyone for who they are.

We work together to become clever, kind and brave.

We are one family, and everyone is known and loved.

When we leave, we will go into the world and make it a better place.

To see an impromptu film from the lesson in which the Year 7s wrote and then recited our new Mission Statement visit the Mission Statement page of our website.

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A group of aspiring Head and Deputy Head Girls gave a great assembly as they each shared what life at the School means to them.

Some students had been with us from age four whilst others joined our family only a few months ago. It was an insightful and heartwarming assembly and all the girls spoke clearly and with passion.

Oxbridge Dinner Amber Savage, Y13 On the 27 January 2018 I had the pleasure of attending the Loughborough Endowed Schools’ Tenth Oxbridge Dinner at St Peter’s College, Oxford. This is one in an annual calendar of events organised by the Development Office who support our alumni associations.

The evening began with Evensong, sung by the Burton Choristers and the Burton Consort, in the peaceful College chapel. This was followed by a drinks reception and delicious three-course dinner in the main historic hall of the College. Dr Simpson, a former pupil of Loughborough Grammar School and Oxford graduate, gave an after-dinner speech and provided an insight into his time at the College and his successful medical career. The evening provided me with an opportunity to engage with those alumni who are currently reading History at Oxford or Cambridge, which I found extremely valuable.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Melanie’s Blog Hits the Spot It was great to welcome past pupil Melanie back into School this term. Pictured here with her winning ISA National Art Competition piece 'Time Flies'. Now at university Melanie has already made a great impression on artist David Tovey after he read her blog piece on his work 'A Soldier's Story'.

Amber is pictured here with Mr Gallagher, Head of Sixth Form, Dr Julian Murphy, Headmaster and Mrs Savage, Development Officer.

ISA Netball In January our girls were warmedup and ready to go at the ISA Sports Netball Tournament. There was some fantastic play by all team members and eventually they drew one, lost two and won two. Players of the tournament were Estella and Louisa.

Congratulations to everyone.

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What is a Bitcoin?

Jaideep, Hattie and Elili in Year 10 have produced some outstanding homework researching and explaining the maths behind Bitcoins. They now have an excellent understanding of how they are created, used in transactions and mined!

Year 7 have also produced homework on Bitcoins with Ayeka, Lauren and Hannah delivering some outstanding work - well done everyone!

Ethics in Action Year 10 pupils were delighted to welcome Detective Inspector (DI) Anderson into one of their RE lessons this term.

The girls were thoroughly engaged and asked great questions of DI Anderson, who is in charge of the rape investigation team based in Cambridgeshire. She was invited into School to help the pupils understand the criminal justice system in preparation for their Ethics exam later this year.

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Young Enterprise In collaboration with Loughborough Grammar School two teams of Year 12 students have formed Young Enterprise companies.

Burton and Gray worked on the sustainable sourcing, manufacture and sales of potted cacti as gifts for all occasions. Ignite raised capital to enable them to provide a service as events planners, whilst conducting market research and product development towards a dual compartment drinks carrier.

Both companies pitched their plans and progress at the recent Fox’s Lair event organised by De Montfort University (based on The Dragons Den). Despite serious opposition from the ten competing companies Burton and Gray came away victorious and will be awarded the inaugural Fox’s Lair Cup in due course.

Indestructible

Year 8

Year 8 constructed models of earthquake proof buildings which were then all tested on the shake table.

Only one was completely destroyed which was a really great achievement from everyone. Maybe we have some budding architects in Year 8?

The picture shows Burton and Gray pitching at the Fox’s Lair event and team members Vishal, Serena, Lois, Orianne, Alya and Georgia.

Marvellous

Mexico

The Preparatory department enjoyed an afternoon experiencing all things Mexican including craft activities. They wove 'Ojo de Dios' (God's eyes), made plate maracas, created and decorated their own shields and enjoyed learning about traditional Mexican life, music and clothing.

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Celebrated 40 days after Christmas, Candlemas is so called because it was traditionally when all the Church’s candles for the year were blessed.

Candlemas On Friday 2 February, pupils and staff were joined by Father Simon Gillespie as he celebrated Mass with us to mark the Feast Day of the Presentation of the Lord, otherwise known as Candlemas.

Teachers’ Auction Congratulations to Year 12 who, as part of their fundraising during Lent, pulled off an assembly to remember with their Teachers' Auction.

‘Judge’ Lois made quite an entrance, which Year 12 followed with a dance routine to get everyone in the mood for the auction. Staff were bidding to have, among other things, their shelves tidied, cars cleaned or cakes baked. All funds raised are going to support the Rosminian Sisters' Orphanage in Tanzania.

After Easter we are looking forward to hearing how much they have raised.

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Pupils took great pleasure in having their candles blessed and then processing from the Main Hall to the Chapel to celebrate Mass. Readings were given by Sixth Form students and the choir led the singing beautifully, making this a spiritual and memorable occasion for everyone involved.

Speaking after the event, Dr Murphy said, “I believe that whatever your personal faith, finding time to share these moments of calm and reflection is crucial in today’s hectic life. It is such a pleasure to see the children from Year 3 up participating and our Sixth Form students taking such an active role.”

Hose that in the Playground??

Recently Year 1 and 2 had a visit from two Firefighters with their Tactical Response Vehicle (TRV). Lewis enjoyed the opportunity to try on the protective clothing the firefighters wear and the children explored inside the TRV and looked at the giant cutters used to cut vehicles in emergencies. Finally, everyone had a lot of fun when it was their turn on the hose!

Mr Keen We would like to thank Mr James Keen for his service to the School as Chef since joining us in 2012. We are sorry to say that Mr Keen will be leaving us this Easter and we’d like to wish him well and thank him for all his hard work.

In December the decision was made that the extremely popular Carols

by Candlelight should be run on two nights to enable as many family and friends to join us. The Chapel was beautifully decorated and lit and everyone enjoyed two wonderful evenings - a joyful and fitting start to the Christmas season (in spite of the snowy weather).

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WORLD BOOK DAY World Book Day 2018 was a fun filled extravaganza celebrating all things ‘booky’. Staff and pupils dressed up as their favourite literary heroes, bringing the world of literature to life. Gandalf the Grey took time out from assisting his hobbit friends, Winnie the Pooh ventured outside the world of the 100 Acre Wood and even Mary Poppins ‘popped’ by to join in the fun.

The day began with a special World Book Day themed edition of the Jeremy Kyle show – hosted by none other than Mary Poppins herself ... Miss Honey, outraged at the fact that her ‘friend’ Daisy Buchanan had ruined her chances of romance at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, demanded that Daisy take a lie detector test to prove that she was not guilty of the crime. Other characters joined in the fray, adding their testimony to the tale...

At lunchtime Sister Celine and Miss Brown had the challenging job of judging the entries for the costume competition across both the Prep and the Seniors. There were some tough decisions to make as everyone looked fantastic. Prizes were awarded to: Best Costume Prep: Taha – 'Billionaire Boy' Best Costume Seniors: Billie-Rae – ‘Dorothy, the Wizard of Oz’ Most Imaginative Costume: Year 10 – ‘The Girls of St Trinian’s’ Best Group Costume: Year 7 ‘Winnie the Pooh and Friends’ Best Staff Costume: Mrs Cladingboel – ‘Paddington Bear’ Congratulations to all our winners and to all who took part.

Finally, those who follow our Twitter account may have been intrigued by the series of staff ‘Shelfies’ that appeared over the week of World Book Day. Girls were encouraged to guess the member of staff that the bookshelf belonged to and fill in a competition form to be in with a chance of winning a £10 book token.

The winner of this competition was Abi Ranson in Year 8 – congratulations Abi. Here are the ‘Shelfies’ and the member of staff they belong to...

Mr Jennings

Miss Davies

Dr Murphy

Thank you to all for taking part in World Book Day 2018 and making it such a memorable occasion. Planning is already in progress for next year – watch this space!

Miss Bradshaw

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Mr Rowe

Gray Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2DZ Telephone: 01509 263901 Email address: office@lesconvent.org Web: www.lesconvent.org Established in Loughborough since 1850. Member of ISA.

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