St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School Weekly Newsletter Issue 28

ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM

FAITH IN YOU

LOVE IN LEARNING

HOPE IN BETTER

#blacklivesmatter

this week in our school . . .

1Volume 5 Issue 28 May 29th, 2020

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Head’s start .

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. week.

I have been thinking carefully about this edition’s It is but about thisstrongly time of that yearitthat introduction, I feel is I meet with each Head of Department to review the something that I should address and something summer’s exam results.

This that I would really like to see our younginvolves people plenty engage with.

of useful and thought-provoking discussion, but it is usually talking about numbers letters. Behind this data The last ten weeksand of ‘lockdown’ has asked a are stories: how pupils did, how they felt, great deal of all of us, some more than others. what they that likedindividuals and what they achieved.

We But it is clear and families in our always focus on how things can be community have made very significant sacrifices improved as well as celebrating to maintain social distancing, to shield, towhat self-went well.

As a Catholic school, exam results are isolate, to work as a key worker, to serve the just one way of expressing the unique, GodNHS.

given talents and skills of each pupil. It is important tohave look beyond theones, data so I am Some of our families lost loved delighted that much more of my job their involves children have been deprived of contact with being in classes, walking around the parents who have had to isolate because theyschool talkingSome to pupils, students and staff. work in a and hospital. of our pupils have attended school every day in an eerily quiet If ever you are or feeling at all despondent or building without friends any semblance of fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school normality.

would quickly raise your spirits. Let me show you what Today (Thursday, Then there are those whoI mean. have seen their parents September 29th) for instance, I and carers lose jobs, struggle for income,dropped battle into Year 10 GCSE Music.

There, I was to balance home schooling with home working. listen to stress performances For somedelighted there hastobeen the of caringoffor Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back a vulnerable relative or of falling ill themselves.

the River and When the Saints Go Marching I also20th got it tohas sit with andThere Chester Yes, sinceIn.March beenDaniel difficult. as they demonstrated their prodigious has been bereavement, uncertainty and the lossDJing talents.

Next,have during lunch, supervised the of freedom.

But there also beenI bright canteen and made a point of watching the moments of love, of creativity, of togetherness interactions that take place daily.

Pupils and and of resilience, of sheer determination. Not staff holding doors open for one another, just from adults, but from young people: you, our pupils. offering thanks, little moments of personal appreciation and gratitude. Of course, things don’t always go well the in aScottish school, but it It struck me as well-deserved when is lovely to witness a voluntary apology Parliament gave a round of applause to thank from a Year to one lunch time staff, or young people for9 the wayofinthe which they have see one pupil help another who is unsure dealt with the last three months. As I have said where to go for class. before, our young people should be a source of great pride and celebration. We owe them every In Sixth Form, Iatenjoyed a lengthy support we can provide this time, we owechat with Aidan who explained both the theory them hope, we owe them recognition and we of differentiation and its potential commercial owe them a good example.

application. In English they were studying the play Brothers and talking Our young are theBlood leaders of the future, they with are humour and excitement about superstitions; the citizens who will one day vote, make Year the 7 RE they were dissecting our new decisionsinabout economy, public services mission statement and exploring the and jobs. They are the parents, carers and personal meanings within The it. School is a home-makers of the years ahead. example busy, bustling, humming place.

getthem to Maths to find of Year embroiled we Iset matters, thealllegacy of9right and in a task that is so challenging and exciting wrong that we establish for them is deeply that I want to stayterms and have a go myself. valuable.

In simple they need to be told Outside it’s: “Sir, have you seen mysomething tie? that the world as it is right now is not Can you open my bottle?

What did you they have to accept - they can be agents of thinkgrowth of lastand night’s game? What time is it, urgent change.

Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my It can beneeds noisy to at be times and in a Thisdays!” matters, and said, because it is community this size we can’t expect important that we as adults (carers, parents, everyone to get on we withwho each all the school staff, leaders), areother influential, time.

But it is our community, and a lively, encourage our young to be thoughtful and critical lovely, positive one at that. about the world they see around them, especially when it is facing crisis.

Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I had to pick, would learning be the conversation I had More than any home booklet or online with Mrs. Fay who is leading the class, the lessons our young people are learning development our new library. a from the way thisofpandemic is beingI am handled by library enthusiast and have been ever since those in power across the world and within their I was little. The furthest reach ofconsequences my local community have far-reaching memory is back to moments spent in our and impact.

local library entranced by its colour and bright I am sure possibilities. that many of On youTwitter will have discussed #RememberingMyLibrary the hold of with your children the recent reveals media coverage that such an institution has: ‘A library card high profile political figures and their behaviour. was a free pass to wonderment, words What you think of this is your business andand it is roam theonworld’ observes one notthe for ability me to to comment it directly.

What is user, whilst another quotes the wrought important is that children and young peopleiron have gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, and the tools to think critically about their leaders and Inwardly Digest.’

Others talk of theLearn big issues of our time.

the escape that a library represented or of the refuge offered from an unkind world.

In recent daysitthere have been concerns over the integrity of those who hold and influence high Mrs. spent lastand, Saturday peacefully office in Fay government in the USA, the issue of stacking the shelves and we are racism played out in the routine andinching indefensible closer to opening.

What thrilled meofwas her maltreatment (and ultimately) murder black comment that several boys, some of whom citizens. It would be easy to limit our children’s affect a dislike of reading, electrified by engagement with these thingswere to hashtags and presence of a library in their school: ‘You high impact YouTube clips - as ways into the mean I can borrow and, like, read it, issue these have a rolethis to play.

Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one Our library is simply at the heart Butpupil. why would we not want of to the see our school: a space for being open to and children articulate and act on their opinions, their sharingreactions, ideas andtheir experiences.

It is openemotional sense of justice and plan anddesire its shelves serve as a reminder right, their for equality, acceptance and that there should be no barrier to anyone justice? Rather than shoo-ing them to ‘move on’ using its volumesissues or seeking knowledge, from contemporary we should be ensuring solace, entertainment or information.

I can’t they look in detail, get informed, decide what wait to see it come to life in the weeks they think and act. We should be challenging ahead to own.

Mrs. Fay her their viewsthanks and our Thatand way weband buildoftruly helpers. responsible, inclusive and engaged citizens who hold their leaders to account, who look at the world around and seek to change it for the Ben Davis,them Headteacher better for the good of all.

Twitter: @BenDavis1972 2

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One of the least discussed aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is its disproportionate impact on the BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic) community in this country and abroad.

The BAME community has seen significantly higher rates of death and infection. However, there is another, more ancient pandemic, one that is older, more violent and has wreaked far more misery. It is a disease spread through hate and the abuse of power. It is racism.

Just as the COVID pandemic has shown the need we all have for a neighbour of compassion and support, communities that are loving and inclusive, the latest episode of racism in America shows just how inequality, ignorance and hatred can destroy the bonds of community. I say this without any sense of what it is like to be black, either here or in America. And I write this knowing that my life has been a very privileged and advantaged one because of my colour and, both now and historically, because I am a beneficiary of the racism that others have suffered.

However, as someone in a position of influence within our community I believe that I have a duty to comment, to stand with those who are oppressed, with those who are hurt, killed and reduced by racism even if I cannot imagine what it must be like to experience it.

We are a Catholic school that makes much of its belief in love, inclusion, acceptance and welcome.

We say that racism has no place in our school, but this requires more action and conviction than simply challenging insults and words. It requires us to look at everything we do and say with a critical eye. The racism we have seen on the news, the racism that has been expressed through murder and violence, happens here too, in our community, our region, our country, amongst our families and in our hearts.

Our Catholic faith tells us racism is wrong, describing it as a ‘persistent and destructive sin’ and ‘a sickness of the soul’. We are asked to be like Christ and stand with the poor, the dispossessed, the marginalised, the vulnerable and the broken. That means standing with those who proclaim Black Lives Matter, it means asking hard questions of ourselves and it means challenging leaders who divide, promote hate, exclude or refuse to recognise others as human.

Faced with the enormity of this, where do we start? I believe we start with education. We listen, we open our hearts to others to gain an understanding, we ask where power has come from and we read, watch and study the world to

“

Head’s start .

inform our actions. Our young peopleI get canto do this, Maths to find all of Y the in changes tois so challeng a task that our lives that COVID-19 is forcing may beI want the to stay and have that It is about this for timechanges of year that meetway with we live, Outside catalyst inI the and it’s: “Sir, have you eachdeeper Head of shifts Department review the Can you open my bottle? W in ourto hearts and minds.

Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the they have to do this and perhaps week.

summer’s exam results. This involves think of last night’s game? plenty of useful and thought-provoking Sir?” and, at least once a d Further and information discussion, butreading it is usually talking about days!” It can be noisy at tim numbers and letters. Behind this data are community this size we can stories: how pupils did, howyou they and felt, what to get on with eac I would encourage your childeveryone to explore they further liked andthese what they achieved.

We time.appears But it is our commun issues.

Many or all of what always focus on how things can be lovely, positive one at that. below may alreadywhat have seen or heard. There improved as you well as celebrating went a Catholic numberschool, of resources thatare have influenced well.are As a exam results Perhaps the single highligh just one of expressing the unique, to pick, would be the c my way thinking and which I haveGodalludedhad to indirectly givenintalents and skills of each pupil.noIt claims is withthese Mrs. Fay who is leadin this newsletter.

I make for important to look beyond the data so I am development of our new lib other than to say that they have influenced me delighted that much more of my job involves library enthusiast and have and moved me and, obviously, we take no being in classes, walking around the school I was little. The furthest rea responsibility the websites and talking to pupils, for students and staff. themselves.

memory is back to moment local library entranced by it If ever you are feeling at all despondent or bright possibilities. On Twi fatigued I reckon a quick tour of the school #RememberingMyLibrary r would quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has Listen to Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo speaking show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, was a free pass to wonderm today on her show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ September 29th) for instance, I dropped into the ability to roam the world news/av/entertainment-arts-52890697/ Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, whilst another quotes delighted to radio-1-dj-clara-amfo-s-emotional-speechlisten to performances of gates of Stalybridge library Beethoven’sabout-george-floyd-s-death

Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly Digest. the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape that a library re In. I also got to sit with Daniel and Chester the refuge it offered from a Listen totheir Alison Hammond as they demonstrated prodigious DJing on This Morning (June 2nd) talking aboutthe the impact of spent George talents. Next, during lunch, I supervised Mrs. Fay last Saturda canteen andFloyd’s made a point of watching stacking shelves and w murder and thetheimportance of the Black interactions Lives that take place daily. and closer to opening. What th Matter here:Pupils https:// staff holding doors open for one another, comment that several boys www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/ offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, w appreciationtv/news/alison-hammond-this-morningand gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in the things don’t george-floyd-black-lives-matter-protestsalways go well in a school, but it mean I can borrow this and is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless u a9544526.html

a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is at the h see one pupil help another who is unsure school: a space for being o ‘I’mideas A and experien where to go Listen for class.to Keedron Bryant perform sharing Young Black Man’ here: https://plan and its shelves serve In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with that there should be no bar www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu9R08xFCtg

Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seekin differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment or in the Black Lives Matter website application. Visit In English they were studying wait to which see it come to life in has a hugeand range ofwith resources ahead that have a to Mrs. Fay a the play Blood Brothers talking thanks humour andglobal excitement about superstitions; perspective as well as ahelpers. focus on US in Year 7 REevents: they were dissecting our new https://blacklivesmatter.com/

mission statement and exploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter:SJ @BenDavis1972 Watch thisplace. talk by Fr. James Martin - this busy, bustling, humming

lasts six minutes and, amongst many powerful comments includes the idea that if as Christians we do not see the suffering of Christ reflected in the suffering of George Floyd then we are ‘missing the point.’ You can watch it here: https://twitter.com/ JamesMartinSJ/status/ 1267132660033478656?s=20

Watch James Corden with Reggie Watts introduce the latest episode of his show and call for change: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qUZIzYwmEDE#action=share 3

HOUSe News St. Bernadette of Lourdes

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st. benedict of nursia

st. oscar romero

st. michael the archangel

St. Bernadette of Lourdes

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st. oscar romero st. michael the archangel st. francis of assisi St. teresa of calcutta

FoRM TUTOR mESSAGES

This week the feature is simple. What follows is a list of love. A long list of pupils who staff, parents and other pupils would like to celebrate in some way. Read on and be inspired.

St FrancisofHouse st. francis assisi newsletter contribution I hope everyone is as safe and well as you can be at the moment. The importance of keeping your mind healthy as well as your body has never been greater the longer we remain isolated from friends and relatives.

Mental Health week was a timely reminder of how difficult things can be for many people at the moment. Unfortunately the question ‘when will we get back to normal?’ is one that nobody can answer right now, but keeping busy and keeping positive is so important until we can start to see the end of the current situation. Like you, my own two children had so many plans and opportunities they were looking forward to this summer, but we are all in the same situation, and if you think about it we still have lots to look forward to after the situation improves.

The St Francis form teachers have continued to keep me up-to-date with how all of you are coping.

Although for some of us things have been tough going because of anxiety about our loved ones, and sadly one or two of us have experienced the loss of people close to them, most of us have coped really well so far. Lots of you are keeping yourselves busy and in touch, and I have continued to see some excellent examples of the work you have completed.

It also comes as no surprise to me that St Francis is currently leading the Literacy Planet table – 37 points last Friday.

I hope that you were able to relax over half term, and didn’t worry too much about school work over the break. Even though it may not have felt normal it was important to try to treat half term as a break.

st. benedict of nursia

St. teresa of calcutta

st. francis of assisi

Hopefully normality will return sooner rather than later so why not make plans for that time – who will you see first, what will you do first and where will you on your first trip out?

The St Francis team have missed you all, so stay safe and well, and we will see you as soon as we can.

Mr Stephenson, Head of House Benedict st. benedict of nursia Arguably, there is more uncertainty now than there was a few weeks ago. We all have questions that cannot yet be answered. We all want to know when we can hug our families and friends. We all want to know when we can go back to school. We all want to know when the Newcastle United takeover will happen so we can start our journey to world domination (that may well just be me…). What is certain however, is that we are all dealing with this situation we find ourselves in the best way we possibly can. We can be guilty of spending too much time worrying about things that are beyond our control from time to time. We could (and do) get wrapped up in what is being said in the media and while it’s important to keep up to date, nothing is certain and we need to be using our energy in other ways.

You may not realise it, but by learning new skills, painting the garden fence, spending a couple of hours each day on schoolwork and exercising, you are focusing on the things you can control. So many of you are in regular contact with your friends and family and it may not seem like much, but you’ll never know 4

how much that call or text will do for that person.

Things are as uncertain for them as they are for you and your contact may well give them a sense of much needed clarity. So, the next time you feel like you have done absolutely nothing and that the past 10 weeks have been a monumental waste of time; it hasn’t. You are doing exactly what you need to be doing and you are doing it incredibly well.

miss you all and hope that we will be back in school soon.

Mrs Dwyer Moore 2BN

• Pets at home – teach a pet a new trick

We are proud of 2BN and it has been wonderful to speak with so many parents and pupils over the telephone recently. It's sad that we can't be together everyday and we certainly miss our Thursday morning quiz and prizes! We are really proud of how you have responded to the online work and also the workbooks delivered last week.

Ian has been doing really well and has been following the news everyday and regularly updates Mr Merriman on what's going on in the government. Jemson has painted the garden fence. It was lovely to speak with James who has been getting on with the workbooks while his mum works from home. Everyone is doing so well - times are different and this has not happened before; it's new to all of us and in this time, you will have all grown in resilience, maturity and kindness.

We would love to see evidence of which challenge(s) you accept and complete!

We can't wait to see you when it's safe and healthy to do so.

We are proud of you, we miss you and are looking forward to getting back into school to pick up where we left off (whenever that may be).

Your Form Tutors really appreciate keeping in contact with you and love to hear what you are getting up to.

Mr Davies and Mr Lee

I set your Form Tutors a number of challenges over half term. Why don’t you challenge yourself and see how you get on?

• Take time out - read a book from start to finish • Explore new areas – go for a walk somewhere you have never been before • Bake off – create a 3-tiered cake and leave a generous slice on your neighbour’s doorstep • Put your feet up – complete a whole series on Netflix

Thank you, take care and God Bless, Mr. Merriman, Head of House A quick message from your wonderful Form Tutors: 1BN Well done to 1BN - I've been in touch with all of you and I am very proud with how you are coping and supporting each other through this difficult time. It's great to hear that all of you are not only getting on with your workbooks and work on Google classroom but you are also helping around your homes. I've been told that you are helping with chores, but also baking and even helping with decorating! I was also pleased to hear that the year 11 pupils are busy getting ready for college by doing extra work - brilliant! I

3BN Even in lockdown 3BN continue to make me proud. You are all coping exceptionally well and are continuing to try your best with the online work. I miss seeing you every day but all the kind messages and updates I have received from your parents have kept me going. Charlie is taking part in a film making course in preparation for college.

Lucy has been painting the garden fence. Dylan has been baking and relaxing in the hot tub. Joel has been helping out with the decorating. Luke has been Face Timing his Grandma and Lucas has been eating everything in sight! Everyone is doing so well despite these strange times we find ourselves in and you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.

I would like to say a huge happy birthday to Rumena, Lewis, Luke, Lara, Maya, Finn, Joel and Lexi who have or are about to celebrate their birthdays in lockdown. I’m sorry we won’t get to celebrate together this year.

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Special mention to the Year 11 students in 3BN Cael, Charlie and Finn. It was an honour to have you my form, you have handled these unprecedented times with maturity and dignity. I wish you all the luck in the next phase of your lives and I just know whatever it is you decide to do you will smash it!

7BN Denton Deady- Working hard at home and has a really positive attitude. Mum happy with the work he is doing.

Take care and stay safe.

Lola Durham- In a good routine at home of working and helping mum. Staying up to date with all school work. Lola has been doing dance classes and regularly talking to friends online.

Looking forward to coming back to school.

Miss Scholes

4BN I am very proud of my form during the pandemic.

Students have shown a maturity in their attitudes towards the situation and their work at home. After speaking to parents and carers it is clear that students are engaging with their teachers and parents throughout this time. A special mention must be made to our Y11 students: Ben, Christopher and Mateusz. They have left secondary school at a most difficult time and the way they have responded to their next steps in life is a credit to them. I hope to see you all very soon!

Blaise Heywood- Really positive attitude and taking things in her stride. Looking into colleges and Universities. Wants to study performing Arts, but is also considering doing A-levels in Psychology and English language in her own time. Extensive workload but we wish Blaise all the luck in the world.

Cerys Holker- Cerys has been learning a range of life skills at home, cooking full meals, helping out around the house and developing a range of other skills, including playing piano. She is using her time wisely which is brilliant. Well done Cerys.

Mr Gornall 5BN

Ryan Law- Working hard at home. Cannot wait to get back to school. Family and school are proud of you Ryan.

I'd like to celebrate all the pupils in 5BN working hard during their time away from school. I'd like to celebrate James Westwood for being mature and sensible during this difficult time. I'd like to celebrate Ruby, Mason, Faith and Paige for completing excellent school work.

Mr Nuttall 6BN 6BN have handled the challenges of lockdown with great spirit and determination. Grace Seddon has demonstrated her artistic flair and created some lovely pieces that are on display in a local hospital, her grandparents' garden and her own home. Many pupils have been working hard; Mollie Turner has participated in some Zoom English lessons hosted by Mrs Chalk, Kacey Lucas has been making sure that she is well prepared for starting her A levels next year and Sam Tomson has been very thorough in his approach to learning from home.

Reece James- Being very conscientious about his working. Sticking to his timetable and keeping up with all activities set for him. Well done Reece.

Mr Morrison Stst.Michael’s term newsletter michael thehalf archangel Hello to everyone in the house as we begin our last half term. It has certainly been a different ‘normal’ over the last 10 weeks. Everyone in the house has been inspired by how well you are all doing and the amazing things that you are doing.

The form team keep us all posted of every house achievement and news so we can support you all at this time. Keeping in touch is such a good way for us to help you and let you know that we are always here as your extended school family.

As we start June make sure you keep celebrating your good news with us and sharing your stories such as these.

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House Challenges – Double for the holiday week!

The schools resident Challenge teacher is Miss MacPhail can you do either of her challenges this holiday -The last challenge was completed by a lot of you well done Holiday Challenge 1 – Golf challenge can you do it?

Carter working hard to put up some amazing Decking at home well done Carter it looks fantastic

Mr. Hulton has already answered the challenge, can you?

Holiday Challenge 2

Luke amazing work helping to redesign the garden – Well done

Can you Juggle? No excuses now learn a new skill with the expert help of Miss MacPhail.

Mr. Waterworth He just keeps masking Visors for the frontline key NHS workers to make sure any request is met.

Your hard work is appreciated thank you Mrs. Taylor Mrs Taylor has been amazingly busy during lock down making and providing every member of staff with their own mask alongside making products for the NHS such as Scrub Bags and gowns. Her sewing machine has not stopped, and it has been greatly appreciated.

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Hello St romero Oscar Romero House, st. oscar As I reflect on this past term, I realise much I miss coming into school each day. It has been such a long time since I've seen your happy, smiley faces or since one of you has stopped me for a chat on the school corridors. I also miss our fantastic form tutors, who are working so hard at the minute, either phoning or emailing you all.

I look forward to seeing you all in the assembly hall, form rooms and around the school once we are back.

There have been many positive things that I'd like to reflect on this term. Myself and our form tutors have had lovely conversations with some of you, your family and carers. Some of you have taken up new hobbies whilst you have a bit of spare time, like running, cycling, baking and painting.

Doing kind acts for others really makes a difference.

Some of you have been spending time with younger siblings, helping them with school work or playing games with them outside in the sun. Some of you may have more time to spend with your 7

pets, just like Miss Chalk has with her new puppy, Willow.

Finally, to end this term on a great high! St Oscar Romero House you are currently top of the Literacy Planet Leaderboard! Excellent work everyone, let's keep this up next term!

To keep in touch over half term or for some half term activity ideas, follow us on Twitter!

Some of you, may not have tried something new yet and that's fine. But whilst you have some time away from school work over half term, I challenge you to try something new.

Why not try to bake something tasty for your family to enjoy?

How about taking a photo as a memento of 'Lockdown 2020'?

What if you tried to push yourself to run if you never have before?

Let me know what your challenge is for half term and then tell me once you've completed it! I'll look forward to hearing from you all.

On Tuesday we ran our first 'Live Craft Session' led by Miss Chalk. The session was brilliant, we created 3D doves and it was great to see so many of you joining in, and creating lovely work. We will continue to run this each week after half term for all houses. Let your form tutors know if you are interested in joining.

This term also marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day and it was amazing to see so many of you doing so many different things to celebrate this like, baking VE day styled cakes, decorating your houses and windows and having social distancing street parties! It all looked incredible and thank you for sending us your pictures!

@SABOscarRomero HiSt.St Teresa House, teresa of calcutta It feels such a long time ago that we were all together sat in the hall for assembly as a house and such a long time since I have see your smiling faces in forms working together and supporting each other in the morning.

It has been a pleasure over these last months to have heard for many of you and your family either myself or through form tutors, I know your tutors are all missing from time with you.

I have seen some beautiful work that has been sent in from some of you via from tutors, it would be great to see more so if you have done something you are particularly proud of, email this to me or form tutors, it always cheers up our day to hear from you or see some of the work you have produced, it doesn't have to be school work I have seen some great baking and art work dedicated to the NHS that some of your parents have tweeted.

This week we have celebrated national thank a teacher day, I am sure you will all join me in thanking your form tutors for the hard work and care they put in daily for each and everyone of you.

Also this week it has been mental health awareness week and in times like this we need to make sure we are looking after our own as well those we care about.

Some advice I would like to give you to help look after your own mental health is: Connect with people - those in your home and friends or other family members through a call or message Create a daily routine Try and keep active Keep your mind stimulated

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Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage on coronavirus

I looking forward to meeting you.

Take Care

Take care of your body - healthy meals, plenty of water, exercise and sleep

from Amelia

Make time to unwind and relax

………………………………………………………..

Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking

Hi, I am Eoin. Throughout this email I am going to be talking about myself and a bit about my family.

Find ways to be creative.

I hope you all have a lovely half term, make sure you all take this time to have a break from school work and relax with your families, below I have left you a challenge metal health bingo - see of you can do all of these over the bank holiday weekend .

Mrs Robb YEAR 6 LETTERS Over the past few days it has been delightful to receive letters from pupils currently in Year 6 who will be joining us in Y7 next year. They have been sharing their experiences of lockdown, their hopes and their anxieties.

Here are two, one from Amelia and the other from Eoin.

Dear Mr Davis Thank you for your letter, I'm really looking forward to being part of Ambrose. During lockdown i have been thinking about how i am going to join high school in a couple of months and how different it will be to primary school.

In lockdown, I have been doing the work I have been set and also doing extra work from my parents. I've been going on lots of walks with my mum, dad, brother and dog. I've also been doing some activities like dancing, playing basketball and I've been working out a bit.

When I think about high school I am excited but a little bit nervous as well. I'm excited because i will learn lots of new things but I'm nervous because we've all been off for a couple of months and we wouldn't have been doing as much work as we would have done in class.

I’m a musician, I play the accordion, I also play a few tunes every Thursday night for the NHS instead of clapping. I have a sister who to my surprise loves to sing, she also has her own little accordion and will sometimes play it.

Now I’ll tell you a bit about my family. We’ve got me Eoin, my younger sister Georgia, my mother Sue and my father Pete. Anyway, some of my favourite hobbies are, well you already know one music, the next one is drawing. I have drawn a few pictures, one of a picture I took while I was in wales at Clleder Hall, I have drawn a picture of something we have hung up on our wall. I think I get my talent from my two uncles Darren and Mark. They are amazing artists.

Anyway moving on. Some thing that I have found difficult during isolation is, well obviously, seeing friends although we are allowed to see one person a day so that makes it a bit better. I also find it difficult to go to places. One thing I have done is see my uncle’s dog Aoife and we went to this place were we let the dog run around for about one hour.

Anyway I am getting distracted. Anyway, I can’t wait to go to Ambrose I have been there a few times for the camp and when we got the tour of the school. Also about 25 members of our class got into Ambrose by the way there are 30 in our class so I will hopefully see a lot of my friends and make new ones. And of course have fun. I have heard that pupils have left Ambrose and gone away with amazing jobs. I have been staying at home and staying safe of course. Again can’t wait to go to your school. I will have a picture of what I look like it will also have my little sister in it. Looking forward to meeting every one.

Eoin

I hope that one day every thing can go back to normal.

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TWEET OF THE WEek SAB Science @sab_sci

Mrs. Robb stayed up and was lucky enough o catch the international space station passing over her house just now.

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Parishes in our Catchment Area Holy Trinity, Worsley (formerly Christ the King; St. Edmund’s) Sunday Mass Times • 9:00am at Christ the King • 11:00am at St. Edmund’s Our Lady of Hope, Salford (formerly St. Luke’s; SS. Peter & Paul, Pendleton) Sunday Mass Times • 6:30pm (Sat vigil) at St. Luke’s • 9:30am at St. Luke’s • 8:00am at SS. Peter & Paul • 11:00am at SS. Peter & Paul St. Ambrose Barlow, Swinton & Pendlebury (formerly St. Mark’s, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, St. Charles Borromeo) Sunday Mass Times • 9:30am at St. Mark’s • 11:15am at St. Charles • 4:00pm at St. Mark’s WORSHIP ONLINE NB: Masses suspended in response to COVID-19 pandemic - stay home, stay safe, save lives Some parishes are offering online streaming of Masses - please check websites https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/watch-the-salford-cathedral-livestream/ https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/covid19/church-opening-times-

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FAITH IN YOU

LOVE IN LEARNING

HOPE IN BETTER

www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 12