Oct 2021 Newsletter

October 2021

The Heart of It

A Letter from Ms Qurrey

Dear Parents/Carers, Ms V. Qurrey, Headteacher incredible and we are all so grateful for the
of Sacred Heart of Mary support with this campaign, especially to
Girls’ School our Year 11 pupils who undertook the
sponsored walk.
Well, it has been fantastic to have the whole
school community back together again. The We have, in liturgies, celebrated Black
school has, once again, been filled with noise, PE History Month (more later in the
fixtures, movement in the corridors, teaching in newsletter) and Creation Day where pupils
specialist rooms and singing. It has been followed the call of Pope Francis in
wonderful! New Year 7 and 12 pupils have been Laudato Si to look after our planet and
able to immerse themselves fully into the school make pledges. As a school, we have
community and enjoy the opportunities to ‘Live pledged to have a meat free day each
Life to the Full’. Friday. If we all do our small part,
together, we can help protect the planet of
We have been able to hold some parental events which we are all stewards. We pray:
topped by the Year 7 Mass of Welcome where
Year 7 sang so beautifully. They were also All powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
commissioned as members of the Sacred Heart And smallest of your creatures
of Mary Community. We will also be holding the
Mass of Remembrance on 2nd November at 7pm. You embrace with your tenderness, all that exists
It would be lovely to see lots of you at this special Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may
Mass.
Protect life and beauty
The half-term has been a busy one with lots of
opportunities for the pupils to expand their We have also been awarded the
knowledge, experiences and develop the sense of prestigious ‘Music Mark’ in recognition of
community. The ‘Life to the Full Award’ has been the musical excellence at the school.
launched in the Sixth Form. The Head Girl Team
has been representing the school so well in a The pupils have enjoyed the normality
myriad of events; sporting fixtures are back and returning and have been really good at
our girls are enjoying being able to work and continuing the control measures we have
play as teams once again; clubs such as implemented.
Debating and Film are starting; music and
singing are, once again, heard in the school; in We pray for the staff leaving our school
person assemblies are taking place and the community at half-term – Dr Shaheen who
liturgical life of the school is at the heart of all we has been with us in the Maths Department,
do. Fundraising for the minibus has been Mrs Huard who has been a stalwart in the
Catering Team for many years and Mr
Evans from the Science Team. We thank
them for their service and will keep them in
our prayers.

We look forward to seeing you at school
events soon.

Ms V Qurrey
Headteacher

Gardening Club Health Ambassadors
Autumn Harvest Trip

Students from Years 7, 8, 11 and 13 Lottie, Blythe, Georgia and Ruby have been
collected a bumper crop of apples selected as our new Health Ambassadors.
from the school orchard this year. They attended their training at Harrow
It's not a bushel yet but we are Lodge Sports Centre this term. Their role will
getting there. The trees were be to promote health, fitness and wellbeing
planted for National Tree Week; amongst their peers.
many thanks for the generous
donations from the school Music Mark Award
community, without which this
enterprise would not be able to take Mrs McCoy and Mr Hitchman in the Music
place. Department were celebrating some amazing
news this term. Sacred Heart has received
Gardening Club is every Monday the acclaim of becoming a Music Mark
after school at the vegetable patch school for the 2021/22 academic year.
and orchard.
Music Mark told us that they have
recognised our commitment to a broad and
balanced curriculum and value the place we
put on music.

Music Mark is the UK Association for Music
Education, championing and supporting
access to music for all children and young
people.Amazing news! Well done to all the
musicians who have achieved this.

Mental Health Ambassadors

Congratulations to our newly

appointed Sixth Form Mental

Health Ambassadors. The girls

attended three separate training

sessions after school which were

delivered by Crusaider First Aid.

They have already demonstrated

great dedication and

commitment to their new role.

Hair Today, Gone There will be two Mental Health
Tomorrow Ambassadors allocated to each
year group and their role will
Stephanie, in Year 9, illustrated that she is such a involve promoting positive
great Sacred Heart of Mary girl. She donated 13 actions we can undertake to
inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, enhance our mental wellbeing.
who donate real hair wigs to young people with They will also be a listening ear
illness. Here she is receiving her Headteacher for any student who may want to
Certificate. Well done, Stephanie! speak to them. We look forward to
introducing them to their year
groups after the half term break.

School Council
2021-2022

Congratulations to our newly
elected members of the School
Council. Hustings took place at
the end of September and each
year group voted for their
representatives. The School
Council is a student body
chaired by the Head Girl Team
who work to affect change within
our school community. A recent
example of this is the
introduction of the Halo Code.
Students who have ideas about
improvements should speak to
their representatives who will
bring this to the meeting. We look
forward to meeting for the first
time in November.

Laudato Si’ Year 7
Couch to 5k team
SHOM is joining in with
Brentwood diocese in the call
to listen, and respond to, the
Cry of the Earth and the Cry

of the Poor

On the weekend of 2nd/3rd October 2021, the About twenty Year 7s have
Diocese of Brentwood launched Laudato Si’ joined the new ‘Couch to 5K’
Invitations, Commitments and Actions. This club that runs on a Thursday
is the diocesan response to the heartfelt lunchtime. We are following the
plea from Pope Francis, “Listen to the Cry of NHS programme and are
the Earth, the Cry of the Poor.” building up to running for 30
minutes without stopping! We
Every pupil at Sacred Heart of Mary run in Upminster Park so please
attended an assembly on this theme and has say hello if you are over there.
been asked to make three pledges to make
changes to their life based on this theme.

As a school, we will be committing to a meat
free Friday after October Half Term.

Examples of pledges from pupils are:

“Support recycling in school”

“Turn off the tap when I’m brushing my teeth.”

“Walk to school instead of taking the bus.”

“Make regular donations to the food bank.”

“Spend more time in prayer, being thankful
for God’s Creation.”

“Cut down on using products that use
plastic.”

Published Author Visits Year 8

A former Film Studies student at Her beautiful debut novel is a
Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, contemporary fairy tale which centres
Mitzi Harris, has published her first around the protagonist, Cecilia, her
Young Adult novel, Cicerella - a family struggles, personal ambitions and
retelling of the popular fairy tale, the ultimate realisation that inner
Cinderella. confidence is the overall key to success.

Mitzi came to visit the Year 8 girls on
Thursday, 16th September to talk to them
about her writing journey, which began
when she was only a child, characterising
her stuffed toys, to now, a student at
Anglia Ruskin University who finished
writing, editing and publishing her first
novel during lockdown.

Mitzi with her debut novel, Cicerella By publishing her novel with Amazon,
Mitzi is currently entered into Amazon’s
Storyteller competition. If you would like
to help Mitzi progress in the competition,
please purchase a copy of her novel here
and remember to leave a review. You can
also follow her on social media
@mitzihwrites.

Team Zanzibar Journalism talk
Staff Car Wash

Team Zanzibar and friends held a On Tuesday 12th October, students from
staff car wash to help fundraise for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 had the opportunity
their trip. The dedicated team of girls to join a live webcast with Alison Phillips,
came into school on their day off and Editor-in-Chief at The Daily Mirror. She
worked hard, in groups of five, to talked about her career in journalism and
make the cars shine, inside and out. lessons she has learnt on her journey. In
Staff were very pleased with the addition, she offered advice about writing,
results and their generosity helped representation, misinformation and the
the girls raise £260 towards their trip. significance of journalism as a public
A special thanks has to go to Team interest service.
Zanzibar’s friends who gave up their
day off to support their friends: well
done, girls!!

Jack Petchey Award for Irish Dance Success

Savannah receiving her Jack Savannah has been entered into
Petchey award the Great Britain finals for Irish
Dance next month after being
Savannah’s first ever trophy awarded a prestigious Jack
Petchey award by the Irish Dance
Academy in the summer holidays
for outstanding achievement. As
she prepares for a major
international competition - open
to people from all around the
world - she has increased her
classes to an impressive four a
week.

In 2012, when only five years old,
she began Irish Dance lessons in
the local church hall at the
Maquire O’Shea Academy of Irish
Dance. During this time, she
progressed her way through the
‘Grades’ system, working her way
up from Novice to Primary to
Intermediate, and is now in
Preliminary. In addition, she has
also been taking the Irish Dance
exams (known as ‘feis’) and has
attained five out of a maximum
of twelve, to date. Once she has
completed all twelve exams, she
will achieve her ultimate goal of
becoming a teacher.

L2F: Life To The Full Award

Forty-five Year 12s have signed up to take part in a new initiative - the ‘Life To The Full’ award -
which is designed to boost pupils’ CVs and job applications whilst, simultaneously, enabling
them to live out Sacred Heart’s school motto - that they may have “life to the full” (Ut vitam
habeant). The award comprises of four strands - school, self, service and future - thereby
teaching the girls about the importance of managing an enriched, but balanced and
sustainable, lifestyle.

Already, many girls have signed up for a range of activities, including mentoring younger
students, helping neighbours with shopping and gardening and volunteering in the library, as
well as utilising their creative talents, such as cooking and sewing. Currently, this initiative has
been introduced in Year 12, to be rolled out across the school next year.

World Debate Champion Visits
Sacred Heart

Lewis Iwu, on Twitter, On the 24th September, Lewis Iwu visited the
after visiting Sacred school to give a talk about how debate has
greatly influenced his life. As a successful
Heart: business co-owner, World Debate Champion
and writer, he illustrated how the skills gained
“It really is a great by debating helped him on his journey.
feeling, explaining to a
Lewis began by detailing his life and career.
school hall of young Growing up in a working-class area in East
people how their London, it wasn't until the age of 15 when he
was introduced to debating. He was
current headteacher recommended by a teacher to join the debate
changed your life when club of his school, which he found he really
they taught you. I had enjoyed. Aged 16, he was selected to represent
England in the World Championship for
that privilege today debating - an international event, in which
and it really moved me. four of the most articulate, persuasive
students from a country argue against each
I don’t thank my other. Despite not winning, it was a successful
teachers anywhere start. Ten years later, he was the coach for the
British team, headed for the 2016 World
near enough.” Debating Championships. His years of
experience, coupled with a diverse,
multicultural team, led to victory.

Iwu was keen to emphasise four learned

lessons he had gained from debating. The

first was ‘learning from failure’. He

emphasised the importance of not giving up

when things do not go our way. Instead, he

encouraged taking a step back, analysing and

figuring out what needs improving, and

following that plan of action. As a coach for

the British team, he experienced this himself,

as his team faced loss after loss in the first few

rounds. Instead of giving up, they discussed

where they were going wrong and rectified

those issues in their next debates. As a result,

they managed to get to the final - and

eventually take home the trophy. Through this

anecdote, Iwu displayed how our failures are

not the end: it is important to reflect and learn

from them - especially in debating, where it is

easy to panic and get nervous.

Debate Club

(Continued)

The second lesson was ‘taking every different people collaborate and
argue together, there are more
opportunity’. In his life, Lewis has taken opinions and perspectives to consider.
Each member contributes to a main
advantage of so many opportunities argument by offering new points, or
building upon each other. In order for
presented to him, all of which have been this to be effective, it is vital to discuss
and plan to deliver the team argument
life changing. Going to Oxford University as convincingly as possible. On the
flipside, debating as a group allowed
and campaigning for Student President is him to learn opinions he did not
necessarily agree with. However, this
a clear example. He ‘took the showed him the lessons you can learn
from anyone and everyone, which
opportunity’ and, despite the odds, taught him to empathise and
understand a point with which you
became the first black Student President may not agree, but to respect it
nonetheless.
of Oxford. Such an achievement was only
Lewis’s talk was attended by many
possible because he went for it. A further girls, ranging from Year 7 to Year 13.
He was extremely engaging, starting
example is his time working with the the talk by asking what made us
excited in the world. The girls were
American Debating Society, whereupon ready with thought-provoking answers
to his questions. His talk was
he met people from all walks of life: he incredibly influential, as proven by the
many questions he received in the Q &
travelled across America, running debate A afterwards. Lewis’s talk was in
preparation for the return of the
workshops for juvenile offenders and Debate Club, run by Mr Fink and Mr
Kephalas. The numbers and level of
debating in New York. He was able to engagement from Lewis’s talk suggest
the Debate Club is going to be a very
make an impact and do new things interesting place, full of intellectual
discussion, this year. Hopefully,
because he decided to be confident and debating will be an inter-house
competition in which girls can win
go out of his comfort zone. house points for their house by
arguing about various topics.
Thirdly, Lewis pushed us to venture out Debating is a brilliant way to build
and read, read, then read some more. confidence, practise eloquence and be
Reading is the easiest and most engaging persuasive - skills which will shape our
way to learn things. When we read girls into confident speakers.
historical books, books on politics, even
fictional books from international
authors, we are expanding our knowledge
of the world, as well as improving our
vocabulary. By reading, we can learn new
opinions and perspectives which can
improve our ability to debate for, and
against, numerous topics.

Lastly, and probably Lewis’s most
important point, was teamwork. When he
was picked for the British debating team,
he noted the lack of diversity present.
Lewis believes it is beneficial to have a
multicultural team, from different classes,
backgrounds and walks of life. He
believes this adds a certain level of
richness to a debate because, when

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

African Storyteller Yr 9 English

On Tuesday, 19th October, Years 7 On Tuesday 5th October,
and 8 were treated to a vibrant,
interactive African storyteller, who Year 9 English classes
relayed a variety of culture-rich
stories whilst playing the drums. listened to award-winning
This truly immersive experience
allowed the girls to use their author, Kereen Getten, speak
imaginations to travel to different
countries on a ‘peanut plane’! about writing Two Sisters,

her moving novel about

slavery set in 1781 Jamaica

and London. Kereen spoke

about her inspirations for

Two Sisters, shared tips for

writing stories and

answered pupils’ questions

about creative writing.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Mancala Tournament

The event was so successful that
another tournament was held the
following week.

On Tuesday, 12th October, pupils and
staff from across the school were invited
to take part in a Mancala tournament at
lunchtime. Mancala is a popular board
game, originating from Africa, whose
objective is to capture all of the
opponent’s pieces.

Many thanks to the DT Department for
making the Mancala boards.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Poetry & Prose Recital

On Thursday, 7th October, all staff
and pupils were invited to attend a
literature recital at lunchtime in the
ISC. Several pupils and staff
performed a range of poetry and
prose by Black and Asian writers in
celebration of BAME literature.
Thank you to all of those who
attended and, of course, to our
wonderful performance poets!

A Level Film Studies

Miss Rawlings and A Level Film students have reviewed a selection of films to
celebrate Black History Month. We hope you enjoy these recommendations!

, Rocks (2019)

Rated 12A

Rocks is a compelling, coming-of-age

story set in London. The film follows

the trials and tribulations of 15

year-old Olushola, aka "Rocks". After

her mother’s abrupt departure, she is

suddenly faced with becoming a

young carer for her little brother,

Emmanuel. In its exploration of

teenage friendships and Rocks’s

struggles, this story celebrates

female empowerment with a mixture

of warmth and heartbreaking

moments. Written by Nigerian-British

playwright/screenwriter, Sarah

Gavron, the film’s representation of

London’s multicultural community

marks a hugely positive step forward

for diversity within the industry. If you

are looking for an uplifting teen

drama blended with unflinching

social realism, then Rocks is a must

watch.

Review by Miss Rawlings

A Level Film Studies (continued)

‘The Hate U Give’ (2018) ‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Rated 12A Rated 15

This film is a true story about the If you want an insight into the black
injustices people of colour face in the side of the LGBT community, then
world and how, as a society, we are this film is what you are looking for.
failing them due to ignorance and The movie is about a young, African
racism. People fail to educate themselves American man who struggles with his
on the oppression of people of colour identity and sexuality while
and this is the biggest virus the world experiencing the everyday struggles
has ever faced for, as the film says: “We, of childhood, adolescence and
as a society, have to do better; we need adulthood. I would highly
to do better.” The film is about a girl recommend this film because we
named Starr and her family, written from don’t really talk about the black LGBT
Starr’s point of view to illustrate what community as much, in general. As a
being a person of colour is like. The member of this community, I am very
theme of injustice is prevalent and passionate to spread the message
centres around the events - and that the black LGBT community
repercussions of - a white cop killing should be represented more in
Starr’s innocent, best friend. This movie television etc. Moonlight is a movie
makes the audience question the society that deserves more recognition
in which we live and the infrastructure of because it spreads such a powerful
the police service: whenever people of message on the topics of masculinity
colour interact with a cop, or even walk and queerness.
outside of their house, they have to look
over their shoulder - and even fear for Review by Tanisha (Yr 13)
their own life - because of their skin
colour. The powerful message - that we,
as society, need to stand up for what is
right - makes this one of my favourite
films. People's lives are in danger and
we can't just watch - we have to do
something about it.

Review by Saffron (Yr 13)

A Level Film Studies (continued)

‘Hairspray’ (2007) 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Rated PG Rated 15

The film Hairspray (2007) remains 12 Years a Slave is based on the true
hugely relevant since the recent BLM story of Solomon Northup’s time as a
movement. It follows a young girl slave. Northup is a black, free man
called Tracey (played by Nikki who is drugged and kidnapped to be
Bolnsky), who has a group of friends, sold into slavery. Director Steve
including a young black man called McQueen portrays an educational,
Seaweed (played by Elijah Kelly). thought-provoking but hard-hitting
Tracey and her friends protest for the film. Many scenes were intentionally
civil rights movement by using their dragged out to emphasise the
local program, the Corny Collins brutality set upon these human
show. The film shows the complete beings. The movie is gripping and
lack of respect for black and mixed may be upsetting for some but that
race citizens in the 60s and how one makes you think. The acting is
person helped change that by phenomenal and is very realistic. I
supporting her friends to help them would highly recommend watching
get the respect they deserve. The the film.
director, Adam Shankman, used this
film to show his audience a window Review by Roisin (Yr 13)
into the past, allowing them to realise
the true nature of what it was like for
the black community in the early 60s.
Hairspray remains relevant today as
it reflects many current events and
issues in American society and can
be used to address a variety of
themes, such as racism. One
powerful and inspiring scene depicts
a civil rights protest where we see the
passion of those supporting the
movement. The crowds hold their
heads high, showing how they are a
force to be reckoned with and
providing a sense of empowerment
for the black and mixed race
community.

Review by Grace L (Yr 12)

Headteacher’s Award

The following pupils have been awarded the prestigious Headteacher’s
Award and are to be commended for their exceptional achievements
this term:

Hazel Amelia Sophia
(Year 10) (Year 10) (Year 10)
Representing Havering Representing Havering Representing Havering
London Youth Games - London Youth Games - London Youth Games -
Netball Netball Netball

Imogen Erin Cara
(Year 12) (Year 12) (Year 12)
CAFOD Leaders Course CAFOD Leaders Course CAFOD Leaders Course

Able Bella Gracie
(Year 12) (Year 10) (Year 10)
CAFOD Leadship Course Charitable deed Chosen for gymnastics
tournament
Kitty Savannah
(Year 7) (Year 9) Rebecca C
Chosen for gymnastics (Year 9)
tournament Irish Dancing GB Finals
Participant Selected for a National
Ruby P Development Programme
(Year 8) Harriet
Brilliant News of the Week (Year 10) with Swim England
assembly Outstanding presentation
in Physics lesson Amelia
Hazel (Year 10)
(Year 10) Alexandria Outstanding presentation
Outstanding presentation (Year 10) in Physics lesson
in Physics lesson
Outstanding presentation Stephanie
Jaime G and Nancy in Physics lesson (Year 9)
(Years 9 and 10)
Erin and Isla Donating her hair to Little
Diving Competition (Year 7) Princess Trust

Fantastic Geography
presentation

Headteacher Awards have also been given to Holly, Annie M, Grace
L, Grace M, Summer, Annie C, Drew and Francesca (all in Year 10) for

their fantastic sponsored walk for the Minibus Appeal.

Year 11 Cafod Young Leaders
Trip to the Tate

Year 11 artists visited the Tate
Britain Gallery, where they had
the chance to see the exciting
multi-media installation by
Heather Philipson.

Once again, as a school, we are taking
part in the Cafod Young Leaders
Training Programme. Four pupils in
Year 12 are about to embrace on an
exciting journey of exploring our
understanding of the work of Cafod
around the world and, as young
Catholics, what they can do to alleviate
poverty. The training will consist of
three day sessions at the Head Office
of Cafod in London. The pupils are:
Imogen; Erin; Able; Cara.

Sports News

London Youth Games

Netball

Sophia, Hazel and Millie were
selected to represent Havering in the
London Youth Games Netball Team.
Havering finished 4th overall in this
event, which was a fantastic result.
Well done, girls.

Sports News

Under 14 Ruby’s Athletic Success
Football Team News

In September, the under 14 football team Ruby (Yr 8) recently represented
have made it through to the second round Havering Athletics Club in the EYAL.
in both the Essex Cup and the English She achieved 4:29 in the 1200m, 2:51 in
Schools Competition, beating their the 800m and 15.7 in the 70m hurdles.
opponents 5-2 and 11-0. She also picked up two bronze and a
gold medal at the Havering AC Club
Havering Athletics Club Championships in September for
discus, hurdles and 800M.
Isabelle B has also been competing for
Havering Athletics Club in several regional Ruby has developed 'Ruby's Rocking
leagues this year. She has achieved a PB Reviews' - a blog for Havering Active -
in high jump of 1.45m, in discus 20.92m and where she shares her experiences
in the hammer throw (which she had never and hopes to inspire other children
thrown before competing) 18.73m. in the community to become more
active and have some fun. To read
Oma participated at Havering Athletics Ruby's blog, visit:
Club (HAC) Open Championship last http://www.haveringactive.co.uk/inde
month. She won two gold medals in high x.php/lyg
jump and 70m hurdles. She also achieved
a PB in 100m.

Sports News

Cross Country

The borough cross

country race was

held at Coopers on

Thursday 14th

October. We are so

proud of all the girls

who took part and

represented the

school. A huge well

done to Rebecca

who won her race.

Year 7 - Grace, Jessica, Kaja, Nancy, Year 8 - Ruby, Sarah, Oma, Blythe, Mia, Isla,
Annabelle and Michelle Isabella, Yuliana And Ysabeau

Yr 9 - Rebecca, Kitty, Erin, Lola, Eve and Years 10 and 11 - Evie, Ellie, Michelle, Amy, Tiernay,
Katie Amelia and Bronte

Sporting Headlines

Rebecca C has been selected for the Kitty H will be competing in the London
National Development Program with Regional Acro qualifying trials this
Swim England. month. This should hopefully lead to the
Acrobatic British Championships 2021 in
Jaime G and Nancy T have been November.
selected to compete in the
Southampton Invitational Competition. Amelia S will be representing Barking
They will be representing Dive London and Dagenham Aquatics in the NUEL
Aquatics Club. This is also a qualifier County Qualifiers at the London
for National Age Groups. Aquatics Centre this month.

Bronte Y and Amelia L were put forward Karolina W will be representing
Killerwhales Swimming Club at the Essex
by their clubs to trial for the County Winter Championships this month.

Netball Squad and were both Grace K represented Maguire O'Shea's
Irish Dance Academy at the South East
successful. Bronte has also been Regional Feis (competition). She
achieved two 1st place trophies and one
selected for a West Ham pathway; she is 2nd place trophy. She will now progress
to the Open Regional Competition.
currently part of the Under 16 Advanced Grace was also awarded a Jack Petchey
award for her hard work and
Football Development Squad. commitment.

Isabelle K and Hope M have both been Isabelle W also represented Maguire
selected for the Essex FA “She Can Play” O’Shea Academy in two dance
football development centre. competitions with dancers from all over
the UK. In the first competition, she
Gabriella K has been selected to be a gained 3 x 1st place and 3 x 2nd place. In
Bronze Level Everyone Active Sporting the most recent competition, she gained
Champion for 2020/21 due to her ice 3 x 1st place, taking her on to the next
skating achievements. competitive level of Irish dancing, known
as Prelim.
Eva L represented Harlequin Gymnastics
Club at the London Gymnastics GFA
Floor and Vault Competition. She
achieved 3rd place. She has now been
selected to represent the club at the
Regional Team Final in November.

Useful Information

Google Classroom School Uniform

Do you want to support your daughter Ordering Uniform
with Google Classroom but don’t know
The school shop is fully stocked with
where to start? uniform. Please order your uniform by
paying via your Scopay account. Your
Click here to access the parent help daughter can then collect her uniform
booklet that will help you navigate your from the Uniform Shop during
lunchtime (Mon - Fri). If you wish to visit
way around Google. the school uniform shop, you may do
so on Wednesdays and Fridays after
Is your daughter struggling to upload school (3:15-3:45pm).
work or not sure how to use the Google
Second Hand Uniform
Suite?
If you have second hand uniform in
Click here to find the students’ guide to good condition - including summer
Google Classroom. blouses and school coats - please
donate to the school shop via the
Scopay office.

The Cashless Payment System which provides Schoolcomms
a faster, more efficient and convenient way to
pay for school meals, school trips, printing etc. The School-Home
Communication System
Please ensure that you regularly update your
child’s account which provides a faster, more efficient and
convenient way to receive messages from
so there is sufficient money available to pay
for school meals and other payments. the school.

Any queries, please phone Mrs Austin in the If you would like to receive messages
Finance Office on 01708 222660. electronically, and are not yet doing so,
https://www.scopay.com
please contact Mrs Lefevre:

[email protected]

PTFA

The School Fund

As you are aware, school finances are

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rely on our School Fund, other

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Are You Looking For A New
Because of your support of the 500 Club, we are in the process of Adventure?
purchasing 10 Smart MX275 Touchscreen interactive whiteboards;
Part time, rewarding job with
without your support, this would not have been possible flexible hours. Excellent
- so, thank you! opportunity to meet new

Cost Free Ways To Support friends, be part of a great
The PTFA Fundraising Efforts team and have a giggle. No

You could raise free experience required.

donations whenever Many companies offer If you are interested in
becoming part of our friendly
you shop online: all employees the chance to boost
PTFA team, contact
you need to do is their fundraising efforts by [email protected].

register at 'matching' the money they

https://www.easyfun raise. It really is money for

draising.org.uk/invit nothing, and we could double

e/XCV46; the shop the amount of cash we raise

then turns a with very little effort. If your

percentage of what company offers this scheme,

you spend into a would you please contact the

donation for the PTFA Chairperson, Kerry Jones:

PTFA. [email protected]

MINIBUS APPEAL

In order to continue taking our pupils
on school trips, we need a new minibus.

After many years of faithful service, Moira and Martha, our dedicated
minibuses, are finally roaring - or, rather, chugging - into retirement after
developing debilitating coughs and arthritis.

Moira and Martha on their last ‘legs’

We have been overwhelmed at the amount of support we have had for this
appeal. The new addition to the SHOM family will be arriving soon!

Thank you so much.

Scan the QR code below We are asking for YOUR HELP to raise money for
a new school minibus so that we can continue to
provide the pupils with the enriching,
extra-curricular activities that they deserve.
Even if you are only able to donate a little, this
will be much appreciated and will help us to work
towards our total target of

£40 000.

If you are able to donate to the minibus appeal,

scan the QR code or visit our ‘Invest My

Community’ donation page at:

https://app.investmycommunity.com/upminster-convent-ptfa-2617

Any further ideas for fundraising - or
suggestions as to how we can buy/lease a
minibus - would be most welcome; contact Kerry
Jones at [email protected] or ring
01708 222660.

Together, we can make a difference.

PTFA

Christmas Market 2021 Saturday, 20th November

To celebrate and encourage local Christmas Market
independent crafts, we are holding a
traditional Christmas Market, complete 4pm until 8pm
with craft stalls, carol singers, fairy
lights, BBQ and mulled wine.

Are you a skilled crafts person or food
seller?

Would you like to display, and sell, your
products?

If so, please email Kerry Jones at [email protected]
or Linda Austin at [email protected] to book.

Stalls cost just £20 for the duration of the evening.

Black History Month is a recognition of the heritage, culture, and achievements of Black people. This
year’s theme, ‘Proud to Be’, is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and celebrates the personal
stories and diverse legacies of black and brown people in the UK. Here are some inspiring books to
read - all of which are available to borrow from the school library - from the best Black authors and
commentators:

Years 7 and 8 Book List Year 9 and Beyond Book List

Passing For White (Tanya Landman) Americanah (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
Unheard Voices (Malorie Blackman) The Colour Purple (Alice Walker)
Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred D To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
Taylor) Lies We Tell Ourselves (Robin Talley)
How High The Moon (Karyn Parsons) I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (Maya
My Story: Slave Girl (Patricia C Angelou)
McKissack) I Will Not Be Erased (Gal-dem)
Yankee Girl (Mary Ann Rodman) Noughts and Crosses (Malorie Blackman)
A Medal For Leroy (Michael Morpurgo) The Hate U Give (Angie Thomas)
Pigeon English (Stephen Kelman) Concrete Rose (Angie Thomas)
Clean Getaway (Nic Stone) The Secret Life Of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
Now Is The Time For Running (Michael Long Way Down (Jason Reynolds)
Williams) The Help (Kathryn Stockett)
Ghost Boys (Jewell Parker Rhodes) Crongton Knights (Alex Wheatle)
The Poet X (Elizabeth Acevedo) The Sun Is Also A Star (Nicola Yoon)
Refugee Boy (Benjamin Zephaniah) The Autobiography of Martin Luther King,
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Jr (Clayborne Carson)
Boycott (Connie Colwell Miller) Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary
Black History: Civil Rights and Equality (Walter Dean Myers)
(Dan Lyndon) Women, Race & Class (Angela Y Davis)
Martin Luther King Jr (Gary Jeffrey) Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People
The African-American Slave Trade About Race (Renni Eddo-Lodge)
(Christine Hatt) Ace of Spades (Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé)



PSG Form



Key Dates for Next Half Term

Some events may be subject to change, so please continue to check the online school
calendar.

Day Date and Month Description

Monday - 25th October - Half Term Holiday
Friday 29th October
Mass of Remembrance for Deceased
Tuesday 2nd November Relatives and Friends (7-8pm)
Years 7 and 8 Flu Vaccine
Thursday - 11th November -
Prize Afternoon for Year 12s and 13
Friday 12th November School Christmas Fair (4:00-7:30pm)
Yr 13 Parents’ Evening (5-7pm)
Friday 19th November Christmas lunch for pupils (12:30pm)

Saturday 20th November Yr 12 Parents’ Evening (5-7pm)
Carol Service at St Joseph’s Church
Thursday 25th November (7-8pm)
Break up for Christmas (12:45pm
Thursday 2/3/9/10th dismissal)
December Christmas Holiday

Thursday 9th December Return to school
6ht Form Open Evening
Wednesday 15th December

Friday 17th December

Monday - 20th December -
Monday 3rd January

Tuesday 4th January

Wednesday 19th January
2022

Our School Prayer

God, our Father,
Help us to recognise your son, Jesus Christ, in
those we meet every day
Teach us to value ourselves, so that we can learn to
respect and value others;
We thank you for the opportunities you give us to
enjoy ‘Life to the Full’.
May we recognise the power of your Holy Spirit in
our school.
Help us to be generous with our time and energy to
bring ‘Life to the Full’ to others.