News ST F R A N CI S X AVIER

IS S U E 4 | A P R IL 2 0 2 3

I N TH I S I SSU E:

Inspirational Lili takes gifts to The Gambia ST FRANCIS XAVIER

SECONDARY SCHOOL Part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust

Welcome from Head of School

Reflecting on the last month, there have been two highlights for me. One was the excellent production of Hamlet, with almost 30 pupils performing this most challenging of plays. When I joined SFX as headteacher in 2012, we reintroduced school performances and Mrs Martin delivered Oliver, our first school show for 18 years.

SHAKESPEARE PRODUCTION BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN

More than 30 pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 took part in a production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This challenging play saw our pupils deliver some of the most famous lines in literature with eloquence and confidence. Unfazed by such a daunting undertaking, the cast began rehearsals in November and spent weeks getting to grips with the language, characterisation and line delivery. The show featured dancing choreographed by Mrs Knight, which brought a contemporary dimension to the performance.

Aoife Scott’s performance as Nancy was her first ever acting role. She caught the bug and is now a successful professional actress. I look forward to seeing more of our pupils performing professionally in the future.

Pupils also assisted backstage, providing excellent support to ensure the performance ran smoothly.

Thank you to the performing arts staff for allowing them to thrive in this area.

He was supported by Year 11 pupil Sia as Ophelia, whose haunting melodies echoed around the hall.

Another proud moment was meeting headteachers and leaders from Finland. Our student leaders were fabulous, speaking with confidence and enthusiasm.

Year 9’s Johannes played the cruel and ruthless King Claudius, while fellow Year 9 pupil Aaron added some light relief as the bumbling fool, Polonius.

The visitors were full of praise for the welcome they received and we look forward to further contact. Sharon Keelan-Beardsley Executive Headteacher

Love of God and Love of neighbour

Year 10 pupil Remy presented the audience with a moody and agitated Hamlet.

Sophie, from Year 8, portrayed the panic and heartbreak of Queen Gertrude as she struggled to justify the actions of her wayward son. Kobe, also from Year 8, performed the sinister role of the ghost, creating an eerie atmosphere to open the play. Other major roles went to Scarlett (Year 11) as the supportive Horatio, and Samuel (Year 9), as the angry, griefstricken Laertes. Head of drama Miss Smith said: “I am really proud of our pupils. They showed such ambition and enthusiasm from the first rehearsal and rose to the challenge of performing Shakespeare’s most renowned play. “It really showcased the fantastic talent we have at SFX and I am pleased to see their passion for Shakespeare take root.” Our Performing Arts team is now working on a summer production of Matilda the Musical, which features more than 60 cast members from across all year groups.

sfxschool.org.uk

TALENTED ARTISTS CAPTURE LIVES OF REMARKABLE WOMEN

Nobody could hold a candle to our crêpe-makers!

Our Equality Working Party challenged every form to create a captivating montage on their form room doors to celebrate the lives of remarkable women on International Women’s Day. Pupils conducted extensive research on a wide range of famous women. The Equality group selected six finalists, and parents chose the winner via Facebook. The winners were 8 Jervaulx, who portrayed nurse and businesswoman Mary Seacole. For their reward, the form indulged in a pizza party. La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas or Crêpe Day, is a popular holiday in France, observed 40 days after Christmas Day. To mark this special celebration, which commemorates the presenting of Jesus at the Temple, we invited every pupil to showcase their crêpe-making skills by designing and crafting their own delicious pancakes. We want to extend our gratitude to all the participants for their mouth-watering entries, and congratulations to the winners – Leah, Aaron, Felicity, and Alfie.

CELEBRATING READING ON WORLD BOOK DAY We celebrated World Book Day with activities to encourage everyone to focus on the books they loved when they were children and the ones they enjoy today. In form time, staff and pupils shared the books they are currently reading, while collective worship focused on why stories are so important. Pupils could wear hats to represent the children’s book characters they loved when they were young, and house captains hosted a quiz for younger pupils. The event was a great success, giving everyone the chance to consider why we read and what made us the readers we are today.

Love of God and Love of neighbour

sfxschool.org.uk

Production explores mental health and relationships

INSPIRATIONAL LILI TAKES GIFTS TO THE GAMBIA Year 9 pupil Lili travelled to Africa to visit a school in The Gambia at halfterm. Lili’s act of kindness in donating bags, stationary, pencil cases and toys to the children exemplifies our school’s ethos of service and compassion. She showed how acts of kindness can have a real impact on people’s lives and we’re proud of her dedication. Her actions are a shining example of what our school community represents, and we hope her inspiring story motivates others to follow in her footsteps.

Theatre and media arts company An Invisible Man returned as part of our personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curriculum. Year 10 enjoyed a live drama production called Inside Out, which explored the complexities of mental health and healthy relationships. Pupils then took part in a workshop to discuss the scenarios presented in the play. The company praised our pupils’ maturity and behaviour, noting their exceptional contribution to the workshop.

SCHOOL LEADERS FROM FINLAND ENJOY SFX VISIT We were delighted to welcome a group of headteachers and principals from Finland. Our guests – who lead educational institutions from kindergarten to secondary schools – had insightful discussions with staff and pupils as they compared the educational systems of our respective countries. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting such a warm group and look forward to nurturing new friendships.

Love of God and Love of neighbour

sfxschool.org.uk

CAREERS IN

TEACHING Our door is open!

Catholic schools are special places to work. Our mission is to be a loving, caring and serving Catholic community in which we educate the whole person, share the Gospel message and put Christ at the centre of all we do. We are keen to support people who are interested in working in Catholic primary or secondary schools by providing bespoke guidance and speaking openly in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our Open Door events offer the chance to talk to primary and secondary school leaders about working in Catholic schools, with plenty of opportunities to ask any questions you may have. Who is it for?

Anyone who would like to receive bespoke guidance and support about working in a Catholic school. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about teacher training in a Catholic primary or secondary school. Anyone who is already teaching in a non-Catholic primary or secondary school.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY



Saturday May 20, 9.30-11am: Bar Convent, 17 Blossom St, York, YO24 1AQ



Wednesday May 24, 4:00-5:00pm: Postgate House, Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough TS4 3JP To reserve a place, or to find out more information about our Oepn Door events, please contact [email protected]

JOIN THE #NPCAT FAMILY TODAY