Letter From SLT STAC EU Referendum

MONTH YEAR
Summer Term, Issue 5
1 July 2016
Letter From SLT
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This edition of our newsletter comes packed, as
ever, with reports of student achievement from
far beyond the confines of their classrooms.
As I write, Year 10 History students are returning
from their fieldtrip to Berlin whilst MFL students
are readying themselves to travel to Normandy in
France. These trips and many of the other extracurricular activities students engage in, are much
more than further support to help them pass
exams. Of equal, and perhaps greater importance,
is developing their ability to work in teams,
come up with creative solutions and work
independently.
We hope you enjoy reading about how our
students are showing that they are excelling at
these skills through their work with the Multistorey orchestra, Duke of Edinburgh Award and a
full write-up and photos of the Berlin trip on what
was, for some, their first trip abroad.
STAC
EU
Referendum
Whether you are
delighted or
distraught by the
result of the 23rd
June, STAC students certainly made their opinions
clear at the STAC EU referendum.
On Thursday 23rd June, students cast their votes,
after two weeks of learning about the key
arguments for both the ‘in’ and the ‘out’
campaigns.
It was great to see the boys all engaging in a topical
political event with such enthusiasm. However the
British public clearly disagreed with the STAC landslide vote to stay in!
The calendar for the end of term is extremely busy
with a number of school events such as our annual
Aspirations Evening, Sports Day and our Evening
of Music, Drama and Art.
Please do check the newsletter for further details
of these as it would be welcome seeing as many of
our school community as possible.
Sunil Collett, Deputy Headteacher
Ms McWilliams, Head of Humanities
Holy Day of Obligation – The Feast Day of
St Peter & St Paul
On Wednesday 29 June, we came together as a school community to
celebrate the Feast Day of Sts. Peter & Paul with Fr. Francis Lynch.
As early as the year 258, there is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of
celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the same
day. Together, the two saints are the founders of the See of Rome, through
their preaching, ministry and martyrdom there.
In a sermon in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Sts. Peter and
Paul: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and
even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went
first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by
the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their
labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”
Year 8 Retreat
The Year 8 Retreat was a day of spiritual reflection and
activity for the whole year group. It was fantastic to see so
many students who were engaged in their faith and proud
of their relationship with God. The theme of the day was
"Finding God in Nature" and the students explored the
grounds of Aylesford Priory whilst doing this. They created
works of art, poems and prayers that were expressions of
faith and worship.
Student Report: We went on a retreat to Aylesford Priory.
In one of the fields surrounding the Church, we received a worksheet about the prayers of the Rosary. We
learnt the meanings of the different beads and the prayers that accompany them. After that, we then had
a short discussion about them then split up into pairs. We discussed various parts of our life and prayed
together about things we wanted to achieve. By doing so, we all found prayer partners that we could rely
on if we found ourselves in emotional turmoil. Following lunch, we talked about nature and the life and
work of St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of animals. We learned about how God told us to look
after nature and we really enjoyed the meditation which helped to reconcile with nature.
John-Samuel Amasse and Daniel Olupona 8.1
Child Protection
If you have any concerns about the safety of a child, you can contact Mr Smart, the designated person for
child protection, via the school.
Page 2
Student Council Report
It’s been a busy last few weeks for the Student Council and indeed a very
busy year, where we have taken on some of our most ambitious projects
ever. We have worked hard to address student’s concerns and put
forward your suggestions for a better school.
So during our final meeting of the year, the following issues were
addressed:
New 3G Astro
This without doubt has been our biggest success, with over 500 students
and members of staff signing a petition for a move to a more usable and
safer surface.
Mr Connolly and the Board of Governors were hugely impressed with the
Student Council’s efforts and have kindly agreed to the funding required
to put this in place over the summer break! This will hopefully enable
some of the Year 7 and 8 football fixtures for next season to be played
here.
Basketball courts
With the growing popularity of basketball, it has been agreed to marking out 2
new courts in the playground with 9 new hoops in place allowing proper
organised games to take place. This will also assist the PE department, allowing
basketball to be taught outside as well. Again this is at a financial cost but
through some tough negotiations with Mr Connolly, it was agreed to, and will
hopefully be in place for September.
Defibrillator
During one of our recent PHSCE days, students studied First Aid and particularly
CPR. The subject leader made the students aware of what a defibrillator was and
how it is 80% more likely to save a person’s life if CPR did not work. After some
investigation, the students realised that we, as a school, do not have a defibrillator
and immediately raised this issue with the Student Council. Again the Student
Council gave a very passionate plea to Mr Connolly and explained why this piece
of equipment was a must for the school. Indeed, not only did Mr Connolly agree,
but has since recommended it to Mr Cefai and, as a result, Scared Heart will also be purchasing one!
Year 11 Prom
The Year 11 Prom Committee would like to thank the Student Council and all the students for their support
in raising money for the Prom. Over £300 was raised through pancake sales and mini tuck shop. This
allowed us to purchase 8 Prom tickets to reward Year 11 students for their hard work through the year.
The Student Council is present for the benefit of the students. If you have an idea that will improve the
school, no matter how small it is, please tell a member of the Student Council or a teacher who can relay
the message to us! Thank you from selecting us to represent you and we hope that you all have a great
summer!!
Student Council Team
Page 3
6th Form Induction | 4-6 July 2016
STAC 6th Form look forward to welcoming Year 11 applicants
to the 3 day induction programme next week.
This programme will give all students who attend the
opportunity to get to grips with their chosen courses, meet new staff they will be working with next year
and meet other students who have applied to join us. Students are reminded of the need to arrive in full 6 th
form dress code and arrive promptly for 9.30am next Monday.
Monday 4 July
Tuesday 5 July
Wednesday 6 July
Taster Lesson Day
University Visit Day
Water Sports & Team Building Day
Work Experience
With intense A level revision, exams and course work submissions finally coming to an end, the Year 12s are
now organising themselves for their two weeks placements across the city. Both independently and with
some support from staff and different contacts, students have landed great work opportunities with huge
finance companies such as MasterCard, mechanical engineering companies, media and film production and
even medical and health services such as the NHS. The preparation for seeking placements has been a good
simulation of the ‘real’ job hunting process they will experience in coming years; with interviews and CV
scrutiny, the 6th formers will now be thinking about how to adapt from being students to employees in a
real working environment. As well as being exceptional ambassadors for the STAC 6th Form, Year 12 pupils
will take this opportunity to embrace their journey to future careers with an open mind, a positive attitude,
self-discipline and confidence.
We wish them luck, and look forward to hearing about their experiences and achievements on their work
placements.
Mr Walter, Head of 6th Form
Year 12—UCAS Process
Our Year 12 students have a busy final period before the summer, during which they are beginning the
UCAS university application process. The UCAS process involves the students filling out a number of details
that are necessary for successful university applications. They are also writing their personal statements, in
which they show the universities that they are applying to why they are suited to the courses that they
have chosen, as well as listing their achievements (both academic and extra-curricular) and future
aspirations. To facilitate this process, Year 12 students have been spending Wednesday afternoons working
on completing their personal statements and filling out their details on the UCAS website, with guidance
from the 6th Form team. They have also been using their free periods to work on improving their personal
statements. The statements have a 4000 character limit, so every word counts. The deadline for the
students to complete the first draft of their statements is Friday 1 July.
It is vital that the students use their free time to research suitable courses and universities, ensuring that
they will get the grades required to be accepted onto their course choices. They should be looking to take
work placements and volunteering opportunities over the summer, as well as going to University open days
so that they make well-informed choices that will give them the best chance of a successful future.
Page 4
Visit to Imperial College Open Day
On Wednesday 23 June I had been given the opportunity to
visit Imperial College in South Kensington for an open day and
a personal statement session.
At the university
there were stalls that I had the chance of visiting to ask about the
course so I can better understand what course is the best option
for me.
After visiting the stalls I had a private session with a teacher from
the university who reads hundreds of personal statements every
year and discussed what may make you more interesting for a
university. However, this teacher had invited around a hundred students from different schools and only I
came to have my personal statement reviewed.
If you want to go to university, take every opportunity they offer as not only will you get an experience of
the university, but you are more likely to get accepted into the university as you will be seen as a candidate
that is enthusiastic to do a certain course.
One of the main lessons I have learnt is that just getting grades does not get you into a university. You must
be more attractive to the university by doing more things outside of school such as building things at home
or even reading relevant literature beyond the textbooks used in class.
Prince Alabi (12 Griffith)
Visit to Queen Mary University London Open
Day
On Friday 24 June 2016 I attended the Queen Mary University London (QMUL)
Open Day. I was given the day to research Higher Education courses, meet
current undergraduates and discuss the admissions process with QMU tutors.
As Human Geography is my course of choice for university, I found out that
QMUL has very good lecturers and the support from different staff make for a
better learning environment.
Furthermore, QMUL offers a variety of fieldwork both, Human and Physical, to
different areas such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Los Angeles and many other
locations around the world. It was an insightful day and a valuable experience
as I begin the lengthy UCAS process to hopefully secure a university place when I finish Year 13.
Antonio Monteiro Sousa Melo (12 Griffith)
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Page 5
action.
Advanced
UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge
Congratulations to the following boys who obtained silver and bronze certificates in the recent UKMT Junior
Mathematics Challenge.
They were competing with the whole of the UK for certificates and have proved worthy winners.
In particular Georgy in Year 8 and Stephen in Year 7, who beat their peers and were best in their year
group. Stephen did even better by getting best in school. Well done from the Mathematics Department!
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
Stephen Odeleye – Best in Year Group &
Georgy Shine – Best in Year Group & Silver
Best in School - Silver; Joshua Adeyemi - Silver
Daniel Oluna – Bronze
Abraham Bakare – Bronze; Tyresse Ntima attah – Bronze
Alan Yeo – Bronze
Tyreece Campbell – Bronze; Joseph Eldo – Bronze
Jonathan Adeyemi - Bronze
Fred Seedhouse – Bronze; Samson Jacobs – Bronze
Thwaresh Packiyanathan – Bronze
Trip to Berlin
On Wednesday 22 June, 30 Year 10 boys travelled to Berlin, in line
with their GCSE History study of Germany in transition, 1919 to 1947.
They really enjoyed learning about the history of Berlin through visits
to the Topography of Terror, a guided walking tour, Sachsenhousen
Concentration camp and many more. The weather was also stunning,
with beautiful sunshine every day and temperature in the mid-30s!
The boys’ attitude and behaviour on the trip was exemplary with
many people commenting on the positive attributes they displayed.
We hope that current Year 9 students will join us on the trip next
year!
Ephraim Adanemhem 10.2 said ‘I really enjoyed the long walks
around the city where we saw the Berlin wall and Reichstag. It gave
me a great insight into how new the city is. Year 9’s must go to Berlin
as they need to witness the atrocities of Nazi Germany first hand, like
we did. It will help to trigger their emotional intelligence and feel
sympathy for all those who lost their lives’.
Chibeze Nwangwu 10.1 said ‘One of the best things about the trip was to look down from the plane and see
the whole of Berlin. We also were able to learn first-hand about what life was like in Germany. Year 9s
should go on this trip because it would allowed them to see and experience what the Jews and Germans
experienced in Nazi Germany. It helped me to have a better understanding of, and remember German
history.’
Ms McWilliams, Head of Humanities
Page 6
Multi-Story Orchestra Concert
On Wednesday 8 June, 22 boys from Years 7 to 10 joined the Multi-Story Orchestra in
Peckham Car Park (Yes, Peckham Car Park!) for a fabulous concert of music by Bach,
Handel and the orchestra's founder Kate Whitley.
Multi-Story Orchestra were recently acclaimed for their impact in the local community
at the prestigious Philharmonic Society Awards and we are amongst the beneficiaries of
this impact with the orchestra performing in school for us for the last 3 years and this
being the 2nd year running that we have
performed with the orchestra at their home on
Level 6 of Peckham Car Park.
The project gave the boys a wonderful opportunity
to learn from and perform with professional
musicians in a full orchestra. Following several
weeks of rehearsals after school with members of
the orchestra, the boys joined the full orchestra
and performed to a packed and enthusiastic
audience in the surprisingly effective venue of a
multi-story car park! Congratulations to the following:
Kun Fang, Jonah Agboghidi, Alan Yeo, Adedayo Adetona,
Isaiah Soetan-Balogun(Violins), Joshua Adeyemi(Cello),
Jonathan Adeyemi, Timi Adelagun, Fred Seedhouse
(Percussion), Daniel Riley, Quadri Akib, Jeane-Pierre Egenti
(Trumpets), Zeotay Gonsan-Zeo, Seblon Mpereboy(Tenor
Horns), Karis Kariuki(Trombone), Daniel Olupona(Baritone),
Nathan Francis-Boakye(Tuba), Alex Santos, Juan-Pablo
Erazo-Rojas(Clarinets), Samuel Olujugba, Titus Ayorinde
(Saxophones), Curtis Etuk(Flute).
Keyboards for Sale!
We have a number of keyboards that we will be replacing over the Summer that
we would like to offer for sale. Each keyboard comes with a music stand, power
adaptor and headphones included in the price and are as follows:
Yamaha PSR - 175 or similar
£25
Yamaha PSR - 225 or similar
£35
If you would like to reserve one of these, then please contact the school by email
or phone stating your preference, child's name and a contact number and we will
contact you to arrange collection sometime during the Summer holiday.
Mr Morgan, Head of Music
ParentPay has changed the way Parents top up their children’s account online.
To pay for school meals and various items, parents need to click ‘Pay for items’,
then 'View details and pay' after topping-up My Account.
Any queries please contact me at the school
Miss Lai, Finance Officer
Page 7
GCSE Art Exhibition
A huge congratulations to the Year 11 Art GCSE students for a wonderful showcase of work.
Students have worked incredibly hard over the past two years on their portfolios of work. The talent and
quality of work is outstanding. The AQA moderators had nothing but praise for the quality and presentation
of the exhibition. I look forward to the final results in August. Well done Year 11.
The work will be on show again during the Aspirations Evening on Thursday 7 July and from 5:00pm and
Wednesday 13 July for our Evening of Music, Drama and Art.
An Evening of
Music, Drama
& Art
Wednesday
13 July 2016
FREE ENTRY
Please join
us!
Page 8
Year 9 Trip to Tate Modern
A group of Year 9 students were invited to attend the opening day of Tate Modern’s new building.
The gallery had over 200 pupils from schools across London for a range of exciting workshops with
practising artists. Each group had a very different experience, from group drawing to physical sculptures.
Well done Year 9.
Mrs Adegun, Head of Art
Students Pass their Bronze Expedition in
Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Prior to going away on expedition, there were 13 students, all
with their eyes on obtaining the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh
Bronze Award. As is often the case, however, students underestimate just how tough the expedition actually is, and our
group was no exception: after some challenging lessons learnt
in outdoor survival, only 11 boys made it through to the
qualifying expedition. We clearly had God’s blessings - thanks to
those of you who prayed to St Christopher – because the
weather was perfect on both days. Independent from teachers’
guidance, it was time for our intrepid explorers to take all they
had learnt from training into practice: our boys trekked for six
hours on two consecutive days, following carefully planned
routes which they had prepared themselves. The boys demonstrated excellent map reading skills and are
now competent at using compasses, understanding six-figure grid references, building tents, cooking outdoors, and have developed their knowledge of how to navigate without relying on google maps! We are
extremely proud of the boys who have worked hard to achieve their Bronze award – not least of all because
they are the first boys in the history of STAC to achieve this honour – and we look forward to sharing news
of their success when they embark upon their Silver award.
Mr Swain, DoE Co-ordinator
Page 9
House Points to Date
As we draw near to the school year, we are anticipating the most significant day in our calendar SPORTS DAY.
After competing all throughout the year with numerous house events, we concluded our Inter-House
Competitions with a Math Challenge.
As usual, the boys came out in full force to represent their houses to earn some much needed points
before Sports Day.
Math Challenge Results
1st Gunstone
2nd Griffith
3rd Jones
4th Rigby
We look forward to a fun filled Sports Day with everyone participating and representing their Houses.
If you still have not filled in your choices for events, please see your House reps or House leader.
Mr Charlery, Head of House (Gunstone)
Information regarding holidays during Term Time and Fixed Penalty Notices.
Taking your child out of school during term time can seriously disadvantage the educational opportunities
available.
Parents are reminded that Southwark Council have started issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to parents/carers
who take their children out of school for unauthorised leave of absence or holidays.
The fine is £60 per parent and includes all the children of statutory school age in the family. If the fine is not
paid within 21 days it will double to £120 per parent. Failure to pay may result in court action which could
lead to a criminal record.
Please be reminded that once a child is on a school's register, the law requires that parents/carers send
their child to school every day it is open'.
C. Smart, Deputy Headteacher
Page 10
Sports Day 2016
Thursday 14 July, at Croydon Sports Arena
With the term coming to a close, the athletics season reaches its climax
with the annual St Thomas the Apostle College Sports Day.
ALL BOYS WILL BE TAKING PART!
This year's event will take place at Croydon Sports Arena, on Thursday 14
July. It starts at 10.30am and finishes at 1.30pm.
The boys have been doing athletics for 4 weeks now, learning a whole
host of disciplines including High Jump, Discus and Relay events. The
boys have recently selected their favourite event ready to represent their
House on at the prestigious event. This is where a whole years’ hard
work in PE, and a training camp helping them specialise in their preferred
event, culminates in one last hoorah!
We would love for parents to attend the Sports Day. The boys will be
bringing a letter home over the next few days with further details
regarding Sports Day and we hope you can come along and support and
cheer them along as they represent their House!
Gunstone currently lead the House race, but with Rigby, Jones and
Griffith all close behind, it's still all to play for.
Remember, the boys will need to wear their full PE kit to school,
consisting of long black football socks, plain black shorts, and either their
maroon rugby top or their house polo.
Hopefully you can come and join us on what promises to be a fantastic
showcase of talent.
Mr Kliber, Head of PE
Lost Property
Any lost property not collected by FRIDAY 15 JULY will be recycled.
Page 11
Roll Of Honour
Best
Attendance!
Tutor
Groups
and
performance in lessons
his
ing
ov
pr
im
y
all
re
4
Burke-Gabaldi 7.
Head of Year Tie: Enea
ur.
ards in terms of behavio
nd
sta
h
hig
his
ng
ini
ment points:
ta
main
ning of May for achieve
gin
Y7.2
be
e
th
ce
sin
p
ou
gr
i 7.4 (49);
ar
Top of the year
Om
d
ha
Fa
;
5)
(5
3
7.
ranking exams
colas Otoibhie
97.8%
7.5 - for great results in
Elidon Mucaj 7.6 (70); Ni
ra
ea
’M
i-O
cin
on
ng
Sim
ini
ta
an
er
ob
Ki
;
7)
7.1
(4
or
4
nj
7.
& John Anya
Isaac Jose Gil Velez
ss; Abraham Bakare 7.1
re
og
pr
nt
lle
ce
ex
r
fo
4
Fahad Omari 7.
am.
nt geography ranking ex
ce
re
mp.
e
th
in
lts
su
re
g
winning gold in High Ju
s,
outstandin
tic
hle
at
ct
tri
dis
at
lts
cellent resu
llent effort,
Nathan Lamina 7.4 - ex
term and with the exce
lf
ha
t
las
t
or
eff
t
ea
become a tidy
gr
t in
throughout - you have
ion
ss
Wayne Bitsindou 7.6 - pu
re
og
pr
od
go
y
all
ces in cricket. Re
comes great performan
ss
Y8.1
– great effort and progre
7.3
e
os
Aj
s
iu
ch
Za
!
er
bowl
Year 7:
98.2%
Year 8:
ng actively
an K Yeo 8.1 - participati
Al
e;
nc
ige
dil
d
an
t
or
eff
great
Emmanuel Gyamfi 8.1 s to improve
eat effort and willingnes
gr
8.1
titive and
z
re
Pe
old
ra
Gi
Santiago
right amount of compe
e
th
t
jus
r,
tte
be
be
to
termined
Alan Yeo 8.1- always de
hool
odel to peers.
nt representative on sc
lle
ce
positive energy. Role m
ex
r,
tte
be
be
s
ay
termined to alw
Victor Alayande 8.1 - de
anding helpfulness.
ery occasion.
athletics team and outst
d & hardworking on ev
re
ne
an
m
ll
we
ely
m
tre
– ex
Joshua Akaehomen 8.2
Y9.1
98.1%
ost achievement
am; Kavy Cham 9.5 - m
te
ll
ba
ot
Fo
Y9
e
th
of
ain
Cody Drameh 9.2 – Capt
ing
proved attitude to learn
im
an
d
an
ek
points in a week
we
a
in
s
hest achievement point
s
Mason Bedford 9.5 – hig
Y10.1
most achievement point
5—
9.
z
ire
m
Ra
tricts and asked
z
dis
ue
sq
at
p
m
Ju
ng
Lo
Abraham Va
d
an
Jump
97.3%
for getting gold in High
PE lessons.
in
t
or
eff
nt
lle
Gregory Bekibele 9.3 ce
ex
ng
rm.
h as well as for maintaini
boxing grade last half te
nt
lle
ce
ex
to represent the boroug
,
PE
in
ur
vio
effort
provement in beha
boxing routine. Excellent
his
Hensy Sako 9.3- great im
in
ed
ow
sh
it
d
an
e
self to improv
Really took it upon him
eat improvement
Mason Bedford 9.5 - gr
of Edinburgh
ze expedition for Duke
on
Br
Year 10:
eir
th
d
te
ple
m
co
am acting as
Charles Adaah 10.1 –
ding members of the te
an
tst
ou
Folorunsho Owo 10.1 &
re
we
d
an
d)
ar
r the School.
d their Bronze aw
cellent ambassadors fo
ex
(and therefore complete
as
ll
we
as
p,
ou
gr
e
the rest of th
boxing lessons.
perfect role models for
ly the progress made in
lar
cu
rti
pa
,
PE
SE
GC
g the content
in
effort
ogress of understandin
pr
his
,
Damsi Ogwu— Excellent
ies
ud
St
t
or
Sp
R
d of
anding effort in OC
- consistent high standar
ki
ws
ko
as
W
j
ze
Blerim Gjorlluka—Outst
dr
An
;
rk
ing some really good wo
has led to Blerim produc
lpfulness.
he
10.6 for outstanding
Page 8
work; Mohamed Fornah
Year 9: