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Bishop Challoner Parent Bulletin Easter 2023

"This is a time to flourish in mind, body and spirit and as we approach Holy Week we take strength from a new life in Christ who has conquered death."

Dear Parent /Carer,

As the Spring Term comes to an end and we draw closer to the triduum we remember with reverence and passion the death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward with hope and joy to celebrate Easter and the glory of the risen Lord. This is a time to flourish in mind, body and spirit and as we approach Holy Week we take strength from a new life in Christ who has conquered death.

This term has been a period of transition at Bishop Challoner, however, we continue to move forward with great determination to provide the best possible learning experience for your child. As you will see in this bulletin the students have had a wide variety of experiences and opportunities to enjoy this term, including a visit from the Trinity Laban Jazz Band, active engagement in Holocaust Memorial Day with a visit to the Jewish Museum as part of our commitment to learn about other faiths and, the hosting of a debate mate competition which offered our students the wonderful chance to express their debating skills. There are pictures from our End of Term Mass, the celebration of the Stations of the Cross, students receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the celebration of our faith throughout this term.

During this term we were delighted to invite our Ukrainian families to celebrate their safety and faith following the year anniversary of the invasion of their country by Russia. These students have made a significant contribution to life at Bishop Challoner and we have been very blessed to have them with us.

Year 7 coffee mornings have become a regular part of the calendar and those parents coming in have enjoyed the chance to meet staff and hear from key guest speakers. The introduction of a free breakfast for ALL students has become very popular. On average we have over 180 students come each day to take up this offer and we are delighted that so many do.

As part of our Lenten appeal we have linked up with Cahide Nebioğlu Ortaokulu School, Malayta, Turkey, and so far, we have raised hundreds of pounds to help our colleagues in Turkey to have access to resources they currently do not have as a result of the recent earthquake.

This period also marks the time when hundreds of our students are busy preparing for public examinations which take place in the Summer term. We understand that this can be a stressful and emotional time for some students and their families. Please be assured that we are here to support, encourage and guide you as and when required.

The amalgamation of both the Boys School and Girls School is well underway and in the Summer term this process will come to its conclusion in preparation for both schools to come together in September. There are a number of key tasks to do in the Summer term that will involve staff training, the creation of new Tutor Groups and new names for Tutor Groups for the start of September. The Governors have agreed that the school will pay for new blazers, kilts, trousers and ties for the Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 2023-24 cohort. More details will follow in the Summer term.

At the end of every term we sadly say goodbye to colleagues who have served our community and are moving on to new pastures. They leave with our gratitude and thanks for their years of dedicated service. The following teachers leave at Easter:

Mr Farrow, Mrs Ikuomola-Andre, Mrs Ahmad, Mrs Chaudhary, Ms Adjei, Ms F Akthar, Ms T Akhtar, Ms Bunton, Mr Rees, Ms Lantsbury, Mrs Islam, Ms Smith, Mrs Leonida, Mr Hortop, Ms Gainza, Mrs Livermore and Mr Warburton.

The contribution these staff leave is immeasurable and we wish them every success and happiness in their new roles.

I will take this opportunity to relay my sincere thanks to ALL staff at Bishop Challoner for their hard work, dedication, perseverance and resilience in coping with the many challenges presented to them. They have worked exceptionally hard for your child.

Finally, to wish you and your family a Happy, Holy and Blessed Easter.

Yours in Christ,

JP Morrison, Executive Headteacher

Prayer is an essential part of the daily life of our school community, and we're pleased to announce we have a new way of including parents'/carers' prayer intentions. If you would like to submit an intention to be prayed for at Mass or staff prayer then please fill in the form below.

Our Journey Through Lent

End of Term Masses

On Wednesday, 29th March, our school community came together for Mass to celebrate the end of the Easter Term and the approach of Holy Week. These Masses focussed on the themes of the upcoming Passion of our Lord and the idea of Reconciliation. We thank our readers for reading the extract from St John's Passion so beautifully, and our Altar Servers who supported with all three Masses in such a professional and prayerful way. We especially thank Father Willie Skehan for presiding over each Mass and for his tireless support for our school each term.

Stations of the Cross

Throughout the last month of term, students - like those pictured here with Mr Willis - have been praying the stations of the cross in their RE lessons. This makes use of the beautiful stations arranged along our colonnade, and prepares our young people for Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.

Reconciliations

On Friday, 24th March a group of students received the sacrament of Reconciliation - something Catholics traditionally do during the season of Lent. The students, from a range of year groups, made their confessions and then lit candles at the back of the church. If your child is interested in making their first Confession next term please contact Mr Johnston at media@bishop.towerhamlets.sch.uk.

Prayer Service for Ukraine

On February 24th, a group of our students, parents and grandparents took part in a short service in the chapel to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As a school community, we stay close to the people of Ukraine and pray for peace.

Ash Wednesday Liturgies

The Lenten season began with whole school Ash Wednesday Liturgies in St Mary and St Michael's Church. We thank all involved, particularly those staff who distributed ashes, ensuring that the start of Lent was a meaningful experience for our whole community.

Lent Appeal - Cahide NebioGlu School

Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, and throughout the season our charity focus has been a school in Turkey that has been severely damaged in the recent earthquake. Cahide Nebioglu School in south-west Turkey currently has so much structural damage that is it not able to open to staff and students. Ms Turan, who has links to the school, has been leading our campaign to raise funds to build a mobile school - this help students in the area access education as soon as possible. Over the last few weeks there have been many events onsite including assemblies, multiple staff and student bake sales, and a day when staff wore red to work in honour of the Turkish flag. To find out more about how you could help, please watch the video above. Donations will be accepted on ParentPay throughout the Easter Holidays and any amount that you can spare will go directly to those that need it.

Trinity Laban Jazz Band Inspire our Young Musicians

On March 8th and 9th, we were joined by a group of musicians from Trinity Laban - a London university devoted to the creative arts. The visits focused on the music of legendary jazz musician Thelonious Monk and explored his compositional style and musical legacy.

On the first day a group of young musicians from across the school learned the classic Monk Tune 'Blue Monk' and rehearsed it together with the three musicians who were visiting.

On the second day, the visit was opened up to an even larger number. Students in a packed school Theatre sat enthralled as the full ten-piece band played an hour of Monk compositions. We thank Trinity Laban for what was an incredibly inspiring week for our young musicians.

FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL STUDENTS

Please note that we now provide a free breakfast each morning for all students between 8:00 and 8:20 in the school canteen. All are encouraged to take advantage of this to ensure they are properly prepared for the day ahead.

Budding Lawyers Attend Workshop at Vinson & Elkins

On Wednesday, 30th March eighteen of our Year 10 students attended a workshop on Family Law at the Vinson & Elkins office in the City. These students are taking part in the AchieVE programme and being exposed to various elements of the legal world through lectures and activities.

Holocaust Memorial Day

On Thursday, 26th January a group of Year 9 students visited Rich Mix for a screening of Ari Folman's animated film 'Where is Anne Frank', organised by UK Jewish Film. When the film was over, students enjoyed a panel discussion between historian Mike Levy and film maker Jes Benstock, which went deeper into some of the themes the film explored. The event - which also involved four other local schools - provided the chance to reflect on the lessons of the past and to imagine a famous historical figure in a modern context. A huge thank you to our History department for such a valuable experience.

During an extended Form Time the next day, the whole school paused together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day - each form conducting its own prayer service. Students listened to and read aloud survivor testimony and reflected on how such an event was allowed to happen. As a community we remembered and prayed for those who were murdered, and together reaffirmed our commitment to opposing antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination.

Bishop Challoner Hosts Debate Mate Competition

On Monday, 6th March Bishop Challoner hosted nine other schools for Round 2 of the Debate Mate Urban League Competition. Visiting students were very impressed by our school site, and the competition was enjoyed by all. Bishop Challoner Team B (Year 9s Bylisan, Kiki, Jevan, Sarah D, Philip & Rachel C) won both their rounds, and our other two teams secured one win each over two rounds with the motions “Under 18s should not play professional sport” and “Viral media has had a negative impact on society”.

We accommodated over 150 students from Brampton Manor Academy, City of London, Heathcote, Lister, Mossbourne Victoria Park, Mulberry Academy Shoreditch, Sarah Bonnell School, The Bridge Academy and Lammas.

We also thank our incredible volunteers, who were praised by other teachers for their positive attitude, enthusiasm and helpfulness; Year 9s Lucian, Kamila, Aseel, Wiktoria, Bethany, Joel T, Laura S and Year 8 Rose.

Year 9 Students Visit the Jewish Museum

On Tuesday, 7th March a group of Year 9 students visited the Jewish Museum in Camden. To take part in two workshops. The first built on material that the students are currently learning about in History, and examined the period leading up to the Holocaust and the Kindertransport rescue effort. Our students also examined objects, both historical and modern related to Jewish life, ritual and customs.

The afternoon workshop looked at the history of Jewish Life in the East End of London - particularly relevant as all of the locations referred to were in the immediate vicinity of our school. We thank the Jewish Museum for a fantastic day, and an experience that made us even prouder to be East Londoners.

Niamh Wins First Prize at art exhibition

Congratulations to Niamh (Year 13) for winning first prize at the 'Tracks in Time' Exhibition at The Art Pavilion, which also featured work from 14 other Tower Hamlets Schools. The show ran from the 28th February to the 10th March and the standard of the work was incredibly high. We thank the Art department, both for their efforts preparing for the exhibitions and for nurturing the talents of our young artists all year round.

Year 7 Coffee Morning

It was wonderful to welcome so many Year 7 families to our coffee morning on the 2nd February. The morning was spent sharing some of the fantastic work students have been doing since joining our community and answering questions from parents and carers. Thanks to all who attended - it was a pleasure to have you with us.

Dhonielle Clayton Visit

We were delighted to welcome author Dhonielle Clayton to our school during the morning of Wednesday, 8th February. Dhonielle is an author, a former librarian, COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, and owner of Cake Creative Kitchen - a company dedicated to diverse books for all readers. Our students were especially interested in her latest release - 'The Marvellers', a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Soman Chainani, and Philip Pullman. There was the opportunity for all students to ask questions at the end of the session, and they were let into some exclusive secrets about what’s next for this exciting new franchise. We thank Ms Harrison for organising the visit.

BBC Singers Workshop

In January a group of students took part in a 'Meet a Musician' workshop organised by BBC Singers and our music department and led by singer Peter Davoren. The morning started with a group warmup and then some work on a choral piece, then the students had the chance to ask Peter questions about his job and the music industry. The workshop finished with everyone being treated to a beautiful performance of 'Down by the Sally Gardens.' Thank you to Mr McGarvey for giving our young musicians this great opportunity.

Resources for Year 11 Parents/Carers

Exam timetables, resources and all correspondence regarding the upcoming GCSE examinations can be found via the link below.

Dates For Your Diary

Monday, 17th April - INSET Day

Thursday, 20th April - Year 11 Core Subjects Parents' Evening

Thursday, 27th April - Year 8 Parents' Evening

Thursday, 4th May - Year 7 Parents' Evening

29th May to 2nd June - HALF TERM