FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
this week in our school . . .
Volume 5 Issue 2 September 13th, 2019
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ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
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Head’s start .
Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. Mr. Davis, Headteacher, reflects on the week. When we had our Section 48 denominational
why we have introduced The Ambrose Way this I get Maths find alltoofour Year 9 embroiled year, andtothey aretocentral Mission in a task that is so challenging and exciting Statement.
that I want to stay and have a go myself. Outside it’s:the “Sir,Mass haveofyou seen my tie?is, Consequently, Welcome was, Can you open my bottle? What did you not just a ritual through which we say think of last What time is of it, ‘welcome’, it is night’s a small,game? but significant part Sir?” and, at least once a day, “Oh my the process of fostering in our pupils a sense of days!” It can be noisy at times and in a belonging. community this size we can’t expect everyone to get on with each other all the time. But it is our community, and a lively, lovely, positive one at that.
inspection in March one of the areas it focused It is about this on was Welcome.
time of year that I meet with each Head of Department to review the summer’s results.it, This Welcome, howeverexam you define is aninvolves essential plenty of useful and thought-provoking element of a good Catholic education, in fact of discussion, it is our usually talking any education. We but expect pupils to beabout numbers and letters. Behind this welcomed at the door of each classroom,data are howbeginning pupils did,tohow they felt, what denotingstories: a positive each lesson they liked and what they achieved. and a fresh start. We also take great care toWe focus to onthe how thingsno-one can be more welcomealways new pupils school, improved as well as celebrating what went so that our Year 7s.
well. As a Catholic school, exam results are Perhaps the single highlight of my week, if I just one way of expressing the unique, Godhad to pick, would be the conversation I had The Mass of Welcome is a highlight of our given talents and skills of each pupil. It is with Mrs. Fay who is leading the calendar, therefore and this year was no important to look beyond the data so I am development of our new library. I am a exception, although it did us a break with delighted that much more of my job involves library enthusiast and have been ever since tradition. Ordinarily we hold the Mass in the It isI not simply to feel ‘included’, being in classes, walking around the school wasenough little. The furthest reach of my to see evening, rotating it between the various parish one’s name on lists or to wear the uniform, and talking to pupils, students and staff. memory is back to moments spent in ourit is churches in our catchment. my local form library belief that people wish to feel that they entranced by its colour and belong. This means that they recognise that as everdecided you arewe feeling at all bright possibilities. On Twitter This yearIf we wanted to despondent ensure that or much as they are part of the school, it is fatigued I reckon quick tour #RememberingMyLibrary reveals the part hold of all 210 Year 7 pupils wereapresent, so of wethe school them and always will be; it makes them who quickly raise your spirits. Let me that such an institution has: ‘A library card brought would the Mass in-house and into the school theywas are,aitfree gives them a sense of purpose and show you what I mean. Today (Thursday, pass to wonderment, words and day. We invited parents and carers and were worth and it affords opportunities to grow and September 29th) for instance, I dropped the ability to roam the world’ observes one delighted when a good number attended. We into develop a safe environment.
wrought iron Year 10 GCSE Music. There, I was user, in whilst another quotes the also commissioned our pupil leadership team at delighted to listen to performances of gates of Stalybridge library, ‘Read, Mark, the Mass, which was celebrated very Sometimes people are Digest.’ quick to Others dismisstalk places Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Hold Back Learn and Inwardly of generously by Bishop John.
of learning (schools, universities, colleges) the River and When the Saints Go Marching the escape that a library represented or as of from itthe ‘real world outunkind there’.world. This is I also reference got to sit with Daniel andof Chester divorced the refuge offered from an As ever In. he made to the writings not so, they are the real world, they are not a they demonstrated their prodigious DJing Cardinalas (soon-to-be Saint) Newman, in place of preparation for a life, they are talents. Next, during I supervised Mrs. Fay spent last Saturday peacefully particular his statement, ‘Godlunch, has created me to the somewhere lived here now, with all its canteen and made a point of watching the stacking life the is shelves and and we are inching do Him some definite service. He has excitements, possibilities and imperfections. interactions thattotake Pupils to opening. What thrilled me was her committed some work me place whichdaily. He has not and Thatcloser is why they suchboys, wonderful, staff holding doors open for one another, comment thatare several some colourful, of whom committed to another. I have my mission. I may vibrant places.
offering thanks, little moments of personal affect a dislike of reading, were electrified by never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in appreciation and gratitude. Of course, presence of a library in their school: ‘You the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of Andmean in theI case of our this school, ones things don’t always go well can borrow and,such like, joyful read it, connection between persons.’
in a school, but it as this week’s newsletter shows.
is lovely to witness a voluntary apology from Miss?’ was the breathless utterance of one a Year 9 to one of the lunch time staff, or pupil. Our library is at the heart of the It is, in my view, one of the most powerful Godschool: Bless, a space for being open to and see one pupil help another who is unsure sentences in the English language, an antidote where to gofeelings for class. sharing ideas and experiences. It is opento all-too-common of worthlessness Benplan Davis and its shelves serve as a reminder and lack of purpose that afflict many young Headteacher In Sixth Form, I enjoyed a lengthy chat with that there should be no barrier to anyone people these days. It affirms what we all want Twitter: @BenDavis1972 Aidan who explained both the theory of using its volumes or seeking knowledge, to hear: we are loved, we matter and have a differentiation and its potential commercial solace, entertainment or information. I can’t purpose, even if that is not always clear. We are Front cover image: Year 7life and application. In English they were studying wait to see it come to in the the Pupil weeks not merely an accident of evolution.
Leadership Team at the Mass of the play Blood Brothers and talking with ahead thanks to Mrs. Fay andWelcome her band of humour and but excitement about superstitions; helpers. These are big ideas they need to be in Year 7 RE they were dissecting our new rehearsed across our school, threaded through mission statement andofexploring the Ben Davis, Headteacher our curriculum. They are one the reasons personal meanings within it. School is a Twitter: @BenDavis1972 busy, bustling, humming place.
Bishop John affirmed what we all want to hear: we are loved, we matter and have a purpose, even if that is not always clear
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HOUSe News St. Bernadette of Lourdes st. benedict of nursia
910
926
885
st. oscar romero
st. michael the archangel
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
883
801
927
st. oscar romero st. michael the archangel st. francis of assisi St. teresa of calcutta House points and house news pages
st. assisi St francis Francisofof Assisi House Once again St Francis remain in the lead for achievement points, but only just. St Michael are a very close second. The House trophy is currently on display in Miss Frost’s form room. A number of students in our House have been recognised for making an excellent start to the new academic year. Louis McLaughlin in Mr Cassidy’s form has made an outstanding start to his last year at St Ambrose. Lauren Gatley has also been recognised for her positive start her GCSEs courses in Year 9, as have Sophie Godsell, and Will Doyle. They are excellent examples to us all of how our ethos works each day for the growth of each individual in our school community – faith in you, love in learning and hope in better. Obviously there are many others in our House being recognised by form teachers and class teachers across the whole school, and I look forward to celebrating more in our assembly this week. Mr Stephenson
St. of Lourdes St.Bernadette Bernadette of Lourdes Even in the infancy of our current academic year, St Bernadette are showing the same levels of dedication, compassion and community that made us one of St Ambrose Barlow High School’s premier houses last year. Staff and pupils have played their role in our community by achieving nearly one thousand achievement points, ranging from pupil dedication beyond their years towards their studies and academic progress, to the little acts of kindness
st. benedict of nursia
St. teresa of calcutta
st. francis of assisi
towards our new house members that set us apart from all others. Kieran Anderson in form 6BL is currently our shining star, achieving 19 points already this year, averaging over two a day. With a focus next week on Generosity and Gratefulness, St Bernadette of Lourdes House is clearly leading the community in the true spirit of The Ambrose Way. Thank you to any and all members of the community that have helped make this such a wonderful start, including all parents and carers that play an equally vital role in our Catholic Mission. I am very proud of us all and look forward to the pleasures and achievements that the upcoming year is sure to bring. Mrs Sidebottom St Teresaofofcalcutta Calcutta St. teresa Another week in school has already flown by and I have seen so many positive things from members of our house. It was lovely on Wednesday to have our first assembly of the year with St Bernadette house, you all looked smart and conduct was fantastic. Thanks to Mr Davis for leading this and officially welcoming us all back after the summer holidays. As a house we are in 6th place for achievement points with a total of 801 putting us 83 points behind moving up a place. I am very proud of each and every one of you who have achieved points but lets give it a real push this week, ask teachers what you can do to achieve a point in class and push yourself to achieve this. A reminder that you should be recording your points and attendance in your diary weekly. Form tutors will provide you this information on a Tuesday as 3
our assemblies will always be held on Mondays during this half term.
 
Form leaders for achievement points are; 1T - Shanhi Jones with 10 points 2T - Morgan Ferguson & Phoebe Smout with 9 points each 3T - Kerielle Bailey McNally with 8 points each 4T - Georgia Cassidy with 12 points 5T - Mikey Holland, Keaton Knight & Rachael McHugh with 9 points each 6T - Ryan Dunning with 11 Points 7T - Viktoria Chakarova with 15 points Mrs. Robb
st. benedict of nursia St. Benedict of Nursia It has been fantastic to see the new Year 7 students settling in so well and are starting to find their feet in and around the building. I have lost count on the number of times where I have witnessed older students giving their younger peers directions to their next class. 4BN are leading the way in the the Benedict House Achievement table with 152 points. Although, 2BN are very close behind them! English revision starts this week (Tuesday) - we are expecting a good turnout from Year 11 students in preparation for their upcoming Mock Exams. The Student Leadership Team have adapted to their new roles very well and are making the school a safer place to be during break and lunch. They positions were made formal in the Yr 7 Welcome Mass last Tuesday and were given their badges to wear with pride. Our Student leaders are: Blaise Heywood (Head Girl) Isabelle Saunders and Nicole Kelly (House Captains) Please send in any details of achievements outside of school - they need to be celebrated too!
Don't forget if you need any support this week, we have a number of Student Leaders in our house: Joseph Davies (Head Boy) Elisha Morgan (Deputy Head Girl) Ellis Kenny (House Captain) Fernley Davis (House Captain) Lara Magdamo (Senior Prefect) Alvin Bijou (Senior Prefect) Kirsty Nalus (Senior Prefect) Joseph Manning (Senior Prefect) Jenny Smith (Prefect) Mia Buckley (Prefect) Daniel Theophile (Prefect) Matthew Bennet (Prefect) Our assembly is on Thursday this week. I look forward to seeing you all promptly in the hall at 8:35am. Miss Jackson St st. Michaels michael theHouse archangel news This week has seen many positive achievements across all year groups in the house with pupils getting recognised for their contributions in lessons, completing homework s to a good standard and being role models. Year 7 pupils completed their CATS tests on Monday and took part in a wonderful welcome mass on Tuesday.Year 11 students are showing great commitment in lessons and are attended extra revision sessions eagerly.All pupils have reviews their progress in form this week on their achievements from last year and how we build on them. All pupils have been looking at the Ambrose way in form and how we work together as a community to be the best versions of ourselves. This was seen by all pupils in our first house assembly on Friday. All were punctual , had pride in their appearance and were engaged in the assembly an excellent start by all.
Have a great week!
Pupils will be encouraged to share successes they have outside school so we can celebrate them in our community.
Mr. Merriman
Mrs. McGowan
st. oscar St Oscarromero Romero Another fantastic week in Oscar Romero House. Well done to 5R who are in the lead for Achievement Points in our house. We are in third place amongst the other houses though, so try and be awarded as many Achievement Points as you can this week. 4
Around the school This week 

The Year 7 Mass of Welcome and Commissioning of the Pupil Leadership Team by Bishop John Arnold
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Around the school This week
 
Year 10 receiving their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh certificates this week.
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calendar what’s on
Advance Notice
OPEN EVENING for all prospective pupils, particularly this year’s Y6, September 26th at 6pm School Photograph Day, September 23rd - make sure you’re lookin’ gooood!
WED 18
TUE 17
THU 19
FRI 20 SAT 21
MON 16
COMING UP THIS WEEK week beginning 16.09.19 week A
attendance We aim for 100% attendance for all of our students and have set 96% as satisfactory attendance for this year. Attendance is monitored period-by-period and statistics are published each week. Excellent attendance guarantees excellent learning. Attendance by year (w/b September 9th). Attendance last week was 96.0% with five forms (3M, 6M, 1BL, 4BN & 6R) achieving 100% attendance. Attendance and its impact on learning
Year 7 Year 8 year 9 year 10 year 11 School
99.It 7% 95.0% 95.8% 93.8% 95.6% 96.0%
10 days absence means 95% attendance 19 days absence means 90% attendance 29 days absence means 85% attendance 38 days absence means 80% attendance 47 days absence means 75% attendance Please note: If your child is off school you need to contact student services the same day on 0161 921 1589/1551. If the school has not been contacted within five days, the absences will automatically be unauthorised. Ten unauthorised marks may lead to a fixed penalty notice being served. Top: at the Siemens Rollercoaster Challenge;
Below: 6th formers at the Teenage Cancer7 Trust fundraiser
TWEET OF THE WEek More
Catherine Davies @cathybaby0575 Sept 10
It was such a lovely Mass. Thank you for inviting parents to attend.
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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
FAITH IN YOU
LOVE IN LEARNING
HOPE IN BETTER
ST AMBROSE BARLOW RC HIGH SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org 37 Ash Drive Swinton Salford M27 9QP 0161 921 1570 @SABSalford Headteacher: Ben Davis 9
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