Transition Summer
School 2024

During the last week of July, 42 of our new Year 7 students continued their transition into Mount St Mary’s.

They participated in a number of activities and experiences to boost their confidence and build friendships that will last longer than the five years they spend with us.

Remarkable Readers

Congratulations to the 91 students that were recently celebrated as MSM ‘Remarkable Readers’ at the library cinema event. This event celebrated those students who are reading, quizzing and visiting the library the most. It was incredible to have 10% of the school community there to celebrate our incredible reading habits. To mark the occasion, we turned the school hall into our very own cinema where we watched the first episode of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which is one of our most borrowed book series from the library.

Students munched their way through their treats whilst watching Percy discover the world of ancient Greek myths, minotaurs and monsters. The 91 students represent a record breaking year in our library, a whole lot of books read and an ever increasing amount of reward stamps earnt.

We are so proud of everyone who is managing to continue their excellent reading habits, and we already have 39 students who have completed enough reading to attend our May event.

MSM students are showing they are ‘Remarkable Readers’ and each quiz completed and each book read (from the library or at home) equals one remarkable reader stamp!

We can’t wait to see you at our next reward event themed on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

The Science Club End-of-Term Celebration

The Science Club End-of-Term Celebration leaves students in awe

In a thrilling conclusion to the term, the science club at MSM welcomed the dynamic duo of Mr Deacon and Mr Wellington for an unforgettable event. Filled with explosive experiments and fiery demonstrations, the atmosphere was electric as students were captivated by the wonders of science. From loud bangs to burning notes, the excitement was palpable. The festivities continued with Easter science competitions, igniting friendly rivalries and leaving all participants feeling like champions.

This engaging celebration not only entertained but also inspired students, highlighting the magic of science in a way that will be remembered long after the term’s end.

Yaried
English School Athletics Association Cross Country Champion!

Having started athletics only 10 months ago, Yaried has seized every opportunity presented to him and “ran” with it. On Saturday he competed in the English Schools finals against the top 8 boys from every single English county, over 350 in one race! Yaried led from the start and crossed the line in disbelief as the new English Schools Champion Junior boy. He will now represent England internationally. A superb achievement for a seasoned athlete, but for one so inexperienced this is an achievement that words cannot describe!

Huge thanks to Miss Smith, Mrs Kay, Mrs Bentley and Mr Cooper for all their support both behind the scenes and taking him to races on Saturdays in the rain and mud, in true Mount St Mary’s spirit putting our students at the forefront of everything we do.

Well done Champ!

Mr Rimoldi

Year 11 Mock Results Day

It was fantastic to see all the hard work and dedication pay off for our Year 11 students in their
Mock Results day.

We are very proud of all of the Year 11s for not only the incredible mock results received, but also the lovely and supportive atmosphere all around. During the assembly, before receiving any results, the air was supportive despite the nerves everyone was feeling – a sense of unity consumed the hall. When the students were opening their envelopes, there were a variety of reactions: from excited, to shocked and some even disappointed with certain grades, however, one thing stood out, the community that was formed. People were hugging and celebrating both their own achievements and other people’s, even if they weren’t close friends.

Overall, we are so proud of all of Year 11 for the support and passion to achieve more and improve during the period leading up to GCSEs. Our year group should focus on using help offered to their advantage during these months, including asking teachers for resources, such as past papers, and attending boosters. After school boosters are helpful with more targeted topics, worksheets to take away, and a quiet space to revise in if that’s not available at home, in addition to direct support from teachers.

One revision technique we recommend is the Pomodoro technique, this is where you revise for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes and repeat this 3 times. Then, have a 30 minute rest and restart, this balances work time and rest time giving the brain a moment to refresh. However, each individual should find a method suited to them specifically to prioritise revision time and rest. Once again, a huge well done to all of Year 11, we are unbelievably proud of you all. – Ophelia White and Amelia Milne, Year 11.

Advent/Christmas Liturgies – Just Be!

This year’s Advent Liturgy focused on what it means to BE Christian, giving our students the opportunity to reflect on how all people may achieve this – through their thoughts, words, and actions.

Socrates, the Greek Philosopher, stated that “To BE is to DO”.

Sartres, the 20th Century Philosopher, built upon the idea set by Socrates, and stated “To DO is to BE”.

Therefore, by following the example set by Jesus, and acting in a loving way towards others, DOing loving and caring things, we too can BE Christian.

The final and underlying message within the Liturgy was to remind students that, through living out the ethos and mission of our school, “To Give Back”, striving to be the best version of ourselves, we can all make our lives, and the lives of those around us better – JUST BE!

Staff Reflection – Angelus

On 8th December, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

This also marks the Feast Day of our school.

When the school originally opened, at 11am each day the Angelus Bell was rung. At this time the school stopped to recite the Angelus Prayer.

On 8th December this year, we met at the statue of Our Lady in the Walled Garden to remember and share this tradition and prayer.

On Tuesday 21st November 2023 Mount St Mary’s held our Annual Prize Presentation Evening.

The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of our 2023 leavers who turned out in record numbers and were a delight to be with throughout the evening.

Parents, carers, students and staff were welcomed by our key note speaker
Mrs S Woodroofe, Principal at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL). We witnessed a sneak preview of this year’s school show Matilda, as well as memorable clips of Year 11 celebrating their success on results day.

An outstanding evening, for outstanding achievements

For more photos of the event please click here to go to our photo gallery