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THE URSULINE ACADEMY ILFORD

A Catholic Academy for Girls

Weekly News – Issue 28

10th May 2019

Dear Parents/Guardians

Headteacher’s Headlines…

The exam season starts on Monday and Year 11 had their last assembly today. The assembly was lovely

with fantastic singing from the GCSE Music girls. Form tutors were thanked and Ms Keogh joined us with

baby Tia to share a PowerPoint she had made for the girls. My thanks go to Ms Warren for organising the

assembly and indeed for stepping up as Head of Year since January. As the exams start please encourage

your daughter to develop good study habits. In our Mental Health Awareness section of the Newsletter

this week there is advice on how parents can help during the exam season, together with a guide for

students about coping with exam pressure and an exam checklist (see pages 5 -11). I hope you and your

daughters find it useful.

Thank you to those parents who attended last week’s Year 8 Parents Consultation evening. Attendance

was a little down at 83%; we usually are well into the 90’s but it seems most of the parents’ present found

it a useful and informative evening. There were 75 respondents to our questionnaire. As usual most of the

feedback is very positive and myself and the Senior Leadership Team will be looking at any issues. It really

is useful if parents add their name or the name of their child especially when they are not happy with any

aspect of our provision. Most of the strongly disagree ticks were from the same parent but it was

anonymous. If a child is unhappy in school and you feel she is not safe and therefore you are unable to

recommend the school, we really would like to know so we can meet with you to put it right.

For the statements below, please tick the box that best corresponds with your views. Please tick one box only

Strongly Agree

Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Unsure

1. My daughter is safe and well cared for at Ursuline

32 42 0 1 0

2. My daughter is happy at school 34 36 0 2 3

3. My daughter is taught well at Ursuline 31 42 1 0 1

4. Behaviour in school is good 27 41 5 1 1

5. My daughter is encouraged to develop self-confidence

29 38 1 1 4

6. I am confident that I will be contacted if there is a problem with my daughter

40 33 1 0 0

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Chaplaincy News

Pope Francis@Pontifex – 6th May

As Pope John XXIII said: “I never met a pessimist who managed to do something good”. The

Lord is the first not to be pessimistic. He constantly tries to open up paths of resurrection for all of us.

#ApostolicJourney#Buulgaria.

Forward in Joy – 366 days with Angela Merici – Daily words of wisdom from our patron saint

May: Prudence

10th May: Merely beginning is not enough if you do not carry through.

11th May: Have patience!

12th May: It is better to follow what is certain, without danger, than what is uncertain, with danger.

13th May: Indiscreetly hurting one’s body would be sacrificing stolen goods.

14th May: Do everything with discernment and maturity of judgement.

15th May: Let their prudence be evident to all.

16th May: If, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something

differently, do it prudently and with good advice.

7. I receive valuable information from the school about my daughter’s progress.

36 36 1 1 1

8. My daughter is usually set relevant and demanding homework

21 41 8 1 3

9. My daughter knows what her targets are for each subject and how well she is progressing

25 41 5 1 2

10. My daughter knows who to talk to at school if she has a problem

32 40 1 0 1

11. My daughter has the opportunity to develop her interests in school

28 39 0 1 4

12. There are good opportunities for the girls to serve others

24 44 0 1 4

13. I have found the parents’ evenings helpful

43 30 0 0 0

14. The school is well led and managed 34 36 1 0 2

15. I would recommend this school to another parent

34 35 0 1 3

16. My daughter understands the Ursuline values embodied in SERVIAM

38 33 0 0 2

17. I recognise that faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church are central to the school’s mission

42 30 0 0 1

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Chaplaincy Team As we begin our final term for this school year, I would like to take an

opportunity to introduce you, once again, to our fabulous chaplaincy team.

Our team is made up of students from year 7 through to year 11 who meet every Thursday morning to

pray, chat, get trained and assist the chaplain.

Our school motto is Serviam – I will serve! And the girls demonstrate this constantly. I would like to say a

big thank you to ALL our girls, but in particular to this fantastic team!

Cleo – School Chaplain

UAI Word of the

Week

Week Commencing

13th May 2019

Inequality

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Careers

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Ms Finlay, Careers Coordinator

Mental Health and Wellbeing in the News

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”

Matthew: 11. 28

The Ursuline Academy Ilford is working to raise awareness of Mental Health issues, particularly amongst

young people. Mental Health and Wellbeing being particular interests of mine, I will be regularly sharing in

our Newsletter articles or news reports which I think are particularly relevant to our school community,

students, parents and staff. I will address a different mental health-related topic every month.

Miss Ammeux (Head of MFL Department and Mental Health Advocate)

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May Theme: Staying mentally healthy during revision and exam time This week, the charity Young Minds offers advice to parents on how to best support their child during exam

weeks and on how to manage a “disappointing” results day.

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-

exam-time/

We are running drop-in Mindfulness sessions (with Miss Ammeux) for all students every Friday at 10:45

in the Chapel

Useful contacts: YoungMinds: www.youngminds.org.uk Catholic Mental Health Project: Tel: 02079014826 http://www.catholicmentalhealthproject.org.uk/ Kooth (online service only) www.kooth.com Childline: Helpline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/ The Samaritans (Redbridge): Helpline: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-redbridge

Supporting Your Child During Exam Time If you're worried about how your child is coping with exams at school, here is our advice and information on where you can get help. How can I help my child?

Exams are a stressful time for any young person. Mood swings and outbursts are more likely to occur during this period. Look out for other signs that your child may be struggling, including poor sleep patterns

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or a change in appetite or behaviour. It’s worth preparing ways of supporting your child during exam weeks and thinking about how you will react and respond on the day if they don’t get the result that they, or you, are hoping for.

These are things that can really make a difference:

1. Work with your child to find what revision style works for them.

2. Encourage your child to take revision breaks and find a balance between studying and doing things they find enjoyable and relaxing.

3. Make sure they are eating and drinking at regular intervals.

4. Encourage them to take some time after revising to wind down.

5. Reassure them – reinforce that you are and will be proud of them no matter what happens.

6. Remain positive and hopeful!

7. Plan a treat or an activity together to mark the end of the exams.

8. Set aside one to one time so that they can talk to you about any worries.

9. Let them know their feelings are valid and normal, but also offer support and solutions where possible.

10. Anxiety is often worst at night and this means it is useful to encourage good bedtime routine

11. Work with them to develop relaxation techniques.

12. If anxiety and stress start impacting their day-to-day life seek help from your GP.

How to manage a 'disappointing' results day?

If your child, or you, are unhappy with their exam results it can be tough to deal with. Here are some things that can help:

1. If your child is happy to show you their results statement, you might find it helpful to have a look, just in case they have misread or misunderstood, or overlooked something.

2. Accept their feelings, whatever they are – disappointment, anger, embarrassment, bravado. Their feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are. Don’t offer immediate judgement, or solutions, or even reassurance – there will be plenty of time for conversations later.

3. Reflect back how they are feeling to show you have understood, for example, “I can see you’re disappointed with the Maths result.”

4. Let them know you love them through highs and lows. Big hugs are good (although probably very embarrassing in public).

5. Show you’re on their side - it could be something small like getting their favourite snack.

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6. Give yourself some breathing space and time to reflect.

7. Ask the school to help your child explore any possible next steps, such as including re-takes, re-marking, alternative courses.

8. If your child is disappointed with their results, they might also be embarrassed. Agree with your child how they want their results discussed with family and friends, if at all.

Where can I get help?

Exam Results Helpline

Specialist careers advice for helping young people and their families decide on options following GCSE, A Level and Nationals exam results days

Helpline: 0808 100 8000

The Mix

Provides a confidential helpline, email, webchat and telephone counselling service for young people under 25. Advice and information on support services for young people including counselling.

Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (daily 13:00-23:00)

Student Minds

Supporting students to look after their mental health.

Peer support programmes

Email: info@studentminds.org.uk

MindEd

MindEd for families is a website where you can hear about other parents’ experiences and find clear, helpful guidance on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing

Email: https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk/

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SCHOOL DIARY Date Time Event Category

Monday 13th May – Friday 17th May

All Week Year 11 Study Leave Year 11 Students

Monday 13th May – Friday 17th May

All Week GCSE & A Level Exams Year 11 & 13 Students

Thursday 16th May 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Lunchtime Mass with Fr Matthew (Chapel)

All Welcome

Monday 20th May – Friday 24th May

All Week Year 11 & 13 Study Leave

Year 11 & 13 Students

Monday 20th May – Friday 24th May

All Week GCSE & A Level Exams Year 11 & 13 Students

Tuesday 21st May 6.00 – 7.00p.m. Spanish Trip, Parents Information evening

(Hall)

Spanish Trip Parents

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Monday 27th May – Friday 31st May

All Week Half Term Whole School

Monday 3rd June 8.40a.m. Term Begins Whole School

EXTRA-CURRICULAR DIARY

Date Time Event Category

Monday 10.40 – 11.00a.m. KS4 Vocal Club (Ms Adi) (S5)

Selected Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.20p.m. KS3 Choir (Ms Maguire) (Music Room)

Year 7 & 8 Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.20p.m. Year 12 Documentary Film Club

(Ms Casey) (F4)

Year 12 Students

Monday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Indoor Rowing Club (Ms Terrey) (Gym)

All Years

Monday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Offsite Athletics – First come, first served on

minibus seats! (Mrs Mansell) (Offsite)

Year 7 - 10 Students

Tuesday 1.0 1.00 – 1.30p.m. Biology Intervention (Ms Ahmad) (G9)

Year 13 Biology Students

Tuesday 2.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Tuesday 3.0 1.10 – 1.40p.m. Year 11 Music Revision (Ms Maguire) (S5)

Year 11 Music Students

Tuesday 4.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Year 10/11 RS Revision Club (Ms Casey) (F4)

Year 10/11 RS Students

Tuesday 5.0 1.00 – 1.40p.m. Year 11 Spanish Speaking Club

(Ms Warren) (S1)

Year 11 Spanish Students

Tuesday 6.0 1.00 – 1.30p.m. UAI Gospel Choir (Cleo) (Chapel)

All Years

Tuesday 7.0 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Volleyball Club (Ms D’Sa) (Gym)

All Years

Tuesday 8.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Tuesday 9.0 3.30 – 4.30p.m. KS 4 & 5 History Support Session

(Ms Beatham) (F18)

Years 10 – 13 History Students

Tuesday 10.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 2 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 10 Latin Students

Tuesday 11.0 3.20 – 4.20p.m. GCSE Music Composition Club

(Ms Maguire) (S5)

GCSE Music Students

Tuesday 12.0 3.20 – 4.30p.m. Rounders (Ms Terrey/Ms D’Sa)

(Playground)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Art Club (Mr Butler) (Art Rooms)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

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Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Equality Club (Ms Mackie/Ms Casey)

(F18)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Guitar Club (Mr Keeble) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Keyboard Club (Ms Murphy) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 12.40 – 1.30p.m. Ursuline Links Ambassadors (Cleo) (Chapel/Desenzano)

Years 7 & 8

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 3 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 11/12 Latin Students

Wednesday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Music Drop In Club (Ms Maguire) (S5)

All Years

Wednesday 3.30 – 5.00p.m. English 5 O’Clock Club (Ms Cooper) (F8)

(Ms Catungal) (F9 (Mr Mangerah) (F10)

(Ms Riste) (F11)

Year 11 English Students

Thursday 8.30 – 9.00a.m. Morning String Ensemble (Mr Taylor) (S5)

Selected Students

Thursday 8.40 – 9.00a.m. Chaplaincy Team Meeting (Cleo) (Chapel)

Year 7-11 Chaplaincy Team Members

Thursday 8.40 – 9.00a.m. Reading Challenge (Ms Catungal) (F16)

Year 11 Students helping Year 8 Students

Thursday 1.00 – 1.40p.m Bright Stars Drama Club (Ms Milne) (Drama Studio)

Year 7 & 8 Students

Thursday 1.10 – 1.40p.m. Drumming Club (Mr Keeble) (S6)

All Years

Thursday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Thursday 12.40 – 1.10p.m. GCSE English Enrichment Club

(Ms Cooper) (English Rooms)

Year 10/11 English Students

Thursday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Knitting Club (Ms Mackie & her Mum)

(F18)

All Years

Thursday 1.00 - 1.40p.m. KS4 Piano Duet Club (Mr Webster) (Music Room)

KS4 Piano Students

Thursday 1.00- 1.30p.m. Science Intervention (Ms Ahmad) (G9)

Year 11 Science Students

Thursday 3.20 – 4.10p.m. GCSE Art Club (Mr Finn) (Art Rooms)

GCSE Art Students

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Computing Club (Mr Mitchell) (F6)

All Years

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Level 1 Latin Course (Ms Ammeux) (G6)

Year 9 Latin Students

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Thursday 3.20 – 4.20p.m. Year 10 P E Revision (Ms Terrey)

Year 10 P E Students

Thursday 3.30 – 4.30p.m. Year 11 Spanish Exam Practice

(Ms Warren) (S1)

Year 11 Spanish Students

Thursday 3.30 – 4.30p.m. Trampolining (Ms D’Sa) (Gym)

All Years

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. GCSE Art Club (Mr Butler) (Art Rooms)

GCSE Art Students

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Maths Homework Club for Years 7 – 11

(Ms Sondh) (F14)

All Years

Friday 12.40 – 1.40p.m. RE Film Club (Mr McGhee) (F2)

Year7,8,9 Students

Friday 3.20 – 4.20p.m Running Club (Ms Mansell/ Ms Riaz)

(Valentines Park)

All Years

Friday 3.20 – 4.20p.m DT Club (Mrs Reilly) (G12)

All Years

Friday 3.30 – 4.15p.m. 11B Maths Revision (Ms Sondh) (F15)

11B Maths Students

Please follow Ursuline on Social Media! We can be found via the following links - Facebook Page: The Ursuline Academy Ilford https://www.facebook.com/The-Ursuline- Academy-Ilford-391419821200584/ Twitter: @the_ursuline

Instagram: UrsulineAcademyIlford https://www.instagram.com/ursulineacademyilford/

The school has launched an exciting new parental communication App, Connect Ed, to replace the Clarion Call system currently in place. Along with the ability to send and

receive texts and emails, the App links directly to the school’s

website where parents can find useful information about term dates, our newsletters, policies and details of upcoming events. In addition, the App provides information about your daughter direct to your phone or mobile device and includes up to date details of attendance and achievements. Parents can also complete forms and provide consents for trips etc. all via the App. Access is via secure login and all data is secure.

You can get instant access to reports, timetables, attendance and behaviour. You can also send and

receive messages e.g. absence, appointments etc. don’t be left out - download the app today!