The last few weeks of the Autumn term have been busy and packed with uplifting events.
Carols by Candlelight, Christmas Liturgy and busking
Carols by Candlelight in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Stroud, was as beautiful as always on Tuesday 14th December. It was lovely to see students from years 7 to 13 singing together. As well as the whole choir, there were performances from the Senior Boys, the Senior Girls, the Junior Choir and a very special performance of The Infant King by the Rowe family whose four children are currently at St Peter’s.
On Wednesday 15th the Jazz Band entertained us at lunchtime in their ‘busking’ outside the Chapel. This really created a festive mood and was greatly appreciated by students.
On Thursday 16th we were delighted that we were able to have a live streamed Christmas liturgy from St Peter’s Church, Gloucester, with some of our students reprising pieces from Carols by Candlelight. Ms Baker, our Chaplain, introduced the theme of the liturgy: ‘How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.’ Mrs Donovan, who is leaving St Peter’s at the end of term, read from the gospel of St Luke. We are grateful to Monsignor Liam Slattery for the use of the Church and, of course, for his prayers and homily.
A-level English Literature Super-Curricular visit
On 24th November, Mrs Sewell took her Year 12 A level English Literature class to hear a lecture delivered by Professor Edith Hall of Kings College London. She is a professor of classics and was lecturing on the origins of Greek tragedy, which is the focus of one of the A-level papers our students are currently preparing for. The students were an absolute credit to the school, they listened intently, made copious notes which have since been discussed in class and applied to their essays, and asked insightful questions. Mrs Sewell commented, ‘It was a genuine pleasure to go on this trip with them, and I look forward to organising many more during the two-year course.’
On
Wednesday 15th December, the same group of students exchanged
book-themed Secret Santa gifts, a lovely idea and so fitting for students of English Literature!
Last academic year as part of her work in English, a brilliant speech was written by Liv Whitehead that was later featured on a podcast. This work was exhibited at Gloucester Museum alongside work from Esther Baker-Walsh and Liv. This is a fantastic achievement for both students! Liv's work is currently being displayed in the Museum alongside that of renowned photographer, Vanley Burke. Congratulations Liv and Esther!
University of Worcester’s Pitt Studio: St Peter’s contribution
Both art teacher, Mrs Schofield, and Roksana Glinska (a year 12 Art student) won a place in the Worcester Open Exhibition 2021 in Pitt Studio. 100 artists were picked from a range of crafts and expertise to be exhibited at the University of Worcester’s Pitt Studio. The exhibition opened recently and is on until 17th January 2022. Congratulations both!
Further congratulations to Mrs Schofield
Mrs Schofield also recently won a sculpture competition in North Wales. Entrants submitted their ideas to fit with the theme and brief set out for a Winter Art Garden. With 6 weeks to construct it, she was then chosen (along with 11 other artists) to exhibit her stunning work in the Winter Art Garden over the festive period and New Year. The sculpture garden is located in the grounds of the Gladstone Estate at Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire and is open now until the 15th February 2022, with free entry to all. Congratulations Mrs Schofield!
ASDAN group Homelessness Project
St Peter’s is proud of the year 10 and year 11 ASDAN group for completing their homelessness project, and passing on the donations to Gloucester City Mission. Gloucester City Mission is a charity that supports the homeless, those living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfers and those in need of support with clothing, toiletries, food or advice. They run purely on donations in order that they can offer food, drinks, clothes, toiletries and advice to people when they are at their lowest point.
Our pupils collected warm clothes from all members of staff at St Peter’s and deposited the clothes to Revive Coffee House. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed helping others during the cold winter months, and most importantly learnt the importance of ‘Kindness’: ‘Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle’.
More good news
Congratulations to Harry Pinnell, year 8, who has been invited to join the Aston Villa Academy! He will join year 9 Woody Burgess who is already a member of the Academy. Well done boys!
News of former student Will Matthews
Congratulations to former student Will Matthews who graduated with a degree in Paramedic Science from the University of Wolverhampton earlier this year and was named Outstanding Direct Entry Student Paramedic of the Year by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS). Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at WMAS, gave Will his award.
Staffing news
On Friday 17th December we say goodbye to Mrs Kat Donovan who has been at St Peter’s since 2005 when she started with us as Ms Porter. She has made a huge contribution to the life of the school, both in the P.E. department, through her extensive extra-curricular work, as a tutor and in many other areas of the school, including the choir/band. Mrs Donovan is taking up a head of Girls P.E. post at Hatherop Castle School and we wish her and her family all the very best for the future.
Joining us in January 2022 is Ms Shannon Stevens who will be teaching in the P.E. department.
Happy Christmas
We hope you and your families have a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing your sons and daughters again on Wednesday 5th January (week one).
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