The final of the Connect 4 Challenge took place on Tuesday where Sivarjven Ravichandran (AB 08) and Thomas Salvin (JF01) took each other on in the fight to become champ. It was tense from the start as Sivarjven, who came fourth last year, realised that he was taking on last year's winner Tom. He gave it his best shot in a best of three competition but the mighty Tom took the lead from the start and regained his title in a 2 -0 win.

Many of you will know that this month marks the anniversary of the severe earthquake that shook Christchurch last year and caused severe damage.

As part of our Lenten fund raising we would like to help the Christchurch Catholic Cathedral College which was forced to relocate when when the cathedral next door was damaged. Many of the pupils homes were also badly damaged.

This week's whole school Go 4 it champions are Aaron McCourt (AL03) and Caitlin O'Sullivan (TM10). Both pupils helped raise over £200 for Myton Hospice in an event run by the pop up shop during the half-term break. They were involved in selling raffle tickets and running a stall. They also helped in setting up and clearing away at the end of the event. Well done Aaron and Caitlin, the whole school community is very proud of you.

R Davies
Assistant Curriculum Leader,
Global Citizenship (Humanities)

A reminder to the parents of students in Year 9 that Options Evening takes place on Thursday 23 February 2012.

The evening will be in two different sessions. An Options presentation will explain about the KS4 programme and the process of making choices while the Options Fair will give you the opportunity to view the type of work that prospective Key Stage 4 students will undertake throughout the different courses on offer.

Teacher and student representatives will be on hand to showcase and discuss work and give you, as parents and students, the opportunity to ask relevant questions that will support you in making the correct choices.

Mr Ian Hall
Deputy Headteacher

The weather has kept us busy this week and I would like to thank our staff, especially the site staff, who have worked very hard to keep things going despite the difficult conditions. Matters weren't helped when the heating to three blocks appeared to be on the blink! However, we had this sorted by Monday lunchtime.

Any significant snowfall or icy conditions make the school site difficult to manage. Staff and students have no choice but to venture out of the blocks to get from lesson to lesson. The site staff do their best to keep the slopes as safe as possible but students do need to play their part by behaving sensibly and showing consideration for others. Snowballing is allowed ONLY up on the fields and this means the playgrounds and paths can be kept clear for people to move safely around the school.

Please keep an eye on the forecast after half-term. Make sure your child is appropriately dressed with a warm coat and sensible footwear. If snow is on the ground wellies or boots are a sensible option.

Parents are also advised to look on the school or the City Council website in the event of really extreme weather conditions that would force us to close the school. We do this only as a last resort.

Mrs C Buchanan
Headteacher