02

Epiphany Term is named after the

story of the Wise Men looking for

and finding the baby Jesus.

‘Epiphany’ comes from a Greek word –

ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, meaning a manifestation” or revealing of something of great importance. This

term we have been working on

revealing things of great importance!

On the first day back we had a Pay It Forward fund-raiser with a difference!

We wore our Christmas jumpers and socks and made donations to our

community development project in India. As well as raising awareness of the

Feast of Epiphany, we raised £300 and showed that we can make a positive

difference in the world. A new group of students will re-visit the project in the

February break and report on the adventure in the next edition of Aspire.

During the first week assemblies, we thought about the importance of making

promises or resolutions and wondered how we could use the gifts of the Wise

Men – Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh – as symbols of what we might give to

our God, to our neighbour and to ourselves. Many of the students and staff

committed themselves to making a “Pay it Forward” promise.

Responses to my blog on the theme were really inspiring! I feel so honoured to

work in and lead a Catholic College where so many young people and staff

engage with, and think about how faith can make a real difference to people’s

lives. We’ve printed some of the students responses later in this magazine.

This term we welcomed visitors from Church of England schools in the Diocese

of Derby who went on learning walks around the College and were inspired by

our welcome and Christian ethos and Alison Brown, Deputy Director of

Education thanked us for giving inspiration and ideas to teachers working in

Church schools. Tony Billings—Principal

A Welcome from the Principal

03

Awards Evening..…….p. 01

Christmas Fair Success..…….p. 03

Christmas Jumpers Fund Raiser..…….p. 05

Reindeer Run 2013..…….p. 07

Students Takeover..…….p. 08

Inspiring Epiphany Blog Responses..…….p. 09

Wax On, Wax Off Charity Event..…….p. 11

All Hallows Has Talent..…….p. 12

New From the Farm Manager..…….p. 13

Sharing What Being a Catholic School Means to us..…….p. 17

Festival Co-ordinator Visits Year 12 BTEC..…….p. 18

Theatre Trips..…….p. 19

Alumni James Rooney gets his Doctorate..…….p. 20

Love Music Collaboration..…….p. 21

Valentines for India..…….p. 22

Our Project in South India..…….p. 23

Advent Fundraising 2013..…….p. 27

Another Prize Winner from All Hallows Catholic College..…….p. 29

‘Write what you know’..…….p. 31

The Writers Inc..…….p. 33

TEDx—’Ideas Worth Sharing..…….p. 34

Recommended Reads..…….p. 35

Pay It Forward..…….p. 36

Sports News..…….p. 37

Cross Country ..…….p. 38

Girls Football..…….p. 38

Prayer..…….p. 40

In This Issue....

04

Awards Evening Key Stage 4 and 5 Awards Evening is always the highlight of the College year. The opportunity for both current and former students to mark their GCSE and A level achievements and for us as a College to celebrate their success. Individual commendations were made to:

Award Winner

Fine Art 2013 R Meacham

Textiles 2013 L Ball

Biology 2013 B Clayton

Level 2 Vocational Award 2013 E Horton

Business Studies Single Award 2013 E Hackett

Business Studies Double Award 2013 L Ball

Chemistry 2013 E Terry

Dance 2013 A Paa

English Language 2013 P White

English Literature 2013 E Terry

Extended Project Qualification 2013 A Warwicker

Geography 2013 A Plant

History 2013 B Clayton

ICT 2013 M Davies

ICT BTEC 2013 L Whittingham

Mathematics 2013 J Dolot

Further Mathematics 2013 M Shenton

Modern Foreign Languages 2013 M Tomczak

Music Technology 2013 L Marley

Philosophy & Ethics 2013 V Moorhouse

Psychology 2013 A Plant

Physics 2013 L Hillsden

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Sociology 2013 A Saunders

Sport & Exercise Science 2013 D Mancini

Theatre Studies 2013 N Columb

Sportsman of the Year 2013 J Cross

Sportswoman of the Year 2013 L Baggs

The Social Enterprise Award 2013 O Ford

Award for Vocational Achievement 2013 S Plant

Academic Achievement 2013 A Warwicker

Academic Achievement 2013 E Terry

Award for Endeavour 2013 M Samadram

Award for Endeavour 2013 M Leyland

Annual Prize Giving

Catenian Shield 2013

J Cross 2013

Tha Ladies Cup 2013

L Baggs 2013

Emmaus Award 2013

O Ford 2013

Vocational Achievenment 2013

S Plant 2013

The Canon Dwyer Cup for Academic Achievement 2013

A Warwicker & E Terry 2013

The William Blackledge Rose Bowl 2013

M Leyland & M Samadram 2013

Former student Mr Michael Scott was Guest Speaker, with Musical contributions by Francesca Slater (voice), Josh Mock (Cello) and Emily Auty (Piano).

06

Christmas Fair Success!

All Hallows Christmas Fair proved to be a huge success in the last week of

the Michaelmas Term, with large crowds turning out each break and lunch

time for 3 days in a row! In the true spirit of the College's core value of

‘co-operation', Year 13 Sociology students joined forces with BTEC

Business students, KS3 Enterprise students and teachers to put on a

fantastic show of design and entrepreneurial talent in a tremendous offer

of seasonal products. Hot chocolate was served from the serving hatches

of the new outbuilding and handcrafted Christmas products were sold from

the new stalls. These included Christmas tree decorations, seasonally

decorated cakes, and even creatively packaged Christmas presents for

pets. The new stalls venture was officially launched on Monday 16

December when Pete Pealing of Peaks and Plains Housing Trust cut a

ribbon to declare the new site open. Peaks and Plains provided part of the

funding for the project from their Community Investment Grant with the

07

rest coming from the charity 'Giving Nation' who are supporting Key Stage

3 Enterprise activity in the College. A special mention should also go to

Cre8 Works, a social enterprise based in Macclesfield for their design and

supply of the outbuilding and to Gavin Kenning Engineering based in

Derbyshire for working with the College to ensure the stalls were perfect

for a school setting. Most importantly however was the fun and

experience enjoyed by the students of All Hallows, all in a good cause. The

students collectively contributed to a wonderful Christmas celebration,

soaking up the atmosphere created by Christmas lights, Christmas music

and a visit from Santa Claus. Jacob Cotterill, a Year 13 BTEC Business

student has seen the project through from beginning to end and said "this

really sums up what All Hallows is all about. I have learned so much from

the whole experience and I am pleased to have been part of it. I only

moved to the area and joined the College in the Sixth Form and I can't

believe how much we can achieve in a short space of time." Money raised

from The Christmas Fair will go towards The India Clinic Appeal.

08

Christmas Jumpers Fund Raiser

Parade for Epiphany and India at

All Hallows!

We celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany by

wearing newly acquired Christmas jumpers

to raise money for our Clinic and community

project in India.

All Hallows names its terms after the major

Christian seasons and so this was also a

great way to draw attention to Epiphany

term which began on January 6. This is the

day when Christians remember the showing

of Jesus to the Wise Men from the East and

it marks the end of the twelve days of

Christmas. It’s a time when Christians

remember the love of God is for everyone,

not just a chosen few.

Mr Billings, the Principal who is also

pictured wearing his jumper said ‘This was a

great way to celebrate the feast day and to

begin Epiphany term – and we raised over

£300 which we will be taking with us to give

to the community of sisters who work with

the poorest communities in Tamil Nadu.’

The College is due to take a second group of students and staff out to

South India (Tamil Nadu) to do some work in the schools and also on the

community rooms at the Clinic which has been paid for by All Hallows

fund raising efforts. Mrs Garvey, Assistant Principal and trip organiser

said ‘over £40,000 has been raised by All Hallows as part of its ‘Pay It

Forward’ good deeds campaign. Many of the students run enterprises as

part of the business and enterprise specialism which makes money for

the clinic – and the College is always open to new ideas, like a

Christmas jumpers day’ which can help boost the fund.’ Head Girl,

Caitlin Shasby said, ‘Paying It Forward and thinking of others is a way of

09

life for us at All Hallows and in doing good for others we feel good about

ourselves!’

Sr Susan Richert, a Presentation Sister who works with the College, will

be joining the All Hallows group visiting the clinic. She said ‘ All Hallows

doesn’t just talk about Christian values, they put them into action and

they are really transforming lives in Varusandu. The Presentation Sisters

are delighted to have All Hallows as partners in their mission to serve

those who have least in life.’ The College is appealing for further

donations. If anyone would like to make a contribution please contact

the Principal’s PA at principalpa@allhallows.org.uk

10

Reindeer Run Fun! Just before Christmas, students took part in the annual Reindeer Run to raise money for the East Cheshire Hospice. Students paid for antlers and red noses and completed laps around the college field. This event was once again co-ordinated by Miss Thompson, who was ably assisted by members of the PE Department. This year they raised a fantastic total of £1883.83!

11

Students Takeover!

'Childrens Takeover Day' proved to be a great success on 30 January with 75 Year 9 and 11 students accompanying their parents to the workplace to experience 'the real world of work'. Mrs Moulsdale, Year Learning Leader for Year 9 witnessed the buzz of excitement amongst Year 9 students as they looked forward to the day. Students came back into college after their experience with photographic evidence and lots of stories to tell. Workplaces visited include Macclesfied District General Hospital, Kek-Gardner, Astra Zeneca, Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall, Albis UK Ltd, Bespoke Signs and Scamps Day Nursery. Providing opportunity for students to participate in The Takeover Day is just one part of a portfolio of events and activities that prepare students at All Hallows for the workplace.

12

Inspiring responses to Principal’s Epiphany Blog!

Following on from the Epiphany Assembly on What’s really important?

What are we looking for? The questions posed in the blog were:

With the gift of Gold showing what is precious: What does having a heart of GOLD mean to us today?

With the gift of Frankincense showing how the ordinary can become special or ‘extra-ordinary’: What is extra-ordinary or special in everyday life?

With the gift of Myrrh showing the need to sooth pain: What can we do to help people through pain and difficulty?

Here are an selection of the responses from students…

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On having a heart of gold…

‘The true people with hearts of gold are people like our parents who bring us things like Christmas. They have to work for it. People like St Anthony really have a heart of gold as he gave all of his possessions to other people and lived out in the wild. He is someone to be inspired by.’ Isabella Cook

‘Having a heart of gold … is following in Jesus’ foot-steps. It means that someone is selfless and does a lot of things for other people; they are very generous and even the little things they do make them a good person.’ Jacob Smith

‘I feel very proud that our school helps people in India, who are less fortunate than us. By building a clinic that will save peoples lives we are paying it forward.’ Louis Powell

On making everyday life extra-ordinary…

‘I think really simple things can be made amazing. For example, if you’re not very happy a smile can cheer you up or hearing a funny joke. These small gestures may seem extraordinary in times of need.’ Joshua Mock

‘I am so glad and proud to be part of a school community which is devoted to helping those less fortunate. The India Clinic appeal is a large project and it’s so good to see the love at All Hallows in action. I’m sure I speak for many others when I say it has changed the way I view things in my daily life and I have learnt to cherish the privileges that I have been blessed with. Seeing All Hallows really make a difference to someone else’s life and change it forever is really something special.’ Madeline O’Connor

‘For me a special part in my life and in many others is my family and friends. They are my frankincense basically.’ Emma Tapp

14

On being like like Myrrh, soothing pain…

‘If someone is going through a difficult time, suffering with pain or family problems, the least you can do to help them is be with them and respect that they may want time to themselves. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you would feel. Let them know you are there to listen and to help if they need you.’ Olivia Prendergast

‘Something that you can do to soothe the pain is talk to someone about your problem. I talk to either my friend or my mum when I have a prob-lem, it always feels better to get it out.’ Anna Coates

‘To help people through pain and difficulty by being there for them to talk

to and to comfort’ Rebecca Harrison

Wax On, Wax Off

Charity Event

Students of Mrs

Pearson’s form VISP

organised a leg waxing

event in aid of charity on

Wednesday 12 February.

The event held in the hall during break was

watched by a crowd of students while four Year

12 and 13 students, Joe Harper, Guy Kinsdale,

Adam Hall and Ben Mock (Head boy) opted to

have their legs waxed raising £50 for the

India Appeal.

15

The Sixth Form Council may not be quite as formidable as Simon Cowell and company, but non-the-less students from across the College still had to manage their nerves as they auditioned for the Christmas Talent show. Bands, dancers, singers and musicians all took to the stage to entertain their peers on the last day of term raising over £500 for the India Project in the process.

All

Hallows

Has

Talent

16

News from the Farm Manager, Mrs Stratford

As you may have noticed, it’s been very, very wet! Consequently we are

fighting a constant (and I have to say losing!) battle with the elements to

maintain our paddocks in a reasonable condition. Having accepted that

we weren’t going to be able to stop the grass getting poached in such wet

weather, we chose to keep the stock on “sacrifice” paddocks. That

means that instead of moving them around as we would normally do and

risking all our grass, we would keep them on a single paddock for the

entire winter and then reseed that area when conditions allow.

The ponies are over in the far paddock where

there are plenty of trees for shelter. Like

everywhere else, it’s muddy, but this is actually

the best drained paddock we have, and the mud

isn’t too deep. Being Shetlands the ponies are

coping well: they have long, double winter coats

that shed water very well and mean that they are

effectively waterproof. Even in the worst of the

weather the rain doesn’t get through that coat! In

fact, they are so well insulated that snow will land

on their backs and not melt. Shetland ponies

originated on Shetland in the far North of

Scotland where they see much harsher weather

than we have had, and they are supremely well

adapted to cope. Of all our native pony breeds,

Shetlands are probably the toughest, so I’m not

surprised that the weather hasn’t bothered them.

They are eating like pigs though; since we have

no grass they are on ad lib (as much as they like)

hay and are getting through at least half a bale a

day! They are very wasteful of it though and pull it

out of their hay box onto the ground and having

stepped on it they won’t then eat it. We have just

ordered a special small holed net designed to

take a full hay bale which should hopefully

17

prevent them doing this and save us some money!!

The pigs are also happy enough.

Although the pig pens are muddy, a bit

of rain and mud never bothers pigs so

long as they are fed properly and have

somewhere dry to sleep. What they

really hate is icy conditions which make

it uncomfortable for them to walk as

they have very small feet for their bulk.

The constant rain has prevented us from moving the piglets out of the

shed though, and although we have added a run to the front of the shed

so they aren’t shut in, this piece of ground is getting really churned up

and very wet. All we can do is keep adding bales of straw but we still

can’t stay ahead of the mud! Despite this, they are perfectly content and

growing really well.

We have moved the single Aylesbury drake we have

out of the mud and in with the chickens where he

seems to be perfectly happy; despite one of the

chickens pecking him whenever she feels like it. He’s

about three times as big as she is so it’s quite comical to watch when

she’s bullying him!

The sheep likewise are doing fine despite the mud.

The bottom of their paddock was actually flooded

yesterday morning, but they can get into shelter

tucked up under the bridge if they want too, and,

like the ponies they hail from North Scotland and

are remarkably hardy.

We have ordered a couple of tonnes of chipped bark to lay at the bottom

of the sheep’s area in order to tidy it up a bit, and hopefully this will help,

but they have as much hay as they need and are happy enough.

Hopefully, at least two out of the three ewes are in lamb: the ram was

seen to be active during November, so we are expecting to hear the

18

patter of tiny hooves sometime towards the end of March. If it keeps on

raining, they’ll need to be born with webbed feet!

On a more

serious note,

goats absolutely

loathe wet

weather as,

unlike the sheep

and the ponies,

they don’t have

waterproof coats.

Furthermore,

poor George is

not very well, and

hasn’t been for several weeks. Consequently, we’ve moved them out of

the big paddocks and into a much smaller isolation area where we can

keep an eye on George. Because of the constant rain we are struggling

to keep even this little area mud free, but groups of students have carted

barrow loads of wood chippings down and spread them to try and keep it

as dry as possible. So far, I think we are up to 12 barrow loads and we

keep topping it up as necessary.

The Vet has been out to see George and she thinks he is suffering from

a neurological disorder: he is struggling to stand up and move around, if

he is startled he simply falls over and once he is down he has a hard

time getting back on his feet.

He has been treated with penicillin in case of infection, and Vitamin E

and Vitamin B1 because lack of these vitamins in sheep and goats can

cause similar disorders. Unfortunately none of this has made any

difference and the Vet thinks that he may have a growth of some kind on

his brain. She has given him steroids in an attempt to relive any

inflammation that is putting pressure on his brain, but that doesn’t seem

to have had any effect either.

19

The Vet says George isn’t in any pain and he is still eating normally

which suggests he isn’t suffering (goats are very poor patients and go off

their food very rapidly if they are feeling unwell). However, he has now

been in this condition for about 6 weeks without any sign of improvement

and I feel we are getting to the stage where we will have to make a hard

decision about what we are going to do: we may have to have him put to

sleep if we don’t see any significant improvement within the next couple

of weeks.

This is never an easy decision to make, but one that is an integral part of

farming, or indeed of keeping any animal: - quality of life is important and

once an animal no longer has an acceptable quality of life, even if it isn’t

in any actual pain, then part of our responsibility as animal keepers is to

consider what is best for that animal.

Currently George isn’t in pain, but he is unable to move about properly

and is falling frequently then struggling to get to his feet. Not only is he

getting wet and muddy which goats hate, he is at risk of injuring himself

falling against something. As time goes on, he will start to suffer muscle

wastage due to the lack of exercise which will make him weaker and

exacerbate the problem as he’ll lack the strength in his legs to get back

up if he falls. In addition, goats are ruminants and if he falls and can’t get

up for any length of time then this will put pressure on the rumen and

cause him great distress; at worst he could suffer from bloating which

would kill him.

If the Vet is correct and he is suffering from a tumour on the brain then

his condition will undoubtedly worsen eventually and the decision would

be made for us. However, since he has already been unwell for such a

long time and hasn’t shown any improvement with any of the treatments

available, I feel that it is part of our Stewardship to take action before he

gets to that point.

I bottle fed George as a baby and he was my pet before he came to All

Hallows. Nevertheless, I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to

him and allow him to be put to sleep in the kindest manner possible.

20

Sharing what being a Catholic school means to us

Twenty teachers and Headteachers from Church of England schools in the Anglican Diocese of Derby were given a warm welcome by staff and students at All Hallows Catholic College on 6 February 2014. They came on a ‘field visit’ to explore the Christian ethos of our voluntary academy. The event was organised by Alison Brown, the Deputy Director of Education who thanked the college for providing ‘a wonderfully inspirational day.’

‘a wonderfully

inspirational day.’

“Principal said ‘It was a

privilege to meet teachers

from Church of

England schools who are as

passionate as ourselves

about the role Christian

education has in nurturing

and transforming young

lives.’” - Michelle Garvey, Assistant

21

Ben Mock, Head Boy and Caitlin Shasby, Head Girl, spoke about what makes All Hallows distinctive and special to them. The delegates then went on learning walks around the campus. Students spoke very eloquently about what makes their school special, the importance of the College motto ‘Aspire not to have more but to be more,’ Christian values and virtues and the idea of ‘Pay It Forward’ and ‘random acts of kindness’ which are embedded into the life of the College. The College Chaplain, Deacon David Harrison shared with the visitors information about his work, students in the College and in learning community partner primary schools.

‘a wonderfully

inspirational day.’

“All Hallows is an inclusive Catholic College which

welcomes students and staff from a wide variety of

backgrounds and traditions and we are proud to

be a Catholic Christian school - not just in name but also in real-

ity. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to share with teach-ers working in Anglican schools how we model what we do and say on the example of Jesus

and his followers.” - The Principal, Tony Billings

Festival Co-ordinator Visits Year 12 BTEC

Abi Sherratt, newly appointed Festival Co-ordinator of The Barnaby Festival, provided a fascinating input for Year 12 BTEC Business students studying Market Research.

To begin with students were introduced to the marketing mix for The Festival in order to fully understand how the Festival works and how it has developed over the past five years. From here students were able to identify market research methods used to gain feedback from key stakeholders including festival goers, volunteers and sponsors and the decisions made to improve The Festival year on year.

As a spin off from Abi's visit, many volunteer opportunities have been made available to our enterprising students across the whole college in the run up to The Barnaby Festival 2014.

22

Theatre Trips for All Hallows Theatre

Study Class

Sixth Form Theatre Studies students have once again been on several theatre production trips as part of their studies. In December we were fortunate to see Headlong Theatre company's creative adaptation of George Orwell's 1984. This production was thought provoking and intelligently staged; this has inspired both the student's practical course work and encouraged a high level of critical analysis within the written element of the course. In mid-January we went to see 'To Walk in your shoes' a Verbatim style piece of theatre. This production raised the question of female asylum seekers and the struggles they face in seeking safe refuge in the UK. More recently we took Year 12 to see 'Blindsided' starring Julie Hesmondhalgh 'Hayley from Coronation Street' this was a powerful production written by Simon Stevens; it tells the story of a young girl growing up in Stockport in the late Seventies. Our students have left each production feeling creatively inspired and have thoroughly relished the opportunity to see a range of theatrical styles.

“It's interesting to see how certain directors and actors approach texts, it

helps us see there's more than one way of doing things.” - Katie Bradshaw.

“The opportunities are

excellent. I've loved all the

shows, each one has been so

different. I never realised just how

powerful live Theatre

could be.” - Bille Hubbard

23

Alumni James Rooney gets his Doctorate We are delighted to announce that one of our former students, James Rooney, who left in 2003, has achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science from Keele University. Ruth, James' proud mum has written a thank you letter to All Hallows for is 'excellent education and pastoral care'. James was given the Victor Ludorum (Sportsman of the Year) and his name appears on our new honours boards. He achieved four A Levels at grade A in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. James went on to read Mathematics at the University of Warwick gaining a BSc, then on to Keele University to gain an MSc - and now he has the highest level of academic recognition with his doctorate. James has returned to Macclesfield and works as an IT Consultant. Well done James - you are an inspiration to today’s students and All Hallows is proud of you!

Computer Science is new compulsory

national curriculum subject from

September 2014, so we maybe

asking James to come in and share

with us what he loves about the subject and

why it is so important.

24

Love Music Collaboration All Hallows has joined forces with the Love Music Trust to help initiate the first County Orchestra. The project which All Hallows hosted for

the first time in January saw over seventy pupils from across Cheshire collaberate to play musicalscores from films. Students enjoyed two hours of 'Rocky, Mission Impossible' ET and other musical scores in the hope that they will become good enough to play at the Royal Albert Hall. Liz Wolski from the Love Music Trust was delighted at the the turn out for the first session and commended the talent of puils who travelled with their oboes, cellos, violins, guitars, flutes and more. The young orchestra is an amazing way for pupils to meet like minded people who share a passion for music. The musical scores are specially written to enable all pupils of varying levels of ability to access them. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend-ed. The second 'Big Play' will take place in March. Mr Richardson, Head of Music would like to take this opportunity to invite any one who is interested in joining, to see him for a leaflet. You can see more details on the BIG PLAY by checking out the Love Music Trust Web site.

25

Valentines for India Valentine's Day, falling on the last day of this half-term, provided a fantastic opportunity for enterprising Year 7, 8 and 13 students to produce and provide a range of imaginative products and activities for student to buy and get involved in. Year 7 students starting their enterprise programme of study produced a range of products including beautiful heart shaped decorations, hand-made scented gifts and cakes decorated with marshmallows and hearts. Year 8 Young Co-operatives really 'rose' to the challenge of making the most of the Valentine market. One group spent weeks making batches of red, heat shaped candles, melting wax and setting wicks in molds. All these enterprising activities in The BITE Faculty will raise funds for The India Clinic Appeal.

26

Our Project in South

India

Looking Back – Looking Forward

All Hallows Students and Staff have raised over £40,000 to build the Clinic and Community Centre in the mountain village of Varusanadu. Varusandu is located in Tamil Nadu, South India.

The local community decided to name the clinic ‘All Saints’ to make a link with our school name ‘All Hallows’ which is old English for All Saints “all those blessed by God”

Two Presentation Sisters, who are trained nurses, live in a convent next door to the Clinic providing daily health care. The Clinic is also supported by Sr. Pushpam, a religious sister who is a medically trained Doctor who visits every week. The clinic has male and female wards, a consultation Room, a labour room and a small laboratory. The first group of students to visit the Clinic decided that we needed to invest in a water supply (a well), a reliable electricity supply (due to the frequent power cuts in India) and community rooms to facilitate community empowerment meetings and teaching of the children by the sisters in the evenings.

A second group of students and staff visit the project during the February holiday and they will report back on the phase two developments. Links will be made with local schools to support the international dimension of curriculum.

The following pictures are from the first visit to the Clinic in 2011.

27

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29

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Advent Fundraising: Students across the College continue to rise to the challenge .... Each year group is attempting to raise £1,000 a year towards the building costs of the 2nd phase of our India project, a community room that will be used by Youth groups , Women's Co-Operatives and the Children of Varasanadu. During Advent tutor groups started their annual fundraising activities...

£100

£90

£80

£70

£60

£50

£40

£30

£20

£10 PEW £37.62

JL £26.20

CH JAW AH ££162.07

AS £10.03

SP £TBC

JK £45.18

RAM £81.35

SPC £100 donation

PD £33.30

Fancy Dress Day Student Discount Cards Football Table All Hallows has Talent

£429

£204.35 TBC £509.82

Sixth Form Tutor Groups

31

Advent 2013/14 India Appeal

Form Tutor Total Form Tutor Total 7B S Easter £108.21 8B L Michaels £13.22

7C J Steed £104.92 8C K Sweeney £2.17

7F N McCaul £62.75 8F H Fitzwilliam-Pipe £22.31

7H S Thomason £35.30 8H M Roper £37.75

7M K Lawrey £37.78 8M P McSwity £11.82

7N F White £46.68 8N D Hall £11.30

7W A Zeng-O'Shea £27.14 8W A Cook £29.11

7R D Aspinall £0.00 8R D Aspinall (DA) £3.00

7 Combined £38.52 8 Combined £27.37

£461.30 £158.05

9B M Richardson £7.68 10B D Slobodian £21.69

9C M Shaikh £29.80 10C N Mallon £6.12

9F R Ellicott £9.25 10F R Horan £37.59

9H K Lee £8.60 10H A Kelly £18.96

9M A Ebbrell £119.84 10M A Hart £15.29

9N J Morris £5.35 10N R Gerrard £43.19

9W J Pridding £24.30 10W J Fowkes £73.65

9R C Wise £0.00 10R B Ruddy £1.15

£204.82 £217.64

11B J Faulkner £9.40 VI JAW J WOODWARD £26.76

11C A Marsh £10.94 VI CH C HARTLEY £30.84

11F A Harrison £53.31 VI RAM R MILLS £81.35

11H C Perry £13.99 VI JK J KEANE £45.18

11M S Marshall £5.39 VI JL J LYNCH £26.20

11N S Ibison £53.43 VI AHE A HEATON £162.07

11W S Davies £33.67 VI PEW P WELFLE £37.62

11R S Lawson £6.19 VI AS A. SCOTT £10.03

£186.32 VI PDE P Deay £33.30

6th Form Combined £633.48

1086.83

Total Collection 2314.96

Total overall monies raised for the India Clinic since September

£3035.61

- Well done so far!

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Another Prize Winner from All Hallows Catholic College

Congratulations to Isobel Skidmore who received a £50 cheque and

won the Bronze award in the Catenian Public Speaking Contest. Over

two hundred people attended the event which brought together some

of the brightest and most talented speakers from North West. Isobel

spoke from the heart and grabbed the audience with her ‘natural

confidence and sense of humour’. Isobel’s talk on the topic ‘It is now

fashionable to be disrespectful,’ stood out to the judges because of her

originality and warmth.

Jake Crossley also impressed the judges with his talk entitled ‘Who is

to watch the watchmen.’ Jake received £20 for his hard work and

appealed the audience with his ‘performance’ and style.

“It is now fashionable to be

disrespectful”

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Speaking in public is often voted to be one of the

top five greatest fears people have. Employers

and universities have commented on the

importance of finding applicants who are able to

communicate confidently under pressure. Well

done Jake and Isobel for setting such a high

standard and for all your excellent work.

Students who are interested in public speaking or

would like advice for university or job interviews

should let their English teacher know, or contact

Mr Power.

The College public speaking course will start

again after the February half term.

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‘Write what you know’ - Mark Twain

Students from Year 8 and Year 7 took part in a creative writing

session with the College’s resident script-writer Mr Power.

The aim of the class was to encourage creativity and to increase

confidence. Students were asked to think about the ways they

have been creative during the week. There were some fantastic

responses from Beekeeping to Baking a huge chocolate cake.

Everyone agreed that they will find ways to try something new

before the next meeting.

Many students shared their appreciation of the new Sherlock

Holmes TV series when tests their imagination and powers of

deduction. It is no surprise that several writers in the room have

already created stories and characters for Sherlock to face!

There are many competitions for new writers to enter and some

great prizes on offer. Your stories could also feature in this college

magazine. Please bring any stories or scripts you are working on

to the creative writing workshop.

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The next session will be held on Monday 3 March 2014.

Seven tips for new writers

Write every day. All you have to do is commit to writing half a page with whatever comes to mind. You could describe people you know, the

weather, how you feel or set the scene for a story. This is your training.

Write for your own pleasure and not for an audience. Keep your hand

moving. Don’t pause to read what you have just written. Don’t cross out or edit during this initial process. Write in the morning and edit in

the evening. Creative writing is about re-writing.

Make time to do something creative every week. Set aside one hour each week to do something new. It could be a walk in the park, a trip to the local coffee shop or learning a new skill. Take the time to look

at things in a different way.

Write with an open mind and accept that some of what you put down on paper won’t be very interesting. You will be surprised by the energy

and imagination you have. Your first thoughts on a page often have a great deal of insight.

Keep a note pad of ideas, quotes, reviews of films and books you like.

Writing is a physical activity. Notice how you are sitting, the quality of

your breathing and the feel of the paper through the pen.

One of the most important aspects of being creative is an ability to connect with other people’s points of view. Why not take this

opportunity when you’re waiting for a train or walking through a city: create a story. Visualise a passerby and ask yourself: what do they have in their fridge? What are their relationships like? How do they

speak? What is their emotional state?

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The Writers' Inc. page celebrates

the writing talent and creativity

of All Hallows students. In of of

our terms, a group of students

meet to share and develop their

ideas with the College’s writer in

residence Mr Power.

Do you have a story you would

like us to feature? Please let your

English teacher know or contact

Mr Power: staffjp@allhallows.org.uk

This is the opening to a short story called ‘Rooftops’ by Rory Cock-shaw in Year 8. The piece was inspired by the novels of Charles Dick-ens. I don't really know what my last name is. To be honest, I don't know what my first name is. I don't know what anyone's name is. I am alone in the world and all I know how to do is to survive, alone. I do not know what I am surviving for, but I just don't want to die. Not quite yet. There are, of course, good things in life. There is the smell of the night as I lay upon my back on a rooftop; the feel of the warm sun upon my bare back; the sound of people laughing below me. I know not what they say, but I know they are happy, and that makes me happy. Other than these small joys, there is nothing in my life to love. No family, they are all dead, and I have never had a friend. Well, that's not true. I had a friend once. But they killed him. I was only young, but I had someone I could trust; someone in the same situation as me, and he taught me to live, but then he died too. The raid was unexpected, and they killed everyone. Everyone but me. I don't know how it is I manage to keep surviving. I guess I am just lucky. Or small. I am very small, and I can hide well, in the shadows or behind things, like overflowing bins or low walls. I sometimes wish I would just be caught one day; shot in the back when I am not

The Writers’ Inc. ~ Students Get Creative in New Club!

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expecting it, so I don't have to suffer. Although life is one big period of suffering for me. Everything I had – everyone I had – was taken by them. There really is nothing in my life but hunger, loneliness and despair. I hope there are others like me, or else I would be the last of my kind. It is what I want most in this world; to have a friend. I have searched the city over and over. I have never slept in the same place twice. To me, there is no home and yet the whole city is my house. I sleep out under the moon and the stars every night, or staring out over the rooftops looking at what everyone else has, and wanting. Oh, wanting so badly. But there is a problem with that want. Several problems. No-one loves me, everyone hates me. They shout at me if they see me (which happens rarely; I have lived on the streets long enough to know how to be invisible), and they throw things. I have scars still on my chest, my legs and on my forehead from when people have thrown things at me when I was younger. Young and foolish. Years of the street-life has taught me knowledge beyond that of the wisest university professor. I know how to survive. The educated people rely on their products of grooming and cooking and luxury to survive, yet I have none of those, and still I live on. Survival is primal human instinct, known to the ancient people who lived before the energy powered all these modern... things. These modern people know science, mathematics and literature, things I never could know in my lifetime, but they do not know how to live.

TEDx - 'Ideas worth sharing' Sixth form students recently attended a Youth TEDx Conference held at Fallibroome Academy, where they were wowed by a variety of leading speakers, entrepreneurs and inventors from the world of Technology, entertainment and Science. The theme this year was 'Connect'. The conference programme included: Professor Danny Davies on ‘The Compatibility Gene; relationships expert Sarah Able and extreme adventurer Sean Conway.

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Recommended Reads - New books in the library The Quietness—by Alison Rattle When fifteen-year-old Queenie escapes from the squalid slums of nineteenth-century London, she has no idea about the dangers of the dark world she is about to become embroiled in. Initially thrilled at being taken on as a maid for the seemingly respectable Waters sisters, Queenie comes to realise that something is very wrong

with the dozens of strangely silent babies being 'adopted' into the household. Meanwhile, lonely and unloved sixteen-year-old Ellen is delighted when her handsome and charming young cousin Jacob is sent to live with her family. She thinks she has finally found a man to fall in love with and rely on, but when Jacob cruelly betrays her she finds herself once again at the mercy of her cold-hearted father. Soon the girls' lives become irrevocably entwined in this tension-filled drama. THE QUIETNESS is a novel of friendship and trust in the darkest of settings.

Running the Risk - Shapeshifter Series – Book 2— by Ali Sparkes Dax is starting to get used to his life as a shapeshifter. At last he feels safe and secure, surrounded by people he trusts, and with real friends who understand what he is going through. But then everything changes, and Dax finds himself in danger beyond his wildest dreams. And just when he needs his best friend Gideon to be there for

him, Gideon's life changes too. Dramatically. And forever. Now Dax feels more alone than ever. Because he can feel that something is very wrong - but no one will take him seriously. No one else can see the danger that threatens to destroy.

Little Women - by Louisa May Alcott 'Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another' Christmas won't be the same this year for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as their father is away fighting in the Civil War, and the family has fallen on hard times. But

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though they may be poor, life for the four March sisters is rich with colour, as they play games, put on wild theatricals, make new friends, argue, grapple with their vices, learn from their mistakes, nurse each other through sickness and disappointments, and get into all sorts of trouble. Books to follow are : Good Wives, Jo’s Boys, Little Men, Eight Cousins.

Flip - by Martyn Bedford Ever wake up in someone else's body? Fourteen-year-old Alex Gray wakes up one morning to discover he's not in his own bedroom. More surprising is that he doesn't recognize his hands, or his legs...When he looks in the mirror he gets the shock of his life! How is it possible that Alex has become another boy - a boy who everyone calls Philip? And how have six whole months

passed overnight? This is a riveting psychological thriller by a brilliant new voice in children's books.

Pay it Forward All Hallows pupils showed their usual generosity, by responding with kindness to a recent appeal. During February Half Term 8 Year 12 students along with Mrs Garvey and Mr Billings will be travelling to India to Visit the Clinic we have funded in Varasanadu.

Pupils have been asked to donate gifts of stationary/pens/colured pencils etc which will be distributed to children in the village, the Aids Hospice and in the orphanage in Chennai. Over 250 gifts were received.

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Cross Country

On Saturday 18th January Alannah Howells Year 7 and Lucy O'Donovan Year 8 represented Macclesfield District running Cross Country at a course in Winsford. They ran 2.5k and 3.5k respectively. Alannah came 42nd out of 84 runners out of and Lucy came 17th out of 62 runners - finshing first from her district. Overall They helped Macclesfield come 1st in the Minor Girls Age Group and 3rd in the Junior Girls Age Group.

Well done to both girls!

Girls Football

Below are the tables for the Macclesfield and District 7 a-side Football Com-petition that takes place once a month at Fallibroome Academy. The girls have played some brilliant football and come away with some outstanding results. Well done girls!

Under 12s P W D L F A Pts GD Wilmslow 8 7 1 0 27 1 22 26 All Hallows 8 3 2 3 8 10 11 -2 Fallibroome A 8 3 1 4 9 13 10 -4 Fallibroome B 6 0 0 6 1 21 0 -20 Under 14's P W D L F A Pts GD

Poynton 8 6 1 1 13 4 19 9 Wilmslow2 8 5 2 1 17 5 17 14 Fallibroome 8 3 2 3 11 13 11 -2 Wilmslow1 8 3 0 5 14 15 9 -1 Knutsford 8 2 1 5 8 18 7 -10 All Hallows 8 1 2 5 4 12 5 -8 Under 16's P W D L F A Pts GD Poynton 1 8 7 1 0 21 1 22 20 Poynton 2 8 5 1 2 15 7 16 8 All Hallows 8 3 3 2 7 5 12 2 Fallibroome 8 2 1 5 3 15 7 -12

Knutsford 8 0 0 8 1 19 0 -18

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Prayer

Lord,

You have enriched our lives

in many ways,

and we remember with thanksgiving

all who have loved, cared for,

and support us over the years.

Show us how best

to use the time and talents

you have given each of us,

and lead us to grow in appreciation

of the contribution that others make.

May your spirit empower us

to work well with others

and bring out the best

in those with whom we share our lives.

Amen

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www.allhallows.org.uk

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