Issue 9 - 25th March 2008

Dear Readers

On Wednesday we will be holding special Holy Week Assemblies for all year groups and then break to celebrate the Easter Weekend.

The Chamber Choir, led by Mrs Underhill, travelled to Warwick on Saturday 8 March to take part in the next round of the BBC Choir of the Year Competition. They sang very well and I am pleased to say that in the face of excellent competition were one of four ‘choirs of the day’ that go forward to the next round. We now wait expectantly to hear. They were a real credit to the school. Well done all.

We have also had the opportunity to listen to the Y13 A2 Music Recitals. This is part of their examination. The programmes they selected were demanding and their performance highly proficient.

Car Parking

Please can I ask parents not to use the school car parks to drop off or collect their daughters at the beginning or end of the day. It increases the risks for staff and students. This equally true of those parents who stop on the double yellow lines outside the school, despite reminders this is still happening and it is only a matter of time before an accident happens. We use three entrances and 1000 people leave in a short period of time. The footpaths are narrow and visibility is reduced.

It would be with regret that I extended the ban on cars from coming onto site during the day when parents need to collect their daughters e.g. when they are sick. Recently we have had instances of some parents being abusive to staff in front of students which makes it difficult for us to set the high standards we expect of our students in this matter.

Uniform

Next Tuesday, when we return for 4 days, students may wear their blazers and as last year they can wear them during the school day. They should remember that they must not be worn in some lessons e.g. Technology.

NON-UNIFORM DAY – FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2008

My best wishes for a very Happy Easter.

The Ursuline Chamber Choir reaches the Nationals!

On Saturday the 8 th March the Ursuline Chamber Choir set off at 7.30 am for the Warwick Arts Centre, full of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead.

All the girls had been working very hard to prepare their programme of 3 songs:

The Lord is my Shepherd by Bob Chilcott

A Nativity by John Tavener

The Dancing Song by Zoltan Kodaly

Rehearsals were held every lunchtime during the preceding week to ensure that the performance was totally confident and that their voices were well and truly ‘warmed up’.

They performed to staff and friends on the Friday and the audience was delighted with their ‘exceptional’ presentation.

Our Soloists, Claire Dyckhoff and Emily Charlton were looking forward to their roles and, in spite of a few last minute adjustments to the striking new turquoise green costumes; we arrived just in time to listen to several of the competing choirs before we warmed up.

The standard was clearly very high, as all choirs had already undergone a regional selection process.

From the start of the performance the Choir gave their all…..musicality, performance, focus and energy took over and their final song brought the house down with its speed, clarity and concluding climactic shout.

Here are some of the judges’ comments:

…..beautifully still rendition……sublime solo singing……artful ensemble and blend……evocative performance…….great change of tone……good smooth sound.

The Choir were delighted to be named Choir of the Day and Sarah Giles Yr 13 was nominated to collect our certificate.

A fantastic finish to a very exciting day! Tired but happy we made our way back to Brentwood and now await the results of the National Selection Process to see whether we sing in the televised semi-final in November, in Liverpool.

WELL DONE and thank you to all our singers and to all who supported our entry.

Mrs K Underhill

Director of Specialism/Assistant Head

Chaplaincy News

We pray that all our families have a happy and holy Easter. Help us all to be kind and respectful to one another, as we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Our Saviour.

Mrs Tolan

Term Dates for 2007 / 2008

Spring Term 07/01/08 to 28/03/08

Half term: 11-15/02/08

Easter closure: 20-24/03/08

(School reopens 25-28/03/08)

Spring holiday: 31/03/08to 11/04/08

Summer Term: 14/04/08 to 18/07/08

Half term: 26-30/05/08

May Day: 05/05/08

Training day 03/09/07

Forthcoming Events

26th March Year 9 Parent’s Evening

28 th March Non-Uniform Day

16 th April Year 8 Parent’s Evening

18 th April PTA Disco

25 th April Citizenship Awards

2 nd May NON UNIFORM DAY – EMILY BEGG FUND