Issue 29 5 May 2015
Dear Parents / Carers,
Thank you to everyone who attended the Year 11 Mass of Celebration last Thursday. Many people commented on what a
lovely evening it was, striking just the right balance between giving thanks for the past and praying for the future. As I
mentioned at the end of the Mass, all Year 11 students will be given a copy of the Year 11 Programme of Study this
Wednesday, and I would ask that you please keep all of our young people in your prayers as they embark upon their GCSE
exams – first exam is today, 5th May (Business & Communication Studies).
Year 9 received an assembly on the ‘options’ process last week, and all pupils are having an interview with a senior
member of staff, ahead of Options Evening on Thursday. An information booklet has been sent home with students and a
copy is also available on the school website, under Curriculum Overview (Students now in Year 9 KS4 Options Booklet
(2015)). Completed options forms should be returned to the school office between Monday 11th and Monday 18th May, but
in the meantime could I ask that parents look through the available information and have discussions with their son /
daughter about the choices available to them. If you have any questions or concerns about the options process, please do
not hesitate to contact our Deputy Headteacher, Mr Brophy at [email protected].
As we are all aware, Thursday is General Election day, and Mr Kirrane and Dr Guscott are also planning to hold a St James’
Mock General Election on that day, with ballot boxes opening before school at 8.00am and closing after school at 3.45pm.
The results of our election will be announced to students the following day, and published in next week’s newsletter and on
the website. We have been preparing our students for this important democratic event through PSHCE lessons and Form
time, and the PowerPoint presentation that has been used with the students is also available on the Headteacher’s Blog, in
case you wanted to use it to facilitate any further discussions with your son or daughter at home.
Well done to everyone who participated in the ‘Cycle for Amy’ charity ride at the weekend. I know that Amy’s family were
very appreciative of the effort made by so many people to raise money for such a fantastic charity, ChildFlight. If you would
still like to donate then please visit http://www.justgiving.com/CycleforAmy
Thank you for your continued support. As always, if you ever wish to contact me about any issue, please do not hesitate to
email me at [email protected].
Tim Beesley, Headteacher
UNIFORM SALE
MONDAY 6TH JULY, 4.30-6PM
MAIN HALL
PRAYER
God, our creator, you give us life.
Inspire us with the stories of those who show us the meaning
of human dignity.
Help us to learn from the examples of your saints,
Especially St James, our school’s patron saint.
Amen
The PTA will be holding a uniform sale of second hand blazers,
jumpers, ties, PE kits etc.
Only items in good condition will be available and will be sold
for a small donation
All proceeds go to the PTA and will be used to fund resources
for your child.
If you have any unwanted uniform, please send it into School as
soon as possible
Mrs McGhee
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
SAINT OF THE WEEK
St James the Less – 3rd May
St James is our school’s patron saint, but not a lot is known about him other than he
was one of the Twelve Apostles (one of two James’, hence why he’s St James’ the Less
– probably ‘the Less’ because he was younger!).
We do know that St James was one of the first of Jesus’ followers to welcome St Paul
into Jerusalem after Paul’s conversion. This was at a time when many of Jesus’
followers treated Paul with suspicion and distrust. James, however, kept an open
mind and welcomed Paul.
In welcoming Paul, James was going against the grain to do what he felt to be right;
that is welcoming and being nice to someone who had a chequered past and who was
not liked. He was setting the example that God loves us all, and uses all of us – even
the weakest or least likely – to spread his message of love and forgiveness.
What can we as a school learn from St James’ open welcoming of the outsider?
OUR LADY AND THE APOSTLES’ CHURCH, STOCKPORT
From Saturday 2nd – Saturday 9th May, Our Lady’s Church are having a Parish Mission. Everyone is welcome to attend any part of the
week, whether they are a parishioner at Our Lady’s or another parish, those from other denominations and those who are
curious to know a little bit more. Full details of the programme can be found at Our Lady’s Church, or by calling Fr. Pat 0161 480
2489. Briefly, the programme for the week is as follows:
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7am Monday-Friday: Mass (to finish by 7.25am)
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10.30am Mon-Fri: Mass
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12noon Mon-Fri: Seminar
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2.30pm Weds: Blessing of parents, carers, babies and toddlers
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2.30pm Thurs: Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (please contact Fr. Pat if you know of anyone who would benefit from
this but find getting around difficult)
YOUTH SVP AT ST SIMON’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY
Three more students visited St. Simon’s primary school on Friday 1st May to spend time with younger pupils, reading to them and
talking about books and reading; Sophie Millington, Abi Sheldon and Fillipe Williams.
Once again they were a credit to their parents and the school. There was laughter and smiles from St James’ and St Simon’s students
alike, funny voices and finger puppets acting out stories. Well done guys!
What did the students have to say…
“The children were well behaved which helped me read. I loved it all round to be honest!”
“The children got really involved and enjoyed reading the books”
“Reading to the children was great!”
KEY STAGE 4 BADMINTON
The Key Stage 4 badminton teams entered the Greater Manchester Catholic Schools competition as defending champions. Two teams were
entered from St James’:
The A team – James Leech, Marcus Hopwood, Dominic Martin and Matthew Charlton-Edwards
The B team – Alex Worthington, Patrick Gormley, Jonathon Barton and Tom Small
The B team, who had three players making their debut for the KS4 team, won their first game 4 – 1. They also won their last game in the
league 4 – 1 qualifying them to play in the final against the A team.
The unbeaten number 1 singles players; James and Alex, played a tense and exciting match with James eventually winning 21 – 13. Marcus,
also unbeaten, played Patrick in the number 2 singles. In a very close match with a number of long rallies, Marcus eventually came out on
top winning 21 – 15.
The A team then won the remaining three games to win the tournament unbeaten in any singles or doubles games.
The B team came a very creditable second and their excellent performances will keep the A team players on their toes for next year’s
competitions.
The A team – James Leech, Marcus Hopwood,
Dominic Martin and Matthew Charlton-Edwards
The B team – Alex Worthington, Patrick Gormley,
Jonathon Barton and Tom Small
GIRLS’ PE EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLE
BOYS’ PE EXTRA CURRICULAR TIMETABLE
Week commencing Tuesday 5th May
Week commencing Tuesday 5th May
Tuesday (after school)
Years 8, 9 & 10 rounders
practice until 4.15pm
Tuesday
3pm Year 7 boy's Dodgeball trials Finish
4.15pm
KS3 Badminton practice - Finish 4.30pm
Wednesday (after school)
Year 7 rounders practice until
4.15pm
Wednesday
3pm Key Stage 3 Catholic Boys’ Badminton
Competition @ St James' - Finish 5.30pm
Girls’ PE
Boys’ PE
MFL FACULTY
With the increasing use of online resources, it would seem that some students have decided that Google Translate is an easy way
to do their French or German homework!
We have spoken to students about why online translation tools are not a good idea and are not to be used. Here are the reasons
why:

Online translation tools are not accurate.
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They do not understand the nuances of a language.
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Nothing replaces the power of the human brain to translate accurately; think about the different meanings of
read as in I read a book (present tense) or I read a book (past tense). The computer cannot recognise these
differences. Never mind the problems if you spell their as there or you’re as your!
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Pupils need to practice what they have learnt in class; when homework is set, they have the tools they need to
complete it in full including work in their exercise book and a vocab book.
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Using an online translation tool is not their own work and we, as teachers, need to know that they understand
what they have learnt.
There are many useful resources out there which can be used, we have created our own vocabulary learning pages using Quizlet,
they can be found as follows:
https://quizlet.com/
Search for
SJCHS Y7 FR
for Y7 French
SJCHS Y8 DE
for Y8 German
SJCHS Y9 FR
for Y9 French
Useful online dictionaries, to look up useful words, not whole phrases are:
http://www.wordreference.com/
German and French; useful for KS3
https://dict.leo.org/
German; useful for KS3
http://de.pons.com/
German only; useful for KS4
There are also some other useful language learning websites which may be of interest.
http://www.hellomylo.com/
http://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/Index.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
The MFL Faculty
Mrs Pickles
Director of MFL
STOCKPORT SUPPORTED FAMILIES
We are now working with Stockport Supported Families, who can offer
support and guidance for parents with any of the following issues -
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Careers advice and guidance
Adult education and training courses - including ICT, literacy and
numeracy
Job seeking support/current job vacancies, and interview practice
Support for online job applications
Disability employment support
Please contact Mrs Hutchings in the Pastoral Office for more details.
FULLY BOOKED READING CHALLENGE
The reading challenge that’s getting us all talking about books!
And here is this week’s report on what the staff have been reading this week, along with the Challenge numbers those books could fulfil……
Mrs Bennett, our Chaplain, has been captivated lately by the Mistborn trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson,
an epic fantasy tale- so many Challenges this could cover: Nos 2, 18, 13, 22, for instance.
Mrs Finlay, English teacher, is using Challenge No 30 to read a book she has wanted to read for a while.
She is reading Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, having enjoyed other books by him
very much. He is an author well-known for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
Mrs Robinson, Teaching Assistant, has lined up My Animals and Other Family, the autobiography of Clare
Balding, sports presenter. This could be for Challenge No 29, or 37, or even No 17. Find out why by having
a look at it yourself!
Miss Woods, Science teacher is fulfilling Challenge No 30, by reading a book by the author of her favourite
book ever. Having enjoyed Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom so much, she is now thoroughly enjoying
The First Phone Call From Heaven by that same author.
Mrs Hutchings, Pastoral Manager, is a very keen reader, and is presently absorbed in
Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky- this could fulfil Challenge No 8
which she describes as fascinating stuff. Also, to fulfil Challenge No 42, you could do what she
loves to do every Sunday, which is to read The Observer newspaper from cover to cover!
Mrs Evans, Teaching Assistant, is reading Willow Trees Don’t Weep, by Fadia Faqir, a book that
covers Challenges No 5 and 35, being about a different religion and being set outside this country.
Mrs Peters, Teaching Assistant in Religion, is reading The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes
by Anna McPartlin for Challenge No 24.
More students are still signing up for the challenge- come on, parents, why not join in too, and then tell us all about what you’re reading.
Remember, students could win a Kindle if they take the Challenge!
Check it out on http://www.stjamescatholichighschool.org.uk/learning-progress/fully-booked-reading-challenge/
Mrs Smith – LRC Coordinator
CAREERS
Apprenticeship Opportunities
3 fantastic companies based in Stockport (and surrounding area) are desperately in need of candidates. All apprenticeships start in
summer, after Year 11s have finished their studies.
Miss Brooks – Teacher in charge of Careers
Company Name
Website
Address
Company Info
Apprenticeship/Qualification
Role
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Pentagon Sport Ltd – Cheshire Artificial Flooring
http://www.pentagonsport.co.uk/
Tollbar, Roadside Court, Alderley Road, Chelford, Cheshire, SK11 9AP UK
Experts in Design and Installation of Outdoor School Playground Equipment
Social Media and Digital Marketing Level 3 NVQ
Social Media and Digital Marketing Apprentice
£7000 per annum (contributing towards travel costs)
37.5 hours per week, Mon – Fri.
Flexible from 0830-1700 can do 0830-1630 or 9-1700 whichever is best for candidate.
Company info: Company has been established 17 yrs. is in a lovely converted barn in a semi-rural location but with easy access to
Chelford railway station, ethos is best product at the best price! There is a friendly relaxed atmosphere. There is a serious
opportunity and willingness to invest in growing the team organically and will consider more apprentices in future. They have two
elements to the business one is Penatgon Sports which design and build school or children play areas outdoor and indoor, second
arm is residential artificial grass which is through Cheshire Artificial Flooring.
They are looking for a Digital Apprentice who would be working within Pentagon Sports, with the Marketing Manager. This will
involve assisting in website development and updating this and relieve some work from Dominic.
Duties include:
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Update Social media marketing – Twitter, Facebook, & Blogs etc
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Research and write blogs
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Research competitors and produce reports
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Follow customers on twitter
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Set up social advertising campaigns including PPC
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Update and edit web content, SEO, Research key words and key phrases
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Produce web analytic reports, email marketing
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Sending emailers and managing responses
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To answer and deal with telephone queries and direct them to the relevant team member
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Generation of images and videos to support web optimisation
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Generate marketing leads to support the sales function
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Undertaking any duties that will result in an increase in revenue for the organisation
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Working with PPC
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Data input, data extraction, photocopying, filing and faxing
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Import and export data
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Knowledge of Microsoft office and competent in English Language with excellent grammar & spelling
If you are interested in this job, please email your CV to [email protected] or call 0161 200 1673 for further
information.
Company Name
Website
Address
Company Info
Apprenticeship/Qualification
Role
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MMA Digital
h https://www.mmadigital.co.uk/
Abney Hall, Manchester Rd, Cheadle SK8 2PD
Online marketing for modern law firms
Social Media and Digital Marketing Level 3 NVQ
Social Media and Digital Marketing Apprentice
£7000 per annum (contributing towards travel costs)
37.5 hours per week, Mon – Fri.
Working hours are 08:30 - 17:30.
Holiday days is 22 per annum plus your birthday and bank holidays
MMADigital is a full service digital agency that specialises in online marketing for modern law firms. It is a growing company
(started in 2012) and now employs a team of specialists covering the whole of the UK. Currently working with over 70 law firms of
all sizes. MMADigital has developed an excellent reputation for providing bespoke solutions for online marketing such as: web
design, video content and lead generation campaigns using PPC, SEO and social media advertising.
This reputation has seen MMADigital continue to grow with the video content team recently investing heavily in the latest
equipment and staff to enable them to produce high quality broadcast campaigns, perfect for TV and online purposes. MMADigital
are a well-respected organisation, having been invited to speak at MASS and the Manchester’s Law Society conferences. They’ve
also run their own nationwide digital marketing workshops with NatWest Business and were recently asked to write an article for
The Guardian on the importance of mobile friendly websites. Overall MMADigital is made up of passionate individuals who are
keen to bring creative flare to the legal sector.
They have also been recognised in top awards for the industry, receiving nominations for:
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EN Start-up Company of the year, 2012,
Prolific North Newcomer of the year 2013,
Claims Innovation Associated Industries 2013
Made In Manchester Creative/Digital Professional of the year
Duties include:
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Supporting Head of Search and PPC Executive with social media advertising
Supporting the management of company accounts on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
A varied job where the apprentice will get involved in many areas of Digital Marketing
They are looking for someone who:
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Someone who is able to multi-task and can prioritise work load
Quick Learner
Friendly and has good telephone manner
Understanding of Microsoft based products - Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Good time management
Someone excited by the prospect of working in a variety of areas of the business
If you are interested in this job, please email your CV to [email protected] or call 0161 200 1673 for further
information.
Company Name
Website
Address
Company Info
Apprenticeship/Qualification
Role
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

Alan Howard
http://www.alanhoward.co.uk/
Unit 2, S Park Business Park, Hamilton Road, Stockport, SK1 2AE
The UK's leading wholesaler for professional hair & beauty supplies from all
of the leading brands at competitive prices.
Business Administration NVQ Level 2
Warehouse Administrator
37.5 hours per week, Mon – Fri.
£6000 per annum (contributing towards travel costs)
Close to transport links
Company info: Alan Howard have been proudly Serving Hairdressing & Beauty Professionals for 40 years. Alan Howard only sell to
the hairdressing and beauty trade at competitive prices. They have stores all over the UK and they stock and sell all the leading
names and brands in the professional hair and beauty industry, including Fudge, Joico, Matrix, Sexy Hair, Essie and St Tropez. They
also stock Wella, L'Oreal, Schwarzkopf, Clynol, Indola, NXT, Orly, along with a large selection of salon equipment and furniture
from brands like Scorpion, REM, Salon Ambience and many more.
Duties:
 Receiving all Goods – receipt of all products that are then transferred in the stores via a tablet system electronically
 Opening and Distribution of Mail (Post and Silver Cases) for distribution across the head office departments
 Answering HO telephone mainly staff from other branches calling in chasing stock, or suppliers chasing payment, and
fending off sales calls
 Booking in of Deliveries for Warehouse – the warehouse supplies 20 stores so this role involves an even spread of
deliveries into of the warehouse. This is currently done on paper but the apprentice will be required to automate this on
an excel spreadsheet
 Monitor Warehouse Holidays online system in place, currently using Google system
 Responsible for chasing shortage/credit notes for HO - this relates to goods received, a delivery note goes up to the office
for goods received, to be tallied with actual deliveries from the suppliers
 Monitoring our Goods In Transit screen using internal online system managing stock levels involving chasing up with
branches for information
 Monitoring/Responding to Warehouse enquiries via email using an email mailbox specifically for this function
Skills required:
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Confident but laid back personality
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Attention to Detail
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Pro-active with strong team-working skills
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Communicates well
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Willing to work hard and get stuck in
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Easy-going and able to handle the stress of month end
If you are interested in this job, please email your CV to [email protected] or call 0161 200 1673 for further
information.