It was extremely humbling and a privilege to be chosen to visit our local food bank. It made me realise how fortunate we are and how easy it is for anyone to undergo hard times and find themselves in a situation where they must choose to pay the rent or to eat. Giving our donations made me feel proud of our Catholic community and has helped encourage me to want to do more for others. It was surprising to hear how many people need our local food bank and made it very clear that hard times can affect us all. It felt great to put our faith into action and follow the teachings of Christ, by supporting ‘The Trussell Trust food bank’ we are really helping those who have met troubled time. Jesus taught us to ‘do to others as you would have them do to you’. We would like to say a huge thank you to both year 10 and 11 for their tremendous generosity as they have truly helped so many people in the community. No doubt year 9 will be as great.”

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Year 10 A.R.C Peace and Justice Group.

Carnival is a festival season. It occurs during the period between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. It involves public celebrations, parades and street parties. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations.

The most famous celebrations happens in Venice and Viareggio and the most famous masks are Pulcinella and Harlequin

Here is how Miss Torrini’s Yr 7s, 8s & 9s are preparing to celebrate this fun event in the year Calendar!

Enjoy and remember, in Italy they say: “ A carnevale, ogni scherzo vale!” ….

What does it mean? Find the translation and tell Miss Torrini, she might have a prize for you!

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On the 10th of December year 13 pupils were escorted to ‘The Catholic Worker Farm’ to donate items that they have been collecting as a year group since September. I would like to commend them on their efforts. Weekly they have supported the cause, which offers accommodation for 22 destitute women whom without the farm, would be on the street with their children. During the trip the pupils commented on how it helped them ‘realise how lucky I really am’ and the struggles that some people who are just around the corner from us have. They truly put the Catholic teachings into action. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me’ Mt 25:35-36.

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A selection of images from the event earlier this term

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Arts for Change: Using the Arts to make a difference

How can the arts be used to explore a sensitive ‘non-arts’ issue? That’s the question which was asked of year eight students and teachers from St Joan of Arc School, St Clement Danes School and Queens’ School through the Arts for Change project which took place in July 2015.

Funded by Royal Opera House Bridge and working in partnership together and with Watford Palace Theatre, the three schools brought ninety able, gifted and talented students in Drama, Music and Visual Art together for three days to creatively explore stigma associated with mental health. The work of the students was insightful, challenging and creative throughout and culminated in a thought-provoking sharing of work event which was attended by arts, educational and health professionals alike.

This short film provides an overview of the project.