Cardinal Newman Catholic School

This month our whole school theme is Discipleship and Pentecost. At Pentecost the disciples were given the gift of tongues which enabled them to communicate the good news to people of all nations. While we cannot expect to be given such ability ourselves Cardinal Newman Catholic School is always very keen to improve its communication, particularly with parents. The question of how we can do so was the central topic of our most recent parents’ meeting organised by the Governing Body on May 10th. We are grateful to the 30 parents who took the time to come in and not just tell us of their concerns but also to celebrate good practice and to provide suggestions for how communication can be improved. From the school’s point of view better communication helps us to increase the engagement of all parents – and we know that is one of the keys to providing an excellent Catholic education.

Meanwhile we are very keen to extend the scope of our consultation on this important issue. You will, therefore, find an electronic survey form in the Notices section. It can be completed very quickly indeed and we would be grateful to receive your views.

Our Year 11 students have now gone on to examination timetable. This means that they only need to come in to school for their exams but, of course, they should be revising when at home. We have advised and helped our students to develop revision timetables and revision classes are available in school right up to the examination in particular subjects. If, as a parent, you feel you need further information do not hesitate to contact the school and ask, in the first instance, to speak to your son or daughter’s form tutor. You should also have been sent their email address at the beginning of this academic year.

Meanwhile we were, as always, very proud of Year 11 for the respectful and reflective way in which they participated in their Leavers’ Mass. Thanks too to Father Terry Martin for celebrating the Mass and sharing the inspiring biography of St Francis of Assisi.

Of course we look forward to welcoming the majority of our Year 11 students back as Sixth Formers in September.

Up until now students who attend our school, but live more than three miles away, have been entitled to free transport to school. This has been to ensure that all students in the city who meet our admissions criteria have an equal opportunity to attend Cardinal Newman Catholic School, the only faith based secondary school in the city.

Brighton and Hove City Council have now made the decision to remove this subsidy. The decision will take effect from September 2013 but the Council will provide protection for older students who have bus passes and who have already started an examination course – until they complete that course.

So, overall, it is a disappointing decision which will have a negative impact on families who live further away from the school. However, the many responses made by the families and friends of Cardinal Newman Catholic School have meant that this policy change has been delayed and accompanied by some transitional protection.

Thank you to all, including the parishes, who have supported us in this struggle to retain equal opportunities for all of our students.

We welcome feedback on our new site and suggestions for how it can be improved, or features that you would like to see on it.  If you have such suggestions please contact website@cncs.co.uk