Chaplaincy
The Christmas Advent season is in full swing, and what a magical start it has been! We were thrilled to welcome over 150 people to our first ever, Carols in the Courtyard event, enjoying festive singing, face painting, a special visit from Father Christmas, as well as a limited-edition Fuzzy giveaway. The event was a huge success, and big heartfelt thank you goes out to all of you who came, supported and brought some festive cheer.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there – our choir will be spreading more festive cheer by singing carols in some local care homes, and we eagerly anticipate our whole school Christmas Services (to be held on the last day of term). As always, there’s so much happening to help us prepare our hearts and homes for the festive season!
Wishing you a blessed Advent and a joyful Christmas, as we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth. May His love fill your hearts, your homes, and your celebrations this holy season.
With prayers and blessings,
Matt
Year 7 Student Wins IMMAF World Championships!
Written by Sixth Form Student Journalist Emily Moore.
Year 7 student Paddy represented England and was crowned champion in Abu Dhabi over the six-week holiday, making him a World Champion!
Paddy gained a passion for combat sports at just age 4, starting with jujitsu before transitioning to MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, around 5 years ago. His interest in the sport started when he saw an opportunity to take part at his local gym and decided to give it a go, and since then he hasn’t looked back. “All I want to do is try be my best” he said, highlighting the importance of the sports within his life.
MMA is a full-contact combat sport where competitors use a wide variety of fighting skills and techniques from a range of martial arts which are to be used under a set of strict defined rules.
During the summer holiday, Paddy travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in the IMMAF World Championship where he was ultimately crowned champion. He claimed the experience as “incredible” and talked about being able to overcome his nerves before going on stage by staying calm.
Within the academy, Paddy participates in football and rugby, which are just a few of the wide selection of sports the academy offers. He believes these opportunities in sport have allowed him to develop key skills such as his agility and cardio, which he can bring into his MMA and are major benefits in helping him work towards his dream career.
Paddy’s ambition of wanting to pursue a career in MMA is supported by his family in hopes of making it big and winning major titles. His advice for anyone in a similar position is “go for it as it helps prepare you for life”.
Paddy was also selected at the weekend for Team England for the Europeans this February in Serbia. We wish Paddy the best of luck with his next competition.
Key Dates
Monday 15th December – Carols in the Care Homes visit, Aladdin callbacks
Tuesday 16th December – Year 7 Pantomime Trip
Thursday 18th December – Christmas Jumper Day, Inflatable Reward Day, Carols in the Care Home visit
Friday 19th December – Christmas Services, early finish at 12pm
Monday 5th January – Start of term
Thursday 8th January – Parent Prayer Gathering
Friday 9th January – Year 7 Rugby vs Pates
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