TERM 2 VALUE:

Integrity

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

This week we launch our annual Christmas Hampers Appeal, a much-loved whole-college tradition that embodies our Catholic ethos and values. Each year, our community comes together to prepare hampers that are distributed to local families, parish groups and food banks. These gifts ensure that those facing hardship feel remembered, supported during the Christmas. The appeal is led by our Chaplaincy, who work with staff and students across the college to bring this important act of service to life. We are deeply grateful for your generosity—whether through donations, time, or encouragement—as together we make a meaningful difference to our wider community.

We also celebrate the creativity and diverse gifts of our students this week through the BTEC Performing Arts Showcase, which offered an inspiring evening of talent, confidence and artistic expression. The showcase was a reminder of the unique potential present in every young person, and the joy of seeing them grow in confidence and skill. Well done to all students who took part, and thank you to the families, staff and friends who supported this event. Your presence and encouragement mean so much.

Looking ahead, we move into our Year 13 (and Year 12 Applied courses) Mock Examinations next week. These assessments are an important milestone, helping students to assess their progress, build exam confidence and prepare for the challenges ahead. We know this can be an anxious time for some, and so throughout the mock exam season we will be highlighting the wellbeing support available to all students. This includes access to our pastoral and chaplaincy teams, quiet spaces for reflection and practical study and revision guidance. Our message to students is simple: you are not alone.

Finally, just a reminder that on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th Dec, Year 13 students are remote working whilst teachers finalise marking and feedback for them. They are not in college unless a teacher from a specific course has instructed them to be in.

Wishing you a peaceful and hopeful week ahead.

Marian Curran

Principal

The College takes the safety of students and staff very seriously. Students should not invite friends who do not attend St Brendan’s onto the site and must wear their student lanyard and ID at all times on campus. (Students should obtain a temporary student lanyard from the main reception if they do not have their ID card with them.) Our campus personal , Frank and Blessing, patrol the site and can be approached if any student is concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.

Attendance is crucial for success, particularly during these initial weeks. For our Year 12, ATL3 and Year 13 students, please be aware that we will be closely monitoring attendance. Maintaining regular attendance is important, as it impacts your ability to remain enrolled on your courses. Should there be concerns about your attendance falling below our threshold during the first three weeks, it may affect your place at St Brendan’s.

We are here to support you through these transitions and ensure that your time at St Brendan's is both successful and enjoyable. Our staff, including teachers, progress tutors, inclusive learning team, careers team, mental health team and the senior team, are here to help with any concerns or queries that you may have.

St Brendan's is a cashless campus so please make sure you have a card and/or contactless payment on your phone.

If you need to purchase print credit you can do this on the College “Store” which you can access on our website or by using this link St Brendan's Sixth Form College Store

When prompted to login, click on the “Sign in with Microsoft” option, where you can use your College email and password. Your print credit account will automatically update after payment has been approved.

A reminder to all students, parents and carers to please turn right only, when exiting the College between 15:50 – 16:20 at the end of the College day.