This week in our school community: 21 March 2025

What do Alan Turing, Mozart, Emma Watson and Walt Disney have in common?  

They all have some form of neurodiversity and this week at St Gregory's we have been celebrating the different ways our brains work while hearing powerful stories from those with neurodivergence. Our collective worship assemblies focused on the power of individual stories: six of our brave students from different year groups stood up in front of the whole school to describe what life is like for them. They shared their strengths, successes and challenges with such honesty and good humour - we are all so very proud of them. Well done to Seb W and Jemima A in Year 11, Ned B in Year 10, Isabella A and Rachael A in Year 9 and Ben L in Year 8 for shining so brightly and sharing their stories with us. Other students have been sharing their stories with their tutor groups so well done to all of them too. A huge thanks to Mrs Ponsford, Miss Thomas Stone, Mrs Button and the Inclusion Team for all the work that went into organising this celebration.

On Monday we were also treated to a special talk by Danielle Ashfield who is a bareknuckle boxer and won the UK National Championship in karate at age 13. She has a diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. Not only did she demonstrate her incredible moves with some willing volunteers from the audience, but she also spoke so openly about the fact that she was told that she couldn't compete in her chosen field when she was younger. This didn't stop her; it only gave her the motivation to set her mind to succeeding. We thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to inspire our students to never give up and not to let neurodiversity stop you from fulfilling your dreams.

We have also enjoyed seeing our students enjoy themselves in their House sports events this week. The football and basketball skills have been impressive, as has the team spirit. Well done to all who took part, to the PE department for hosting and to our GCSE and A level PE students for lending a helping hand to make sure the event ran smoothly.

also met with our new 1719 Society one morning breaktime. The sixth formers shared their projects and plans to enhance the academic, personal and spiritual development of students throughout the school as well as ideas to enhance the House spirit even further at St Gregory's, starting with some new House notice boards outside the main hall to replace the tired looking ones.

Year 8 parents' evening was well attended on Thursday and a great opportunity for families to hear from subject teachers at this point in the school year. Thanks to all involved.

Continuing our Lenten journey, students have experienced Reconciliation liturgies in the Chapel this week and we have been delighted to welcome some of our parish priests to be part of this experience. Students mindfully moved around the various prayer stations in the Chapel and enjoyed reflecting on their own spiritual journey in this season of Lent.

Finally, the week will end with a glorious celebration of our students' musical talents in our Spring Concert - all are very welcome and tickets can be purchased on the door for tonight's show which starts at 6pm. I look forward to seeing you there.

Have a good weekend when it comes and enjoy this prayer to celebrate our diverse Catholic community:

May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy,
go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness.

May the Son who teaches us to care for strangers and those with differences,
go with us as we try to be good neighbours in our communities.

May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community,
go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.

Amen.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher