This week in our school community: 2 May

May is the month where we honour Mary, the mother of Jesus. What can we learn from the Blessed Lady? Pope Francis says we can learn three important lessons: the first is how to know the joy of Jesus deep in our hearts and to share this joy with others; the second is how to help those in need just like Mary did; the third lesson is that we learn how to persevere like Mary if we trust that God will strengthen and encourage us always. 

In assemblies, we have honoured Mary by laying flowers around her statue, reflecting on The Magnificat and saying the Hail Mary together. Mary's joy at conceiving the saviour of the world is wonderful to ponder on and her radical message in The Magnificat is exciting because we discover the Good News that Jesus has come not for the rich, successful or powerful but for the poor, marginalised and oppressed. Our mission is to find ways to put these lessons into action on a daily basis and to sing the Good News to others. 

On Tuesday 14 May I am looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to coffee and cake at 9.15am in the Reading Room. All parents and carers are welcome. This term’s topic is SEND and we will be joined by our SENCo, Mrs Ponsford. 

It has been an emotional week for Year 11, and we send them off on study leave feeling very proud of the year group and all they have achieved to this point. We have recognised not only how far they have come since Year 7 but the effort they have put into their studies, extra-curricular life and leadership roles and responsibilities during their time at St Gregory's. In their final assembly, I shared this blessing with them and will leave you with this now as we go into a long weekend: 

May the beauty of God always surprise you. 

May the freedom of God always keep you centred and whole. 

May the road rise up to meet you. 

May the wind always be at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face. 

And until we meet again, 

May God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

We know that Year 11 will enter the exam season with courage, confidence and aspiration to do their very best and we wish them so much luck at this stage on their journey. 

Have a wonderful (and hopefully sunny!) weekend when it comes. 

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher