This week in our school community: 21 June

It finally feels like summer has made it to Bath and what a wonderful week for the sunshine to have arrived! We began with Mr Bird and I interviewing our Year 10 candidates, and I am delighted to announce that we have appointed the following Prefect Leadership team: Athira B, Gabriel HJ, Lydia G, Jacob C, Judah T, Olivia N, Christelle N, Luca G, Leo S, Daniel K, Claire D, Benjy N, Freya E, Nora K, Seb W, Kamara S, Gracie-May C, Harriet H, Ollie M, Ciaran V, Maddie P, Eva F and Hoi LL.

We wish these students all the best of luck as they endeavour to unite our school community further through focussing on key aspects of Catholic Social Teaching and our school principles. They are exceptional role models and I look forward to watching them flourish in Christ through these important roles of responsibility. Continue reading to find out more about our two new Co -head Prefects as they introduce themselves to everyone. Year 10 have also experienced a 'Stepping Up Day' with a carousel of events to prepare them to make the most out of Year 11, with a particular focus on study skills and mental health and wellbeing.

A highlight of our year is Sports Day; it was wonderful to see everyone in their House colours competing and cheering for their House on Thursday. There were some incredible individual and team performances and the hotly anticipated staff v student relay was a joy to see. Congratulations to all in Stein house - a worthy victory and an incredibly close competition. An enormous thanks to the PE department and all staff who supported the event.

Our annual Prize-giving was another joyous occasion where the St Gregory's community gathered to acknowledge exceptional effort and achievement this year. Our worthy prize winners must be congratulated on all they do to live out the school's mission and Lasallian spirit. Our catering students impressed with delicious canapés and we were treated to several stunning musical numbers from Cali-Ann P, Felicity H and our String Sinfonia. To read the Headteacher's Address, please see the end of the newsletter.

It's been a busy week for enrichment opportunities across the school: Year 8 enjoyed their pilgrimage to Glastonbury this week with most making it up the Tor and getting to spend time together deepening their sense of belonging and spirituality. Year 10 Geographers visited Swanage in the sunshine to study coastal defences and collect evidence for their fieldwork. MEP students in Year 10 spent a day at The University of Southampton and presented their MEP projects with other MEP schools - well done to all involved. Our A level physicists delved into academia with a visit to The University of Bath and the English department took their English A Level students to Bath Spa University to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of academic research methods, so important in an age when much information comes at the touch of a button. Thanks to all the staff involved for providing these fantastic learning opportunities away from the classroom.

A gentle reminder that we are looking to appoint a Parent Governor to our warm, friendly and experienced Governing Body. Applications close on Tuesday 25 June. This could be a wonderful opportunity for you to support the school and we would welcome parents and carers from a wide range of skill-sets. If you would like a confidential conversation with me to find out more about the role and how you may be able to support, please contact the Clerk to the Governors at clerk@stgregorys.org.uk. I hope you enjoy a sun-filled weekend and manage to make the most of the extra daylight provided by the Summer Solstice, which reminds us of God's grace to all.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher