This week in our school community: 18 October 2024

The core Lasallian principles of respect for all, inclusivity, quality education for all, concern for the poor, social and ecological justice and faith in the presence of God are the hallmarks of our education at St Gregory's  

I have been writing this week's newsletter from the Emerald Isle because I was in Castletown, Ireland, for the annual Lasallian Headteachers' Conference. It has been an engaging two days of meetings with other heads across our District of GB, Ireland and Malta. We came together in prayer to discuss how we can further develop our Lasallian identity and charism. The theme for the conference was developing the Lasallian dream to remove those from the peripheries of our community. The core Lasallian principles of respect for all, inclusivity, quality education for all, concern for the poor, social and ecological justice and faith in the presence of God are the hallmarks of our education at St Gregory's and it is always good to hear how other Lasallian schools live out these principles on a day to day basis in the sharing of good practice. I have certainly been inspired to make some small tweaks and changes to some of our current systems and processes so watch this space!  

I am delighted that so many of our students are working towards their Lasallian Award here in school and we have just found out that we have been granted 2,000 Euros as part of the Lasallian Leavening Fund (thanks to Mr Robinson for all the form filling!). The Lasallian Leavening Fund is an opportunity for young people in Lasallian schools and pastoral centres to connect with the Lasallian local and global priorities of our time. Students and Young Lasallians are both the recipients and protagonists of the Lasallian Educational Mission. It is hoped that the Lasallian Leavening Fund will provide them with creative and engaging ways to learn while making a tangible contribution to the sustainability and vitality of the Lasallian Educational Mission. Our chosen project is a new wildflower garden that staff, students and parents are keen to sow from seed to really make our school community bloom.

Our Chaplaincy Team did a marvellous job of training our Camino partner primary school chaplains at Downside School this week. Thank you to Mr Robinson and the Chaplaincy team members in Year 8, Jazzy, Oliwia, Charlotte, Malaya and Antonia, for being inspirational role models by putting faith into action and accompanying our younger students as they journey together with Christ.

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the KS3 Tutor evening this week and to the dedicated members of the PTFA who sold pre-loved uniform on the night too. We also had our PTFA AGM earlier in the week. Mr Sheldon, our School Business Manager, and I remain as co-Chairs but we would love other parents to step forward and take on this role, either individually or as a team. You are all part of the PTFA and the school really appreciates your support, care and commitment by helping us to raise much needed funds which are put towards enhancing your child's educational experiences.  We are delighted that Monica Morrisette has taken on the role of Treasurer and we thank her for putting herself forward for this position. 

One of the highlights of our calendar is our Culture and Diversity festival which starts in earnest next Monday. Please encourage your child to come to school on Monday wearing their cultural dress and with food from their culture to sell at break time. It is always such a vibrant community occasion and the more effort we make, the better the celebration will be!

Have a wonderful weekend; I hope you can get out and about in nature at some point to appreciate the beautiful changing of the season and the wonderful autumnal colours in our cities and countryside.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher