This week in our school community: 22 November 2024

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"  

As autumn turns into winter and the snow starts to fall, we have been reminded about the importance of giving generously and wholeheartedly this week.  Mr Robinson has launched the St Gregory's Christmas Hamper appeal which always bring such joy to so many people in our local community, often those on the margins or in great need. The important message is the same as for Harvest last month; it's not about how much you give but the spirit in which you give. In 2 Corinthians we are told: 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' So in that spirit, whatever you can give to help with our Christmas Hamper appeal this year will be gratefully appreciated

Please do remember all persecuted Christians in your prayers this week as we mark Red Wednesday, a day where we pray that all Christian communities around the world may live in peace and hope without suffering from persecution.  In other faith life news, it was wonderful to join with many other members of our Diocese at Clifton Cathedral this Thursday for a special Education Mass to acknowledge and thank all those involved in providing excellent Catholic education in our area.  Josie H in Year 13, who is our Deputy Spiritual Lead, read the intercessions beautifully and represented the student body so well.

A group of politically minded sixth formers attended a conference with Mr Burn at Bath Royal Literary Scientific Institution where they debated hot topics such as the climate emergency and poverty.  Lucy B, Year 13, was the star of the trip for presenting feedback on the environmental impact of technology to a group of approximately 80 students from various schools.   Last week Mr Robinson took a group of Young Volunteers to St Joseph's Catholic College, Swindon, to meet with other Year 10 groups of like-minded students and the star of that trip was Amelia Y for great contribution and input during the day. Mr Davies and Mrs Duffy took some of our sixth formers to see a production of one of their English A level set texts, Othello, at Stratford-upon-Avon this week.  There are two stars of the trip, Imogen and Zayd, for getting fully involved in the RSC Othello lecture they visited. What a wonderful opportunity to see the play in the birthplace of the great bard himself. Thank you to all staff for providing such enriching opportunities outside the classroom.

On that note, we held our inaugural St Gregory's Year 7 Spelling Bee today and all competitors did extremely well - find out who won in next week's newsletter!

We wish Year 11 all the best of luck for their mock exams which start on Monday.  May they know that their best is good enough and that this is an opportunity to showcase all they have learnt so far so that they receive helpful targets to prepare them for their GCSEs in the summer.  Please ensure that all students arrive punctually and with enough time to get to their first exam on Monday - set those alarms early!

Finally, as the Christmas lights start to go up around town and we approach Advent, a few ‘save the dates’ for your diary: we have what promises to be a marvellous production of the hit musical Oliver! on 11-13 December; our magical annual Carol Service at St John's church is on 17 December with a free mulled wine and mince pie reception beforehand and the last day of term for staff and students is Friday 20 December at 1:30pm. All other dates can be found in our calendar.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher