This week in our school community: 20 June 2025

Camino Partnership Jubilee ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Celebration Day

On Friday 13 June primary schools from the Camino Partnership gathered together at St Gregory’s Catholic College for a day celebrating the Jubilee and how the theme of Hope can become a part of our lives.  Upon arrival the children were mixed into six separate groups so that they could share the day with pupils from across the partnership and bring the riches of their own school to discussions and activities.  Mrs George and Mr Robinson opened the day in prayer, encouraging each person present to follow the words of Pope Francis by ‘letting hope fill our days’.  Instrumental to the success of the celebration would be young leaders from both St Gregory’s and Downside School, who took the lead on workshops, prayer and leading groups.  It was so encouraging to hear afterwards from those students about how much they got out of the event, Abi in year 8 of St Gregory’s said “I really enjoyed being the group leader and leading the children around our school to participate in the trail demonstrating hope, which was our key focus for the day.  It was great fun!”.  Both Antonia and Oliwia, members of St Gregory’s Chaplaincy Team, spoken about how much they “loved taking care of younger children and being in a ‘teacher’ role for the day”.

Our aim for the day was for pupils, many who are heavily involved in Chaplaincy in their respective schools, to be spiritually nourished in this jubilee of hope, to create a collaborative piece of artwork capturing HOPE, and to be inspired to be disciples of hope today.  Our big plan for the artwork involved creating a collage of mosaic tiles that would spell the word hope.  We may have been somewhat ambitious in our expectations of how much could be achieved in the workshops on the day, but students of St Gregory’s will finish it off in the coming weeks.  Charlotte, who was one of those leading the art workshop told us, “I really enjoyed helping the children produce their tiles to spell HOPE on boards, I then assisted with creating the collage.  It was lovely to see all their work come together, even if at the moment it spells ‘HE’!”.   Malaya was also keen to be a part of leading art and shared, “The Jubilee Day was really fun and interesting.  When we helped with the artwork it was great to see so many smiling faces keen to get involved.  They listened carefully and were amazing at creating tiles in the jubilee colours that reflected their individuality.”. 

Other parts of the day involved Lectio Divina led by the Chaplain of Downside School, Paul Andrewartha, and a group of Chaplaincy pupils.  Our primary school children gathered in the school Chapel for this workshop and were led by Downside pupils through several stations that broke apart hope in scripture.  Everyone was invited to find their echoes of hope and share them with one another at the end of the time of prayer.  Also part of the day was a pilgrim trail that took groups to different parts of the school site to fill in pilgrim passports.  Each area focused on a different Catholic Social Teaching principle and challenged pupils to look for hope in their school, their family and friends, community and the world. 

Days such as theses throw up so many moments that cannot be captured in words or photos – seeing pupils come together in play, forming new bonds and friendships, recognising what they brought to one another – there were some truly special parts of a special day.  We concluded with a liturgy bringing us all together as one with our artwork and in song and prayer.

Bath Area Confirmations 2025

The Bath Area Confirmation Mass will take place at St Mary’s Catholic Church Bath on Friday 21 November, 7.00pm. Bishop Bosco will be the main celebrant. If you are in Y9-Y13 and want to take part in the autumn Confirmation preparation programme starting Tuesday 16 September 7.00pm, please email St Mary's Parish Administrator, Charlotte Boyall, with your name and age at bath.stmary@cliftondiocese.com. Charlotte will send you an application form.  Alternatively, ask Mr Robinson in school for a copy. 

Family Quiz Night and BBQ

Friday 11 July, 7pm

Come and join us for an evening of fun, entertainment and food organised by the students fundraising for their trip to Cambodia next year.  Put a team together and come along to this family friendly evening, a quiz full of visual, traditional and interactive rounds.

BBQ included in your ticket. Adults £5  Children (5-16yrs) £2.50

Sign up for tickets by filling in the form or emailing robinsonm@st-gregorys.org.uk with your numbers and any dietary info. 

Mr Robinson

Lay Chaplain