This week in our school community: 18 July 2025

What a wonderful year it's been … where we saw hope and joy in abundance

 

I want to thank the family of St Gregory's for embracing our whole school theme, Pilgrims of Hope, and becoming hope-filled people this academic year. What a wonderful year it's been, topped off with an action-packed Enrichment Week where we saw hope and joy in abundance. Students experienced residential trips to places such as New York, Devon and Málaga and day trips mountain biking, discovering historical and literary Bath and the thrills of Thorpe Park. For those based in school, they have enjoyed getting active through sport, learning about the habitats of deciduous forests, batik making and brushing up on their first aid skills, to highlight just some of the wide range of activities on offer. A huge thanks to Mr Boutland-Smith for his incredible organisation of the week and to all staff who led or accompanied all the various trips and activities.

It is this time of year when we say some fond farewells to some members of our family. We wish Mr Dorney (Head of Science), Mrs Savory (Teacher of Spanish), Miss Eastman (Teacher of Science and Head of Year) and Mr Barford (Teacher of English) all the best in their new teaching jobs; Mrs Davies and Mr Stephens, two of our LSAs, leave us to train to become secondary school teachers and we are delighted that they have chosen this vocation; Mr Llewellyn leaves us after many years as an LSA and Exams Invigilator and Mr Harris, who started as an LSA before becoming Reset Room Supervisor, has relocated and secured a job closer to his new home. We thank them all for their care, commitment and support of our mission and ethos and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

Mr Parker has done an excellent job covering as Head of Music in the final two terms of this year, injecting passion and energy into music lessons and whole school events. We are delighted that Mrs Sterlini returns from maternity leave in September and resumes her Head of Music post but we are fortunate that Mr Parker has agreed to support with liturgical music and productions so he will still very much be part of our family, while continuing his work as peripatetic teacher. 

In September, we welcome Mr Herron as Director of Studies; he is also an experienced English teacher and will be joining the English department to teach the subject. We also welcome Mrs Arndell as our new Head of Science who comes from St Augustine's Catholic College, Trowbridge. We have recently recruited the following LSAs: Mrs Ford, Mrs Foulds, Mrs Speller (who is also an Exam Invigilator), Mrs Hargrave and Mrs Baxendale and welcome them all to our family. We also welcome our new receptionist starting in September, Mrs White.

Congratulations to Mrs Bryla who has been appointed into the role of Attendance Officer from September. The following staff will resume their substantive posts from September: Mr Hayward (Assistant Head Teaching and Learning who has been Acting Director of Studies); Mrs Hillier Brown (Head of Humanities who has been Acting Assistant Head Teaching and Learning); Miss Hollywood (Head of Year who was previously Associate Assistant Head Mental Health Lead although Miss Hollywood will remain DDSL and continue to support mental health across the school); Miss Thomas-Stone (Teacher of History who has also been working as Assistant Head of Year KS3).

We wish to thank them for their work this year in key areas of the school to ensure that all students can thrive academically, personally and spiritually.

I would also like to thank our small but incredibly dedicated PTFA for their support and fundraising this year. They provided all staff with a wonderful breakfast this morning to thank them for their endeavours, which was a welcome treat at the end of a busy year. They have raised funds through pre-loved uniform sales, raffles and supporting key events such as the annual school production. They are always looking for more volunteers to get involved in helping to improve the educational offer at St Gregory's so please consider if you can spare some time next academic year - see their Facebook page for more details.

Finally, I leave you with this prayer to remind us of the joys of summer:

Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer.
Thank You for the warmth of the sun
and the increased daylight.
Thank You for the beauty I see all around me
and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation.
Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family,
and for the more casual pace of the summer season.
 

Draw me closer to You this summer.
Teach me how I can pray
no matter where I am or what I am doing.
Warm my soul with the awareness of Your presence
and light my path with Your Word and Counsel.
As I enjoy Your creation, create in me
a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for You.

Amen.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher