This week in our school community: 24 October 2025

a wonderful amount of food was donated either in person or through online donations

 

Harvest Donations

Thank you all once again for your incredible generosity with our Harvest appeal for the Bath, Keynsham and Somer Valley Foodbanks.  A wonderful amount of food was donated either in person or through online donations which we bought food with. 

Culture & Diversity Week Celebrations

This week we celebrated another highly successful Culture & Diversity Week, bringing the whole school community together in a joyful exploration of global traditions led by our incredible 1719 society. The week kicked off concentrating on language and communication, with all tutor groups focusing on learning some new ways of greeting one another.  Tuesday was the day everyone always looks forward to as we held our international food festival which was a culinary treat for the senses.  Students, staff and parents brought in delicious dishes from around the world, offering sweet and savoury delights from different cultures, from Spanish Tapas, stuffed vine leaves, French bread products and cakes, so many sweet doughnuts, Welsh cakes, baked goods from everywhere from Lithuania to Hungary, as well as an introduction to the sensation that is Irn-Bru for many.  The food festival was the ultimate treat and gave everyone an opportunity to try something new. Not only did the food fair bring people together over sharing food and talking about it, but it also raised money for a charity of the student’s own choosing which they’ll decide in their feedback of the week.

We decided to award prizes for two winners, one from the main school and one from the sixth form, as well as a runner up.  The judges found it incredibly difficult and had to keep tasting more and more food to be sure! However, the winners were:

• Main school – We are seeking the chef who made the delicious Unniyappam from Kerala, India. 
• Sixth form – Andria and Clara M for their Massa Sovada.
• Runner up – Amariah with her spring rolls from the Philippines. 

Congratulations, you all win a gift voucher.

On Tuesday, we welcomed an aspiring future Olympian, James Hulme, from the university of Bath who competes in the modern Pentathlon.  James is currently rising through the ranks and placed 4th in the world at the recent World Championships.  He spoke to all of Year 8 about his experience of competing alongside people from across the globe and learning so much from healthy competition.  It was clear to all of us listening, that he has both learnt from the training practices and cultural differences that guide becoming a successful athlete, but also been moved by how much they teach one another about daily life.  He shared with us many stories and experiences of competing in other countries, highlighting the challenges and blessings of travelling abroad to compete.  He gained many fans with his honest and likeable persona, converting his audience to explore the modern pentathlon.  Thank you to James for visiting us and helping us see how to celebrate culture and diversity through another lens.

On Wednesday and Thursday we have enjoyed so much Karaoke at lunchtime in the main hall.  The support and backing of their peers has encouraged everyone from Year 7 to Year 13 to find a track from another language or culture and sing on stage in front of a packed out hall.  The 1719 Society leadership team of students led the event with enthusiasm and by example, ending lunchtime by guiding hundreds in a collective rendition of the Macarena.   Several groups of students have been involved in a dance workshop on Thursday by Kenzi Ireland called Afrobeats.  Full of energy and joy, students loved the experience and showed that they all have rhythm inside of themselves – sometimes it just needs a little encouragement and unlocking.     

Thursday was also the pinnacle of our week with  a vibrant cultural dress-up day, where both students and staff donned stunning traditional outfits representing a wide array of nations. The sight of colourful saris, kimonos, African prints, and many other beautiful garments, as well as some clever nods to family heritage, was appreciated by all and encouraged students to embrace and learn from each other.

Throughout the week, the 1719 Society have found ways to share learning opportunities in tutor time and assemblies, focusing on how important expression of culture, diversity and traditions is for a tolerant and respectful society.  St Gregory’s Culture & Diversity Week was a resounding success once again, thanks to the engagement and participation, respect for one another and some exceptional planning and drive from the student leaders in our sixth form.

Mr Robinson

Lay Chaplain