This week in our school community: 5 December 2025

The lights are twinkling, the Christmas trees are sparkling...

 

...and we have a dedicated production line of students working with Mr Robinson to create beautiful decorations to festoon our hall and get us in the Christmas spirit. In the first week of Advent, we focus on hope - hope for the coming Messiah as pronounced in the Old Testament. Our Advent Reconciliation services have provided our community with the opportunity for stillness, reflection and confession. Thank you to Mr Robinson, Fr Martin and Fr Tibor for these beautiful services.

We have heard from Pope Leo, who has written a new document called 'Drawing New Maps of Hope' where he encourages us to do three important things and I think his message is an excellent way to prepare ourselves in Advent:

1. Focus on our interior life. In the run-up to Christmas we can be so busy so let's remember to take time to be still, pray and meditate on the joys and gifts we have. 
2. Focus on discernment in using technology. Pope Leo invites us to put people before algorithms and January is the perfect time to have a social media, gaming and tech detox. How can you switch off, reduce your use and reconnect with people and nature to find a better sense of wellbeing?
3. Develop a disarming way of talking to build bridges, not wars. Pope Leo reminds us that we should avoid conflict and arguments and find ways to connect and unite with our family, community and wider networks. At stressful times this Christmas, can you pause and avoid saying what you were going to say? Can you try to remain a glowing saint in your actions and your words?

Pope Leo's message in 'Drawing New Maps of Hope' fits well with our whole school theme - dare to be glowing saints. This Advent I invite you to find time to nourish your spirituality; spend less time scrolling on phones and more time talking to loved ones; remember that relationships built on peace, respect and tolerance are more life-giving than ones built on conflict and hatred. St John Baptiste de Lasalle reminds us: "show great love for Jesus by being eager to talk with Him in prayer." So let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

as we begin the first week of Advent,

fill my heart with hope.

Help me trust that Your promises are true,

that Your love is constant,

and that the light of Christ is already rising in my life.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Amen

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher