This week in our school community: 12 December 2025

What a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious week it's been!

 

The highlight has to be our rip-roaring production of 'Mary Poppins Jr' which saw a cast of 150 students come together for three extraordinary nights of music, singing, acting and magic and a matinee performance for Year 7 and our friends at Three Ways school. I wish to thank Mrs Richards and the whole Performing Arts department for putting on such an incredible show in the lead up to Christmas, and all our talented students - both on stage and back stage - for sharing their gifts with us.

Last week we welcomed six students from Beppu in Japan. Our International Ambassadors and Prefects helped settle them into our family and the highlight of the week for me was accompanying the group to The Guildhall to have tea with Mr Mayor - such an honour. A special thanks to Cara K in Year 11 who has self-taught herself Japanese, took her Japanese GCSE last summer, securing a remarkable grade, and gave her time generously to be an integral part of the Beppu students' week with us. Thank you also to Callum J, Jude H and Cody A in Year 11 for representing the rugby tour group to Beppu last February at The Guildhall last week. All St Gregory's students demonstrated what it means to be a glowing saint in action.

We also have to say goodbye to our incredible Sulis Manor students who return to Spain this week after spending nearly three months immersing themselves in our school and culture. They have been a brilliant addition to our family and I hope to see many of them again in the near future - these connections help to build bridges and forge lasting global friendships.

This is the time of year when I know many of our families and students wish to show appreciation for staff at school and we thank you for your generosity. In turn, I wish to thank all parents and carers for your support and partnership this year. Our vibrant, respectful and ambitious student body is guided by you as the first educators of your children and we know that strong home-school relationships help our young people thrive. I look forward to seeing you from 5.30pm for our free mulled wine and mince pie reception with music before our Carol Service at the Church of Our Lady and St Alphege on Tuesday 16 December.

As the second week of Advent draws to a close let us reflect on Mary and Joseph who said yes to God and showed immense faith over 2000 years ago when they turned away from their fear and isolation and instead turned towards light and salvation in a most Holy partnership.

Lord, in this season of waiting, strengthen my faith to trust in Your promises.

When the world feels uncertain, anchor my heart in the hope of Christ’s coming.

Help me to walk each day with confidence in Your love,

and to share that faith through kindness, patience, and compassion.

May my life reflect the light of Your truth,

so others may see and believe in the joy You bring.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Amen

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher