This week in our school community: 16 October 2026
What makes something or someone great?
What makes something or someone great? That is one of the questions posed by Mr Robinson in collective worship assemblies this week. Students explored the impact that our patron saint, St Gregory the Great, made in his lifetime and were left with a clear mission to go forward and be great in everything they do. Striving for greatness links with our whole school theme - flourishing together. When we aim to be the best version of ourselves, we will have a positive impact on those around us and will be an integral part of a flourishing faith community.
Our U16 boys' rugby team displayed their greatness this week by beating KES 61-28 in a spectacular effort of team commitment and talent. Congratulations to all who played! Our students also displayed their greatness this week on various trips: Year 7 at Chepstow Castle, Year 12 at Ashton Gate Apprenticeship Fair, sixth formers at Shepton Mallet Prison and at a performance of Cabaret in the West End. Thank you to all trip leaders and staff who accompanied for providing such enriching experiences.
It was wonderful to see so many families and students at our KS3 Tutor Evening this week; tutors gave families a snapshot of how well students have settled this term and targets to work on so they continue to flourish and make progress this academic year.
We welcomed Joseph Gilson and Chelsea Catli from our Lasallian district into school this week. Mr Robinson, Mrs Cottis and I enjoyed showing them around our vibrant school and they also had the chance to meet some of our student Chaplaincy Team, which they really enjoyed. Chelsea is the newly appointed Volunteers and Youth Ministry Coordinator for our district Appointment of Chelsea Catli as Volunteers and Youth Ministry Coordinator — La Salle It was fantastic to hear from Joseph and Chelsea that one of our alumni, Pardheev, has settled in extremely well at St Casssian's Centre, Kintbury. Pardheev achieved very good A level results this summer and has joined the Kintbury team as a Lasallian youth volunteer for a year before heading to university in 2027. We are so proud of Pardheev and his servant leadership, another way our student body display their greatness.
I had the pleasure of attending some of the Camino Chaplaincy training day at Downside school this week. Students from our Catholic partner primary schools joined St Greg's and Downside students for a special Mass and a series of workshops to help them develop a greater understanding of the role of Student Chaplain. Erin C, our Lasallian Scholar, Isa CL and Veritas O in Year 12 were exemplary role models and were joined by a group of brilliant Year 9 students who led workshops for our primary partner schools.
Next week is a highlight of our school calendar: Culture and Diversity Week. Get baking and cooking this weekend to donate heritage food items to our Cultural Food Market next Monday; enjoy a range of activities and international food to celebrate our wonderful world and get creative dressing up in cultural dress or colours of your flag on Thursday. A huge thanks to Mr Robinson, our 1719 Society and Senate for planning such a spectacular celebration and learning opportunity for our whole community. A reminder that next Friday 23 October, is a staff INSET training day.
Finally, we pray for Pope Leo as he recovers from his operation this week.
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life. Amen.
