School That Matters: Education Sunday
We find ourselves at the end of the third week of the school term and it is tempting to define these weeks by what is new, what is different. If doing so, top of the list might well be the introduction of phone pouches. Our pupils have been very responsive, mature and accepting of this new normal and we are very grateful to parents, carers and families for their support. Alternatively, it might be that we notice our children have grown-up, are buying into school in a different way. As pupils we might also have spotted that a new year is chance to adopt a new perspective on learning and the experiences that school offers. However, for me, as headteacher, what is striking about a new school year is not what is different, but what remains the same.
Our mission hasn’t changed. The sense of purpose we have has not been dimmed by six weeks of sunny entertainment. Returning to school brings us back to things that are familiar, perhaps even reassuring. In the second full week of the term we marked the transition to our school of 222 Year 7s with a welcome Mass said by Father Chris, who is himself celebrating 25 years as a priest.
Our Year 7s have made an excellent start and are supervised each lunch time by a team of Year 11 pupil leaders, bringing together pupils in collaboration and support. In assembly we have explored our mission statement and specifically the theme of this term, the All Saints Term, to ‘Love’.
We define this as everyone being celebrated, safe, healthy, included and deserving of dignity. It is the absolute foundation of our school – without this learning and achievement cannot happen successfully. Part of our message to pupils is that each one of them, along with the adults in the building, is equally responsible for ensuring that everyone is welcome, everybody matters and that differences are embraced, not merely tolerated.
Last week also saw the Feast of our Patron Saint, Ambrose Barlow. We honoured his memory and sacrifice with the Mass of Welcome for Year 7. Later in the term, just before the holiday, we will celebrate our Year 11 leavers at Presentation Evening. Their achievements this year are considerable and set a standard for others to follow.
The journey of the school year is well underway for all year groups with the weeks ahead presenting opportunities for learning, growth, connection and fulfilment. We believe that Christ is at the centre of our school, meaning that each of us should follow the example of His love and compassion and that we should try to see Him in one another. Stay with us Lord, on our Journey.
Ben Davis,
Headteacher
