Year 7 Welcome Mass - 2025

On Tuesday, 23rd September, we were delighted to welcome our new Year 7 pupils and their families, our 175th intake, to celebrate the Year 7 Welcome Mass. This special event marks the official start of the pupils' journey at our school, fostering a strong sense of belonging, faith, and community.
The Welcome Mass is a significant occasion in our school calendar. It offers a vital opportunity for spiritual formation, as pupils participate in one of the central acts of our Catholic faith. Through prayer and reflection, they begin to understand and embrace the school’s core values of Welcome, Hard Work, and Service, helping to build confidence and a shared purpose as they start their secondary education.
We were honoured to have Fr James from our local parish, St Mary’s, preside over the Mass. Fr James' homily focusing on the importance of hope and trust in God, particularly fitting as we begin this academic year during the Year of Jubilee. He encouraged our new pupils to see themselves as Pilgrims of Hope, reigniting the flame of faith in their hearts and sharing that light with others. Echoing the school’s values, Fr James reminded pupils to always try their best, trust in God’s love and guidance, and embrace life with joy — telling them, “Don’t worry, be happy!”
Prior to the Mass, parents were invited to a presentation on the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Mrs Wheeler-Choudhary discussed the recent CATs assessments, while subject leaders from English, Mathematics, and RE gave insightful overviews of their courses and shared tips on how parents can support learning at home. Ms Anderson-Vilardell also introduced the exciting upcoming Year 7 residential trip to Marchants Hill, which promises to be a memorable experience for all involved.
We extend our sincere thanks to Fr James for celebrating the Mass with us, and to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a meaningful and successful occasion. It was a wonderful way to begin the new school year, united in faith and community.
Year 7 Welcome Mass 2025






