Headteacher's Letters

Dear Parents & Carers

We are now just a few days away from the end of a long but very successful term, and it has been wonderful to see so much going on across the school. Years 7, 8 and 11 have now completed their examinations, and many students have enthusiastically taken part in a wide range of activities, including the Community Carol Service, the Winter Wonderland Dance Shows, the school drama production and the Pensioners’ Party. The whole-school Advent Mass and the delivery of care packages to local care homes will round off a very busy and joyful Advent season in the final two days of term. Friday is our final day of the term; students will be allowed to wear Christmas jumpers/own clothes with voluntary donations to Mary’s Meals. A huge thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support and encouragement throughout the term. It is very much appreciated.

Catholic Life and Mission

Season of Advent

As we enter the third week of Advent, we light the pink candle, which represents the joy of the shepherds as they received the good news of Jesus’ birth. This joy is not merely a momentary happiness, but a deep and lasting joy rooted in faith, trust and confidence in God’s promises. The pink candle calls us to action, reminding us to share this good news and to bring Christ’s light and joy into a world in need, just as John the Baptist and the shepherds did

Community Carol Service

On Tuesday 9^th December 2025, St Mary’s Church opened its doors to families, parishioners and pupils for a truly joyful service of carols and lessons. The event brought together our Catholic community to celebrate the impending birth of Jesus in a spirit of faith, music and togetherness. This special occasion was a collaborative effort between Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School and our partner primary schools—St John’s, St James’ and St Edmund’s Catholic Primary Schools. Pupils from each school played an important role in the service, reading lessons, singing carols and joining their voices in worship. Their enthusiasm and reverence created a warm and festive atmosphere that reflected the true meaning of Christmas.

The service was thoughtfully organised by a dedicated team from Our Lady Queen of Peace, including Mr Baron (Chaplain), Mr Peckham (Head of Music), and Miss Fox (Head of Primary Transition). Staff from all schools worked together to ensure everyone had the opportunity to contribute, making this a celebration of unity and shared faith. Representatives from the parish attended and Fr Kenny led us in prayer, reminding us of the strong links between our schools and the wider Catholic community. The combination of scripture, music and prayer provided a moment of reflection and joy as we prepare for the festive season. This faith-filled gathering was a powerful expression of community spirit, hope and the message of Christ’s birth. As we step into Christmas, we give thanks for the gift of our schools, our parish, and the shared mission that brings us together.

Winter Wonderland Dance Shows

Our recent Winter Dance Shows were a great success. Students from Our Lady Queen of Peace and our partner primary schools demonstrated creativity, dedication and commitment to putting on a great performance evident in each of the dance groups that went on stage. From choreography and rehearsals to costumes, staging and technical support, the effort and teamwork behind the scenes ensured that all students had the opportunity to shine and showcase their talents. The show was not only a celebration of dance but also a testament to the passion and professionalism of staff and students.

An Immersive Christmas Carol Experience

The hard work and creativity of our performing arts students were on full display in their immersive and imaginative production of A Christmas Carol. The audience was invited to become a silent companion to Scrooge as he confronted his life choices, travelling through the nostalgic warmth of the Past, the vibrant joy of the Present, and the chilling shadows of the Future. The performers skilfully commanded the interaction and engagement of the audience in a variety of creative ways, while the sound, staging and lighting combined to create a truly atmospheric and memorable experience. This outstanding production showcased not only the students’ talent, but also their confidence, creativity and commitment.

Celebration Assemblies

Huge congratulations to all the students who received certificates in last week’s Celebration Assemblies!  Awards were presented to recognise excellent attendance, outstanding attainment and consistent effort across all subjects. We were especially proud of the students who achieved the prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for frequent nominations as Student of the Lesson. A fantastic achievement—well done to everyone who was recognised!

Attendance

It was fantastic to see a number of students recognised in the Celebration Assemblies with certificates for 100% attendance throughout the Autumn term. Unfortunately, there are still some students who do not attend school every day and are therefore missing out on important learning, as well as a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Regular absence can also make it harder for students to build strong friendships, as they miss valuable social time in school. Frequent time away during term can increase anxiety and leave students feeling overwhelmed as they try to catch up on missed work. Attending school every day is a crucial foundation for success, particularly as students work towards their future GCSEs. Please contact school if you need support with your child attending school.

Uniform

Thank you to the vast majority of students who attend school each day dressed to a high standard and take pride in wearing their uniform correctly. Unfortunately, a small number of students are wearing skirts that are too short or are rolling them up to an inappropriate length. We kindly ask parents and carers to check skirt lengths and ensure they are of a decent length, no more than one inch above the knee. I would also like to remind families that coloured hair, false eyelashes, piercings and make-up are not permitted under the school uniform policy. Please ensure that these are removed before your child returns to school. In January, on return to school, students who do not comply with the uniform expectations will be given sanctions. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards.

Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Parents and carers of students in Year 7 are warmly invited to attend the Year 7 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 22nd January 2026, from 4.00–6.30pm. No appointments are necessary. This is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, discuss how they have settled into secondary school, and receive an update on their progress and next steps. Your involvement is vital in supporting your child’s learning, and we strongly encourage all families to attend.

Sports Update

Thank you to Mr Evans for his most recent updates and to all our students who have represented school in a range of sports competitions.

Dates for your diary

Holiday Dates

Thank you for your ongoing support at this term.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M. Henshaw

Headteacher