<![CDATA[The Catholic School of St Gregory The Great Blog Feed - Our Weekly Updates Blog]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk%2Fblog%2F%3Fpid%3D199%26amp%3Bnid%3D3 Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:31:14 GMT Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:31:14 GMT <![CDATA[ 13th Nov 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=13 Preparations are well underway for Christmas, and we are enjoying hearing the children sing as they prepare for their Nativities and Carol Concerts. We know that our Nativities and KS2 Carols by Candlelight service will be wonderful again this year, and we are very excited to receive our school Christmas trees next week.

INSET Day Reminder
We have an INSET Day on Monday 16th November for staff training. School will be closed to pupils.

Parent Teacher Meetings
A huge thank you to all the parents who were able to attend. Our teachers enjoyed celebrating each child and working with you to encourage each child to be the best they can be. 

Attendance Matters
As the colder months approach, we'd like to remind families that regular attendance is important for children's learning and wellbeing. We understand that sniffles and mild colds are common in winter, and children are welcome to attend school with these symptoms. Unless your child is too unwell to leave home, has vomiting or diarrhoea, or has a fever, please send them to school as usual. Please ensure you arrive promptly between 8:40am and 8:50am. 

FOSG
Some exciting events are coming up this term. Please find the attached posters. We would be grateful for parent helpers. Please sign up on Edulink One.

Mission Christmas Present
It's that time again! We are launching our Mission Christmas Present campaign. Christmas is about family time and sharing what we have with others. Unfortunately, there are people within a short walk of our school who will be lonely and unlikely to receive gifts at Christmas unless we send them! Please visit the Catholic Life and Mission page on our website to read more about our Mission Christmas Present. Please can we have all shoebox gifts by Wednesday 9th December. Pop them under our Christmas tree in the main reception area (arriving very soon!).

Read More, Achieve More!
As you know, reading is of the utmost importance in our school and has the potential to make an incredible impact on the progress of each and every child.

Children who read more develop a better vocabulary, grasp new concepts more quickly, are able to focus for longer and achieve greater academic results. There are also studies showing that reading calms our minds, helps children to develop empathy and supports positive mental health. We have five school weeks until we break up for Christmas. This is the perfect time to choose a Christmas book and enjoy reading together as a family over the coming weeks.

Quote of the Week
"In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures." - Cynthia Rylant

Happy Friday,

Mrs Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:28:30 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=13 <![CDATA[ Fri 6th Nov 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=10 We hope you all had a lovely and restful half-term break. It has been wonderful seeing you all back in school this week, looking refreshed and ready for Term 2. This term is a very busy and exciting term with Parent Teacher Meetings, Nativity performances, Carols by Candlelight preparations and the run up to Christmas.

Music - KS2 were excited to welcome the incredible, virtuoso concert pianist, Clare Hammond to perform to them this week. She treated us to a varied programme of music including pieces by Florence Price, Stravinsky and Prokofiev. It was a truly inspiring performance which will hopefully encourage our pianists to keep practising at home!

Attendance - Every day in school really does matter. Regular attendance helps children to build friendships, develop positive relationships, feel part of our school community and, most importantly, make progress in their learning. Even missing a few days can mean missing important teaching, experiences and opportunities. We want every child to have the very best chance to belong, achieve and thrive at St Greg’s. We will be working with families to improve attendance where it falls below the expected standard.

Remembrance - In readiness for our Whole School Remembrance Service on Wed 11th November, we would love to give each child a poppy. If you are able, can we please ask for a small donation towards our Poppy Appeal (50p). You can pay for this on ParentPay. If you would prefer that we did not give your child a poppy for any reason, please let the School Office know by Tuesday 10th Nov by emailing: parent@st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk .

Uniform - We’ve noticed that some children have been wearing items that aren’t part of the PE school uniform. Please ensure your child comes to school in the correct uniform on their allocated PE day. Please Note: We do understand there has been a delay in the PE tops arriving so please continue to wear a white/house coloured polo top until your new PE top arrives.
PE Uniform - NAVY blue zipped hoodie top, NAVY blue Jogger, shorts or girls skort, grey, navy or white socks, PLAIN BLACK trainers.

Easy Fundraising - A quick introduction of www.easyfundraising.co.uk - an online platform that allows to give donations to FOSG at no extra cost to you when you shop online. Registration is very easy:
Via browser or app — create a free account, search for and select Friends of St. Gregory's FOSG, Cheltenham as your cause, follow the link to your retailer and start shopping. 8000+ participating retailers including supermarkets, high street brands and many more.  One caveat: the shopping basket needs to be completely empty before any saved items will not be indexed for donation.
Your contribution into St Greg’s pot is highly valued! Thank you.

Upcoming events:
December

  • Y1 Nativity 8th Dec @ 2pm - 3pm - BOOK ON EDULINKONE
  • Y2 Nativity 9th Dec @ 2pm - 3pm - BOOK ON EDULINKONE
  • EYFS Nativity 15th Dec @ 2pm - 3pm - BOOK ON EDULINKONE
  • KS2 Carols by Candlelight 15th Dec - Time TBC - All of KS2 MUST attend
  • FOSG Hot Choc around Camp fire 16th Dec @ 3.30pm-4.30pm - BOOK ON PARENTPAY
  • Whole school Mass - End of Term Blessing of Chaplaincy team Led by Y5 18th Dec @ 9.30am-10.30am - PARENTS WELCOME

January

  • Whole school Mass - Epiphany and Start of Term Led by Y5N - PARENTS WELCOME
  • FOSG Pyjama day - 15th Jan 2027 - BOOK ON PARENTPAY
  • KS1 Liturgy Led by Y2 - 21st January @ 2:30pm BOOK ON EDULINKONE - Y2 PARENTS ONLY
  • Y1 Phonics Workshop Tues 26th Jan @ 9am 2027 - BOOK ON EDULINKONE
  • Y2 Phonics & Spelling Workshop Wed 27th Jan @ 9am 2027 - BOOK ON EDULINKONE
  • February
  • Grandparents Afternoon: Coffee, Chat & Stories - 11th Feb @ 2pm 2027 - BOOK ON EDULINKONE

Quote of the week: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

Happy Friday 🙏
Mr Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:31:14 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=10 <![CDATA[ Fri 23rd Oct 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=9 Happy Friday 23rd October

It has been another positive week at school, with a great deal taking place both in and beyond the classroom. Across the school, pupils have continued to engage well in their learning. We have had lots of sporting events in the last few weeks and the children have represented the school with maturity and pride. As I walk around the building each day, I am consistently impressed by the respectful way in which pupils interact with one another and with staff. It truly is a joy to see.

Also this week, we have some very happy children testing out our new reading vending machine!

Some Useful Information

  • Website Calendar - Our website Calander is back. You can view this under the "Parents/Carers" tab or on the home age see our "Upcoming Events section".
  • Weekly Updates - We are also posing our weekly updates on to the website, these posts can be viewed under the "Parents/Carers" tab called "Weekly Updates".
  • Half-Term & Term 2 - Back to school on Monday 2nd Nov in Winter uniform- Gates open at 8.30am and ALL children to be in school by 8.50am.
  • Parent Teacher Reviews - Thank you to all of those who have booked a Parent Teacher meeting. If you have not yet done so please book on EdulinkOne under "PTR& MEETINGS". Tues 10th Nov 15.30-18.30pm and Wed 11th Nov 13.30-16.30pm.
  • INSET DAY - Reminder Mon 16th Nov is a School Inset day - No school for children.
  • Nativity - Booking open on Mon 2nd Nov - Y1 Nativity 8th Dec@ 2pm, Y2 Nativity 9th Dec@ 2pm & EYFS Nativity 15th Dec@ 2pm
  • Christmas Dinner - This year’s Christmas Dinner is Wed 9th Dec. To ensure there is enough food ordered for Christmas dinner we need to know how many children would like a, Turkey dinner, Vegetarian dinner or Bring your own packed lunch. Even if you receive your meals FREE you MUST choose an option. Go to EdulinkOne under "FORMS". For anyone from Y3-Y6 who would like a Christmas Dinner and are not in receipt of Free School Meals, please choose your option and Pay via ParentPay. Children will order there dinner as normal on the day. This form is for the school kitchen to ensure enough food ordered.


Quote of the week: “Breathe in the tranquility, exhale the strife. A relaxing half-term is a melody of life.”

Happy Friday 🙏
Mr Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:07:06 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=9 <![CDATA[ Fri 16th Oct 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=6 Happy Friday 16th Oct

What a wonderful week we’ve had! The children have shown great enthusiasm for their learning, worked brilliantly together, and celebrated one another’s achievements.  This week the children loved visiting the Cheltenham Literature festival, each year group got to experience an Opera show,  some children visited a local care home, our EYFS had the best time exploring "Little City" and we ended the week with a beautiful Y5B Mass.   We’ve enjoyed seeing the children's confidence grow and their kindness shine throughout the week. Thank you for your continued support—we hope you have a lovely weekend!

Some Useful Information

  • Half Term & Term 2 - We will finish at normal time on Fri 23rd Oct.  Back to school on Monday 2nd Nov in Winter uniform-  Gates open at 8.30am and ALL children to be in school by 8.50am.

  • INSET DAY - Reminder  Mon 16th Nov is a School Inset day - No school for children.

  • Guitar Lessons (Y3-Y6) - Mr Harper will be offering a free trial sessions on Wednesday 20th of October for children. Please contact Mr Harper by email peterharper33@gmail.com  with your child's name and class. Guitars will be provided for taster sessions.

  • Parent Teacher Reviews - Thank you to all of those who have booked a Parent Teacher meeting.  If you have not yet done so please book on EdulinkOne under "PTR& MEETINGS".  Tues 10th Nov 15.30-18.30pm and Wed 11th Nov 13.30-16.30pm.

  • Non-school uniform day - Fri 23rs Oct - £1.50 on ParentPay

  • Clubs - Dont' forget to book your child onto one of our clubs, check ParentPay and EdulinkOne

  • SEND - Please visit https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/newsletters to read the SEND Families in Partnership October newsletter

  • St Gregory's Parish Newsletter - Please visit https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/newsletters 

  • Nativity - SAVE THE DATE -  Y1 Nativity 8th Dec@ 2pm, Y2 Nativity 9th Dec@ 2pm & EYFS Nativity 15th Dec@ 2pm

Uniform - Please can we remind parents that children must be in beautiful winter uniform after half-term.  A reminder of the uniform: 

  • Navy V neck jumper / cardigan     
  • Grey trousers/skirt/pinafore
  • School tie 
  • White shirt (long or short sleeved)
  • Socks – black, grey, navy or white
  • Tights – black, grey or navy

  • Footwear –PLAIN BLACK sturdy school shoes or ankle boots 

PE Uniform - Please Note - There has been a significant delay on PE T-Shirts being delivered.  Children are to continue using their old House Polo Shirt or a White Polo.  If you have not yet done so please order your child's PE shirt HERE: https://www.totalclothing.co.uk/collections/the-catholic-school-of-saint-gregory-the-great

  • PE shirt 

  • Navy blue zipped hoodie

  • Navy blue joggers,  shorts (respectable length) or girls Skort

  • Grey/navy/white socks
  • PLAIN BLACK trainers
  • NO DESIGNER LABEL
  • NO BRANDED ITEMS

Quote of the week: “Every small step you take helps you grow—keep trying, keep learning, and keep being kind!”

Happy Friday

Mr Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:07:25 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=6 <![CDATA[ Fri 9th Oct 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=7 Firstly I wanted to say a huge welcome to our new families who have joined us in recent weeks.

This week we were delighted to start our School tours for our new intake for Sept 2027. As I walked around the school during the school tour, I found myself reflecting on how much there is to be proud of at St Gregory's. These tours are a wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective families into our school and to showcase the very best of our community. As I brought parents around, we saw pupils; behaving beautifully, fully integrating in their lessons, polite, smiling, demonstrating their talents and showing visitors what it means to be part of St Gregory's. Your children are exceptional ambassadors for our school, and I could not have been prouder of them.

One of my favourite parts of the week was visiting the different lessons across the school, its is a joy to spend time with pupils and talk to staff. Read below for this week’s updates.

Ofsted: I just wanted to say a huge thank you to every single one of the incredible staff at St Gregory's. We have finally received the completed and final Ofsted report. There is so much in the report that makes me incredibly proud — particularly what inspectors saw in our children and our Strong judgement for Personal Development and Wellbeing. I also want to acknowledge the word ‘Expected’. Under the new framework, this means we are meeting the full standard expected by Ofsted. It is not a judgement of ‘average’ or ‘just good enough’. It is a rigorous standard, and we should feel proud that we have met it across five areas. I know how much hard work, care and commitment goes into making St Gregory’s the school it is. This report belongs to all of us. I am incredibly proud to be part of this team.

Clubs: Spanish Craft Club is now available to book for Jan 2027. Due to popular demand, Spanish Craft Club will run in Terms 3 and 4, starting in January 2027. Sessions will be available on both Mondays and Tuesdays for children in EYFS to Year 2. Book on ParentPay

FOSG EVENT 1: Bingo, Fun & Games Thurs 15th Oct 3.15-4.30pm £3.50 per child on ParentPay.
FOSG EVENT 2: Non Uniform Day on Fri 23rd Oct, please donate £1.50 per child on ParentPay.
FOSG EVENT 3: Tuck Shop on Fri 23rd Oct, after school on the playground.
FOSG EVENT 4: Crazy Hair Day Fri27th Nov, please donate £1.50 per child on ParentPay.
FOSG EVENT 5: Hot Choc & Campfire Wed 16th Dec - 15.30-16.30pm £TBC

Music: Amelia from Y6 graphics score was performed by the London Sinfonietta. The whole concert is around 20 mins and Amelia appears at around 13:06 minutes. https://youtu.be/bCSb0BnGKkA?si=L7_wmFz0VJ4y--cj.

Quote of the week: "Those who rise with patience, build strength that lasts"

Happy Friday
Mr Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:07:41 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=7 <![CDATA[ Fri 2nd Oct 2026 ]]> https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=8 Happy Friday!

Welcome to this week’s school Update! It’s been a busy and cheerful week, full of learning, creativity, and teamwork. Thank you to our pupils, staff, and families for making our school community such a wonderful place to grow. We hope you enjoy catching up on all the highlights and upcoming events.

Hello Yellow! Friday 9th Oct 2026 - Wear something yellow, with your uniform and say hello to celebrate standing out and starting conversations – so no young person feels alone with their mental health. There are days when all of us struggle with how we are feeling. Things can get tough, and it can be difficult knowing how to cope. So St Gregs's will stand out, wear yellow (with your uniform) on 9 October for a £1 donation and together we can support young people’s mental health, when they need it – no matter what. Please donate on ParentPay

Sport - We’ve enjoyed lots of sporting events over the past few weeks. The children have been superb, demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship and determination. We are so proud.

Business Owners - We’d love you to take part in an exciting business opportunity by sponsoring our staff PE kit. In return for your support, your business logo will be featured on the sportswear, giving it visibility within our school community. Your sponsorship would help provide staff with suitable PE kit while promoting your business (a business you work for) in a positive and meaningful way. We’d be delighted to discuss the opportunity and sponsorship options with you. Please speak to Mr Banwell or email parent@st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk

Parent Reviews (PTRs~) If you have not yet booked your PTR please do so by visiting EdulinkOne under "PTRS & MEETINGS"

School Dinners - Apply HERE https://emsonline.gloucestershire.gov.uk/CitizenPortal/en

EYFS Phonics Workshop - A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our EYFS Phonics Workshop. It was wonderful to see so many of you there!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget .... "Make your weekend shine with smiles and happiness!"

We can't wait to see you on Monday!
Mrs Penney

]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:07:58 GMT https://www.st-gregorygreat.gloucs.sch.uk/blog/?pid=199&nid=3&storyid=8