HFCS BULLETIN
Spring 1 | 2026 | 19th January 2026
This week’s Gospel, Matthew 22:15–21, reminds us of Jesus’ teaching to “give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” At its heart, this passage invites us to reflect on our responsibilities to others and to God, and to consider how we use our gifts, talents and opportunities to make a positive difference in the world around us. At Holy Family, this message is reflected in our ASPIRE values, particularly Service, Integrity and Participation. We are called not simply to think about what we can achieve for ourselves, but also how we can use what we have to support others and strengthen our community.
This week, we have seen wonderful examples of our students putting their faith into action, demonstrating leadership, generosity, creativity and a commitment to serving others.
Our Young Enterprise Club is back in business! Led by Josh, our Managing Director, who is continuing his second year with the group, the team has already made an impressive start. We are also delighted to welcome our new Year 9 leadership team, who we are confident will be fantastic additions and make a significant contribution to the group’s success. Their impact is already being felt across the school, as they have used their fundraising efforts to purchase brand-new footballs and basketballs for students to borrow and enjoy on the lower-site playground. This thoughtful initiative has been particularly appreciated by students who may not have their own equipment. It is a wonderful example of enterprise being used for the benefit of others and a genuine demonstration of faith in action.
Our Year 7 students also enjoyed a fantastic experience representing Holy Family at the borough cross-country event. It was great to see them embracing the challenge, participating enthusiastically and representing our school community with pride. Events such as these help our young people develop resilience, determination and a strong sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, creativity has been flourishing in our Year 11 Creative Media group. Students have been working hard to design their own original comic-book characters, developing the ideas and personalities that will bring their creations to life. We look forward to seeing the adventures and stories they produce as part of their assessment. Their work is a reminder of the imagination, ambition and talent that our students bring to their learning.
I would also like to congratulate Rusalina, who has become our Guardians of Learning Champion. By volunteering her time to mentor younger students, she is demonstrating the very best of our school values. Offering encouragement, sharing knowledge and helping others to succeed are powerful expressions of service. Rusalina’s commitment is a wonderful example of how even small acts of generosity can make a lasting difference to another person’s experience of school.
Finally, our Year 11 netball team had a very special opportunity to develop their skills during the Essex Schools County Rally, receiving expert coaching from former Olympic champion Linford Christie. The team benefited from a defensive masterclass, gaining valuable advice and insight from an athlete who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. Experiences such as these inspire our students to aim high, embrace feedback and recognise the importance of dedication and perseverance.
As we reflect on another busy and rewarding week, I am encouraged by the many ways our students continue to live out our values. Whether through fundraising, mentoring, sporting achievement or creative endeavour, they are learning that success is about more than individual accomplishment; it is also about the positive difference we make to the lives of others.
Thank you to our staff for the dedication and encouragement they provide each day, and to our families for their continued support. Together, we help our young people to grow in faith, develop their talents and become compassionate, responsible citizens who aspire not simply to have more, but to be more.
Mrs Laws
Headteacher
