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September marks a new beginning at St James’, as we welcome our school community back for another year of learning and strengthing faith. As we journey through the Catholic liturgical calendar, we look forward to celebrating the seasons of our faith and putting Christ’s teachings into action. We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter, celebrating life at St James’ and the achievements of our wider school family.

September has (again) passed in the blink of an eye, concluding with what is always the wonderful celebration of our school that is Open Evening.

We always want to show our school in the very best light, as the reality is Year 6 applications is a competitive process. What makes this such an easy task are the wonderful staff and pupils who make showcasing our school so easy and such an attractive option for prospective parents.

Thank you to everyone involved in this event.

Please do enjoy our first publication of the new school year.

Anthony Ellul - Headteacher

It has been a busy and exciting month at St James’. Over the past few weeks, we have successfully recruited members for the House Council, giving students from across the school the opportunity to have their voices heard and play a greater role in shaping school life. I’m really looking forward to seeing the ideas and enthusiasm they bring to their Houses.

I’m also pleased to see the Debate Club finally come to fruition. What started as an idea has now become an opportunity for students to discuss important issues, challenge different perspectives and develop their confidence in presenting an argument.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see these ideas become reality, and I’m excited to continue building on this progress throughout the year.

Souleymane Sylla - Head Pupil

Medjugorje is a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina which has become a significant place of pilgrimage for Catholics from across the world. Since 1981, six young people from the area have testified to experiencing apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoured in Medjugorje as **Our Lady, Queen of Peace**. Today, pilgrims travel there in their thousands to celebrate Mass, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spend time in Adoration and seek a deeper relationship with Christ, with a particular emphasis on peace and conversion.

It was to this extraordinary place that a group of students and staff from St James’ travelled on pilgrimage. What followed was a remarkable week of **faith, friendship, challenge, laughter and encounter** and, for many of our students, an experience they will carry with them for a very long time.

From the beginning, we were wonderfully supported by **Fr Aidan**, a Passionist priest who has spent a great deal of time in Medjugorje and whose knowledge and guidance helped us to enter more deeply into the experience. Halfway through our pilgrimage we were joined by our own **Fr John**, whose arrival brought enormous joy to the group and made the second part of our journey particularly special.

Each day began together with morning prayer before breakfast, setting the tone for days that were full, very full, of talks, testimonies, visits, worship and new experiences.

Climbing Together

One of the great challenges of our pilgrimage was Cross Mountain. We woke early and set out together, praying the Stations of the Cross as we climbed. It was tough going at times, but every member of our group persevered and made it to the top. Reaching the cross together after the physical challenge of the climb and the reflection of the Stations was a profound moment for us all.

We also climbed Apparition Hill, this time praying the Rosary together as we made our way upwards.

At the top, we spent some precious time in quiet reflection near the statue of Our Lady. Amidst such a busy week, these moments of stillness were particularly powerful.

Prayer with the Universal Church.

Some of our most moving experiences came in the evenings, when we joined thousands of pilgrims from across the world for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This was time simply to be with Jesus, to bring Him our lives, our struggles and our joys, to speak to Him personally and, sometimes, simply to be still and adore the One who knows and loves us most profoundly.

Some students wondered beforehand how they would manage an hour of silence. In fact, for many it became one of their favourite parts of the pilgrimage. In lives so often filled with noise, activity and distraction, we discovered what a rare and precious gift silence can be.

There was also a powerful invitation to Reconciliation. With priests from across the world available to hear Confessions in many different languages, students who wished to receive the Sacrament could do so in the language in which they felt most comfortable.

Our students didn't simply attend the liturgies, they contributed to them. At the English-language Mass, they were invited to read and sing, and rose to the occasion admirably. In fact, singing became something of a feature of our pilgrimage; there was a *lot* of it!

We heard fascinating talks and personal testimonies throughout the week and were also privileged to meet Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the parish of Medjugorje. Our students had the opportunity to listen to him and ask their own questions, a memorable and thought-provoking encounter.

Throughout all of this, something became increasingly clear to us. The devotion to Our Lady that is so much a part of Medjugorje continually points beyond Mary to her Son. Whether through the Rosary, the Eucharist, Reconciliation or Adoration, at the heart of our pilgrimage was an invitation to encounter Jesus more deeply.

Pilgrimage, Friendship and Joy

Of course, pilgrimage is also about the people with whom we make the journey.

We were looked after with extraordinary warmth in a family-run guesthouse, where wonderful hospitality and generous meals made us feel completely at home. Our guide carefully coordinated a very packed programme and ensured that we experienced so much of what Medjugorje had to offer.

Alongside the reflection and worship, there was plenty of time for friendship and fun. We shared a picnic by the river, paddled in the water, laughed enormously and consumed an impressive number of ice creams! These moments mattered too. Travelling, eating, singing, struggling up mountains, laughing and simply spending time together created a very special community among our pilgrims.

We visited churches and other significant sites, including places associated with devotion to Our Lady, and listened to the stories and testimonies of people whose lives and faith had been deeply shaped by Medjugorje.

A Gift of Pilgrimage

Our pilgrimage was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of an anonymous benefactor, who funded the experience for our young people.

We are profoundly grateful for this gift. Pilgrimage offers young people something that is difficult to recreate anywhere else: the opportunity to step beyond the familiar, encounter new places and people, deepen friendships, ask important questions and make space for God.

Our benefactor asked for neither recognition nor thanks, but their generosity became part of the pilgrimage itself, a powerful example to our students of what it means to use what we have been given to create opportunities and joy for others.

We may not be able to name the person whose generosity made our journey possible, but they were very much a part of it. Every prayer, every song, every climb, every friendship strengthened, and every ice cream eaten, began with somebody choosing to give. For that, we will always be grateful.

Coming Home Changed

It is difficult to capture everything that happened during that week because some of the most important moments were deeply personal. Students were given time and space to question, listen, reflect, encounter their faith in new ways and simply to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

For many, it was a genuinely profound experience. It strengthened friendships, deepened faith and inspired new habits that have continued since our return, including among students who came home with a new love for praying the Rosary.

All in all, each of us returned from Medjugorje a little different. For some, the impact was immediate; for others, perhaps it will reveal itself more gradually. Pilgrimage does not always give us neat answers, and we cannot always know in the moment what will stay with us, but seeds were planted during that extraordinary week and we trust that what began in Medjugorje will continue to grow, quietly and in ways we may not yet see, as the Lord brings those seeds to fruition in His time.

Holly Graham - School Chaplain

We welcomed our new Year 7 pupils to St James’ with a special Welcome Mass, celebrating their first Year Group Mass together.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr Richard and marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our Year 7 pupils. It was a wonderful opportunity for the year group to come together in prayer and celebrate the start of their journey at St James’.

It was a joy to welcome Fr Stephen to St James’ to celebrate Mass with Years 8, 9, 10 and 11, marking the start of a new school year and bringing our hopes for the year ahead before the Lord.

Fr Stephen encouraged us to listen for the voice of Jesus leading us, just as a shepherd leads his sheep. He left us with an important question: Where might we hear that voice this year?

A huge thank you to all the pupils who helped to set up, managed the tech, read, played, sang and served.

We were delighted recently to host the Barnet Deanery Mass for the beginning of the new school year, in collaboration with our neighbours at Blessed Dominic Primary School. Teachers and staff from Catholic primary and secondary schools across the Barnet Deanery came together at St James’ to pray for God’s blessing on the year ahead and on all those who serve in our schools.

The Mass was celebrated by Canon Shaun Lennard, who offered a Votive Mass of St James. Drawing on the readings, and recalling his own experiences both as a student and as a teacher, Canon Shaun reminded us that everyone who works in a school, whatever their role or job title, has the potential to be a powerful influence for good in the lives of the young people entrusted to our care.

Reflecting on the Gospel, in which James and John learn that greatness is found not in status but in service, he reminded us that this is ultimately what our schools are here to do: to serve. We serve our pupils, their families and one another, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

The celebration was wonderfully supported by our excellent altar servers and by the combined efforts of the Blessed Dominic choir and the student musicians and singers of St James’, who helped make the Mass a joyful and prayerful beginning to the school year.

After Mass, everyone was invited to stay for refreshments and the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends from across the Deanery before the serious work of the school year got fully underway!

It was a wonderful reminder that, while we may work in different schools and fulfil many different roles, we are united in a shared mission of faith, education and service to the young people in our care.

Holly Graham - School Chaplain

Since our recent 90th Anniversary celebrations, Kevin McSharry, Headteacher Emeritus of St James’, has been taking us on a journey through our school’s history, sharing stories and memories from years gone by.

Kevin continues this series by sharing a wartime memoir written by Thomas Robinson, a former pupil of St James’. His memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into his experiences during the war and provides another treasured piece of our school’s history.

Click the link below to read Part 1 of the memoir. A huge thank you to Kevin for continuing this wonderful series and once again bringing our school’s history to life.

We are delighted to share the inspiring story of one of our St James alumni, Anthony Joy, whose journey since leaving St James’ has been shaped by the values, friendships and experiences he gained during his time at the school.

In his article, A Journey Shaped by St James’, Anthony reflects on his school days, his career in law enforcement and the lasting impact St James’ has had on his life.

Read Anthony’s full story by clicking the link below.

A huge congratulations to Louis Xun, who was awarded Athlete of the Month in recognition of his outstanding achievements at Sports Day at the end of the last academic year.

Louis was recognised for his exceptional performances across several athletics events, demonstrating determination, talent and an incredible competitive spirit throughout the day.

This was a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved. Well done, Louis!

Our Year 6 pupils had a fantastic time getting ready for their move into Year 7! They explored the school, met new teachers and classmates, and took part in engaging activities to build their confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills.

A brilliant start to their secondary school journey!

We were delighted to welcome Buddy, our new therapy dog in training, to the St James’ family!

Buddy wasted no time settling in, joining Miss Star’s Psychology lesson with our Year 12 pupils. He helped bring their learning to life by demonstrating positive reinforcement in practice, showing just how far a little praise and encouragement can go.

After his lesson, Buddy was off on his next adventure, exploring the corridors, discovering the school and stopping to say hello to everyone he met.

We’re sure Buddy will quickly become a much loved member of the St James’ community, and we can’t wait to see what he gets up to next!

What an evening!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on 1 October for our Open Evening and discovered the holistic education that St James' has to offer. From our fantastic range of subjects and exciting clubs to the opportunities available beyond the classroom, it was wonderful to welcome so many families and showcase our school community.

Were you unable to make our Open Evening? Don’t worry! Our Open Mornings are just around the corner, taking place 5–9 October, from 9:30–10:30am. Please email us for more information or to arrange your visit.

You can find full details of our outstanding transition programme, designed to support pupils throughout their move from primary to secondary school here.

Our Year 11 GCSE PE pupils had an fantastic opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom with an exciting visit to Under Armour London at Battersea Power Station on the 12th September.

Pupils took part in a range of physical testing activities, including speed, power, agility and strength. The experience gave them the opportunity to put their GCSE PE knowledge into practice while developing a deeper understanding of key areas of the curriculum.

A huge thank you to the Under Armour London team for welcoming our pupils and providing such an valuable experience. We certainly hope to be back!

We celebrated National Fitness Day this month with a fantastic day filled with energy, special day activities and a celebration of the importance of fitness and wellbeing!

Our pupils took part in a range of exciting activities, including boxing and basketball sessions. They showed fantastic determination throughout the day, embracing every challenge and making the most of the experience.

A huge thank you to Mrs Appiah and the PE Department for organising such a brilliant day, and to our boxing and basketball coaches for delivering fantastic sessions for our students.

What a fantastic week of netball! Our Year 10 girls showed great teamwork, determination and enthusiasm throughout the night, with some excellent performances on court.

It was wonderful to see everyone supporting one another and giving their best from start to finish. Well done, girls!

STJ 3-10 Hendon — Person of the Match: Nicole

STJ 1-4 Saracens — Person of the Match: Amaya

STJ 3-3 LA — Person of the Match: Stephanie

STJ 2-0 Clarion — Person of the Match: Dara

Our boys have been back in action, representing the school with plenty of energy, teamwork and determination. It has been a great start to the football fixtures, with some encouraging performances across the year groups.

Year 7 Boys vs London Academy
2–2 Draw
A competitive match with both teams battling hard to the final whistle.

Year 8 Boys vs TTA
A tough fixture against a strong TTA side. Despite the result, the boys showed great effort and commitment throughout the game.

Well done to all the players for representing the school so positively!

Our Year 12 A Level Art pupils have begun their practical workshops, starting with the exploration of ‘Mark Making’. Through a range of techniques and materials, pupils are experimenting with different ways to create texture, pattern and expression in their work. - Ms Pearce

Our Year 7 pupils were already hard at work on their first Sparx Maths homework! A fantastic start to the year — well done, Year 7! - Mr Correzzola

Our Year 11 Construction pupils have been working hard to complete their first deadline of the year! A huge well done to everyone for their hard work, dedication and commitment. Keep up the fantastic work! - Mr Hamerton

In STEM Club, our pupils got creative with science by making milk fireworks using just milk, food colouring, and washing-up liquid! They experimented with different colours and designs, creating lots of amazing and colourful “milk fireworks.” Take a look at some of their fantastic creations! - Mr Clottey

During Year 12 Enrichment, pupils got creative with clay! They made their own pot containers and some spooky Halloween ornaments. - Ms Pearce

Don’t want to wait every month for our latest updates?

Follow us on our social media accounts to stay up to date with all the latest news, events and highlights from our school!

We’ve recently launched our very own TikTok account!

Run by our Sixth Form pupils, our TikTok is regularly updated with fun, creative and behind the scenes content from school life.

Give us a follow and keep up with what’s happening!

BOOST BARNET & FAMILY SERVICES

More information and details on how to get involved can be found here:

With October approaching, we look ahead to the month of the Holy Rosary, a special time to come together in prayer and reflect on Mary’s example of faith, devotion, and trust in God. It is an opportunity to deepen our prayer life, grow closer to Mary and her Son, Jesus, and rediscover the peace and strength that can come through praying the Rosary together.