Newsletter - May 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of the first summer term, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and the many ways you contribute to the life and spirit of our school. This term has been marked by dedication, learning, and a faith-filled community.

It has also been a significant time for the global Church. We join Catholics worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of Christ whose compassion, wisdom, and courage touched countless lives. We give thanks for his papacy and pray for the repose of his soul.

We also unite in prayer for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo, as he begins his ministry as the successor of St Peter. May the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom, mercy, and truth as he leads the Church in these times.

Here in school, we have witnessed many moments of growth and grace from classroom achievements to acts of kindness and community service. We are especially mindful of our Year 11 and Year 13 students as they continue their public examinations. Please keep them in your prayers, that they may approach their exams with confidence, peace, and trust in God’s plan for their future.

As we break for half term, I hope this time offers you and your families rest, joy, and renewal. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 2nd June ready to enter the final part of the school year with purpose and hope.

Best Wishes

Ms. F. McCloskey

Students from across different year groups came together to share heartfelt messages for Pope Leo XIV. May God bless him with the strength, wisdom, and grace to lead the Church with compassion and courage in the years ahead.

Also, We are also delighted to share a beautifully written poem by Mia, a talented Year 5 student from Sacred Heart Primary School in Ruislip.

"When we see white smoke

We know there is a new Pope

The Church bells are ringing

And people in joy are singing

Oh, who could it be?

Are they from Spain? Or maybe Italy?

Do they like wood or gold?

Are they meek or bold?

Well, we shall see when they are on the balcony

With his fellow Cardinals in company,

Will he bring peace?

Or give the poor a feast?

I guess we will have to wait and see

And find out who the new Pope will be!"

At the beginning of this term, we entered the Easter Season, a time that reminds us that every ending is also a beginning. As we die with Christ, we share in His Resurrection. During this season, we hear the wonderful Resurrection stories of the risen Lord’s encounters with His disciples, moments that filled them with joy and hope. We, too, are called to be beacons of hope and joy in our encounters with others, especially as we journey this year as pilgrims of hope.

• Students in Years 11 and 13 gathered for one final celebration of Mass to give thanks for the friendships formed, their families, teachers, memories, and good times shared as part of the Douay Martyrs community. As their chapter at Douay closes, a new one begins. Our students embark on the next exciting stage of their journey, using their gifts and talents to be beacons of Faith, Hope, and Love, making a difference in the world. Year 11 and 13, you will always be part of the Douay family. May God bless you and keep you safe in His care. May He bless your studies, friendships, and families. As the road opens before you into a future of hope and possibility, we ask the Martyrs of Douay to pray for you.

• Our Year 8 and 9 Liturgy Champions prepared and led assemblies on the Ascension and Pentecost. As always, they did a wonderful job. Thank you, Liturgy Champions.

• Year 7 students had the opportunity to attend retreat days this term. During their retreat, they explored themes of friendship and their relationship with God while enjoying games and team-building activities.

We continue to remember with love and gratitude Pope Francis, his steadfast love, compassion, and mercy for the vulnerable, poor, and marginalised. We thank God for his leadership and the way he served Our Lord and His Church with love and humility.

We also give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and continue to pray for him as he guides and shepherds God’s people. Below is a reflection from Gabriel in Year 9: “ For many students at Douay, this is the first conclave we have witnessed, the first ‘Habemus Papam’ we have heard, and the first American Pope we have seen. Just as Mother Mary pondered these things in her heart,’ I hope we all treasure these monumental landmarks for the Church and its future.

In this video, you will explore a technique that works in a similar way to a ‘brain dump’ or ‘blurting’, but this time it doesn’t have to be something your child learned in the past, it can be used very effectively to see how much they have just taken in and understood, from something they have just read.

Become a member of our Alumni Network and gain early access to exciting job opportunities and upcoming events.

Simply fill out this short form to join our vibrant community and stay in the loop.

Don’t miss the chance to rekindle old friendships and create new experiences with us!

Parents and Carers, please take a look at next year’s term dates to help plan ahead for holidays and special moments while making sure your child doesn't miss out on any exciting learning opportunities!

We’re looking forward to another fantastic year together!

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will be hosting Ability Bees Soccer School camps this May Half Term for SEND families

• Dates: Tuesday 27th May 2025 & Wednesday 28th May 2025
• Participants: ages 7 - 20 yrs old, for children & young people with special educational needs and disabilities
• Venue: Indoor Dome at Uxbridge High School
• Time: 10:00am till 14:00pm

Please use the QR code or email: Cpeters@brentfordccst.com for booking.

Lord, you have gathered together all people of the Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School to be a learning community and made your son Jesus Christ the supreme teacher. Help us to follow his example to be selfless in love; to be ready to serve rather than be served and thus enable all of us to fulfil our true potential.

Amen