Newsletter 7

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As we reach the end of this term and prepare to welcome a new year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our pupils, staff, families, governors and trustees across the Trust.

This term has been filled with warmth, creativity and community spirit, with each school working incredibly hard to deliver wonderful nativities, festive performances and celebrations that brought such joy to us all.

I continue to be inspired by the dedication shown across our schools, and I am grateful for the support and commitment demonstrated every day. As we look ahead to 2026, I am confident that the foundations we have built together this term will help us continue to grow, learn and thrive as a Trust.

Wishing everyone a restful Christmas break and a positive start to the new year.

Take Care,

Nuala Cashell

Catholic Senior Executive Lead

Staff from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy Trust joined together during the October half term to participate in a pilgrimage to Rome. They went on a pilgrimage, a reflective journey, visiting important sites, learning about the city's history, and taking time for personal and shared reflection.

Thank you to Mr Allen, Headteacher of St Joachim's, for organising this meaningful experience.

On Tuesday 11th November, pupils from across our schools came together to take part in the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Central Park, Eastham. They joined other local schools and community representatives to honour those who served and sacrificed in past conflicts. The ceremony included the traditional two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths, and pupils also had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Newham to speak about the importance of Remembrance.

It was a thoughtful and memorable experience that helped our children appreciate the history and significance of this day.

Our schools have once again brought the Christmas Nativity to life with wonderful performances from children across the Trust. From our youngest nursery pupils to our older year groups, the children showed great enthusiasm as they sang, acted and retold the Christmas story with confidence and joy.

A huge thank you goes to all staff and families for their support, preparation, and encouragement in the lead up to the performances. Your commitment shines through every year, and it was heart-warming to see the pride on families' faces as the children shared the spirit and message of Christmas.

St Antony's

St Edward's

St Francis'

St Helen's

St Joachim's

St Michael's

St Winefride's

Last year, staff from across the Trust embarked on a Digital Champion training course, committing their time and energy for strengthening their digital confidence and capability within our schools.

We are now delighted to share that they have now successfully completed their training. Thank you to each member of staff who worked tirelessly to achieve this qualification. Their dedication means we can now proudly celebrate a newly qualified cohort of Digital Champions, ready to support and inspire others across the trust.

The third annual Archery Competition between St. Joachim's and St. Helen's took place on Tuesday 11th November and proved to be another great success. The event was conducted in a spirit of friendly competition, with pupils from both schools demonstrating impressive focus, skill, and teamwork.
The competition ran smoothly, and it was clear that all participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed throughout the day.

We extend our thanks to the staff who organised and supported the event, ensuring everything ran efficiently. Congratulations to all the pupils who took part — we look forward to continuing this valued tradition next year.

We're delighted to share that children from St Edward's Primary School had the chance to visit the opening of the The Foundry - the new community hub opened by Westham United in Beckton and join in it's launch events. As part of the hub's connection with the Premier League Primary Stars Scheme, pupils got to meet players and special guests, explore the facility and enjoy a mix of sporting and social activities in a safe, welcoming space.

One pupil described the building as "warm and cosy like a house," commenting on how much fun it was to practise teamwork, play football, and learn new skills. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to experience something inspiring, building confidence, and feel part of a wider community beyond the school.

[Images: Westham United - whufc.com]

At St Francis’, Christmas dinner was a joyful celebration of togetherness, faith, and gratitude.

Children shared a festive meal with their friends, giving thanks through prayer and enjoying the spirit of Christmas.

The school even had mystery prizes for some lucky children! It was a lovely occasion that reflected our school’s values of community, kindness, and celebration of Christ’s birth.

On 11th December the choir were invited to sing at 25 Copthall Avenue in Moorgate to raise money for a cause close to their hearts - Cancer Research. They bought Christmas cheer to all those in the building and raised £376. Well done choir!

St Joachim's recently took part in the Rudolph Run, a small but joyful fundraising event held to support the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS) Charity. Dressed proudly in their Christmas Jumpers, the children took to the playground and ran together in a circle, filling the space with energy and smiles. It was a wonderful way for pupils to get active while learning the importance of helping others.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped make it a success!

The children in EYFS were delighted to receive a visit from Santa on Friday 12th December. They all got to meet Santa and his elves, had a chat and received a special present too! We are very grateful that Santa made time in his very busy schedule to drop in and see the children!

Every year Group 84 travel to Lourdes, France with the charity organisation HCPT. This charity offers a pilgrimage for children and adults with a range of SEND and SEMH needs. The charity is formed of various groups from across the UK and across the globe.

We at Group 84, take children from Canning Town and Plaistow who are in much need of a holiday, for an action packed week away, free of charge.

However, we need your help, to ensure that we can take all our sponsored children, we need to raise at least £5000. We will be hosting quiz nights and race nights in the upcoming months and it would be great if we could have your support.

If you are unable to attend these events, but still want to support us, please donate here. All donations are greatly appreciated as every little helps!

Come Lord Jesus, come

and let your light shine through us

so that through our actions

we may be salt for the earth,

a light in people's sight

and that we might reach out to you

in one another,

especially those in need.

Amen.

Please support CAFOD this Christmas!

Email: info@olog.org.uk
Website: www.olog.org.uk
Location: St. Helen's Catholic Primary School, Chargeable Lane, London E13 8DW
Phone: 020 4530 9232