Dear Parents and Carers,
We are close to the end of a very busy term during which students and staff have worked exceptionally hard, both in lessons and across the college, to contribute to a successful start to this academic year. It has been pleasing to see our students rising to the challenge of demonstrating the Salesian values of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour through their words and deeds so that our Catholic ethos remains integral to all that we do. At St Michael’s we are incredibly fortunate to have such hard working and dedicated staff who are committed to maintaining the highest level of pastoral care and standards of achievement for our students. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank them for all that they do in pursuit of the very best outcomes for your children.
Students at St Michael’s have taken up opportunities to enhance their learning by participating in a large number of enrichment activities within the college and also at external trips, events and competitions. These include the Kings Scholars programme at Kings College, Bloomberg language mentoring, retreats to the St Vincent Centre at Whistable, the South Korean Exchange Programme, the Catholic Schools’ Music Festival, a mock trial at the Inner London Crown Court, the “Routes into Engineering” project and the Career Ready mentoring programme. House competitions and sporting fixtures have also provided opportunities for students to represent their house in inter school competitions and the college at external competitions, including a recent success at the Southwark Schools’ rugby tournament. All of these events help foster a strong sense of belonging and a community spirit amongst the staff and students which is wonderful to see and very key to the success of St Michael’s.
We will be ending the term by taking time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas by holding advent services for students at the Most Holy Trinity Church, Dockhead on Friday 20th December, followed by an early dismissal at 12:15pm. This final day of term is a non-uniform day and students have been asked to join in with the house Christmas jumper/outfit competition and to donate food for hampers which will be distributed to local pensioners in need.
Term starts again for Year 11 only at 8:40am on Monday 6th January who will be spending the day taking part in workshops to help them complete essential preparation for the spring term and for all other students at 8:40am on Tuesday 7th January, students are expected to attend on time and in the correct uniform, please also see the reminder about the college uniform and in particular haircuts included with this letter.
I would like to conclude by sharing a poem written by Jonas K in Year 11 for the end of term advent services. It will be shared with students and staff during the liturgy to remind us that Jesus is the true light who has come into the world and how we are called to be a light to others, which is especially important at Christmas.
“The Light that Leads”
In an age of darkness, he came in all his might
The Prince of Peace, shining bright
Like a glittering star in the depths of the night
God’s son Jesus, our shining light.
Our shining light, our glittering star
Saviour for all those near and far
Wonderful counsellor and heavenly King
Divine gifts this king will bring.
No one dares undermine his power
Sprouting through the earth like an elegant flower,
We may never see him, but this we know
His dominance will never cease to grow.
So, through our lives we must learn to be
The light that through Jesus Christ we see
Whether we show it to our friends, or to our family
He is who we must strive to be.
May your Christmas be a time of hope, joy, peace and love and may the New Year bring you and your family all of God’s wonderful blessings.
Yours Faithfully
Ms. F. Corcoran
Principal
Principal’s end of term letter to parents and carers December 19
