St Mary’s, Chippenham St Mary’s in Chippenham is filled with such warmth and this warmth radiates through our whole school community. This year has been a wonderful year, rich in opportunities and I am incredibly proud of all that our children and staff have achieved together. “All children of God, in one community, working together.” At the heart of our school is our mission to work together, as children of God and live out the Gospel values in everything that we do. From our daily prayers and liturgical celebrations to the way we care for one another, our faith remains at the heart of all we do. This year, our children have embraced opportunities to lead in worship, contribute to charitable efforts and deepen their understanding of what it means to live a life filled with stewardship and kindness. One of the most joyful aspects of this year has been seeing our children flourish. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, on school trips or even walking around the school, our pupils radiate a sense of happiness and belonging. We’ve seen excellent progress and our children do achieve well, but what is really wonderful is the fact that diversity is celebrated here and every child is valued and recognised for the person that they are. The staff at St Mary’s work tirelessly to create engaging, inclusive and inspiring environments for every child. Enrichment has been a key theme this year. We’ve enjoyed a range of exciting trips and visits: Parliament, Hampton Court Palace, Westonbirt, the Bristol Zoo Project, Young Voices, Bath Literature and Music Festivals, Clifton Cathedral and many local walks into Chippenham to embrace our wonderful locality including a recent Pilgrimage to support the Jubilee Year, living out our faith as Pilgrims of Hope. These experiences have opened our children’s eyes to the wider world and allowed them to see their learning come alive beyond the classroom. Another particular highlight was our recent Year 6 residential to Lee Abbey in Devon, where the children demonstrated resilience, teamwork and bags of courage - all while deepening friendships and making memories they’ll cherish forever. This year, children across the school have performed in musicals, class assemblies, music concerts, poetry slams and sports festivals. We have also welcomed visitors into our school, including authors, local community leaders, and of course, Msgr Keith, from St Mary’s Parish, who continues to be a presence in the life of the school. These connections remind us that our school is part of a much bigger family, alive in the local community. Looking back, it’s clear to see the growth that has taken place - not just in academic achievement, but in confidence, kindness and faith. St Mary’s really is a lovely place to be! I know that when we say goodbye to our Year 6s, we will do so with pride, knowing that they are ready to take the next step in their journey, guided by the light of Christ and the values we’ve nurtured together in their time at St Mary’s. Thank you to our dedicated staff, our supportive families, and, of course, our wonderful children for making this year so special. May God bless each of you during the summer break and bring us back refreshed and renewed for the year ahead.
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