DCET Newsletter July 2026
It has been another incredibly busy year across the Trust. You will see below all the amazing events and work that has been happening across our schools, and we are so proud of all that they have achieved. I would like to thank everyone, staff, governors and volunteers for creating and delivering theses amazing experiences for our students. This term we have launched our Recognition and Values Scheme where people are able to nominate someone within the Trust who has shown one of the Trust values in action. We have received 30 nominations for a cross section of our Trust community, volunteers, governors and staff. Every person nominated will receive a personal thank you; it has been humbling to read about the commitment of the people within our Trust. We are fast approaching the end of the school year, and I would like to wish all our staff, volunteers and families a lovely Summer break. Helen Taylor CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust.
School Improvement It has been a busy term across our schools, with plenty of events, activities and achievements to celebrate. We have also had two Catholic School Inspections this term, and both schools were pleased with the outcomes, which is a testament to the hard work and commitment of staff, leaders and governors. Within the Central Team, we have been looking ahead to next year whilst continuing to await this year's SATs results. Alongside this, a number of Trust working parties have been bringing colleagues together to shape key areas of our improvement work. This has resulted in the final draft of our Trust Teaching and Learning Principles and the beginnings of our Foundation Skills Framework. The first element is our Trust-wide Speaking and Listening Pack, designed to support all learners, particularly our most vulnerable pupils, by strengthening the communication skills that underpin success across the curriculum. We have continued our EYFS peer-to-peer reviews, which remain a valuable opportunity for colleagues to visit schools, share practice and learn from one another. The openness and willingness to collaborate shown by our Early Years teams has been a real strength and continues to help drive improvement across the Trust. Looking ahead to next year, we will be increasing the capacity and expertise within our School Improvement Team with four additional appointments due to be made in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to welcoming a Trust Lead for Inclusion, a Trust Lead for RE, and two School Improvement Leads with a focus on English and Mathematics. These roles will further strengthen the learning sets, professional networks and support already in place across our schools. As always, thank you to everyone who has contributed to these developments. The collaborative approach across our Trust continues to be one of our greatest strengths, and we look forward to building on this work in the year ahead. Richard Simmonds Director of School Improvement
Facilities Update We have put together a summer works schedule to further improve our school estates in time for the start of the new academic year. This provides a positive impact for all our school communities and increases the standard of facilities our pupils have grown to expect from our buildings and wider estate. Highlights of the works scheduled: · Corpus Christi – improved outdoor space through tarmac remedial works to an area of space, currently not in use. · Our Lady of Mount Carmel – completion of the large-scale air source heat pump installation project. · St Benedict’s – Improvements to the schools outdoor learning provision by creating a more accessible and safer pond area and key stage 1 canopy installation works. · St Gildas – redecoration and soft furnishings to the early years classrooms along with some essential fire maintenance upgrade works. · St Joseph’s, Bridgwater – finalisation of surveys and plans for the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) implementation later in the year. · St Joseph’s, Burnham - large scale outdoor provision works, including a much-needed space for ball games along with essential works to enhance safety. · St Joseph & St Teresa’s - a substantial extension to the early years steel canopy with some additional apparatus, extending their outdoor offer for their pupils. · St Louis – corridor and classroom redecoration along with some upgraded floor coverings. · St Mary’s, Chippenham – year 6 washroom refurbishment and ongoing cyclical painting schedule. Benefits for our school communities: · Enhanced wellbeing – improved indoor and outdoor spaces to encourage active play and social interaction, supporting physical and mental health. · Better learning environments – upgraded heating, cyclical works and soft furnishings ensure classrooms are comfortable and conducive to learning. · Safety and sustainability – improved compliance, better drainage and energy-efficient systems provide secure, eco-friendly facilities for the future. · Inclusive spaces – improved and refreshed washroom areas promote dignity, enhanced hygiene, and accessibility for all. These investments reflect our commitment to providing high-quality environments where children can thrive and staff can work effectively. Thank you in advance to everyone who are supporting the programme and allowing our schools to flourish. Central Operations Team
Christ the King Our summer term here at Christ the King has, as ever, been filled with many blessings. In May, following Year 6 SATs we enjoyed our traditional Marion Liturgy with all the floral tributes being taken to the local residential care home to brighten the rooms of the elderly residents there. Our visit this year, however, was bitter-sweet as it was the final time our Year 6 pupils would be spending an afternoon of company, games and joy with the residents before it finally closed its doors in June. As the skies brightened through June with the summer sun, so too was our school brightened by the “Good” outcome of our Catholic Schools Inspection: the entire team of staff have worked so hard to raise the profile of Catholicity and embed our Trust values, it was a delight for all to see this recognised and of course our fantastic pupils were a credit to the school! We sadly bid farewell at the end of this term to one of our class teachers, Mr Ashmore, and wish him every success in his new school. No doubt he will leave us with some fond memories, and we can’t wait to see his and the other KS2 classes perform “The Wizard of Oz” in the final week of term, which will also include a special Year 6 leavers’ ceremony at Antrobus House and a whole school end of year Mass with the local parish. As we bid farewell to one member of staff, we warmly welcome our new cohort of Reception starters who have been visiting the school every week throughout Term 6 and are already finding that they fit so comfortably into our kind and caring Oak Class in the mainstream and Cherry Class in the Resource Base. At the end of a year busy year that has included both an Ofsted and CSI visit in opening weeks of different terms, I am reflecting on the ‘year that was’ with pride of how much our small community has achieved – and I eagerly anticipate what more is to come next year. Wishing everyone in our DCET family and beyond a wonderful summer break.
Corpus Christi As we approach the end of another successful academic year, there is much to celebrate at Corpus Christi. Our Year 6 pupils recently took part in a beautiful Leavers’ Mass, giving thanks for their time with us as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey. Alongside this, pupils across the school have been engaged in transition activities, helping them feel confident and excited for September. Music has continued to flourish, with our iRock assembly showcasing the confidence and talent of our young musicians. We are excited to continue developing opportunities for pupils to perform and engage with music next year. Our Year 5 pupils have also impressed us with their enthusiasm and progress in learning the ukulele. We are delighted to have achieved the CAFOD Live Simply Award, recognising our commitment to living out Catholic Social Teaching through faith, action and care for our common home. We were also privileged to celebrate with pupils and families who recently received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Our Summer Fair was a wonderful community event, with both the choir and dance club delighting audiences with their performances and helping to showcase the many talents within our school community.
As the term draws to a close, we are looking forward to our annual beach trip and a range of end-ofyear celebrations, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect on their achievements and enjoy time together before the summer break. We wish all our families a happy and restful summer.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel As we come to the end of another fantastic school year, we would like to reflect on and celebrate the many successes, achievements and special moments that have brought our school community together. A Time for Reflection and Celebration One of the most memorable occasions this year was our beautiful Crowning of Mary celebration. Pupils participated with great respect and reverence, creating a peaceful and meaningful event that was enjoyed by all and reflected the values at the heart of our school. Another highlight for Year 6 was meeting the Bishop at the Leavers Mass. Our Year 6 residential trip to Hooke Court was a real highlight. Pupils embraced every opportunity, from outdoor challenges to team-building activities, showing resilience, independence and a wonderful team spirit. It was a joy to see their confidence grow, and they returned with lasting memories and strengthened friendships.
Sporting Spirit Across the School KS1 pupils enjoyed a Multiskills event with other local schools, KS2 pupils took part in a local schools' Cross-country competition and Top links event where they demonstrated enthusiasm, determination and excellent sportsmanship. It was fantastic to see pupils supporting one another and proudly representing the school. Community Events and Celebrations A huge thank you to our PTFA for organising a very successful Summer Fayre, which was enjoyed by families across the school community. Events like this are so important in bringing us together and raising valuable support for the school. Our Transition Days have helped pupils feel excited and confident about moving into their new classes in September, ensuring a smooth and positive start to the next school year. There is still much to look forward to: Our KS2 production of Cinderella Rockerfella, our Music Concert, where pupils will showcase their musical talents, and our Leavers’ Mass, which will be a special opportunity to celebrate our Year 6 pupils as they prepare to move on. We welcome families into school for our end-of-year picnics, giving pupils time to celebrate together, relax and enjoy the sunshine as the year draws to a close As always, we are incredibly proud of everything our pupils have achieved this year – academically, socially and personally. We would like to thank all our families for their continued support and encouragement.
St Benedict’s As another wonderful term draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on the many exciting opportunities our children have enjoyed. It has been a term filled with learning, faith, friendship and personal growth, with our school values shining through in everything we have achieved together. One of the highlights of the term was welcoming the Living Eggs programme into school. Watching the chicks hatch from their eggs gave the children a unique opportunity to observe the life cycle firsthand. The experience sparked curiosity, encouraged thoughtful questioning and deepened their understanding of how living things grow and develop. It was a memorable learning experience that inspired awe and wonder while helping children appreciate the importance of caring for all living things. Our Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Team has worked incredibly hard to create a beautiful new sensory prayer garden. Created in honour of St Francis of Assisi during his 2026 Jubilee Year, each garden bed has been carefully designed to represent one of the five senses, encouraging children to experience prayer and reflection in a peaceful outdoor space. We are extremely grateful to our local community, parents and businesses for their generous donations, which have helped bring this vision to life. The garden reflects our school value of Stewardship and was officially opened by Fr Martin on 9th July during the Chaplaincy Team's 'Switch Off Day'. The Chaplaincy Team is also delighted to have completed every action required for the LiveSimply Award. As part of this work, they led a whole-school 'Switch Off Day', encouraging everyone to
reduce electricity use and think about ways to lower our carbon footprint. Children enjoyed learning and playing without relying on technology and considered simple changes they could make at home. This important initiative demonstrated our values of Stewardship and Respect while showing how small actions can make a big difference. Sport has been another real highlight this term. Children thoroughly enjoyed Sports Day and our exciting Inter-House Football Tournament, held to celebrate the start of the World Cup. Throughout both events, pupils displayed fantastic teamwork, determination and resilience while supporting and encouraging one another. It was wonderful to welcome so many parents and families to celebrate these special occasions with us. In May, we honoured Mary through our Crowning of Mary service. Led by the Chaplaincy Team, the children learnt about the Mysteries of the Rosary before taking part in a beautiful prayerful procession around the school. Our Year 6 pupils also attended the Leavers' Mass at Clifton Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Bosco, where they joined schools from across the diocese in a meaningful celebration as they prepared for the next stage of their journey. Across the school, children have continued to support our Tesco Stronger Starts project. Following last year's £1,500 award, we have improved our growing area by installing shelving, receiving donations of planting pots, planning an outdoor tap and ordering raised beds with the children. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project, which continues to promote our value of Stewardship. This term we have also continued to embed our successful soft starts, ensuring every child begins the day calm, settled and ready to learn. Alongside this, our whole-school focus on oracy has helped children become more confident speakers and respectful listeners, with these skills becoming increasingly evident across the curriculum. As we look back on another successful term, we are incredibly proud of all our children have achieved. Through their learning, faith and relationships, they have demonstrated our values of Curiosity, Stewardship, Respect, Resilience, love and forgiveness every day. Thank you to our families, staff, governors, parish and wider community for your continued support.
St Edmund’s It’s been a very busy Term 6 at Saint Edmund’s and we’ve been incredibly lucky to have welcomed some wonderful visitors and enjoyed some amazing adventures, all of which have helped us live out our mission of being inspired by God’s love, discovering our gifts, changing the world and learning together. We welcomed our local MP, Sarah Gibson, and Years 5 and 6 really impressed us with their curiosity, confidence and thoughtful questioning. Their engagement with complex issues demonstrated not only their growing understanding of the world around them but also their desire to make a positive difference within it. Once again, we hosted several students from local secondary schools for work experience. They have been a pleasure to have in school, supporting children in lessons, hearing readers and joining in PE activities. Their kindness, service and willingness to help exemplified our commitment to learning together and using our gifts to support others. There have been several exciting trips this term. Year 6 enjoyed their residential at Grittleton House and, apart from perhaps needing a little more sleep, had a fantastic time. Through activities such as body zorbing, archery, skateboarding, marshmallow toasting and crate building, they discovered new strengths, developed resilience and worked together as a team. They also performed their end-ofyear production of Shrek this week. We have loved hearing them rehearse over the past few weeks, and every child performed brilliantly, showcasing their unique talents and gifts. The wonderful feedback from parents has been well deserved. Years 2–5 visited Westonbirt Arboretum, where they took part in guided activities and learned about woodland ecosystems. This experience helped deepen their understanding of God's creation and inspired them to think about how they can care for the natural world. Reception and Year 1 enjoyed
a visit to Fairfield Animal Farm, where they met a variety of animals and learned more about the world around them through hands-on experiences. Sports Day, although a little warm, was once again a great success. We are incredibly grateful to the staff who worked so hard to ensure the day ran smoothly. We were especially proud of all the children, who demonstrated excellent teamwork, encouragement and perseverance throughout the event, truly learning together and celebrating one another's achievements. Last but not least, Years 5 and 6 have attended several taster and transition days at Kingsbury Green, Sheldon and Hardenhuish. We have received wonderful reports about their behaviour, with our pupils representing Saint Edmund’s with confidence, respect and kindness. They have shown that they are ready for the next stage of their journey and equipped to make a positive impact wherever they go. It has certainly been another fulfilling term, rich with opportunities to grow, learn and flourish. Together, we have continued to be inspired by God’s love, discover our gifts and use them to make a difference in the world around us. We now look forward to a well-earned summer break.
St Gildas A Term Filled with Faith, Enrichment and Achievement As we come to the end of another wonderful term, we can look back with great pride on all that has been achieved at St Gildas Catholic Primary School. It has been an incredibly busy and enriching time for our pupils, staff and wider community, filled with opportunities for learning, faith, celebration and personal growth. Our commitment to living out our mission through Faith in Action has continued to flourish. Children have shown great generosity and compassion through their ongoing support of The Lord's Larder, demonstrating the importance of serving others and putting faith into practice. We have also strengthened our partnership with families by offering a range of supportive parent workshops, helping us to work together in supporting every child's success. Music has been a particular highlight this term as we began working with Rocksteady Music School to enhance our music curriculum. We are delighted to now have four school bands, and excitement is already building for our end-of-year concert where pupils will proudly showcase their talents. Creativity has been shining throughout the school. Our children have contributed artwork to the Yeovil Together Community Art Project, giving them the opportunity to be part of something that celebrates our local community. We have also continued to nurture a love of reading through events such as our enjoyable Pyjama Day, where pupils and staff came together to celebrate reading for pleasure. Our popular Bowl Over Bartley with Books initiative has once again highlighted some of the fantastic work taking place across the school. Keeping our children safe remains a priority, and we were grateful to welcome representatives from the RNLI, who delivered engaging and informative water safety talks to pupils. Meanwhile, our Year 6 children approached their SATs with determination and resilience, making us incredibly proud with both their attitude and effort throughout the process.
There have been many moments of celebration across our school community. We were delighted to celebrate Father Sujith's birthday, recognising his continued support and contribution to school life. We also marked Thank a Teacher Day, taking time to acknowledge the dedication, care and hard work of our wonderful staff team. This term has also been a special time of faith. Many of our children took important steps on their spiritual journey by receiving the Sacraments of First Holy Communion. These celebrations were truly beautiful occasions for our children, families and parish community. In addition, we were honoured to welcome Sister Anna, who brought with her the relic of St Carlo Acutis, sharing the inspiring story of his life and faith with our pupils. As a school, we have continued to focus on developing and embedding our whole-school expectations. Our School Council has worked closely with Mrs Bartley, ensuring pupil voice remains at the heart of school improvement and helping to shape a positive and successful learning environment for all. Year 6 pupils also had the opportunity to celebrate the end of their primary school journey alongside other pupils from across our Trust at Clifton Cathedral, where they attended a special Mass celebrated by the Bishop. It was a memorable and fitting occasion as they prepare for the next chapter of their education. There have been countless enrichment opportunities throughout the term. Children have enjoyed educational visits to Weymouth, the Tutankhamun Museum, and Sydney Gardens, while Year 6 pupils eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed their London residential, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Sporting and community events have brought everyone together in celebration. Our Sports Day at Mudford Recreation Ground was a fantastic success, showcasing teamwork, determination and sporting spirit. One of the highlights of the year was undoubtedly our Multicultural Celebration Day, where children experienced music, dance, games and stories from around the world. The day culminated in our vibrant Summer Fête, a joyous occasion full of smiles, laughter and community spirit. We are also excited to see the finishing touches being added to our newly revamped Curiosity Room and Angel Room, creating inspiring spaces that will further enhance children's learning and wellbeing. As we reflect on an exceptional term and indeed a remarkable year, we are incredibly proud of all that has been achieved at St Gildas. It has been a fantastic first year under the leadership of our new
Headteacher, Mrs Andie Bartley, and we look forward with excitement and optimism to the opportunities that lie ahead. Where Learning and God are One continues to guide everything we do, and we thank our pupils, staff, families, parish and Trust community for their continued support in making St Gildas such a special place to learn and grow.
St John’s St. John’s Summer Term Round-Up: A Season of Triumph, Creativity, and Growth! As another incredible academic year draws to a close, we look back on an action-packed, vibrant, and joyful summer term here at St. John’s. From sporting triumphs to theatrical masterpieces and spiritual celebrations, our pupils have truly embodied our school values. Here is a look at what we have been up to over the last few months. Team Spirit Shines on Sports Day This term’s Sports Day was certainly one to remember! Due to the exceptionally hot weather, we made a swift change of venue to ensure all our children stayed safe, hydrated and cool. Despite the blazing sun, the St. John’s team spirit was absolutely unstoppable. Pupils across all phases completed a fantastic range of activities, demonstrating incredible teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. A special thank you must go to our wonderful House Captains, whose leadership, organisation, and encouragement helped the events run seamlessly. While the main events are wrapped up, the excitement is far from over! The children have already run their competitive heats, and we are eagerly looking forward to holding the running finals next week. We cannot wait to see which house will lift the coveted Sports Day trophy for 2026! Two of our House Captains supporting our Year 1 and 2 Sports Day session. Year 5 & 6 Set Sail with Moana Over in the upper Key Stage 2, creativity has been operating at an all-time high. Our talented Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have been working tirelessly on their highly anticipated end-of-year production: Moana. From memorizing lines and perfecting complex musical solos to practicing choreography and helping with prop design, the children have poured immense energy into this show. They will be performing
this spectacular musical to parents next week. The excitement in the corridors is tangible, and we wish the cast and crew the absolute best of luck—we know you will be amazing! Our Year 5 and 6s practicing for their performances next week to parents. Year 1 and 2 Visit Noah’s Ark Zoo Our younger pupils have also been out and about making wonderful memories. At the end of June, Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed a brilliant school trip to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. The children had a fantastic time exploring the beautiful grounds and absolutely loved seeing all the exotic and domestic animals up close. It was a wonderful day of hands-on learning outside the classroom. Year 6 Leavers' Mass Meanwhile, our Year 6 pupils marked a significant milestone in mid-May as they attended their Leavers’ Mass at Clifton Cathedral. Joining together with all the other primary schools within our Trust, this was a deeply moving and joyful celebration of their primary school journey. It was a wonderful opportunity for reflection as they prepare for their upcoming transition to secondary school. Growing Together in the Live Simply Garden Back on the school grounds, our environment has been flourishing. Following the joyful celebration of our new Live Simply Garden opening in the spring, our dedicated Chaplains and Eco Committee have been working incredibly hard to plant, weed, and maintain this beautiful space. The garden is already thriving, but we have even bigger plans on the horizon. We are hoping for a brand-new geodesic dome to be built during the summer holidays, which will serve as an incredible outdoor classroom for nature-inspired learning next year.
St Joseph & St Teresa’s Whole School Events: • No Pens Day! - We raised awareness for Speech and Language UK by celebrating No Pens Day. The pupils were encouraged to use their communication and language skills, alongside teamwork and creativity to get the most out of their day! • Wearing Green for Tourettes - We all came into school wearing green and raised awareness for tourettes. We raised £160 for a great cause! • Sports Day! What a hot one! A special shout out to Mr Meehan and his Wells Cathedral volunteers for helping us to pull off a great day! Thank you to all the parents who came along and supported. A special thank you to the PTFA for bringing us their coffee shed as well as other refreshments. Thank you to all the staff for helping and being a part of this day. Well done to all the children for taking part you did brilliantly! Well done to the RED’s (St Teresa’s) for winning! 3rd – Yellow team (St Joseph) 599 points 2nd – Blue team (St Francis) 630 points 1st – Red team (St Teresa) 695 points Nightingale Class: The children in Nightingale Class have formed new friendships, developed their confidence, broadened their understanding of the world around them and embraced each new experience with enthusiasm and curiosity. The children have demonstrated the 6 core values through their learning, play and daily interactions with others. They have enjoyed exploring their feelings, celebrating their achievements and developing their understanding of the wider world through a wide range of engaging activities. Forest School has provided valuable opportunities for exploration, teamwork, resilience and handson learning in the natural environment. The children have thoroughly enjoyed a range of hands-on food and gardening activities. They made colourful fruit kebabs, baked bread and even created their own butter using only double cream, which helped them explore how ingredients can be transformed. They have also grown broad beans from seeds and have taken great pride in caring for them. Einstein Class & Shakespeare Class: On Thursday afternoon, Shakespeare and Einstein had a visit from the aka Dance Theatre Company from Taunton. They led a theatrical dance workshop, with funding from Wells Theatre Festival, with
the purpose of ensuring that the arts are as enjoyable and accessible as possible to all. The aka Dance Theatre company led a fun and engaging session, teaching the children expressive, theatrical dance. Rosa Parks Class: There have been many fascinating learning opportunities this term at Rosa Parks. The children had a great time exploring the interactive displays and participating in practical scientific investigations during our fantastic visit to We The Curious. We have also been engaged in our DT topic, using our creativity and problem-solving skills to construct our own cars. We have been experimenting with various designs to measure rolling resistance and distance travelled. In addition, the students had the wonderful chance to take part in a student-led music session from the Wells Cathedral School, where they explored a variety of instruments. Throughout the term and in every subject area, the students have demonstrated a great deal of excitement, interest, and positive attitudes. Excellent work! Malala Class: Malala Class also got to experience practical scientific investigations at We The Curious. One of the highlights of the day was taking part in a captivating light workshop. The children explored how light behaves through a series of engaging experiments and demonstrations, deepening their understanding of this fascinating area of science. We even saw clear beakers disappear! It was a wonderful day filled with curiosity, exploration, and excitement. Malala Class represented the school brilliantly with their enthusiasm, excellent behaviour, and thoughtful questions throughout the visit. Our Year 6 pupils from Malala Class celebrated their Year Six Leavers Mass at Clifton Cathedral with the Bishop and other Year Six Leavers from across the Diocese. They got to have a photo with Bishop Bosco. I think they were the only group to get hi-fives from the Bishop afterwards! Thank you to Anais for doing the second reading at the Cathedral and to Charlotte and Freddie for carrying the banner! Still to look forward to: • Our Year 6 pupils will enjoy after school pizza and water fight against Mr Schwartz! • Year 6 Play • End of Year Mass • Graduation ceremony for our Year 6 pupils
Au Revoir: We say au revoir to Mrs Bomani, who will be going on maternity leave at the start of September to have her baby. We are all very excited for her and wish her lots of love and a safe delivery and we cannot wait for lots of baby cuddles! Goodbye and Good Luck: We wish our amazing Year Six Pupils the best of luck as they all move onto the Blue School together. They have had a challenging time with COVID upsetting the start of their primary school life, however, they have brought a lot of laughter and kindness to our school. Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know! Check out our socials for more at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576247230425 instagram.com/sjt.stt.
St Joseph’s, Bridgwater Trips Year 3 have been learning all about Egyptian symbols and hieroglyphics, made our own scrolls out of papyrus paper and found out why the Rosetta Stone is so important. They went to Bristol Museum and were able to see and sketch amazing artefacts including mummies, amulets and tablets, and learn more about life for the ancient Egyptians. We were even lucky enough to see a photograph of the Rosetta Stone! In the afternoon we had an Egyptian artefact workshop. We looked at lots of different artefacts to see if we could work out what they were and what they were used for. We even imagined that the River Avon was the River Nile! Year 5 visited Somerset Cricket Ground and were lucky enough to watch England Ladies A v’s India Ladies A. We didn’t get to watch the whole match but England were batting well. Unfortunately, just before we left England lost a key batter for 97 runs! Year 6 enjoyed a 3-day residential to London. With a jampacked itinerary the children embarked on this adventure with clean clothes and plenty of sleep. They returned with dirty clothes and extremely tired! For some this was the first experience of staying away from home and visiting the capital. Highlights included the Natural History Museum, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, watching Wicked and visiting the Globe Theatre.
Experiences Year 5 took part in the Bridgwater singing festival. They were invited to sign at the McMillan Theatre. A singing teacher from County came in and introduced them to the songs, they then practiced in class and spent the afternoon rehearsing alongside 6 other local schools at the Theatre. In the evening they all performed on the stage. They did really well. Sports We had a very exciting and hot sports day. KS1 had their races in the morning with their families watching and KS2 had their races in the afternoon with their families watching. All parent’s cam for lunch and families picnicked on the field together. It was a wonderful community event and the Friends of St Joseph’s ran a very popular refreshments stall throughout the day. Thank you to everyone involved. Year 3 and Year 4 travelled to King Alfreds School to take part in the Sedgemoor Primary School Athletics Competition. They took part in a number of track and field events including a 400m run, hurdles, howler throw, triple jump and relays. There were some fantastic performances that showed real determination and resilience, particularly in the 400m run. It was a very close competition but it was gold medals all round for St Joseph’s for the third year running!!
St Joseph’s, Burnham-on-sea Since the spring edition of our Trust newsletter, St Joseph’s has continued to flourish through a rich programme of learning, faith and enrichment opportunities. One of the highlights of the term has been the successful completion of Level 1 Makaton training for all staff, strengthening our commitment to inclusion and communication for all learners. We were also delighted to celebrate the First Holy Communion of many of our pupils, supported by our parish community and families, which was a very special milestone in their faith journey. Pupils have enjoyed a wide range of curriculum enrichment experiences, including a Year 2 museum workshop exploring life at the seaside in the past, helping to bring their history learning to life. Sport has been a particular strength this term, with pupils proudly representing the school at area cricket competitions, Year 3 and Year 4 area athletics and sports events, and our annual Sports Day, which showcased teamwork, determination and school spirit. Our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have also continued their swimming programme, developing confidence, resilience and important life skills in the water. Year 6 have enjoyed a memorable final term, including their residential visit to Greatwood, where they demonstrated independence, perseverance and excellent teamwork. We have also begun transition activities to support pupils as they move on to the next phase of their education. Across the school, music continues to develop, with pupils experiencing a fantastic iRock assembly, where they were inspired to take up the opportunity to be part of future iRock music sessions in the new academic year.
As we approach the end of another successful academic year, we are looking forward to a number of special celebrations, including our annual Beach Day, the Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly and Leavers’ Mass, transition events for pupils moving into their new classes, and opportunities for children to reflect on their achievements throughout the year. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many successes of our pupils and give thanks for all that has been achieved. We are incredibly proud of our children, staff and families and thank our whole school community for their ongoing support as we continue to live out our mission.
St Louis At St Louis, our mission is to Love, Wonder and Achieve Together, and as another successful school year comes to an end, we are incredibly proud of the many ways our children have lived out this mission through their learning, faith and service to others. Throughout the year, our children have shown what it means to Love by putting their faith into action. Our Chaplaincy Team has continued to lead worship, prayer and charitable events with enthusiasm, while children across the school celebrated the Crowning of Mary, First Holy Communion, the Year 6 Leavers' Mass at Clifton Cathedral and many liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Our Eco Warriors have also encouraged us to care for God's creation through activities such as the Earth Day competition and our involvement in the Frome We Are Nature Festival, reminding us all of our responsibility as stewards of the world around us. Our commitment to Wonder has been evident in every classroom. Reception delighted in exploring the natural world through their learning about worms, rhyming stories and their visit to Fairfield Animal Centre. Year 1 became authors, engineers and geographers as they wrote imaginative stories, designed windmills and explored seaside landscapes. Year 2 immersed themselves in magical worlds through George's Marvellous Medicine and The Enchanted Wood while investigating animal habitats and developing their descriptive writing. In Key Stage Two, Year 3 travelled back in time during their visit to the Roman Baths before bringing The Wild Robot to life through expressive writing. Year 4 explored food chains, biographies and The Last Bear, while also developing their musical talents through violin and dance performances. They also were lucky enough to have a guided tour of Frome Town Hall from the Mayor of Frome himself! Year 5 investigated Tudor history, biomes and narrative poetry, enjoying an unforgettable visit to Shepton Mallet Prison alongside their preparations for the We Are Nature Festival. Year 6 demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout SATs, reflected deeply during their RE learning, represented St Louis beautifully at the Clifton Diocese Leavers' Mass and challenged themselves during an unforgettable residential at Great Wood Camp before preparing for their production of Madagascar. Learning has extended far beyond the classroom this year. A particular highlight has been the school's involvement in the Frome We Are Nature Festival, where every child created spectacular animal masks, learnt the community dance and celebrated the importance of protecting God's creation. Sports Day demonstrated fantastic teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, while our brass band performance, singing festival and violin concert inspired many of our children to discover a love of music. Throughout the year, educational visits, workshops and enrichment opportunities have brought learning to life and encouraged every child to be curious, confident and courageous. There has certainly been plenty to Achieve this year. Our children have continued to work hard in Reading, Writing and Maths, while also flourishing as musicians, artists, performers, sportspeople and compassionate members of our community. Whether representing the school on trips, performing in concerts and productions or supporting one another in daily school life, our pupils have consistently demonstrated the values that make St Louis such a special place to learn.
None of these achievements would be possible without our strong sense of Togetherness. Families continue to play a vital role in school life, supporting celebrations, worship, performances and community events, while our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure every child feels known, valued and encouraged to flourish. As we prepare to say farewell to our wonderful Year 6 pupils, we do so with enormous pride. They leave St Louis as confident, compassionate and resilient young people, ready for the next stage of their journey. We know they will continue to live out our mission to Love, Wonder and Achieve Together, carrying the values of St Louis wherever they go.
St Mary’s, Bath As another fantastic school year comes to an end, we are delighted to reflect on the many exciting learning opportunities, trips, and experiences that have made Terms 5 and 6 so memorable. Our pupils have embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination, creating lasting memories both inside and outside the classroom. Our Reception children enjoyed a wonderful visit to Warleigh Lodge Farm, where they met a variety of farm animals and discovered more about life on a working farm. The trip gave the children the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn where food comes from, and develop their understanding of caring for animals through first-hand experiences. Year 1 travelled to We The Curious in Bristol, where they explored a range of interactive science exhibits designed to encourage investigation and problem-solving. The hands-on activities sparked curiosity and supported the children's classroom learning, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, experiment, and make exciting discoveries. Year 2 stepped back in time during their visit to the SS Great Britain, bringing their history learning to life as they explored the famous ship. They discovered what life was like for Victorian passengers and crew while learning about the remarkable engineering achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The visit gave the children a real insight into Britain's rich maritime history. One of the highlights of the term was Arts Week. Every class created fantastic artwork inspired by a range of artists and themes, experimenting with different materials and techniques throughout the week. The celebrations concluded with a wonderful Art Gallery for parents and carers, giving families the opportunity to admire the children's creativity and hard work. It was a pleasure to welcome so many visitors into school to celebrate the impressive artistic talents of our pupils. The summer term has also been packed with sporting opportunities. Sports Day was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, determination and resilience, with every child taking part enthusiastically and cheering one another on throughout the day. Many pupils also proudly represented the school at Basketball and Quad Kids competitions,
demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, commitment and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of all the children who represented the school so positively. Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable residential visit to Cornwall, where they challenged themselves with surfing, kayaking and coasteering. Throughout the week they showed resilience, confidence and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones while supporting one another through every activity. The residential created lasting memories and helped prepare them for the next stage of their education as they worked together, overcame challenges and celebrated their achievements. Key Stage 1 pupils also enjoyed learning about People Who Help Us through visits from a police officer, a doctor and members of the Army. These visitors helped the children understand the important roles they play in keeping our communities safe, healthy and supported, while answering many thoughtful questions and sharing their experiences. As a Catholic school community, we were delighted to celebrate a special Mass at St Mary's Church to recognise the children who had recently made their First Holy Communion. It was a joyful occasion shared with families and an important milestone in the children's faith journey, allowing us to come together in celebration and thanksgiving. We wish all of our pupils and families a safe, happy and restful summer holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting year of learning in September.
St Mary’s, Chippenham As we reach the end of another academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the many successes and achievements that have taken place across our school community during Term 6. Recently, we welcomed inspectors for our Section 48 Inspection. Whilst we are unable to comment on the outcome until the report is officially published, I would like to thank our pupils, staff, governors and families for their support throughout the process. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the distinctive Catholic life of our school and the many ways in which faith is lived and celebrated each day. Throughout the term, pupils have continued to deepen and develop their faith through a rich variety of prayer and liturgy opportunities. We have been delighted to see our pupils confidence soar as they have planned and led Bible Society group and we have seen pupils lead their own Rosary and prayer sessions with respect and reverence. The enthusiastic members of CAFOD Club have organised whole school events, which demonstrate our values alongside our Catholic Social Teaching principles. A particular highlight was the opening of our new Prayer Garden, which is already providing a peaceful and reflective space for pupils, staff and families. Beyond faith development, pupils have embraced a wide range of curriculum enrichment opportunities. Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a memorable residential visit to Lee Abbey in Devon, where they challenged themselves, built friendships and created lasting memories. Creativity was celebrated through our annual Poetry Slam and Expressive Arts Week, both of which showcased the incredible talents and confidence of our children. Music continues to thrive across the school. Our choir represented us superbly, performing at the Bath Forum and joining hundreds of other children in a special musical event in our local town park. We were also treated to a wonderful Summer Music Concert, featuring not only ensemble performances but impressive solo contributions from pupils playing the piano, violin, drums and guitar.
As we look towards the summer holidays, I would like to thank our entire school community for their continued support, encouragement and partnership. We are proud of all that our pupils have achieved this year and look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year of learning, faith and community spirit. Wishing all our families a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break.
Prayer to End the School Year Loving God, As we come to the end of this school year, we pause to give You thanks for all the blessings You have given us. Thank You for the gift of learning, for the friendships we’ve made, and for the challenges that helped us grow. We are grateful for our teachers, staff, and families who have guided and supported us with love and patience. May they be refreshed and renewed during the summer months. Lord, we ask You to watch over us as we begin our break. Keep us safe in our travels, joyful in our rest, and mindful of Your presence in all we do. Help us return with open hearts, ready to learn, serve, and grow in faith. May we always walk in the light of Christ, sharing His love with everyone we meet. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Contact Us DCET - Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust Park Avenue Bridgwater Somerset TA6 7EE Visit us on the web at Home: The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust (thedcet.com). Safeguarding DCET are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all our children in all of our schools. We believe that pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse; where staff are vigilant for signs of any pupil in distress and are confident about applying their/our safeguarding processes to avert and alleviate any such problems. Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm - safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment - and that we all feel safe in our environment. If you are ever concerned about the safety or well-being of someone at one of our schools, please talk to one of the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead's (DSL's).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NzI=