Bishop Challoner Newsletter
April 2025
As we come to the end of another incredibly busy but rewarding term at Bishop Challoner Catholic School, I would like to express my gratitude to all of our parents for your ongoing support – it makes a real difference in ensuring our students reach their full potential.
Following Mother’s Day last Sunday, we take this opportunity to recognise and give thanks for the strong, nurturing, and supportive maternal figures in our lives who help shape and inspire us.
It has been wonderful to see different year groups now attending a regular Mass in the church each week, deepening their connection to their faith and fostering a greater sense of unity within our school community. During Lent, we have already marked important moments of reflection and renewal, having previously celebrated Ash Wednesday and our reconciliation liturgies. These occasions reminded us of the season’s call to self-discipline, prayer, and spiritual growth. As we continue through Lent, we are also encouraged to engage in acts of charity, supporting those in need and truly living out the values at the heart of our Catholic ethos.
A special mention also to our staff, particularly those working tirelessly with Year 11 and Year 13, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement as we enter the crucial exam period.
To our students preparing for their exams – well done for the determination and professionalism you have shown in your studies; we are incredibly proud of your hard work!
Yours in Service,
Adam Hall
Executive Headteacher
We explored identity and culture through short films at the British Film Institute on Thursday 27th February. Our Year 10 students enjoyed learning Spanish through film and engaged with the learning. Their behaviour was excellent, as was their social presentation in front of so many people.
During our Ash Wednesday celebrations this week each year group celebrated a Liturgy of the Ashes in the theatre — the first led by Fr Keith Stoakes, who blessed the ashes.
In the afternoon, a group of Year 10 and 11 students distributed ashes to all the children at Saint Mary and St Michael’s Primary School.
What a great World Book Day!
Year 7s are ready to dive into new worlds with their free books! Who knew reading could be this exciting? Let the page-turning adventures begin!
Year 7 have been exploring various aspects of rhythm, from learning how to read complex patterns to composing their own unique rhythms, unlocking their creative potential along the way!
Year 10 students have been actively engaging in AQA required practical experiments, applying their knowledge and skills as part of their GCSE studies!
A magical day at Wilton’s Music Hall!
Our fantastic Drama Club and other budding performers enjoyed a brilliant trip to see Mary and the Hyenas. Huge thanks to Pilot Theatre and Wiltons Music Hall for kindly donating the tickets!
A special shoutout to Mr Crouch and Mrs Englefield for helping to make it happen. And of course, a lovely picnic stop at St George’s Garden was the perfect addition!
Ash Wednesday
The season of Lent began with whole school Ash Wednesday services in the theatre. Fr Keith Stoakes, our parish priest, blessed the ashes during the first service of the day and they were then distributed to each year group with the help of staff and student ministers.
A group of student leaders then visited St Mary and St Michael's primary school in the afternoon to distribute ashes to the children there.
Lenten Fundraising and Charity Work
The season of Lent calls us to a special focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This has inspired our students to help those in need in our diocese and in our local community.
The Year 11 Prefect team have been collecting donations of dry and canned food and toiletries for local charity Neighbours in Poplar. This fantastic organisation supports those in need, particular older and more vulnerable members of our community, by delivering meals and essential items.
Year 12 and 13 have been running an Easter Egg Raffle for the Cardinal's 2025 Lenten Appeal. To date they have sold over 300 raffle tickets!
Reconciliation Week
Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a traditional Lenten practice for Catholics. Over the last two weeks of term each year group took part in a Reconciliation Liturgy in the Theatre. During these liturgies our young people reflected on the parable of the lost sheep and took part in an examination of conscience before the Blessed Sacrament. Catholic students were offered the chance to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, with many going across to the church to do this during the last week of term.
Saint Mary and St Michael Year 4 Liturgy and egg hunt
On 1st April it was our pleasure to welcome Year 4 from St Mary and St Michael Primary School to the Year 7 Playground for a Lent Liturgy and egg hunt. The Liturgy, led by Mr Johnston, allowed the children the chance to reflect on the parable of the talents and the unique gifts that God gives each one of us. The children then hunted for the eggs that had been hidden around the playground, each one containing a short scriptural affirmation.
This term, our KS3 and KS4 MFL students had the chance to go on some amazing reward trips, starting with a visit to the BFI London. KS4 students took part in a fun workshop all about culture and belonging, exploring how these themes come through in Spanish and French films. They also got to watch a brand-new international movie, giving them a deeper understanding of different cultures and languages, which ties in perfectly with what they’re learning in class.
KS3 Spanish students also had a great time improving their language skills with short films and interactive activities—all in Spanish! These activities helped them expand their vocabulary and encouraged them to speak more confidently in the target language.
The behaviour of our students was fantastic, and the feedback was super positive. It was a great way to celebrate their hard work and passion for languages in a fun and engaging setting.
In addition, a group of Year 10 French students had an unforgettable time at Les Misérables. The show left a lasting impression, and many students said they’d love to go back for more cultural and educational experiences in the future.
A big thank you to all the students for their amazing behaviour and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to plan more rewarding trips and activities in the future!
