Dear all,

Our Christmas festivities have taken place this week with House Rewards, carol singing and our Celebration Assemblies.

In our Celebration Assemblies today, I spoke to our students about the concept of giving, both at Christmas and our wider lives:

“Christmas is a special time and a time associated with giving.

It is a time for enjoying the Christmas story, where Santa Claus delivers gifts. Santa Claus goes by various names around the world. There’s no right answer of course and they all bring gifts or treats. Interestingly, presents are left in different places and opened at different times throughout the year. It all depends on where you reside in the world. There are now fun and modern presents’ giving traditions too like Secret Santa. Here the person who provides the gift is kept secret throughout the exchange or at least until the gift is given. It’s become popular in workgroups and large groups of friends around the world.

Christmas time is also special by nature because it comes at the end of the calendar year. This gives us a natural point to reflect and think back on the past 12 months. And today, I want you to all think back and reflect on your past year. What are you most proud of? And, what are you most excited about in 2024?

At Holmleigh Park, we are currently focussing on how we can give. Giving back through charity and giving back to our local community.

In December, we were able to do both.

We have had our first ever HP Charity Week. Our wonderful House council, Year 12 mentors and Year 13 captains worked incredibly hard to organise the events which took place. Each house had a specific event to raise money for linked charity. The events included a murder mystery, soaking the teacher, catchphrase, a penalty shootout and bingo. I believe that being involved in charity is absolutely essential for us to live our values of being kind and taking responsibility. Each house has a designated charity who they will raise money for throughout the year. Hurricane are linked to The Family Haven who are a Gloucester day centre for parents and their children under five, as well as children with additional needs. Javelin will be raising money for The James Hopkins Trust who provide nursing respite care for Gloucestershire’s life limited and life threatened children. Meteor will be supporting The Spring Centre who are based in Quedgeley and provide day care for young adults, pre-school sessions and an after-school club. Typhoon are connected with the Gloucestershire Nightstop who support young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. We are very proud to be working with all of these charities, who are all making an impact directly in our local area.

Yesterday, our HP carol singers gave back to our local community by singing in a local care home. I was unbelievably proud to then receive emails of thanks this afternoon from members of our local community who have family members in a local care home. Our HP represented themselves and the school brilliantly.

My message to all HP students in 2024 will be to give yourselves fully to the school and our local community. Get involved, be a part of events and make a difference. We will give you those opportunities, but it is by taking them up that you can make the most positive impact.”

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year,

Mr Hudson
Headteacher