SJS Termly Review | Issue V | Summer 2026

SJS REVIEW

CEO FOREWORD

As we reach the end of another academic year, I am filled with gratitude for all that has been achieved across Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust

Looking back on the Summer Term, I am struck once again by the extraordinary breadth of opportunities our pupils experience and the unwavering commitment of our staff, governors, families and parish communities

Above all, this term has reinforced a truth that lies at the heart of our mission: formation and achievement are inseparable. Each enriches the other, and together they enable our young people to flourish as disciples, scholars and citizens

This vision resonates strongly with Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, in which he reminds us that Catholic schools must be ‘not a nostalgic refuge but a laboratory of discernment, pedagogical innovation and prophetic witness ’ In a rapidly changing world, our schools continue to embody that challenge, nurturing young people who are rooted in faith, confident in their identity, and prepared to shape the future with wisdom and courage

The life of our Trust this term provides countless examples of this mission in action.

We have celebrated significant moments of faith formation, from First Holy Communion and the Crowning of Mary at St Augustine's, to the Patronal Mass and commissioning of student leaders at St Thomas More Language College We have seen young people encounter the wider world through experiences as diverse as Cardinal Vaughan's Schola Choir tour of Spain, careers events at St John XXIII, visits to Parliament by pupils from St Vincent de Paul, and residential journeys undertaken by pupils at St Joseph's, Chelsea

At the same time, achievement in all its forms has continued to flourish Whether winning both Mayor's Cups at St Augustine's, reaching sporting finals, completing Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, achieving recognition for climate action and sustainability, or excelling in music, drama, science and the arts, our pupils have demonstrated talent, resilience and determination These successes matter not simply because of the awards or accolades received, but because they reflect the development of character, confidence and aspiration: across the Trust, we remain committed to providing an education that forms the whole person

Paul Stubbings Catholic Executive Officer

MESSAGE FROM THE LAY CHAPLAIN

As we come to the end of another wonderful term and a grace-filled year, we give thanks to God for His love, which has been present across so many aspects of school and Trust life This term has been marked by growth in faith, deeper fellowship, and countless acts of service and prayer, all helping us to fulfil our mission of forming young disciples in Christ

Our Pupils – Growing as Young Disciples

One of the highlights of the term was the Trust-wide Pupil Chaplains' Retreat at Westminster Cathedral, where pupils from across our Trust gathered to pray, learn, and share their experiences of faith Their feedback was truly inspiring, as they spoke of how valuable it was to come together and how significantly the retreat strengthened them in their vocation as pupil chaplains

Many returned inspired to develop new opportunities for prayer, strengthen pupil leadership, organise charitable initiatives, and deepen the spiritual life of their own schools. One pupil summed up the experience beautifully: "I feel closer to God " Another reflected: "I learnt how other schools live out Service, Dignity and Perseverance " Let us give thanks to the Lord for these abundant fruits

The fellowship that grew throughout the morning, as parents shared both the joys and the challenges of raising well-rounded children to become compassionate and responsible adults, strengthened and encouraged everyone present Learning about the English Martyrs, spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, and reflecting together reminded us that discipleship is never lived alone. Christ walks with us on our journey together. Prayer nourishes our hearts, reflection shapes our decisions, and fellowship gives us the courage to persevere in our daily vocation as Christian families

Our Parents – Fellowship that Builds Discipleship

Our second Parents' Morning Retreat was another great blessing Parents gathered at Tyburn Convent for prayer, reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, and fellowship It was a joy to hear how this shared morning had supported them in their vocation as Catholic parents.

Our Staff – Living Our Core Values

Every member of staff contributes generously to the life of our schools, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication shown each day This term, among the many outstanding members of staff across the Trust, three colleagues generously agreed to share their personal stories Their reflections beautifully demonstrated how our core values of Dignity, Service, and Perseverance are truly embedded throughout the Trust.

Whether through extending hospitality that reminds every person of their God-given dignity, offering compassionate care and respect to every child, especially those with additional needs, or faithfully serving others each day, our staff embody these values in countless ways Their perseverance in sharing God's love brings encouragement and hope, enriching the lives of colleagues and pupils alike Let us give thanks to God for the gift of their faith and witness

Looking

to Saint John Southworth

As a Trust, we continue to be inspired by Saint John Southworth, who risked his life to bring the sacraments to the sick and the dying during times of persecution His courageous witness reminds us how precious the ministry of priests is for the life of the Church

Although there were no priestly ordinations in our Diocese this year, we rejoice that there has been a diaconate ordination and that our seminaries are full of men preparing to answer God's call We pray with hope that many holy priests will soon be ordained to serve God's people

As a Trust community, the SJSCAT supports the Priests' Training Fund both financially and through our communal prayer Thank you to all who have been able to support these men as they prepare to give their lives in service of Christ and His Church

May Saint John Southworth intercede for us, for our families, for our school communities, and for everyone across SJSCAT I wish you all a blessed and restful summer, and I look forward to continuing our journey together in the new academic year

Caroline Moulinet SJSCAT Lay Chaplain

ST AUGUSTINE’S

This has been a busy and exciting term for St Augustine's, with pupils enjoying a wide range of experiences both inside and outside the classroom

A highlight was a visit from author Melania Giofne, who inspired pupils through workshops that celebrated reading and storytelling Across the school, pupils have also taken part in a variety of exciting lessons, from Reception exploring the life cycle of butterflies to Year 5 developing their digital skills through vector drawing

Sport has been another major focus this term Pupils proudly represented the school in the Mayor's Cricket Cup, while Tennis Week brought the whole school together Thanks to support from the Queen's Club Foundation, Year 6 pupils received specialist coaching before sharing their new skills with younger year groups The week also included morning tennis cardio sessions and concluded with the much-anticipated annual Year 5 and Year 6 tennis competition

Overall, it has been a vibrant and rewarding term, filled with opportunities for pupils to learn and celebrate their achievements together

We celebrated the spirit of the World Cup with a wholeschool Dance Workshop, bringing cultures from around the world to life through music and movement

Working with dance instructor Don Rae, every class learned routines inspired by different countries, building confidence and teamwork throughout the day

The celebrations concluded with a fantastic performance in the playground, where parents enjoyed watching the children showcase everything they had learned

This term, we joined together for our Holy Communion Mass, celebrating the children who made their First Holy Communion during the academic year

Before this, we also held our beautiful Crowning of Mary Procession, where our youngest pupil and our oldest pupils, who were twins, had the honour of crowning Mary

Families were invited to bring flowers in her honour, creating a wonderful celebration of faith and community

MAYOR’S CUP DOUBLE MAKES HISTORY

This term has been a truly historic one for St Augustine’s as the school became the first primary school in recent years to achieve the remarkable Mayor’s Cup Double, winning both the Boys’ and Girls’ Mayor’s Cup titles

The two victories, secured on the same day, are a testament to the hard work, determination and teamwork shown by our pupils throughout the season Representing the school with pride, both teams demonstrated not only excellent footballing ability but also outstanding sportsmanship

This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, coaches and parents, whose encouragement and support played a vital role throughout the season

Congratulations to all of our players on this outstanding accomplishment

SCHOLA CHOIR TOUR OF SPAIN

Our Schola Choir enjoyed a memorable tour of Spain, performing in some of the country's most iconic and historic venues The tour began in Barcelona, where the choir had the privilege of singing at Mass before giving a concert in the crypt of the breathtaking Sagrada Família They also visited Montserrat Abbey, taking part in the famous Salve service

The choir then travelled to Zaragoza, performing at Santa Engracia and visiting the magnificent Basilica of El Pilar and the historic Palacio de la Aljafería, before concluding the tour with a final concert at Huesca Cathedral, where they were warmly received by an appreciative audience

The tour was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to showcase their talents, experience Spain's rich musical and cultural heritage, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

CARDINAL VAUGHAN

The Summer term at Cardinal Vaughan has been busy, filled with exciting opportunities and community spirit. We were especially proud to celebrate the School's successful Ofsted inspection, recognising the dedication of our staff, pupils and wider school community

Pupils enjoyed a wealth of enriching experiences throughout the term, welcoming inspiring visitors including representatives from Anthony Nolan and Hephzibah Rudofsky, daughter of a Holocaust survivor

Educational visits took students across the UK and beyond, with trips to Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and Japan providing unforgettable opportunities to broaden their learning and cultural understanding

The term also saw pupils celebrate Culture Day, raising funds for Aid to the Church in Need, while sharing food, traditions and activities from around the world Sporting success continued through athletics and Gaelic football, while our Summer Drinks Reception, Alumni Reunion and Summer Fête brought together pupils, families, staff and former students, celebrating the strength of the Cardinal Vaughan community

Our annual Summer Fête was one of the highlights of the term, bringing together the community for a fantastic afternoon of fun and celebration

With a wide variety of stalls, activities, entertainment and food, there was something for everyone to enjoy

The event was a wonderful reflection of the strong sense of community at Cardinal Vaughan

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make the day a success

We were captivated by this year’s outstanding production of West Side Story

Following three weeks of rehearsals, students delivered a remarkable showcase of talent and dedication

From the exceptional acting and powerful musical performances to the impressive choreography and technical production, the show was a true celebration of the creativity and commitment of our students and staff

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this production to the stage

ST JOHN XXIII

This summer term at St John XXIII has been filled with memorable experiences, celebrating pupils' talents, achievements and opportunities beyond the classroom

Our KS2 Music Concert showcased the incredible talents of our choir and School of Rock, while pupils proudly represented the school in the London Mini Marathon, cricket competitions and Sports Day

We were also delighted that 18 Year 1 pupils had their imaginative entries selected for publication in the Monster Mayhem drawing competition

Pupils continued to enjoy enriching learning experiences through a range of educational visits Year 2 marked International Nurses Day with a special visitor who shared their experiences in healthcare, while trips to Kew Gardens for a climate change workshop and Phoenix Farm gave pupils valuable hands-on learning opportunities, from exploring sustainability to caring for animals and plants

These experiences have inspired curiosity, encouraged creativity and created lasting memories for pupils across the school

A highlight was our muchloved International Week

Throughout the week, pupils’ learnt about the different cultures represented within our school community

This week culminated in our International Mass, followed by our International Summer Fair, a highlight of the school year

Families joined together to enjoy food from Ethiopia, the Caribbean, Spain and many more countries, making it a wonderful celebration of culture, faith and community.

Careers Day was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to explore the wide range of careers they might pursue.

Pupils came to school dressed as the profession they aspire to, bringing great excitement.

Our Key Stage 2 pupils heard from a range of professionals, including TV producers and physiotherapists, who shared valuable insights into their careers

Our younger pupils enjoyed a special visit from the fire brigade, which was a real highlight.

CARING FOR OUR PLANET

A proud moment for the school was the success of our Year 6 pupils in the Our Planet Needs You project

Throughout the year, they have led the way in a range of climate action initiatives, including the work of our Bloom Team and our Shop Sustainable campaign. St John XXIII was one of eight schools across Hammersmith and Fulham taking part, all hoping to win the prestigious Impact Award

On Wednesday 24 June, on one of the hottest days of the year, the winners were announced at White City Place

We were absolutely delighted that St John XXIII won four awards in total, including the overall award for School Impact

SUMMER CONCERT

This term, we were delighted to host our annual St Joseph's Summer Concert at St Mary's Church, a wonderful celebration of the musical talent within our school community.

Children performed a wide variety of songs and instrumental pieces, accompanied by our school orchestra, showcasing their dedication and hard work

The evening also featured a special staff rendition of Reach, which delighted the audience and brought smiles and enthusiastic applause from everyone in attendance

The Summer term has been a joyful, enriching (and warm!) time at St Joseph's, filled with sunshine, celebration, and opportunities for our children to continue living out our school Mission Statement in meaningful and memorable ways

One of the highlights of the term was a trip to see The Lion King in London's West End, while our Year 6 pupils impressed audiences with their fantastic production of Mystery at Magpie Manor, showcasing their confidence, creativity and talent

Sport played a key role throughout the term, with Sports Week bringing the school together for activities including penalty shoot-outs, cheerleading and team challenges Pupils also enjoyed our annual Book Fair, celebrating a love of reading across the school.

We are equally proud of our talented chess players, who secured second place in a recent competition, with one pupil also going on to represent the school at the National Chess Championships.

It has been a wonderful end to another successful year, filled with memorable experiences, outstanding achievements and opportunities for every child to grow and learn.

SCHOOL JOURNEYS CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Our school journeys were another highlight of the term

Pupils enjoyed an exciting geography focused residential at Sayers Croft, where hands on outdoor learning deepened their understanding of the natural world

Meanwhile, Year 6 embarked on their adventure packed trip to Osmington Bay, taking part in a range of activities that strengthened teamwork, resilience, and confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.

We were delighted to celebrate our wonderful school community through the PTFA Summer Fair and Gala Auction

From activities and entertainment at the Summer Fair to the incredible support shown during the Gala Auction, both events highlighted the strength of our school community

These events were a wonderful reminder about what makes St Joseph's such a special place

ST JOSEPH’S, MAIDA VALE

There has been plenty to celebrate at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School this term, with pupils making the most of a wide range of enriching opportunities

From designing rockets in computing and exploring faith through teaching Masses and Feast of the Ascension celebrations, learning has extended far beyond the classroom

Pupils have also enjoyed exciting experiences including visits from Falconry UK and trips to the zoo, while sporting success continued through multi-sports competitions and Sports Day

The term also saw Year 5 embark on an unforgettable residential at Sayers Croft, the return of the Climate Club, and the school community joining together to enjoy a fantastic Summer Fair, rounding off another memorable term.

As part of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Week, we were delighted to welcome Jamie Clarke, Captain of the England and Great Britain Deaf Football Teams, to St Joseph's

A profoundly deaf British Sign Language (BSL) user, Jamie shared his inspiring journey with our pupils, encouraging them to embrace inclusion, resilience and determination.

His visit was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn more about the importance of equality and inclusion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended

SAYERS CROFT

Year 5 enjoyed a fantastic week at Sayers Croft, taking part in a range of outdoor activities that challenged and inspired them

Pupils at St Joseph's enjoyed a wonderful hands-on learning experience as they welcomed a brood of fluffy chicks into the classroom

After exploring the life cycle of a chick in their lessons, children put their learning into practice, meeting the newly hatched chicks in person

The opportunity to hold and cuddle the chicks brought their learning to life and created a memorable experience for everyone involved.

From nature walks and team-building exercises to learning survival techniques, pupils embraced every opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and create lasting memories

It was an unforgettable experience for all involved

SCIENCE WEEK

Science week went with a bang this year!

Each class took part in fantastic science investigations. As part of Science Week, Year 2 tried to answer the question ‘What is the best design for a paper aeroplane?’ We made paper aeroplanes, helicopters and gliders and tested them on the playground to see which stayed in the air for the longest time

OUR LADY OF VICTORIES

This term has been busy and exciting, full of opportunities and fun for all the pupils at Our Lady of Victories

Alongside trips to places of worship, the British Library and the Sir John Soanes Museum, we celebrated Art Week, Science week and of course Sport Day! Our Year 5 took part in the debating competition at the Town Hall and, of course, Year 6 were magnificent in their end of year production

Sport has featured prominently particularly during June and July –Year 6 enjoyed a morning of rounders in the park, Year 4 attended the Cricket Festival and pupils from Years 5 and 6 represented the school wonderfully at the swimming gala.

All these activities and events gave our children an opportunity to showcase their talents and gifts, whether artistic, sporting, scientific or in oracy.

All classes took part in amazing immersive science workshops that explored electricity and forces It was great to see everyone dressed up as scientists

We are incredibly proud of our Year 4 football team, who enjoyed an excellent season and reached the league final.

Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated fantastic determination, teamwork and commitment

Although the final result did not go their way, the pupils showed outstanding resilience and sportsmanship, supporting one another until the final whistle.

Sports Day was a fantastic celebration of teamwork and school spirit Pupils took part in a variety of challenges, working together in their house teams and cheering each other on throughout the day.

One of the highlights was the ever-popular dress-up obstacle course, which brought plenty of laughter and excitement

It was a wonderful day that showcased the enthusiasm and camaraderie of all our pupils

ST THOMA

This term at St Thomas More Language College has been filled with opportunities for students to develop their talents, broaden their horizons and celebrate their achievements

Pupils took part in a wide range of enriching experiences, including nutrition and cooking workshops led by Graham Ogden from Accent Catering, and an inspiring talk from Kevin George and Jamie Lawrence on sport, ambition and reaching personal potential. We were also delighted to welcome former students and staff back for our Alumni Reunion, celebrating the lifelong connections within the St Thomas More community

Sporting and creative success continued throughout the term, with our Key Stage 3 basketball team crowned West London Basketball Cup champions and students showcasing their musical talents during the annual Soundbites competition.

Overall, it has been another successful term, with pupils embracing every opportunity to learn, perform and grow as members of the College community.

ST THOMAS MORE DAY

Our College community joined together to celebrate St Thomas More Day with a special Mass in honour of our patron saint

This year, we celebrated our Year 11 students with a special Leavers' Mass, giving the school community an opportunity to reflect on their time at St Thomas More and all they have achieved

The celebrations concluded with the traditional shirtsigning ceremony, as students shared memories with friends and staff before beginning the next chapter of their journey

We wish all of our Year 11 leavers every success for the future and look forward to seeing all they go on to achieve

This year has been another fantastic one for our Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, with more than 50 students successfully completing their Silver expedition despite challenging weather conditions

We were also honoured to welcome Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, along with a distinguished group of international guests, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase our thriving DofE programme and celebrate the achievements of our students

The celebration provided an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the values of faith, integrity and service that continue to guide life at the College, while giving thanks for another successful year

During the Mass, we were also delighted to celebrate the appointment of our Senior 8 and School Prefects for the 2026–27 academic year

We congratulate our newly appointed student leaders and wish them every success as they prepare to lead the College community with dedication, compassion and faith

STEWARDSHIP IN ACTION

A highlight this term has been our whole-school project linked to the Year of Saint Francis and our involvement in the Our Planet Needs You (OPNY) Project.

Inspired by Saint Francis' love of creation and commitment to caring for our common home, pupils have taken part in practical environmental activities, including litter picking in the local community, planting (Growing God’s Garden) and recycling, helping them to understand how small actions can make a positive difference to the world around them

Across the school, children created beautiful artwork inspired by The Canticle of the Sun, reflecting on the wonder of God's creation through painting, drawing and mosaics

STTHOMASOFCANTERBURY

It has been another wonderfully busy and enriching term at St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, with pupils enjoying a wide range of opportunities both in and beyond the classroom

A highlight of the term was the Literacy Festival at the Lyric Theatre, where every class took part in engaging workshops Year 3 and 4 also had the exciting opportunity to meet Michael Rosen and hear him perform his much-loved Chocolate Cake poem

Pupils have also enjoyed drama workshops, Sports Day and a visit to BST Hyde Park, while continuing to make a difference through fundraising for Mary's Meals and taking part in the Our Planet Needs You (OPNY) project.

The term concluded with celebrations for the Feast Day of St Thomas of Canterbury, and members of the Pupil Chaplaincy Team attended the annual SJSCAT Retreat Day.

One of the highlights of the term was Sports Day, where pupils showed determination and excellent sportsmanship.

It was wonderful to see children and their families encouraging one another and celebrating each other's successes The event was a fantastic reminder of the importance of physical activity, teamwork and healthy competition within our school community

The day ended with pupils enjoying ice lollies kindly gifted from a parent

Pupils from Reception to Year 6 captivated the school community with beautiful piano and recorder performances, demonstrating their dedication, confidence and a love of music

We also enjoyed performances from members of our Rocksteady band, who showcased their skills on the drums, keyboards and guitars

Through their performances, our children reminded us of the importance of nurturing our God-given gifts and using them to bring joy and inspiration to others.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

It has been another fantastic term at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School, with pupils enjoying a wealth of memorable experiences both in and beyond the classroom

Highlights have included a brilliant Sports Day, the Year 6 production and Leavers' Mass, the Summer Fair, and Reception's Graduation celebration as pupils prepared for the next stage of their learning

Educational visits have taken children across London, from a Thames boat trip and theatre performances of Matilda and Wicked to the Wallace Collection and the Aquarium, while pupils also enjoyed the excitement of watching chicks hatch in school and showcased their musical talents through a series of instrumental performances

It has been a fitting end to another busy and successful year

Pupils enjoyed a fantastic day of sport at this year ' s Sports Day, held in the beautiful surroundings of Vincent Square, Westminster School's historic sports ground

We are grateful to Westminster School for its continued generosity in allowing us to use these excellent facilities as part of our long-standing partnership

The day featured a range of races and sporting challenges in the sunshine, before concluding with the everpopular parent and staff races

The School Council enjoyed a visit to Studio Minerva, a graphic design company in partnership with the school

Founded by a former parent, Studio Minerva has long supported our pupils by donating art materials each Christmas and delivering assemblies to inspire creativity and introduce children to careers in design

During their visit to the company ' s offices, pupils had the opportunity to create their own T-shirt designs while learning more about the world of graphic design

VISIT TO PARLIMENT

Early this term, members of the School Council enjoyed a memorable visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they learned about the history of British democracy and the role of Parliament in public life

The trip concluded with a special photo opportunity outside 10 Downing Street, kindly arranged by a parent with close working links to Downing Street, making for a truly memoexperience.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS

If you would like to support our schools and pledge to make a regular gift that is transformative to our fundraising campaign, please email development@sjscat.co.uk to discuss options to support the Trust

Support Your School

St Augustine’sHelping Hand Fund

Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School Love and Service Fund

St John XXIII Faith in Our Future Fund

St Joseph’s, Chelsea It Takes a Village Fund

St Joseph’s, Maida Vale Live Life to the Full Fund

Our Lady of Victories To Be the Best We Can Be Fund

Saint Thomas More Giving from the Heart Fund

St Thomas of Canterbury

St Vincent de Paul Love One Another Fund

VACANCIES TRAIN TO TEACH

Thank you for taking an interest in joining Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust (SJSCAT) We are a Trust in the Archdiocese of Westminster with a strong Catholic ethos, a tradition of outstanding academic outcomes and a strong regard for good behaviour, selfdiscipline and self-improvement among its pupils

If you would like to be part of this vibrant, forward-thinking yet traditional Trust then apply to join our team today For more information and to show your interest in this role please contact us at teach@sjscat.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are currently looking for a wide range of enthusiastic, bright candidates who are excited about the prospect of training to teach! With places in over 22 subjects available, the SJSERA prides itself on providing an environment in which new teachers can flourish, grow, and excel With dedicated mentors on hand, the courses we offer give you the chance to really get stuck into your first year of training

We will be running a series of school experience days and webinars for those who would like to find out more information about the Train to Teach process You can find more at www sjscat/SJSERA co uk