The beginning of a new school year is always a mixture of emotions – a few nerves coupled with excitement and happiness.

This year was no different for our Year 8 students. There was lots of energetic chatter as the girls found their new lockers, greeted friends and were welcomed by their House Tutors with smiling faces.

Undoubtedly, students have faced a difficult past two years. It was clear some students may have walked through the Heyington Gates feeling apprehension and nervousness on the back of their Year 7 experience, however, it goes to show how resilient the St Catherine’s students are, as they expressed nothing but gratitude and optimism for the year ahead.

This week as a Cohort, we explored the idea of approaching the year with a growth mindset. We have all been faced with challenging times and now is the moment to approach tasks with positivity and willingness to step outside our comfort zones. Students have already expressed a keen interest in the plethora of Co-curricular activities on offer ,and this enthusiasm to partake in new opportunities is pleasing to see as I have already witnessed this growth mindset taking place.

I am looking forward to working with the Year 8 Cohort in Term 1. Ms Skye Stansfield will return in Term 2 and I know she is very excited to be reunited with the students once again.

Welcome back Year 8!