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Posted on: 21/05/2025

Future of Our Lady of Grace Parish Church - update

As many of you will be aware, the future of Our Lady of Grace parish church is uncertain, and by extension the existence of the parish. The Archdiocese of Southwark does not currently own the land or buildings of the parish and the current owners have attempted to serve notice on the parish, requesting it to vacate the buildings and cease use by the end of June. There are legal reasons why this is not acceptable and the Archdiocese has made clear to the owners that the parish vacating the site is not possible nor accepted. As a school we are very concerned by these developments. Our relationship with the parish is very strong and the links between home, parish and school are absolutely essential for the authentic Catholic education and formation that our children currently receive. The parish community has quickly mobilised to work with the Archdiocese to find a permanent solution that will be acceptable to the site's owners, and the school is working very closely with the parish to offer whatever assistance and support it can.  There will be opportunities for the wider school community to support the parish community via petitioning decision makers and fundraising. These efforts will be organised by the parish and the school will communicate any calls to action to parents  as soon as they are received. Please pray for a successful resolution to this very concerning situation and the protection of Our Lady of Grace over our whole community.  Please see the letter that was read out by Canon Victor Darlington at Mass on 3rd May 2025 by clicking below. Canon Victor Darlington's Letter to Parishioners We have been informed that the church will not close on 30th June but that there is a reprieve for at least one year.
Posted on: 20/05/2025

School Disco - Friday 23rd May

The PTFA have been busy organising the school disco that will take place during school time on Friday 23rd May 2025. There will be a disco for the infants early afternoon, followed by the juniors. The discos will take place during school time with pick up as normal. In order to be able to put on the disco, we are asking the children to donate £3.00 each, this will include their entrance, a drink and a snack. Following discussions with the PTFA and the upcoming school disco on Friday, a decision has been taken that children should come into school wearing either their school uniform or PE kit dependent on their timetable. Please see the list below of those classes which should wear their PE kit into school on Friday – St Bernadette St Francis St David St Patrick St Teresa St Oscar Romero We believe that this is a fair solution under the circumstances as it ensures everyone can participate equally. As the discos normally take place on Friday, the school will work with the PTFA to find a long-term solution going forward.The children should give their donation to their class teacher in the morning or payment can be made through ParentPay. Our discos have always been popular with the children. It’s great to give them an opportunity to dance, sing and have fun with their friends. If you haven’t already volunteered to help on the day and would like to do so please email ptfa@ourladyofgraceschool.co.uk or WhatsApp your class representatives. We want to continue to make these events happen and this wouldn’t be possible without your continued support and financial contributions. More details of the upcoming events will be communicated shortly.
Posted on: 18/05/2025

Snacks at Wrappers Club

The decision to restrict snacks at Wrappers Club was made with the primary aim of safeguarding all our pupils, particularly those with severe food allergies. Managing a range of allergies including nuts, dairy, wheat, and other common ingredient requires stringent measures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of all children. However, we recognise the importance of providing adequate nutrition, including protein-rich options, for our students. In light of this, we are pleased to inform you all that, under the new policy implemented by Mr. Small, parents are permitted to provide their children with fresh fruit as an additional snack. This approach allows us to maintain necessary health and safety standards while accommodating the nutritional needs of our pupils. We understand that this may not fully address all dietary preferences, but we believe it strikes a balance between ensuring student safety and supporting their nutritional requirements. We remain committed to working collaboratively with parents to support healthy eating habits within the constraints of our safety protocols. Your suggestions are important to us and a questionnaire to all parents who use the provision will be circulated at the start of the new year in September.  The questionnaire will look at all aspects of the Wraparound provision and the results will form the Wrappers' priorities for 2025 -6.
Posted on: 12/05/2025

URGENT - PETITION TO SAVE OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH AND PRESBYTRY

The Assumptionist Order has indicated that Our Lady of Grace parish must vacate its historic church and presbytery in Charlton, placing this thriving Catholic community at risk. Our Lady of Grace Church and Grade II listed Highcombe House represent irreplaceable heritage dating back to 1903. The church, built in Neo-Romanesque style by French architect Eugène-Jacques Gervais in 1905-1906, stands as testimony to the Assumptionist Order's mission in England after being expelled from France. The integrity of this site depends on preserving the church, Highcombe House, and gardens as a unified property, including the historic pathway connecting the church to Our Lady of Grace School. This pathway has a history dating back over 200 years—originally part of Eastcombe farm's orchard paths, adapted by Sir William Congreve around 1820. The gardens contain a historic mulberry tree of significant age requiring protection. This tree forms part of the site's living heritage and contributes to local biodiversity, warranting dedicated conservation. The path has been used by generations of residents including General Sir George Whitmore's family, the Barlow family (1862-1902), followed by the Assumptionist community and schoolchildren, creating a living timeline connecting today's community to centuries of local history. Any subdivision would compromise the site's historical significance and the vital connection between parish and school community. These buildings form the spiritual home of a vibrant parish with deep roots in Charlton. The connection with Our Lady of Grace School continues the Assumptionist educational mission. The newly formed Our Lady of Grace Buildings Preservation Trust is ready to work with the Assumptionist Order, local council, and experts to develop a sustainable plan that respects the Order's interests while preserving this site for future generations. Once lost, this shared heritage can never be restored. We believe collaborative dialogue can find solutions that honour the Assumptionist legacy. Please sign the Petition below by clicking on the link below. Petition to save Our Lady of Grace Church    

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