Catholic Values

As a Christian community the School values collective worship.

Staff and students gather in St. George’s Cathedral on the following occasions throughout the year to worship together.

MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

This celebration marks the beginning of the new academic year and is a tradition of all Notre Dame schools throughout the world.  

During the service students in Year 11 who hold posts of responsibility, as well as all the form representatives, are introduced to the whole school.

END OF TERM SERVICES

At the end of each term a service is held in St. George’s Cathedral and many members of the school community are actively involved in it. 

At Christmas and Easter the services are based on these two great Christian feasts and the service at the end of the year is a celebration of all the events of the past school year. 

HOLY DAYS

On holy days which fall on school days, Mass is celebrated at the beginning of the day for the whole school. 

The liturgy is carefully prepared by the R.E. department and students are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of the liturgy. 

In addition to the services in the Cathedral students are invited to pray in the following ways:

ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are held every week for each year group.  These assemblies are led by the Headteacher or one of her deputies, or by the Head of Year. 

DAILY ACT OF WORSHIP
At the beginning of each day form tutors pray with their students.  Students are encouraged to take a turn in leading this act of worship.

LENT AND ADVENT
During Lent and Advent students and staff are invited to reflect and pray together before the beginning of the school day.  Each daily service is carefully prepared and led by the R.E. department. 

ST JULIE’S DAY

On the first Friday of each February the timetable is suspended in honour of the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Julie Billiart, and students spend the day raising money for charity.  Each year a large amount of money is raised and is sent to a Notre Dame charity.  

OTHER FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES

The School takes part in a variety of other fund-raising activities throughout the year and we are proud of the Notre Dame tradition of caring for others.