Farewell Service for Revd Daniel Norris

On Monday 15th December our school community came together for a very special service to say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Reverend Daniel Norris, the founding headteacher of Saint Jérôme School.

The service was a joyful and reflective celebration of Reverend Norris’ many years of dedication, leadership and faith. Pupils led the service with great confidence and respect, opening with words of thanks and prayers as Reverend Norris prepares for his next chapter in ministry. We sang Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, reflecting the call to love and serve others, which Reverend Norris has always modelled throughout his time with us.

During the service, pupils shared readings from Scripture, including Jesus’ words from John 15 reminding us that “I am the vine; you are the branches”, and that by remaining rooted in love and faith, we can continue to grow and bear fruit. A reading from Ecclesiastes also reminded us that “there is a time for everything”, helping us reflect on endings, new beginnings and God’s guiding presence through every season of life.

Mrs Cox and Mrs Walton shared thoughtful reflections on their journey working alongside Reverend Norris, and we were treated to a beautiful musical moment as Mrs Cox’s daughter performed For Good from Wicked. Year 6 also shared a particularly moving song, expressing gratitude for Reverend Norris’ vision in founding our school and for creating a community where every child is valued, encouraged and inspired.

As Reverend Norris prepares to follow his new calling, we are encouraged by the words of Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

We say goodbye with grateful hearts and fond memories. Reverend Norris, thank you for everything you have given to our school. You will always be part of the Saint Jérôme family and will be greatly missed. We wish you every blessing for the future.

Merci pour avoir fondé notre école. Vous ferez toujours partie de notre histoire. Bonne continuation. Learn More

La Plume Française

On Wednesday 17th December, we welcomed two visitors from l’Institut Français. In perfect timing prior to Revd. Norris’ last day as our headteacher, they presented our school with the LabelFrancÉducation, giving us the good news that the school has been awarded this for the next five years.

As this was a rather last-minute visit, we held a low-key ceremony with all of Year 6 present, alongside Sequoia and Willow classes, who both wowed our visitors with their beautiful performances of ‘L’Oiseau et l’Enfant’ and ‘Étoile de Noël’.

When our visitors had a tour of the school, they were overjoyed to see the bilingual ethos that is clearly established within our school. They asked that we extend their congratulations to the whole staff team and our whole school community.

On this note, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank the francophone parent helpers, who have been making recordings of our Sami et Julie reading scheme (which will be launched in January), and volunteering to hear readers on a regular basis. Merci beaucoup!

And finally… Nous vous souhaitons de très belles fêtes de fin d’année!

Design a Christmas Card for Harrow Display

On Friday 12th December 2025, the winners of the Design a Christmas Card for Harrow competition were treated to an exclusive guided tour of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster by Mr. Gareth Thomas MP and his assistant, Miss Beny.

They discovered this magnificent building and some hidden treasures, such as the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Broom Closet. The children and adults present on this tour were able to attend a session of the House of Lords, where a debate was taking place and afterwards, they visited the House of Commons.

Everyone was amazed by the beauty of the Palace and by all the interesting information provided by Mr. Thomas.

A big thank you to Mr. Thomas and his assistant Miss Beny and to the parents who accompanied the children.

What an unforgettable day!