20 December, 2025
Letter from the Headteacher (2025-26) 4
Greatest gift, greatest joy
It's the most wonderful time of the year! There is always a 'buzz' surrounding the final few weeks of the Autumn Term as gifts are exchanged and achievements celebrated.
Notable moments in the last fortnight include trips for A Level Physics students competing in the Engineering Education Scheme and for GCSE Geography students undertaking essential fieldwork. Art students have visited the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford and Drama students have been behind the scenes of the touring West End show, Mary Poppins. Our all-female debating team has triumphed in the 'Debate Mate' finals at Cardiff University and Years 7 and 8 have enjoyed Advent services led by Mthr Rose and our student worship team.
Year Groups have selected prize winners in our end-of-year celebrations and the victors of our 'Advent Calendar' challenge have received their prizes (you can download the solutions below). Over 1,300 students have taken Christmas shopping trips, or been ice skating, or played crazy golf, or visited the Winter Wonderland. It has been a busy few days!
The annual talent show, Teilo's Got Talent, did not disappoint. With five performances to parents, friends and students, our brave cast have inspired and entertained us. I have laughed - and cried - and got a very bruised head from one particular act! Truly, St Teilo's at its best.
This is a season about people, not presents. The Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, becomes a sign of God's profound love for us. As we exchange gifts, let us be reminded of the greatest gift: Christ Himself. There can be no greater blessing than receiving the Lord Jesus and no greater joy than salvation through Him.
I pray that the hope, peace, love and joy of Jesus fills your home this Christmas.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Advent Calendar Challenge
With over 4,000 submissions, our Advent Calendar Challenge has kept heads scratching throughout December. Congratulations to winners Niah and Raimot, and to runners up Mallory and Olivia. You can view the puzzles and their solutions below.
Support over Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult and challenging time for families. If you are worried, please reach out - there are many services available to assist you. The Youth Service are also available to young people. You can find out more below.
Parent Meetings
Our sequence of online parent meetings begins in the New Year with Years 12 and 13. You can find the dates for future meetings here. Appointments can be booked online below.
Parent checklists
It is helpful to remind yourself of the expectations for parents which support young people in their education. You can find useful checklists and frequently asked questions using the quick guides below.
Keeping in touch
Please do stay in regular contact with us. The principal points of contact are:
Year 7, Mr Evans (r.evans@stteilos.com)
Year 8, Mr Townsend (a.townsend@stteilos.com)
Year 9, Mrs Phillips (j.phillips@stteilos.com)
Year 10, Mr Smith (n.smith@stteilos.com)
Year 11, Miss Hallett (k.hallett@stteilos.com)
Sixth Form, Mrs Owen (e.owen@stteilos.com)
You are also invited to contact me directly by emailing headteacher@stteilos.com. Remember that staff are unlikely to be available without notice in person or by telephone (they are busy working with children); email is by far the most effective way to contact us or you may contact us online below.
I look forward to welcoming all students back on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
With every blessing this Christmas,
Canon I Loynd, Headteacher
