Year 13 students recently took part in a Mock Interview Day as part of the school’s careers programme, giving them a valuable opportunity to practise their interview skills and prepare for their next steps beyond school.

The experience helped students develop confidence, communication skills and professionalism in a real interview setting. For some students, this was their very first experience of an interview, making the day particularly beneficial in helping to reduce nerves and build self-belief.

Employers who volunteered their time were extremely impressed with the students’ performance. Feedback included comments such as, “They are so much more confident than I would have been at that age,” and “The students were highly prepared and came across very well in the interview.”

Mock interview days like this play an important role in ensuring students are well prepared for future interviews for apprenticeships, employment or university, and form a key part of our ongoing careers education programme.

Last night St Mary’s held their annual Christmas Carol service in the Church, which was a beautiful event.

The Church was filled with staff, parents, friends and community partners from St Mary’s, Dewhurst St Mary Primary and Holy Trinity CE Primary Schools.  As well as our own Tony Crosby providing musical accompaniment on the Church organ and piano, we were also treated to musical support from the Welwyn Garden City brass band.  Our conductor for the evening, Ms Debbie King ensured everyone kept in time, and also joined the St Mary’s Phoenix Choir and the Welwyn Garden Community choir for their carols.

Our thanks to Eve and Talliah for their excellent readings, to Rev Elizabeth Fellows for enriching sermons that touched us all, and the Headteacher Mr Richard Vaughan for his thoughtful final words wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thanks also to Emine who has taken some lovely photos of the evening.

The evening closed with mince pies and hot chocolate for everyone, served by Kristine and Elena (staff of St Mary’s) and the Church buzzed with laughter, joy and love from all present.

We are proud to announce that the Year 7 student Kimberly won the Languages Christmas Carols Competition 2025. She impressed the judges by singing an Albanian Christmas carol dressed in festive Christmas attire. Kimberly showed great engagement and joy throughout her performance.

Congratulation on this wonderful achievement!

Each Year Staff and Students of St Mary’s contribute items of food to be included in food hampers for some of our families, which are handed over before we break for Christmas.  These hampers are always very welcome and help support families who may need a little extra boost over the holiday period.

 

On Wednesday 3rd December, the Year 7 netball team played Broxbourne away in their first ever fixture. There was lots of excitement and energy to start and the girls took an early lead, with Ashleigh and Amelia working well together in GA and GS. As the game progressed the girls settled in and there was a lot of excellent passages of play. Fran, Sarafena and Nicole were really strong in defence and gave Broxbourne very little chance to reach their goal circle. Tiana was full of energy in WA, always finding the space around the court. Abigail, Naomi and Anaya did a great job of linking our defence and attack, contributing to the fantastic win of 11-2. The girls have been training consistently every week and their hard work really did pay off. Well done girls and extra congratulations to Nicole who was awarded player of the match.

Well done on a fabulous first term in Art Year 7 Artists! This term, our Year 7 artists have been exploring drawing skills with a strong emphasis on the formal elements of Art. Students have been developing their understanding of tonal value, texture, mark-making, shape, and overall depth and composition.

As part of their learning, they have researched the work of Käthe Kollwitz and Leonardo da Vinci. Inspired by these artists, students have created detailed studies of beetles, bugs, and butterflies, showcasing both their observational skills and growing confidence in artistic techniques such as ink, pencil and collage to explore formal elements.

Here are some examples of their beautiful work.

St Mary’s held its school Christmas lunch today, which again proved very successful and popular with staff and students alike.  Thanks to our catering team for their hard work, it was delicious!

Shape the Future: Volunteer as a School Trustee/Governor

St Mary’s CE High School, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire

Are you an experienced leader ready to make a real difference? Join our Trustee Board and help shape the lives of nearly 1,000 young people at St Mary’s CE High School. We’re seeking two passionate volunteers—especially those with financial, strategic, or business expertise—to guide our school’s vision and ensure every student thrives.

Why Join Us?

  • Transform Lives: Your strategic insight will directly impact educational outcomes, supporting students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential.
  • Lead with Purpose: Oversee school performance, champion our Christian ethos, and help drive long-term success for our community.
  • Grow and Give Back: Develop your own leadership in a non-executive role, expand your network, and give back to society in a deeply rewarding way—all on a pro bono basis.

What We’re Looking For

  • Broad business and strategic leadership experience
  • Skills in finance, strategic planning, risk or change management, or stakeholder engagement
  • Commitment to attending five board meetings per year (Mondays, 5pm, in person) and contributing to one of our key committees

Support and Community

You’ll be welcomed by a supportive Chair and Governance Professional, with access to training and resources to help you succeed.

Ready to inspire change? Contact the Clerk to the Governing Body at clerk@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk to learn more.

All roles are voluntary and pro bono. Foundation Governors may meet with local Parish Church Committees prior to appointment.