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The community of Cardinal Newman Catholic Primary School in Hersham, gathered for a Mass today celebrate the dedicated service of Catherine Burnham as Executive Headteacher. Pupils, family and friends, staff and governors, along with local headteachers and members of Xavier Catholic Education Trust and the diocesan Education Service, were all pleased to be able to share in the service. 

Mass was celebrated in the school hall by Fr Bill Muir. In his homily, Fr Bill spoke about the strength and importance of the school’s Mission Statement which calls everyone to be a community of learners, believers and friends.

Julie Oldroyd, Director of Education, read a message from Bishop Richard thanking Catherine for her service. The children carried out various ministries with care and all sang beautifully, often with accompanying signing. Refreshments were enjoyed by all after Mass.

Catherine leaves Cardinal Newman School to take up a post as CEO of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust in Northampton Diocese. While serving as Executive Headteacher in Hersham, Catherine has also held a role in the diocesan Education Service, as Catholic Schools Inspection (CSI) Coordinator, with the task of launching the new inspection framework in the diocese.

In this term's Alpha Beta publication, Julie Oldroyd wrote:

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"[Catherine] has done a remarkable job given the pace at which we have had to work to get this process embedded in line with the statutory requirements. She has been an asset to the Education Service team and whilst we will miss her, we are delighted with the news of her appointment as CEO."

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