easter 2008

Easter 2008

newsletter A Specialist College for the ArtsA Specialist College for the ArtsA Specialist College for the ArtsA Specialist College for the Arts

ST MARY ’S CATHOL IC COLLEGE

OUR fourth major production as a Specialist Arts College, and our most ambitious to date,

BUGSY MALONE, played to packed houses over four nights. Get a flavour of the Roaring Twenties...and don’t miss our Picture Special inside this issue

Pages 8,9,Pages 8,9,

10,11,12,10,11,12,

New New York York timestimes

New vocation New vocation

for St Mary’sfor St Mary’s

N EVER mix business with pleasure, they say, but our students flew to New York and did just that.

Twenty two Business students got a taste of the Big Apple in a five day tour of the capital. They took a helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view, boarded the Staten Island ferry, surveyed the

city from the top of the Empire State Building and walked in Central Park. They took stock of Wall Street and even met a superstar while strolling around the city’s famous landmarks...

See page 2 to find out who!See page 2 to find out who!See page 2 to find out who!See page 2 to find out who!

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... St Mary’s students beneath the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour

A S a mark of our success as a Specialist School for the Arts,

St Mary’s has been granted a second specialist status as a Vocational School. This will mean many exciting new choices in vocational courses for students in Years 10 to 13. They will soon be able to gain qualifications in Business Studies, Child Development, Motor Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Leisure Studies, to name but a few.

newsletter

St Mary’s Newsletter Easter 2008

I magining how it was...at the John Lennon memorial in Central Park (below). Then, the suspense! Brooklyn Bridge, once the largest suspension bridge in the world (below centre) and (below right) a big deal for our Business students...a tour of the Empire State Building.

Follow Follow

that that

star!star!

So good they So good they named it twice!named it twice!

N EW YORK, New York: In the

words of the famous song by Gerard Kenny, so good they named it twice. St Mary’s Business students took in the Manhattan skyline aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

O UR celebrity spotters couldn’t waste an opportunity to speak to Killers’ lead singer Brandon Flowers and pose for this picture with the Las Vegas-born superstar.

Slices of Slices of

the Big Applethe Big Apple


Sweet smell Sweet smell of success of success for Rosefor Rose P OLITICALLY speaking, it was a wise move. Sixth former Rose Leyland applied for the Politics course of her choice, at the only top university which offered the unique combination she was looking for...and she came home with a coveted place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Rose, currently in Year 13, was a little worried that she had actually been relaxed enough to enjoy her interview with, among others, political scientist Dr David Runciman. ‘People had told me that if you enjoyed your interview, you hadn’t got in’ said Rose. ‘But it obviously wasn’t the case. Mine overran by 15 minutes and they asked me about all kinds of things, like should there be advertising in space, and what did I think about civil liberties and ID cards. I thought I mustn’t have been successful, so it was fantastic to find out I’d been accepted.’ Trinity Hall is the fifth oldest college in Cambridge, founded in 1350 when all the colleges were referred to as ‘halls’. It is the only one to retain its original name, however, since Henry VIII built another college right next door on the banks of the River Cam and named it Trinity College. Rose is very excited about taking her place reading Social and Political Science and living in one of the ancient student halls this autumn, walking in the footsteps of, among many other famous people, astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. After gaining three grade As at A Level in Maths, Geography and German, Rose is taking a third year to add AS Levels of Politics, History and Theology. She is looking forward to a career in politics that she hopes might lead to the Houses of Parliament, a government think-tank, or a job in the European Union. ‘I obviously want to change the world!’ she said.

J ENNY Pimlott’s carefree days of wandering down the High Street for a spot of retail therapy are over. From now on, the 17-year-old will have to view the fashion stores with a manager’s eye. Sixth former Jenny has just beaten thousands of applicants to win a job with retail giant The Arcadia Group, owners of High Street names like Dorothy Perkins, TopShop, Burton and Miss Selfridge. Jenny, who is studying Art, Textiles and Theology A levels, will become a trainee manager for fashion chain Dorothy Perkins and expects to travel the country to different stores, broadening her skill base. And soon she will attend an induction where she will meet Arcadia’s chairman Sir Philip Green. Said Jenny: ‘I’m really looking forward to my career. The interview process was really tough, but all the effort has been really worth it. In the end I got two offers, one from TopShop and one from Dorothy Perkins. The only bad thing is, I’ll never be able to go shopping without analysing other stores!’

Right:Right:Right:Right: inspiring inspiring inspiring inspiring news for news for news for news for sixth former sixth former sixth former sixth former Rose LeylandRose LeylandRose LeylandRose Leyland

Jenny’s fashion sense Jenny’s fashion sense


FORMER St Mary’s teaching assistant Alison Pidugu is bringing hope and Christianity to India’s ‘untouchable’ people, the Dalits, who are regarded as the ’lowest of the low’ by higher castes. Alison left us in July 2007 to travel to the Goa area with her Indian husband, Francis. There they have set up a training centre for young women who otherwise would have no way of supporting themselves, as well as an orphanage and education programmes for children. They have financed the projects entirely from their savings and the gifts of friends and family here in England. Alison writes: ‘We want to thank you for sending us the gift of £320 which has been a blessing to us in many ways. Before Christmas and in the New Year we were able to provide a programme for more than 180 people. We gave Christmas presents to 143 Dalit children. At the end of the programme we gave food for them all ~ vegetable rice, curry and mango juice. Thank you so much for making a difference to their lives.’

Alison’s Indian ChristmasAlison’s Indian Christmas

brings joy to the Dalitsbrings joy to the Dalits

On Mr Houghton’s wavelengthOn Mr Houghton’s wavelength

O UR own Mr Houghton has made waves all over Merseyside...radio waves! He starred in a BBC Radio Merseyside programme called ‘Man in the Classroom’ when presenters Nicky McKay and Helen Jones came to St Mary’s to interview him with members of his form, 9DHO (see right). Mr Houghton told listeners that going into teaching was ‘the best thing I ever did’ and that his form was ‘brilliant’. He did, however, admit to having been a ‘goody two-shoes’ at school, always handing his homework in on time! Mr Houghton added that teaching Geography and organising St Mary’s School Council made his job ‘very rewarding.’

Donations from Donations from Donations from Donations from St Mary’s staff St Mary’s staff St Mary’s staff St Mary’s staff have provided: have provided: have provided: have provided:

5454 lunch boxes so children do not have to walk four miles to have lunch at home

4848 school notebooks which will last six months

2323 geometry

boxes

1818 student bags

77 sets of clothes for seven girls

ABOVE: Alison takes some shade from the Indian sun BELOW: Two young Dalits and their mother receive gifts at the Christmas celebration

To make a donation or find out more from Alison, you can email her at [email protected]


L UKE Bennett went to New Brighton for the day and acted like a proper ‘scally’ when he should have been in school...but it was all above board and in a worthy cause! The Year 11 student (pictured right) is to make his screen debut later this year with one of the biggest names in British drama, actor David Morrissey. Luke has a small speaking part in the film The Pool which is the star’s own directorial debut and has been filmed in several locations in and around Liverpool. Said Luke: ‘I was

picked to play the part of a ‘scally’, and I’m only on the screen for a few seconds, but it was a really good experience’. The Pool tells the story of a London boy who comes to Liverpool and falls in love with a local girl. It will be released as part of the city’s year as European Capital of Culture. David Morrissey (pictured left during filming) has also starred in Basic Instinct 2 and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, among many others. He has most recently been seen on TV in the BBC1 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Budding performer Luke, who attends the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts each Saturday, and plays guitar in a band, The Shabangs landed his part through a Liverpool casting agency.

Double screen debutDouble screen debut

Above: David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon in BBC1’s recent production of ‘Sense and Sensibility’

Sean, Cannes and Sean, Cannes and a lot of extra worka lot of extra work

S IXTH former Sean Jones has been doing a lot of extra work lately...and not just on his Drama,

Dance and Performance Studies. He has been a regular film and TV extra for nearly three years. Now one of his speaking performances will be seen by the best of the film world at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May. Sean, 17, shares the screen with Liverpool actor David Yip, known for his TV role as The Chinese Detective (in fact, he gets chased by him!) The Liverpool-filmed Act of Grace covers themes of racism in the city’s Chinatown. Sean’s other acting credits to date include ITV’s Coronation Street, BBC 1’s daytime soap Doctors, Channel 4’s Shameless and an educational film, also on racism, starring actor comedian Lenny Henry. Said Sean: ‘Most

of the roles I’ve played are of thugs, so I’ll have to be careful I don’t get typecast. I even played a Nazi skinhead in Shameless, which wasn’t exactly family viewing, but it was an interesting experience. I really enjoy going to the film sets.’ Sean has also appeared in professional stage productions at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, and The Cavern Club in Mathew Street. He played a Ringo Starr wannabe in The Cavern Club, a musical by Wirral-born writer Mark Yates and a posh victim of bullying in Yates’ comedy Yozzers. Sean, currently in Year 12, joined the books of a Warrington theatrical agency three years ago. He is now planning to study for a Drama degree and hopes to build a career from his already extensive portfolio.

Sean hopes to study for a drama degree and to join the acting profession

Sean appeared

with Lenny Henry

Below: Liverpool-born actor David Yip


I T was a resounding YES! when St Mary’s once again focused on fruit during Healthy Eating

Week. And there was no doubt about it...grapes are our favourite! No less than 23 kilograms were munched at break time as students flocked to buy the snack-size bunches. But that wasn’t all...14 kg of bananas, and 20kg of apples, pears and oranges also made us feel fit and well. Every form in school enjoyed special assemblies on the benefits of eating healthily, and there were many cross-curricular activities on subjects like Health and Social Care (good diets for young children), Geography (where our food comes from), English (advertising techniques and a poster competition) and RE (yoga/meditation/aromatherapy). Our poster competition resulted in the colourful stickers sported by all healthy eaters during the week (see right). It was designed by Year 8’s Lily Johnson.

Y EAR 10 Art students have been studying the

slave trade and its impact on today’s art world. Matthew Morgan, Molly McAlavey, Chloe Witchell-Chibber and Jack Moore (pictured right) tried on African costumes at the revamped International Slavery Exhibition at the Maritime Museum in Liverpool, and learned about slavery through handling cruel artefacts of the trade, such as shackles and leg irons. They wrote: ’We re-enacted the entrance of an African king. Then we heard how the slaves were treated and what they were used for. We saw films of people talking about the slave trade and we entered a life-size hut with unusual patterns on the walls. Then we learned about African men and women who fought for freedom. We saw the huge sculpture called Freedom, made of metal objects, and discovered that each bolt symbolised a slave’s mind’.

Slave trade secretsSlave trade secrets

Say yes to fruit!Say yes to fruit! Healthy eating St Mary’s students...Healthy eating St Mary’s students...

RIGHT: Give Salt the Boot, Say Yes To Fruit LEFT: Students flock to the break time fruit stall during Healthy Eating Week.


B arbecued piranha wouldn’t be everyone’s idea of a tasty supper, but fast food in the Peruvian rainforest isn’t quite

the same as it is in Wallasey! According to sixth form leaver Shaun Coyle the meat-eating fish, famous for its vicious rows of teeth, tastes simply delicious cooked fresh from the river. In his latest despatch from South America he writes: ‘You catch them with a long stick with fishing line tied on the end and a bit of raw beef on the hook for bait. They are different from other fish in that they bite instead of just swallowing, so when you feel a tug you have to pull on the rod really hard and hope you get

them hooked! There isn’t a lot of flesh on them, but they are really, really nice!. So far my favourite place has been the rainforest at Puerto Maldonado in Peru. I spent a week there with other volunteers, went deep into the jungle for five days living on fresh mangos we pulled out of the trees, Brazil nuts. We also got close up to an alligator.’ Shaun has been living in Santiago, Chile, for nearly six months. He writes: ‘I’m surprised how quickly all of this has become like my home. The language comes really quickly.

I had absolutely no Spanish and now I’m able to talk to people I meet in bars, joke around with students and overhear conversations on trains and buses that are obviously about me because I’m a blatant ‘gringo’ (the Latin

American term for white foreigners). Every now and again it hits home and I realise where I am. Just little moments like one evening coming home on the Metro and I wasn’t sure if I was on the right line, but I quickly worked out that I was, because the Andes were on my left and the Sun was setting on my right. Santiago is an amazing city, full and diverse. At first it seems very westernised but soon it’s clear that it is very different to Liverpool or any other city in England. I live in one of the

poorest districts, on the very outskirts, but despite being dangerous in comparison to towns on the Wirral, I feel more than safe there now. People know my face now and are generally interested in what I’m doing here. The ‘summer’ holidays here are December to March, so right now I’m travelling through Peru, Bolivia and then finally the north of Chile. The difference between Peru and Chile is incredible. The people look a lot more indigenous here and, unlike Chile, which is very cosmopolitan, Peru has a clear racial ethnicity, with very different facial features. The standard of living is a lot lower, although the people are a lot more real and down to earth.‘I first visited a town high up in

the mountains then headed for the Colca Canyon (much deeper than the Grand Canyon in the US!) After that I saw the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which was incredible. Right now I’m in the capital of Peru, Lima, which seems a bit too cushty, quite like Santiago, but we are staying in a rich district with a friend’s family, really different from huts in the jungle. Anyway, on to Bolivia next before returning in March to carry on teaching for the last leg of my year here. Chao!’

‘You use ‘You use

raw beef raw beef

for bait’for bait’

Piranha Piranha TonightTonight

Shaun’s

RED HOTRED HOT

CHILECHILE

SIXTH FORM LEAVER Shaun Coyle

is taking a gap year teaching English in Chile with voluntary organisation ProjectChile. Here he shares

his impressions and experiences...

Home to llamas...the Lost City of the Incas in Peru

Below: Shaun (right) ‘wrestles’ an alligator in the Peruvian rainforest

Sean took this picture of a piranha soon to be supper

Shaun

Our fourth Our fourth

major Arts major Arts

productionproduction

(And it (And it

was yet was yet

anotheranother

sellsell--out!)out!)


In step with Bugsy

Colourful end for another gangland victim

Perfectly balanced performances

Tallulah, Bugsy and Fat Sam in the speakeasy

The The BugsyBugsy Bug!Bug!

The week St Mary’s got...The week St Mary’s got...


Dandy Dan and the Hoods

Fat Sam’s Gang make it to the top

Bugsy and Blousey make sweet music

Fat Sam gets that mean look


Fizzy tells it like it is to Bugsy

An ordinary fool... Blousey

Champion boxers

Sharp detective work


My name is Tallulah...

You gotta hand it to The Down and Outs

Hoodlums pack a punch

A plot is hatched...Bugsy and Fat Sam

Left: The score was provided by St Mary’s Orchestra Right: Laundry blues Below: The full cast takes a bow

Right: A fair cop for the Merseyside branch of the Chicago Police Dept Below: More show stopping scenes from Bugsy



A RT teacher Miss McWatt’s first passion was for high fashion, not teaching. Before she decided to teach, she ran her own business

making theatrical costumes and even designed millinery for the ‘top people’s store’, Harrod’s, and high street fashion shops Oasis and Kookai. ‘I did that for three and a half years after I left university’ she said. ‘One of the hats I made was on a billboard in front of a London fashion design centre and I was also sponsored by BBC1’s The Clothes Show magazine. But coming into teaching was my choice, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s great just watching other people while they enjoy and learn what I enjoyed and learned. Seeing young people grow in confidence and being around creative people who are developing a passion for something is what it’s all about for me. My least favourite thing, though, is all the paperwork. Miss McWatt’s first day at St Mary’s: : : : ‘Actually I went to eleven different schools!’ Her happiest memory: ‘Going away on a skiing trip and laughing at the outfits we wore.’ How things have changed: ‘The wall on the M1 corridor used to be made out of lockers. And I was taught art in the dining room. The school now is just unrecognisable!’ Her verdict on That Quote (see below): ‘I have worked in the fashion industry but I chose to be a teacher. I love teaching and sharing students’ enthusiasm for art.’

Teachers wore Teachers wore St Mary’s uniform too!St Mary’s uniform too!

THATTHAT QUOTE: QUOTE:

‘Those who can ‘Those who can

do ~ those who do ~ those who

can’t ~ teach’can’t ~ teach’

H L Mencken, regarded as H L Mencken, regarded as

one of the most influential one of the most influential

American writers of the early American writers of the early

20th Century20th Century

T HE last thing on Mrs Woolley’s mind when she was 19 was being a teacher. She was in Sydney, Australia, working for a gold stockbroker.

‘It was a fantastic atmosphere, but a bit wild for someone of that age’ she said. ‘I’d bought a book on how to make money, so that’s what I was trying to do. After that I spent 10 years in London as stock market manager of a building society before becoming a teacher. I suppose for me it was a conflict between making money and helping people to learn. I did actually make some money during that time, but obviously not enough to retire!’ Mrs Woolley’s first day at St Mary’s: ‘I thought school was massive, but I soon loved it. Looking back I see it was actually much smaller than compared to now. It must be bewildering to be in Year 7 now.’ Her happiest memory: ‘Going on midnight walks at Woodcote. It was a good, happy time.’ Her funniest memory: ‘Mr Duffy singing Captain Pugwash.’ How things have changed: ‘I was terrified of getting the cane, so I stayed shy and quiet. Teachers today are much more approachable. Also, I would have loved all the mobile phones and computers we have today, but there was nothing like that then! ’ Her verdict on That Quote (see right): .’He’s trying to be an intellectual and failing.

Being a teacher is one of the hardest things anyone can do.’

PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Woolley PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Woolley PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Woolley PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Woolley remembers the following teachers: Mr remembers the following teachers: Mr remembers the following teachers: Mr remembers the following teachers: Mr Gilchrist, Mr Duffy, Mr Pol,achowski, Mr Gilchrist, Mr Duffy, Mr Pol,achowski, Mr Gilchrist, Mr Duffy, Mr Pol,achowski, Mr Gilchrist, Mr Duffy, Mr Pol,achowski, Mr Lally, Mrs Braid and Mr O’Loughlin who Lally, Mrs Braid and Mr O’Loughlin who Lally, Mrs Braid and Mr O’Loughlin who Lally, Mrs Braid and Mr O’Loughlin who was ‘an inspiration’ and loved the idea was ‘an inspiration’ and loved the idea was ‘an inspiration’ and loved the idea was ‘an inspiration’ and loved the idea of making money.of making money.of making money.of making money.

Interviews byInterviews by

Sixth FormerSixth Former

Melanie O’HaraMelanie O’Hara

‘I designed clothes and ‘I designed clothes and

made hats for Harrods’made hats for Harrods’

Can you see the Can you see the Can you see the Can you see the resemblance?resemblance?resemblance?resemblance?

Miss Miss Miss Miss McWattMcWattMcWattMcWatt

‘And I worked on the ‘And I worked on the

Sydney stock market’Sydney stock market’

PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Miss McWatt PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Miss McWatt PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Miss McWatt PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Miss McWatt remembers: Mrs Braid, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, remembers: Mrs Braid, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, remembers: Mrs Braid, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, remembers: Mrs Braid, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, Mrs Mills , Mr Pol, Mr Lonsdale, Mr Peters Mrs Mills , Mr Pol, Mr Lonsdale, Mr Peters Mrs Mills , Mr Pol, Mr Lonsdale, Mr Peters Mrs Mills , Mr Pol, Mr Lonsdale, Mr Peters and Mr O’Loughlinand Mr O’Loughlinand Mr O’Loughlinand Mr O’Loughlin

Right: Sadly,Right: Sadly,Right: Sadly,Right: Sadly, Mrs Woolley Mrs Woolley Mrs Woolley Mrs Woolley couldn’t find a couldn’t find a couldn’t find a couldn’t find a picture of herself picture of herself picture of herself picture of herself in uniform, but in uniform, but in uniform, but in uniform, but here she is as here she is as here she is as here she is as an aspiring St an aspiring St an aspiring St an aspiring St Mary’s studentMary’s studentMary’s studentMary’s student


S T MARY’S mourns the loss of former student Richie O’Neill, whose life has been cut tragically short. Richie, a 20-year-old university student, died in a road traffic incident a few weeks ago. He was a popular and successful student who also gave his time generously to charity work. He was a regular volunteer at the St Edmund Rice summer projects for disadvantaged children in Liverpool, and was involved in fundraising for Christ The King Handicapped Children’s Group, Bromborough, joining their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes as a youth leader for four years running. He left St Mary’s in 2005 to study Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle-upon-Tyne University. His funeral was held at Our Lady of Pity Catholic Church, Greasby, followed by private cremation. His parents, Mr Noel and Mrs Shelagh O’Neill, have requested that donations in his memory should be given to Christ The King HCG. Richie was the youngest of three children. His older sisters Anna and Rebecca also attended St Mary’s. A group of Richie’s friends are to plant a cherry blossom tree in his memory at the front of school on the last day of term.

In celebration In celebration

of Richie’s lifeof Richie’s life

DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF RICHIE CAN BE SENT TO:

Christ The King Handicapped Children’s Group Hon Treasurer, Allport Cottage, Allport Lane, Bromborough, Wirral. CH62 6AF

(Cheques made payable to CTK Handicapped Children’s Group.)

All money raised by Christ The King Children’s Handicapped Group goes directly to fund the work of the charity.

Charity number 1092232

Last Easter’s pilgrimage to Lourdes. Richie is pictured on the far right of the middle row (standing)


Big thank Big thank you from you from MoldovaMoldova

M OLDAVIAN children (left) say a big thank you to St Mary’s for all the donations and help they have received. For nearly four years, students and staff have been supporting the work of the Sacred Heart Fathers in the poverty stricken region of Transdniester, which is recognised as the poorest area of Europe. The Cheshire-based Sacred Heart Fathers are the only priests in the region, and their mission is to provide essential education and medical help. They provide meals for 400 children every day. To make a donation, please contact the Sacred Heart Fathers’ Moldova Appeal on 01948 860619.

Novel way to learnNovel way to learn A UTHOR and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce celebrated World Book Day by coming to

St Mary’s Library for a series of workshops and book signing. He entertained hundreds of students with stories and activities, gave a special screenwriting lecture to sixth formers and also launched the 2008 National Year of Reading for the whole school. Many students will already be familiar with his books Millions and Framed, but others may have been surprised to know that he is a regular screenwriter for Coronation Street and wrote the screenplays for the hit films 24 Hour Party People and Welcome to Sarajevo. Frank was born in Liverpool and studied English at Keble College, Oxford. He still lives in his home city with his wife and seven children.

Writer Frank Cottrell Boyce gave chapter and verse to St Mary’s students for World Book Day...pictured here with literacy co-ordinator Mrs Dixon. Mr Boyce donated his fee for the day to fresh water projects in Africa.

Party time in Transdniester, Moldova

Gifts from Moldova, handmade by the children there

To mark 2008 as National Year of Reading, St Mary’s has adopted a theme for each month to encourage this all-important activity. Themes will include Film and TV Scripts, Reading Escapes (how to enter a different world...between the pages of a book!) and The Future.


It’s the It’s the

Wool PackWool Pack K NITTERS of St Mary’s stitched their

efforts together and made more than 40 blankets to send to needy people in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. The project has been organised for the last few years in school by West Kirby Lions International with the help of Mrs Christine Mossman in our Bosco Centre. Mrs Joan Elliott of the Lions presented certificates to our hard working students.

Community Police Officer Denis Evans gives his expert advice

‘Pathfinder ‘Pathfinder school’ school’

G OOD school attendance leads to career success...that’s official! And St Mary’s has been officially described as a ‘pathfinder school’ by a government adviser. Mr Ken Hart, Behaviour and Attendance Adviser for the North West paid us the compliment during his recent visit to see the many strategies we have employed in keeping our attendance figures at the highest levels. The latest developments include telephone and text message absence alerts to parents. Meanwhile, the message to ALL our students is: DON’T ask for holiday leave unless your attendance is

above 92% OR you are within a term of taking a public examination

DON’T take odd days of and ALWAYS bring in a note.

No note means an unauthorised absence.

DON’T forget, 90% attendance means 97 lessons MISSED in a school year.

Careers FairCareers Fair S TUDENTS from Years 9, 11 and 12 considered their futures at our annual Careers Fair when employers converged on our Sports Hall with many interesting stalls and displays. It was just the opportunity to ask all those questions of experts from industry, retail, Police and the Armed Services.


S IXTH form leaver Sophie Ladas has been named Best Kidzone Rep

of 2007 in Marmaris, Turkey, by Thomson Holidays. Sophie (pictured right with current Child Care students) completed her Level 3 Diploma last July, then found her job through the local press. ‘It’s really great, and it’s hard work, with long hours, but the kids keep you busy’ she said. To be a children’s holiday rep, you must be 18 and have a Child Care qualification. Thomson recruits in November and June.

Sophie is ‘best holiday rep’Sophie is ‘best holiday rep’

S T MARY’S rocked to the sound of live bands in a special event organised

and featuring home grown student talent. Bands including Babylon, The Shabangs, Newspaper Lovers and The VIP Images made the night a success and raised £200 for school music projects.

A ND in a student-organised talent show (pictured below), £300 was raised for

our partner school in Nigeria, Maryland School. Year 7’s Cormack O’Carroll wowed lunch time audiences with his unique vocals.

Trail Trail blazersblazers

Win an Win an

iPod!iPod!

E NTERPRISING sixth formers have decided it’s now or never to blaze a new trail in the

history of St Mary’s. Their company, Now or Never, aims to be a profit-making business and to provide a valuable service to parents...recycled blazers! The project is part of their Year 12 Business Studies and will be entered in the Merseyside Young Enterprise Competition. Head of Business Mr Mike Chew said: ‘The directors of this company recognise that recycling and protecting the environment is becoming a global priority which affects us all’. An initial appeal to parents has provided enough blazers to get their project underway, but they still want more garments to clean and renovate. So please check your wardrobes for any spare blazers in good condition and send them to the

school office. The blazers will be sold at a bargain price later in the year. Each student who brings in a blazer will be

entered into a draw to win an iPod!

Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

Hannah Aldridge, Abbie Brace, Kieran Comer, Rebecca Corkill, Daniel Foulkes, Niamh Gregory, Jack Harrison, Jasmine Horton, Chloe Keenan, Ryan Kelly, Jack Leckey, Olivia Mason, Emily Merrall, Sam Mint, Jack Murray,

Karl Plant, Mark Ridgway, Matthew Rylance, Michael Saunders, Lucy Scanlon, Michael Skeggs, Kimberley Toner, Jonathan Varney, James Warren

(Silver Award Leaders: Miss C Skinner, Mr L Tottle, Miss D Murphy)

Lucy Archer, Samantha Birchall, Peter Bowen, Anthony Brear, Hollie Brook, Daniel Bruce, Kate Burnett, Amy Burns, Lee Charlton, Mitzi Clarke, Jamie Collins, Ashleigh Cotton, Sam Court, Katie-Anne Daniels, Anthony D’Arcy, Dave Edwards, Georgina Edwards, Roisin Fattorini, Shaun Fletcher, Natasha Heaney,

Jessica Herndlhofer, Sean Holsgrove, Ella Hornby, Alex Howard, Katie Hoy, Daniel Hutton, Harry Johnston, Rachel Lavery, Lee Lavery

Elana Lynch, Lucy Maddocks, James Malpeli, Joe McGee, Joe McKeown, Kate Menear, Grace Merrall,

David Morgan, Andrew Morris, Anthony Peters, Rebecca Platt, Daniel Platt, Stephen Pollard, Kathryn Poyning, Vikki Rainford, Rebecca Reed, Christina Rushworth, Callum Rutherford, Lauren Sanderson, Heather Simpson,

Emily Smith, Kyle Smith, Nichola Squires, Philip Taylor, Kate Thomas, Jamie Toner, Scot Winson, Chloe Witchell-Chibber

(Bronze Award Leaders: Miss J Mackay, Mr P Sherrard, Mr A Biggins, Paul Moore)

Faye McDonnell, Steven Barr, Daniel Corser, Eleanor Fleming, Katherine Byard, Chelsea Marsden-Rafferty (Gold Award Leaders: Mr J Gibbins, Mr D Young, Natalie Bradford)

Danny Corser pictured next to Linford Christie OBE after the Danny Corser pictured next to Linford Christie OBE after the Danny Corser pictured next to Linford Christie OBE after the Danny Corser pictured next to Linford Christie OBE after the special ceremony in St James’s Palace, London. Steven Barr is special ceremony in St James’s Palace, London. Steven Barr is special ceremony in St James’s Palace, London. Steven Barr is special ceremony in St James’s Palace, London. Steven Barr is

second from the right on the back row.second from the right on the back row.second from the right on the back row.second from the right on the back row.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is organised in St Mary’s by Mr Colin ArcherThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is organised in St Mary’s by Mr Colin ArcherThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is organised in St Mary’s by Mr Colin ArcherThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is organised in St Mary’s by Mr Colin Archer

I T was a golden line-up for sixth former Danny Corser and former sixth former Steven Barr when they went to St James’s Palace, London to receive their Duke of

Edinburgh’s Gold Awards. They found themselves in the room not only with the Duke himself, (pictured left) but with Olympic gold medallist Linford

Christie, OBE. Danny managed to get the seat next to the 47-year-old 100m sprint athlete, who still holds the UK record. Danny and Steven were among last year’s winners who completed three years of community service and other projects, including expeditions, to qualify for the Gold Award.



SpanisSpanish h springspring B ARCELONA bound A Level Travel and Tourism students toured the many sights of the Spanish city, including Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished temple, the Sagrada Familia (right) and the completed temple to football, the Barca Nou Camp Stadium, home of FC Barcelona. (They saw Rafa Marquez training in the spring sunshine!) Meanwhile A Level Leisure Studies students (below) learned about health and safety at the Kingswood Peak Venture in South Yorkshire. They put their leisure industry theory into practice to gain part of the Community Service Leaders’ Award. And BTEC Travel and Tourism students went to Chester Zoo to study customer service and to see how the staff look after people as well as the animals!

A pplications are now being considered from groups wishing to use St Mary’s Theatre, Sports Hall, Gym, Dance Studio, or any other facility during the evenings or at weekends. Please ring our Bursar, Mrs Sheila Moyes, on 639 7531.

For hire: our For hire: our

best facilitiesbest facilities

Laura’s Laura’s

world world

of of

dancedance P UT on your dancing shoes! Our Community Dance Co-ordinator Laura Yates is keeping St Mary’s in step with all the latest moves. Laura, who has worked on similar projects for the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, is currently running several dance classes after school and in the evenings for students, staff and the public. If you are interested in joining the Monday or Tuesday evening classes (7pm to 8.30pm), please ring Laura at school on 639 7531.

M ORE than 50 St Mary’s History students attended a special event in Birkenhead Town Hall for Holocaust Remembrance Week. The Year 10 students listened to Bergen-Belsen survivor Rudi Oppenheimer whose parents died in the Nazi concentration camp in 1945. He shared his memories and experiences with more than 500 children from Wirral schools.

Holocaust memoriesHolocaust memories

Gaudi’s ‘unfinished temple’, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Hallowed ground: Barca Nou Camp Stadium, home of FC Barcelona

On the ropes: health and safety in the Peak District


LEFT: ST MARY’S brand new team of Year 7 rugby players (complete with gumshields!) train and play regularly at lunchtimes and after school.

E VERTON fan Sean Bellis led out his heroes to a thunderous crowd at Goodison Park when he was selected from thousands of hopefuls to be the team mascot in their match against Manchester United early this season. Year 7’s Sean (pictured left) managed to speak to all the players and got their autographs on a football. He was even given a brand new Everton kit for the occasion. ‘It was fantastic’ said Sean. The day’s only downside was that Everton lost 1-0!

Sean leads out the team at Goodison

Everton mascot Everton mascot

Sean leads Sean leads

the waythe way

Merseyside Merseyside cup final for cup final for St Mary’s St Mary’s T HEY fought valiantly, but sadly it was just not to

be...our Year 7s lost the Merseyside Five a Side Cup 3-1 to Gateacre Comprehensive School, Liverpool. However, the team (pictured right) came home with runners-up medals and the honour of playing in the Kirkby final after their success in the early rounds. They beat Mosslands School 2-0 in the semi final.

Aiming for successAiming for success

O UR Year 7 Netball team has had a great first season, triumphing over Weatherhead, Hilbre

and South Wirral High Schools. The Year 10 team has also enjoyed victories over Oldershaw and Bebington High Schools in the Wirral Schools Tournament. Year 7 girls also took part recently in the Wirral Indoor Decathlon Challenge at Weatherhead High School and achieved a place in the 4 x 1 final. Other events included the Standing Long Jump, Vertical Jump, Target Throw and Sitting Throw.

Well done to St Mary’s Five a Siders

Good teamwork!Good teamwork! Year 7s hone Year 7s hone

rugby skillsrugby skills

easter 2008

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