Summer 2007

Summer 2007

S T MARY’S is the biggest school on the Wirral, and now we are officially one of the very best. A recent Government Ofsted inspection found every area of the school to be ‘outstanding’.

This is the highest accolade that can be paid to any school, and it means that St Mary’s can now concentrate on getting even better. Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman said: ‘It is an exceptional report, and we are delighted. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of St Mary’s staff and governors. It has been clear for some years now that one of the finest staff teams in the country has been attracted to serve at St Mary’s and this report is just recognition of their work.’ Canon Brendan Hoban, Chair of Governors, said: ‘The Catholic ethos of St Mary’s, which values community, service and the personal development of every member of the school, is fully celebrated in this report. We are all very proud of our school.’

Simply Simply the best!the best!

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

We’re ‘Outstanding’ according to OfstedWe’re ‘Outstanding’ according to Ofsted

Right: St Mary’s Senior Managers with Right: St Mary’s Senior Managers with Right: St Mary’s Senior Managers with Right: St Mary’s Senior Managers with Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman (centre)Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman (centre)Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman (centre)Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman (centre)

Read the Read the

report’s main report’s main

findings in findings in

our centre our centre

pagespages

Globe trottersGlobe trotters T he play was the thing, and Shakespeare’s Globe was the venue! Sixth formers went to London to experience theatre as the Bard himself intended, and saw a production of Othello. After all the murder, mayhem and ultimate tragedy on stage the Year 12 AS English students (right) strolled along the South Bank of the Thames with Mrs Karen Rogan and Mrs Angela Braid to enjoy a little more culture in the capital...the sights of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin and many other famous London landmarks. They crossed the Millennium Bridge, visited the Tate Modern and enjoyed the delights of Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

Bowling Bowling

for funfor fun

SSSS T MARY’S Boccia players had a fun time at the Wirral Schools

Championship at Leasowe Recreation Centre. The students, pictured left with coach Mrs Lisa Snelson, practise their special bowling skills regularly. Boccia is an Italian bowling game similar to the French game of boules. It is pronounced botchee-a.

YYYY EAR 7 students learned how to paddle their own canoes at the Paddlefest event

on West Kirby’s Marine Lake. They were among 500 students from Wirral schools. The event was run by LET’S GO Outdoor Learning and Adventure in association with the British Canoe Union, Wirral School Sport Partnerships and Wirral’s PE Advisory Service. It was organised for St Mary’s by Mr Ray Hamlett.

PaddlefestPaddlefest

St Mary’s Newsletter Summer 2007 Page 2


I T’S a funny old world...especially for two St Mary’s students who had the last laugh in a major comedy competition. It was a double whammy for Conor McKenna and Peter Harris at the L i v e r p o o l C o m e d y Festival’s Stand Out final in the city’s Royal Court Theatre. The students stood out from the rest in their age categories in the p r e s t i g i o u s c omed y competition against rivals from across the North West and each won the title of Young Comedian of the Year Both boys had honed their skills during sessions in school and then at masterclasses at the Stand Out Comedy Club, which is the UK’s Number 1 comedy venue for young people. The Liverpool Comedy Festival has been running for six years and is sponsored by the Liverpool Echo and O2.

Double comedy Double comedy

win for St Mary’swin for St Mary’s No No kidding!kidding!

Year 8 clowning aroundYear 8 clowning around

A CTING the class clown doesn’t usually win approval, but an exception was made for these students from 8MT! They were the winners of the ‘Clowning Around’ project in an annual business and enterprise programme which tests students’ enterprise skills. Each Year 8 class had to produce, price, package and advertise a clown product. Points were awarded at each stage and students were assessed on teamwork skills, decision making and originality.

Young Comedians of the Year: Year 9’s Conor McKenna who won Young Comedians of the Year: Year 9’s Conor McKenna who won Young Comedians of the Year: Year 9’s Conor McKenna who won Young Comedians of the Year: Year 9’s Conor McKenna who won the 14the 14the 14the 14----16 competition and Year 12’s Peter Harris (1616 competition and Year 12’s Peter Harris (1616 competition and Year 12’s Peter Harris (1616 competition and Year 12’s Peter Harris (16----19).19).19).19).

Page 4 St Mary’s Newsletter Summer 2007

Blanket coverageBlanket coverage

When the cows came ‘home’When the cows came ‘home’

F OR these villagers of Sivaganga, India, this small herd of cows will make all the difference to their lives. They are a gift from St Mary’s Youth SVP group who meet regularly in school to raise money for various charity activities. If you are interested in joining, please see Mr Webster.

T HESE babies are snugly wrapped thanks to St Mary’s knitters! They are among the many children being cared for in St Margaret’s orphanage, Bucharest. Romania. Their colourful covers are part of a consignment of 40 patchwork blankets produced by St Mary’s students and English Martyrs parishioners for a scheme run by West Kirby Lions International. The project is organised in school by Mrs Christine Mossman through the Bosco Centre. Pictured are Ana-Maria (left) and Marius, who both need special care.

J UST arrived at Maryland School, Chito, Nigeria, are 500 New Testament Bibles which are the personal gift

of Mr William Smith of Meols, Wirral. Mr Smith is a member of the Gideon Society and regularly delivers Bibles to St Mary’s and other schools. For more news about our partner school, please see pages 10 and 11.

Bibles for NigeriaBibles for Nigeria


B OSCO students egged each other on to make a very special delivery to Claire House. And with the help of a donation of 56 eggs from St Mary’s staff and the Juice Extractor Café, Liscard, the boys set off on a six mile walk from Eastham Ferry with their rucksacks bulging! When they arrived, footsore but cheerful, they were treated to a good rest and a tour of the children’s hospice in Clatterbridge. The project was first hatched by Jacob Moran, Joe Tolman, and Ryan Kelly with further help from Jonathan Gregory and Pierre Bersier. Mr Laurence Tottle, Bosco Learning Mentor, said: ‘This is just the first in a series of events to show the good leadership qualities that we have in our school.’ For more information about what goes on in the Bosco Centre, visit our page on the school website.

A tribute to RichardA tribute to Richard

Richard Fenton, former student of St Mary’s, who died unexpectedly earlier this term, aged 18.

PRAYER FOR RICHE God has looked around his Garden And he has found an empty space

Then he looked down upon this Earth And he saw your tired face.

So he put his arms around you And then lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful Because he has taken one of the best!

Now, Riche mate, this is my tribute There is nothing more than I can do

Except to hope that one day I can take a seat up there next to you. So, Riche lad, while you’re up there Looking down on all your friends, Please take a look and realise

That our friendship will never end. RIP mate. I Love You and I Miss You.

Jamie Turner, Year 13

EggsEggs--actly rightactly right Bosco students Bosco students

deliver eggs to deliver eggs to

Claire HouseClaire House

Hatching a good plan with Bosco’s Mrs Diane Crawford and Mr Laurence Tottle

Tripping the Tripping the light fantastic light fantastic in Barcelonain Barcelona

A LEVEL and GCSE Dance and Drama students went to Barcelona

for the chance to work with West End choreographers and dramatists...and to take in the sights of the wonderful Spanish city. Year 10’s Sarah Middleton said: ‘Barcelona was amazing and we loved every bit of it. So thank you to all the teachers...we had the time of our lives!’

Anna Anna

Masterminds Masterminds

her TV progressher TV progress

Emma’s top of the Emma’s top of the

poppop--artart

Showing how Showing how Showing how Showing how it’s done in it’s done in it’s done in it’s done in BarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelona

F ormer student Emma Dalton is now a successful artist

who has designed for many of Britain’s top soaps, dramas and films. Her ‘pop-art’ portraits are in great demand and her designs have been commissioned by companies such as Moben Kitchens and Sharps Bedrooms. Emma, now 26, studied Design at Nottingham University and lives in Wallasey. *

F ORMER St Mary’s student Anna Torpey has braved the country’s most famous black chair to face BBC’s Mastermind Grand Inquisitor John Humphrys. Anna, right, who

is now a 33-year-old mother of three, left St Mary’s to go to Oxford University to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Her specialist subject was the cult TV series The Sopranos. Anna, who lives in Wallasey, said: ‘I knew it would be popular!’ She broke with Mastermind tradition by refusing to be described as a housewife, insisting on ‘full time mother’. How she fared in the competition is a secret though. If you want to find out, you’ll have to wait until the series is screened later this year.*

* With special thanks to the Wirral Globe

C atherine Lawler left St Mary’s in 1990 and is now Editor of Wirral’s own glossy magazine Lifestyle. Af ter g radua t ing i n management from University of Wales, Bangor, she spent a year in Australia before starting her career in journalism. She is also Features Editor of the Wirral Globe. Her journalistic highlights include interviewing Piers Morgan and Rolf Harris!*

Catherine’Catherine’ss

Lifestyle Lifestyle



Denis’s law beats on...Denis’s law beats on... P OLICE Constable Denis Evans (right) is the friendly face of Merseyside Police

in St Mary’s College, and staff and students are well used to his reassuring presence at events like Careers Day, or just when he pops in for a PSE lesson or just a chat and a cup of tea. PC Evans, who is based at Moreton Police Station, is available to help with any concerns that students or parents might have, and if you wish to contact him, please ring 0151 709 6010. Alternatively, please ask at the school office or ring school on 0151 639 7531.

We had We had a ball!a ball! TTTT HE Class of ‘07: Sixth Form Leavers HE Class of ‘07: Sixth Form Leavers HE Class of ‘07: Sixth Form Leavers HE Class of ‘07: Sixth Form Leavers

celebrated their time at St Mary’s in celebrated their time at St Mary’s in celebrated their time at St Mary’s in celebrated their time at St Mary’s in style. They joined many of their tutors at the style. They joined many of their tutors at the style. They joined many of their tutors at the style. They joined many of their tutors at the Annual Leavers’ Ball at the Holiday Inn, Annual Leavers’ Ball at the Holiday Inn, Annual Leavers’ Ball at the Holiday Inn, Annual Leavers’ Ball at the Holiday Inn, Liverpool. Here’s just a small selection of Liverpool. Here’s just a small selection of Liverpool. Here’s just a small selection of Liverpool. Here’s just a small selection of snapshots from the evening.snapshots from the evening.snapshots from the evening.snapshots from the evening.


OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHOOL GRADE: OUTSTANDING This is an outstanding school. Students of all levels of capability make exceptional progress through the school and achieve outstandingly well because they are provided with excellent support together with high quality teaching of a first rate curriculum. Students high and increasing progress put the school in the top five per cent of schools nationally.

(and h(and h

We’re We’re ouou

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & WELL BEING GRADE: OUTSTANDING Students’ personal development and well being, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Strong spiritual development is promoted both through inspirational assemblies that reflect the school’s values and the many opportunities students have for expression and reflection. Behaviour is exemplary and the great majority of students show very positive attitudes to school life. They say that they feel safe in school and are confident that any bullying, which is rare, will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

PASTORAL CARE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT GRADE: OUTSTANDING The school provides excellent care, guidance and support for its students. Despite the size of the school, students feel that they are known and cared for. The school’s Bosco Centre provides excellent welfare support for students.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GRADE: OUTSTANDING The motto ‘Christ Within Us All’ spells out clearly and succinctly the mission and aims of the college. Inspired and challenged by the Christian belief in the God-given dignity of each person, staff and students are respected and valued, gifts and talents are developed and achievements celebrated. This vision is lived out and experienced by staff and students in the daily life of the school.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SIXTH FORM GRADE: OUTSTANDING The outstanding Sixth Form provides opportunities for all who wish to extend their education. First rate management of the Sixth Form ensures that students receive high quality guidance and support.

Year 10 ICT Year 10 ICT Year 10 ICT Year 10 ICT studentsstudentsstudentsstudents

GCSE DT GCSE DT GCSE DT GCSE DT projects projects projects projects under wayunder wayunder wayunder way

Our annual Our annual Our annual Our annual Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Shoebox Shoebox Shoebox Shoebox AppealAppealAppealAppeal


(and here’s why...)(and here’s why...)

outstandinoutstandingg

ACHIEVEMENT & STANDARDS GRADE: OUTSTANDING Students make exceptional progress throughout the school. Standards show continuous improvement. Progress measures for Sixth Form students are consistently the best in the local authority and among the highest in the surrounding area.

CURRICULUM GRADE: OUTSTANDING The curriculum provides exceptionally well for students’ needs and aspirations. In its breadth, balance and organisation it provides an excellent framework for students’ academic and personal development. The school’s exceptional provision for the performing arts has had an impact across the curriculum. A wide variety of extra curricular activities provides enrichment, study support and very good opportunities for students to discover and develop interests and talents.

TEACHING AND LEARNING GRADE: OUTSTANDING The excellent quality of teaching and learning stems from a number of key factors. Teachers know their subjects well and are able to plan interesting lessons that are well matched to students’ needs. Students respond well to mutually respectful relationships and teachers’ consistent expectations of work and behaviour.

WHAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD DO TO IMPROVE FURTHER: The inspectors identified no key issues for further improvement.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT GRADE: OUTSTANDING Outstanding leadership has developed a school in which all are valued and encouraged to do their best.

Year 10 Sports Leaders with children Year 10 Sports Leaders with children Year 10 Sports Leaders with children Year 10 Sports Leaders with children from our partner primariesfrom our partner primariesfrom our partner primariesfrom our partner primaries

St Mary’s Theatre Company in St Mary’s Theatre Company in St Mary’s Theatre Company in St Mary’s Theatre Company in Dracula SpectaculaDracula SpectaculaDracula SpectaculaDracula Spectacula

Sixth Formers Sixth Formers Sixth Formers Sixth Formers in the study in the study in the study in the study

basebasebasebase


T HIS is the new fourth classroom at Maryland

S c h o o l , which has r e c e n t l y been built w i t h t h e help of donat ions f r o m St Mary’s College. Previously 450 students had to squeeze i n t o t h r e e b a r e breezeblock classrooms. But now they have posters for their walls and 18 cartons of textbooks and library books have finally reached their destination after being caught up in air freight red tape for many weeks. Maryland School and St Mary’s College have been forging an educational partnership over the last 18 months and many fundraising events have been held, including rock concerts, talent shows and ‘Stars In Their Eyes’. So far all our efforts have reached the magnificent sum of £5,000. And with funding from the British Council’s Global School Partnership scheme, it is hoped to arrange reciprocal visits of teachers and students in the next academic year.

Above and left: Above and left: Above and left: Above and left: Villagers gather Villagers gather Villagers gather Villagers gather to mark the to mark the to mark the to mark the opening of the opening of the opening of the opening of the well.well.well.well. In Nigeria it is In Nigeria it is In Nigeria it is In Nigeria it is traditional not traditional not traditional not traditional not to smile for to smile for to smile for to smile for formal pictures formal pictures formal pictures formal pictures like these.like these.like these.like these. All these pictures were emailed to us by Fr Moses who has to travel many miles to use a computer.

In a class of its own...In a class of its own...

SPLASHING OUT IN CHITO The villagers of Chito splash out by day and by night as the first gallons of water come to the surface through a series of standpipes. Many of these children are students at Maryland School and its partner primary, St Mary’s.

Well: Well: done!done!

A plaque was A plaque was A plaque was A plaque was unveiled at a unveiled at a unveiled at a unveiled at a special opening special opening special opening special opening ceremonyceremonyceremonyceremony

I N Nigeria water just can’t be taken for granted. So the villagers of Chito are rejoicing that they no longer have to walk several miles to get their daily supplies. A bore hole has been dug, using special drilling equipment and now the precious liquid can be pumped to the surface. Their well has been paid for by parishioners at St Alban’s Catholic Church, Liscard, who raised £5,000 after Chito’s priest Fr Moses came to visit Wallasey.

Right and below: Right and below: Right and below: Right and below: Villagers watch as Villagers watch as Villagers watch as Villagers watch as workmen lay cables workmen lay cables workmen lay cables workmen lay cables and operate the and operate the and operate the and operate the specialised machinery specialised machinery specialised machinery specialised machinery to drill the bore hole to drill the bore hole to drill the bore hole to drill the bore hole for the well.for the well.for the well.for the well.

These pictures were emailed to us by Fr Moses.


Hi ho Hi ho Year 10s on the Duke of Year 10s on the Duke of

Edinburgh’s Award trail Edinburgh’s Award trail

WET weather didn’t dampen the spirits of these Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students who braved the Yorkshire Dales to complete their Silver Expeditions. But as you can see below, the clouds disappeared and the walkers enjoyed the sunshine, the camaraderie and the sense of achievement. If you are interested in joining the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme, please see Mr Colin Archer. The wet weather didn’t put our spirits down! The wet weather didn’t put our spirits down! The wet weather didn’t put our spirits down! The wet weather didn’t put our spirits down!

Near the end it was difficult to find motivation Near the end it was difficult to find motivation Near the end it was difficult to find motivation Near the end it was difficult to find motivation to get out of the tent, into the cold and pack up to get out of the tent, into the cold and pack up to get out of the tent, into the cold and pack up to get out of the tent, into the cold and pack up ready to walk again, but we wanted to get home ready to walk again, but we wanted to get home ready to walk again, but we wanted to get home ready to walk again, but we wanted to get home to watch the match! Preparation for Silver D of E to watch the match! Preparation for Silver D of E to watch the match! Preparation for Silver D of E to watch the match! Preparation for Silver D of E seemed to take forever, but on the last day of seemed to take forever, but on the last day of seemed to take forever, but on the last day of seemed to take forever, but on the last day of walking, it seemed well worth it! We in Group B walking, it seemed well worth it! We in Group B walking, it seemed well worth it! We in Group B walking, it seemed well worth it! We in Group B feel we can speak for everyone when we say we feel we can speak for everyone when we say we feel we can speak for everyone when we say we feel we can speak for everyone when we say we can’t wait to go on to the Gold expedition and can’t wait to go on to the Gold expedition and can’t wait to go on to the Gold expedition and can’t wait to go on to the Gold expedition and the new challenges ahead! We are really grateful the new challenges ahead! We are really grateful the new challenges ahead! We are really grateful the new challenges ahead! We are really grateful for the help we got from the staff. That helped us for the help we got from the staff. That helped us for the help we got from the staff. That helped us for the help we got from the staff. That helped us get through Silver. Thank you!get through Silver. Thank you!get through Silver. Thank you!get through Silver. Thank you!

Abbie Brace, Olivia Mason, Grace Smith, Anna GeggieAbbie Brace, Olivia Mason, Grace Smith, Anna GeggieAbbie Brace, Olivia Mason, Grace Smith, Anna GeggieAbbie Brace, Olivia Mason, Grace Smith, Anna Geggie



I T was just another pleasant but humdrum day in the life of St Mary’s. Then the status quo was well and truly disturbed.

Our Drama Theatre suddenly began to reverberate to the kind of drumming that has filled rock venues all over the world. The kind of drumming you would associate with world famous rock group Status Quo. The drumming of former ’Quo drummer Jeff Rich, perhaps... In fact, St Mary’s special visitor Jeff Rich was the beat of the ‘Quo for 15 years between 1985 and 2000...and was a regular fixture on Top of the Pops and other music programmes. He joined the group just after the Live Aid concert after playing for many years as a session musician for groups like Def Leppard (ask your parents, or even grandparents!) and artists like Judie Tzuke. Then he arrived in Wallasey. East Ender Jeff has certainly come a long way from the comprehensive school he attended in Hackney. He now specialises in performing masterclasses and has been to more than 5,000 schools in the last six years, including Eton College in Windsor, former school of Princes William and Harry. But Jeff’s masterclass was about a lot more than just pop music. He explained how modern drums evolved from animal skins being stretched over logs in Africa

through to the military drums which spurred on soldiers in conflicts throughout history, like the Battles of Culloden and the Boyne, and the Napoleonic and Boer Wars, to name but a few. Then he showed how these drums developed into the modern snare drum. Next he invited St Mary’s students to take part in the performance, having a go on his own set of drums and playing many other percussion instruments. He said: ‘The whole idea of my masterclass is to inspire the children to learn an instrument and if I achieve that, then my job is done.’

Humdrum...not!Humdrum...not!

Left: Rocking Left: Rocking Left: Rocking Left: Rocking all over the all over the all over the all over the world...Rick world...Rick world...Rick world...Rick Parfitt and Parfitt and Parfitt and Parfitt and Francis Rossi Francis Rossi Francis Rossi Francis Rossi of Status Quoof Status Quoof Status Quoof Status Quo Right and Right and Right and Right and below: Jeff below: Jeff below: Jeff below: Jeff Rich brought Rich brought Rich brought Rich brought the world the world the world the world famous beat famous beat famous beat famous beat to St to St to St to St Mary’sMary’sMary’sMary’s

‘Animal ‘Animal ‘Animal ‘Animal skins skins skins skins stretched stretched stretched stretched over logs’over logs’over logs’over logs’

WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!! See overleafSee overleafSee overleafSee overleaf

Maskens Maskens Aufgabe*Aufgabe*

WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!!WIN JEFF RICH’S AUTOGRAPH!!! READY FRAMED FOR YOUR WALLREADY FRAMED FOR YOUR WALLREADY FRAMED FOR YOUR WALLREADY FRAMED FOR YOUR WALL

ANSWER the following question correctly and win this valuable prize!

What is the name of Status Quo’s

latest concert tour and album?

Write the answer with your name and form on a piece of paper and give it to Mr Thomas before the end of term. Good luck!

James takes his James takes his seat in Parliamentseat in Parliament

J AMES Murray has taken his seat in a very special d e c i s i o n m a k i n g organisation...Wirral’s branch of the European Youth Parliament. The Parl iament meets regularly to discuss issues relevant to the young people of Wirral, and James, who has just finished Year 11, has been particularly involved in awarding cash grants to charitable organisations. Maureen McDaid, head of Wirral’s Youth Service, said: ‘James was a most interesting and courteous contributor. He is a credit to himself and to the school. I am looking forward to working with him again in the future.’

AAAA RT teachers Mrs Ali McWatt and Mrs Kate RT teachers Mrs Ali McWatt and Mrs Kate RT teachers Mrs Ali McWatt and Mrs Kate RT teachers Mrs Ali McWatt and Mrs Kate Hopwood ran the Liverpool Half Marathon and 10K Hopwood ran the Liverpool Half Marathon and 10K Hopwood ran the Liverpool Half Marathon and 10K Hopwood ran the Liverpool Half Marathon and 10K

races to raise money for education materials to send to races to raise money for education materials to send to races to raise money for education materials to send to races to raise money for education materials to send to our partner school in Nigeria. Together they raised our partner school in Nigeria. Together they raised our partner school in Nigeria. Together they raised our partner school in Nigeria. Together they raised £350. For more on Maryland School,£350. For more on Maryland School,£350. For more on Maryland School,£350. For more on Maryland School, see pages 10/11. see pages 10/11. see pages 10/11. see pages 10/11.

Fun Runners Fun Runners raise real cashraise real cash

YYYY EAR 7 German students produced these EAR 7 German students produced these EAR 7 German students produced these EAR 7 German students produced these fantastic masks as part of their work on the fantastic masks as part of their work on the fantastic masks as part of their work on the fantastic masks as part of their work on the

celebration of Karneval in Germany. celebration of Karneval in Germany. celebration of Karneval in Germany. celebration of Karneval in Germany. Karneval Karneval Karneval Karneval is is is is the name given to the beginning of Lent. We the name given to the beginning of Lent. We the name given to the beginning of Lent. We the name given to the beginning of Lent. We know it as Shrove Tuesday, but in Germany it know it as Shrove Tuesday, but in Germany it know it as Shrove Tuesday, but in Germany it know it as Shrove Tuesday, but in Germany it begins on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and begins on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and begins on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and begins on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and finishes on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). finishes on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). finishes on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). finishes on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). There are street processions and fancy dress. There are street processions and fancy dress. There are street processions and fancy dress. There are street processions and fancy dress. The winning mask was made by Kyle Hickman, The winning mask was made by Kyle Hickman, The winning mask was made by Kyle Hickman, The winning mask was made by Kyle Hickman, with runners up Jenny Leckey and Becky with runners up Jenny Leckey and Becky with runners up Jenny Leckey and Becky with runners up Jenny Leckey and Becky Farrelly, all members of Mrs Unwin’s class.Farrelly, all members of Mrs Unwin’s class.Farrelly, all members of Mrs Unwin’s class.Farrelly, all members of Mrs Unwin’s class.

* It’s German for Mask Task!* It’s German for Mask Task!* It’s German for Mask Task!* It’s German for Mask Task!



W E have known her in school as Miss Smith the Teaching

Assistant and, after her marriage this year, as Mrs Pidugu. But now Alison and her husband Francis are embarking upon a life changing mission. They are making a leap of faith by emigrating to India to work with some of the poorest and most despised children in the world. The ‘Dalit’ people are known as the ‘Untouchables’ because they are regarded by members of the higher castes as dirty, diseased and almost less than human. They are quite literally ‘outcasts’. Dalit children are often abandoned or left for dead, and older children and young people enter a life of extreme poverty, begging or prostitution. This August, Alison will leave the life she knows here to join Francis in one of the most forgotten and deprived areas of India, surprisingly near to the tourist area of Goa. They plan to open a home for between 10 and 15 children, as well as a training centre for young women who will learn tailoring. In addition to this they want to run spiritual courses for Dalit people who are finding that they are not rejected by the Christian faith. Both Alison and Francis are committed Christians and are members of King’s Church, Birkenhead. Said Alison: ‘This is something we have dreamt and prayed about for a long time. People have been very kind and we have had great support’. They hope to live in a modest apartment close to their work, but as yet this has not been finalised. They also hope their project will continue to be supported by the pledges of friends and family, but they have no guarantee that this will be the case.

If you want to support Alison and Francis, please contact them on 653 5595 or email: [email protected] you want to support Alison and Francis, please contact them on 653 5595 or email: [email protected] you want to support Alison and Francis, please contact them on 653 5595 or email: [email protected] you want to support Alison and Francis, please contact them on 653 5595 or email: [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW?DID YOU KNOW?DID YOU KNOW?DID YOU KNOW? In India there are 240 million Dalits, all treated as dirty outcasts, not even worthy of pity. They can’t even drink the same water as higher caste people. The word ‘Dalit’ means broken or crushed.

This little Dalit boy was found in a dustbin by the side of the road when he was one month old

The The missionmission

Alison leaves St Mary’s to help India’s poorAlison leaves St Mary’s to help India’s poor

Left: Alison and her husband Francis

Right: Some of the children they hope to help

Despair of the Despair of the

‘Untouchables’‘Untouchables’


A

WIN £10!WIN £10!

Did you work out who they were? Post your entry into the ‘Eagle Eye’ box in the foyer. Prizes will be given on the last day of term to the three students with the most correct answers.

A……………………………………….

B……………………………………….

C……………………………………….

D……………………………………….

E……………………………………….

F……………………………………….

G.......................................................

Name….…………………….................

Form...................................................

Before they Before they were TAs * were TAs *

*Teaching Assistants!*Teaching Assistants!*Teaching Assistants!

EAGLE EYE EAGLE EYE EAGLE EYE COMPETITIONCOMPETITIONCOMPETITION

Mrs Cotgrave Mrs Priest

Mrs Gouldson Mrs Williams Mrs Pidugu

B C

D

E

F

Mrs O’Donovan

W EREN’T they cute? And they are just as lovable today! They used to sit at different desks in different classrooms back

then, though. Spot the schoolgirls of yesteryear in our latest Eagle Eye Competition and collect a tenner on the last day of term. It’s quite a challenge!

Miss Halloran

G


To boldly go...To boldly go...

Stars of a web enterpriseStars of a web enterprise

School Council members with site foreman Mr Harry Graham and Deputy Head Mr Polachowski

S T MARY’S is the star of the show in a series of new videos on an educational website. A film crew from the RM computer company interviewed and filmed students and members of staff using their new system of e-learning, Discover Alive. The video clips now feature on their information website for other schools who are considering

taking up the initiative. The multimedia product, delivered through Kaleidos Teaching and Learning Environment software, offers challenging and interactive lessons at KS3 in Maths, English, Science, Geography, History and French. The project is spearheaded by ICT Coordinator Across the Curriculum, Mr John Hanson. St Mary’s was chosen as an example of good practice and we have received two e-beams for interactive whiteboards courtesy of RM. Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman said: ’We have been using DiscoverALIVE for 18 months, through interactive whiteboards, the school

computer network and the internet at home. Over the next few years we intend that homework and other work will be available in most subjects on the curriculum. This is truly an exciting and groundbreaking development.’.

See the show now at: http://discoveralivetour.rm.com

Interactive tour

T hey boldly went where no St Mary’s students had gone before...our new Phase Four Building! Members of St Mary’s School Council donned their hard hats and high-visibility jackets to wander the new classrooms a n d c o r r i d o r s u n d e r construction at the Sandy Lane side of school. The £5.2 million building, providing English, History, Maths and DT rooms, will be named St Benedict’s Hall, in the tradition of the existing Our Lady’s Hall, St Peter’s Hall and St Joseph’s Hall.... But fear not, we will all soon have the privilege of seeing St Benedict’s Hall for ourselves in September!

Right: Miss Kaye on the website


St Mary’s in the frame: Having fun with art. Left: and below: Drama work in English Martyrs’ Church.

Induction Day Induction Day

fun & learningfun & learning

20072007 Welcome Welcome


to St Mary’s!to St Mary’s!

The scene in English Martyrs’ Church as children from our partner primaries gathered for Induction Day


Champions!Champions! Thumbs up for our champions with Mr Heitzman and Mr Jones

S T M AR Y ’ S h a v e retained the Wirral Schools Five-a-Side trophy i n a b l i s t e r i n g f i na l against Park High School. The team, ably captained by Michael Williams, grew in strength match after match with man of the tournament Jordan Downey terrorising the midfield. With excellent performances all round, inc luding superb contributions from Carlton Wilson, Luke McMillan, Anthony Burn, Chris Dermody in goal, Danny Lewis in midfield (our own ‘Momo Sissoko’) and the prolific strike rate of Lewis Clarke...we were unbeatable! PE teacher and coach Mr Peter Jones said: ‘I was very proud and impressed with the courage and attitude the boys showed. They have all done St Mary’s proud.’

Year 7s hit ‘em for sixYear 7s hit ‘em for six C ongratulations to our Year 7 cricket team who won a Wirral Schools pairs cricket tournament! The St Mary’s young cricketers (pictured right) defeated South Wirral High, Rock Ferry and Oldershaw at the special event at New Brighton Cricket Club. Highlights from the tournament included Seb Bowe hitting 34 runs off one over, making a scorecard of 666646. Three times the ball sailed over the sightscreen and out of the ground. Luke McMillan, Chris Munt, Connor Hitchmough and Mark Rutherford were the pick of the bowlers. Ian Astill and Alzar Brepotra were outstanding in the field and wicket keeping. Matthew Gillespie, Tom Best, Ciaron Gregory and Jack Trafford were also excellent batsmen. Mr Dave Killoran, Head of Boys’ PE, said: ‘We are very proud of this achievement. The boys are very keen cricketers and come to practise regularly after school.’

Documents

Summer 2007