Christmas 2007

Christmas 2007

S HOEBOXES stuffed with gifts and goodies are once again on their way to children who need them

most...thanks to St Mary’s and our partner primary schools. Hundreds of students have been busily packing the boxes as part of the annual Operation Christmas Child appeal. They are bound for countries across the world suffering as a result of war and poverty. Partner primaries involved in the appeal include: SS Peter and Paul, New Brighton, St Alban’s, Liscard, St Joseph’s, Seacombe, St Paul’s, Beechwood, Ladymount, Pensby, and Our Lady of Pity, Greasby (pictured above left). Special thanks also to English Martyrs’ Parish and SS Peter and Paul Union of Catholic Mothers. Also, a BIGBIGBIGBIG THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all who gave so generously and made our annual SVP Hamper Appeal a success once again. *See more shoebox pictures on page 6.

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

...TO A ...TO A

THEATRE THEATRE

NEAR YOU!NEAR YOU!

REHEARSALS are now underway for our latest showstopper:... BUGSY MALONE. So make a date to visit the Roaring Twenties next February when St Mary’s Theatre Company opens its doors once again for a four-night production.

Christmas Christmas spiritspirit

Page 2 St Mary’s Newsletter Christmas 2007

What a lineWhat a line--upup I T was poetry to our ears again as St Mary’s made National Poetry Day a day to remember. For the fourth year running there was wall-to-wall poetry in the school library...rhyme after rhyme! Hundreds of students and staff read their favourite poems to the great appreciation of hundreds of listeners. And, as always, there were particular highlights through the day. Who could forget, for instance, Mr Sayer’s rendition, in French, of Abba’s ‘Waterloo’, Mr Jordan’s Beyoncé rap or indeed Mr Cull’s personal interpretation of ‘Tipperary’, the First World War marching song by Jack Judge and Harry Williams.

Wirral Way Wirral Way

to go...!to go...!

M ORE than 70 Bronze D of E hopefuls completed the 13 mile Wirral Way Walk from West Kirby to Hooton. For many it was their first taste of a medium-length walk and luckily for the Year 9 students (some pictured right), the weather was good. Mr Colin Archer, who organises all the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities in school, said: ‘Amazingly, over the last 16 years of these November walks, the weather has been good, and the students have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.’

Year 11s in poetic and prayerful mood share an extract from ‘Bye, Child’ by Seamus Heaney

The swords and shields The swords and shields

of truth about slaveryof truth about slavery

T he truth about slavery is that it is still going on today...that’s what Year 9 students discovered on their five-day Arts trip to Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire. Through Art, Dance, Music and Drama they explored the history of slavery from the African slave trade to modern-day sweatshops in the Far East, and even how, in a ‘free’ society we can be slaves to our jobs, to fashion and to the media. They also learned about the symbols of slavery to produce impressive swords and shields made out of papier maché (some of the students are pictured left with their work).

* See our One World Week Special on pages 4 and 5.

St Mary’s Newsletter Christmas 2007 Page 3

MASTERMIND finalist Anna Torpey has many fond memories of her time at St Mary’s. And the Oxford graduate, who is appearing in the current series of the popular BBC 1 programme, attributes much of her success to the education she received in our school. One teacher, in particular, though ‘turned on the lights’ for her and gave her the encouragement and confidence to apply to Oxbridge...and that was our very own Mr Duffy. ‘For me he was the best teacher on the planet’, she said in an exclusive interview for St Mary’s Newsletter. ‘Mr Duffy taught me History from second year, and he was just so inspirational. He really turned the lights on for me educationally.’ Anna, 34, is married with three children and has lived in Wallasey all her life...apart from the three years she spent at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, reading Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Since leaving, Anna has worked the

comedy circuit as a stand up comedian, but her passion is for writing comedy. Her style is quirky, in The League of Gentleman genre. ‘I’m always thinking of plots I can use, but TV is really hard to break into. I did think of going into politics at some point, but no one really likes women politicians’ she said. Being a fan of TV brain shows like Countdown and Fifteen to One, it was a logical step for Anna to apply for Mastermind, and she found the whole experience ‘fantastic’.

It is traditional on Mastermind for women who don’t work to give their occupation as ‘housewife’, but Anna made history by refusing. She also refused to be called ‘a home maker’, but eventually settled for ‘full time mother’. Her specialist subject was the cult Channel 4 series The Sopranos which meant she had to memorise a huge database of facts. ‘Some people choose very limited subjects like London Bridge, for example, so it was a real challenge. I think I may have a photographic memory, but I couldn’t remember it all now!’ she said. Anna is the third child in a dynasty of Torpeys ~ six of them ~ who all attended St Mary’s. Eldest is Elizabeth, who is now a Languages teacher. Then

there’s Joe, a History teacher and Mary a nurse. The two youngest, Patrick and Chris are, respectively, a housing association officer and a post-graduate student in Physics at Liverpool University. Her husband, Christopher Aldag, also came to St Mary’s and is also a housing association officer. And the biggest difference now to Anna’s own schooldays? ‘Well, apart from all the new buildings, I just can’t believe the freedom sixth formers have in what they can wear. When I was in sixth form, we had to wear “smart dress”!’

♦ You can find out how Anna does on BBC 1 on December 17 and in the New Year!

♦ Past St Mary’s Mastermind contestants have also included Mr Charles and Mrs Perry!

Anna faces Anna faces thatthat ChairChair

Left: Anna Left: Anna Left: Anna Left: Anna and baby and baby and baby and baby Jean meet Jean meet Jean meet Jean meet presenter presenter presenter presenter Sally Sally Sally Sally Magnusson, Magnusson, Magnusson, Magnusson, daughter of daughter of daughter of daughter of Mastermind’s Mastermind’s Mastermind’s Mastermind’s creator and creator and creator and creator and first Grand first Grand first Grand first Grand Inquisitor, Inquisitor, Inquisitor, Inquisitor, the late the late the late the late Magnus Magnus Magnus Magnus MagnussonMagnussonMagnussonMagnusson

Anna with Anna with Anna with Anna with Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher Mr Paul Mr Paul Mr Paul Mr Paul HeitzmanHeitzmanHeitzmanHeitzman

Below: Anna faced Below: Anna faced Below: Anna faced Below: Anna faced the intense gaze the intense gaze the intense gaze the intense gaze of Mastermind of Mastermind of Mastermind of Mastermind Grand Inquisitor Grand Inquisitor Grand Inquisitor Grand Inquisitor John HumphrysJohn HumphrysJohn HumphrysJohn Humphrys


Dear Friends Just to say how much I have enjoyed the last six years working with the St Vincent de Paul Society at St Mary’s. It has been both spiritually and practically rewarding to me. I feel sure this also reflected on the RE team and the young Vinnies. I would like to thank the following four students who have been with the SVP since it was re-formed: Jenni Oakes, Peter Sprott, Danielle Holland and Danny Corser. I wish them the best of luck at uni. Once again, many thanks to the RE team for their leadership and input. The SVP are always looking for new members.

If you read this and are interested, you will enjoy all the fund raising and the activities for overseas projects, like ‘buying’ goats and cows for villages in India and Africa. We also provide for the less well off in our own local area. Meetings are held every Thursday at lunchtime, near the Chapel. The team looks forward to greeting potential new SVP members! Goodbye, God Bless and Shalom.

Yours in St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Freddy Ozanam Ray Maher SVP/LFC

W E tried to make a world of difference in just five school days. It was One World Week ~ celebrated nationally every year ~ and St Mary’s was full of activities, from selling Fairtrade chocolate and other produce, special assemblies for all students and an evening of performances with a message for a better world. Dancers from Year 7 delighted parents (below) with a traditional African dance and Year 8 performed a unique version of the

Maori Haka, the result of a cross-curricular project involving History, Drama, Dance and PE. In the year we have commemorated the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago, students brought to light the wage-slave economy in the Far East which provides low price clothing in high street and supermarket chains. St Mary’s was awarded the special accolade of ‘Fairtrade School’ earlier this year in recognition of our commitment in promoting Fairtrade products. It was a special event attended by Ugandan Fairtrade coffee grower Mr Samuel Magona and Wirral’s Mayor, Coun Peter Johnson. in One World Week at St Mary’sin One World Week at St Mary’s

A world of A world of differencedifference

Left: Sixth Former Left: Sixth Former Left: Sixth Former Left: Sixth Former Rose Leyland who Rose Leyland who Rose Leyland who Rose Leyland who presented a thought presented a thought presented a thought presented a thought provoking provoking provoking provoking commentary commentary commentary commentary on world issueson world issueson world issueson world issues

DID YOU KNOW...? Every year 15 million children die of hunger

183 million children in the world are underfed

Every 3.6 seconds someone somewhere dies of hunger

Thanks for the memoriesThanks for the memories

Year 7 students perform a traditional African dance


S T MARY’S was delighted to welcome Fr Moses Igba of Makurdi Diocese, Benue

State, Nigeria, to concelebrate the Year 7 Welcome Mass with our chaplain Fr Jerome Fagan of St Joseph’s, Seacombe (pictured left with Year 7 students). Fr Moses, who is principal of the Charles Lwanga seminary, was visiting several parishes in Shrewsbury Diocese earlier this year as a relief priest. It was through one of his visits two years ago that our partnership with Maryland Secondary School, also in Chito, was first launched (see above for details). Parishioners of St Alban’s, Liscard, raised £5,000 for a borehole to supply the village with fresh water.

Mass of welcome for Year 7 andMass of welcome for Year 7 and

Father MoseFather Mosess

Below: the boys of Parkfield FC, who train weekly in St Mary’s Sports Hall

A GREAT team effort f r o m y o u n g Wallasey footballers will mean a whole new ball game for scores of Nigerian teenagers. Parkfield FC players (pictured right) train each Wednesday evening in our sports hall under the keen eye of team manager Mr Richard Gillham, whose son Liam is in Year 9. Ten years ago, Mr Gillham worked in the Nigerian oil industry as a project supervisor and saw at first hand the poverty of youngsters who love football so much they play in their bare feet. So when he read in St Mary’s Newsletter about our partnership with Maryland Secondary School, Chito, Nigeria, he and the

Parkfield management team decided to donate dozens of nearly new kits from former seasons. Parents and friends then donated other replica kits and boots, making a large consignment for the village. ‘We now have so many kits in really good condition and it would be great if they went straight to people who would really appreciate them’ said Mr Gillham. Kit sponsors for the Wallasey Junior League team have included local businesses Eskimo Wine Bar, Hoylake, the Laboursite employment agency and Blanchard’s Construction, Wallasey. It is hoped the kit will soon join the hundreds of bags filled with art materials made and sponsored by St Mary’s Art Department which are already on their way to Chito. Art teachers Mrs McWatt and Mrs Hopwood ran a half-marathon in Liverpool to raise money for the project. Maryland School (school badge and motto pictured left) currently has 450 students and four cramped classrooms and few materials. More fundraising projects are in the pipeline.

It’s fair play from It’s fair play from

Parkfield FCParkfield FC

Experience countsExperience counts STUDENTS are getting a taste of the real world.

Sixth formers (left) enjoying their BTEC work placements which range from engineering to hairdressing. Year 10 learn how to build team and enterprise skills (above) during their Development Days. And Food DT students learn Chinese cuisine from Steven Tso, owner of Tso San Restaurant, Liscard (right).


SS Peter & Paul

St Joseph’s, Seacombe St Alban’s, Liscard

Ladymount, Pensby

Flower powerFlower power I T WILL be blooming lovely! Sixth formers Chloe Hayes and Steph Groves have planted more than 200 bulbs in the little garden near the dining room so that

next Spring, there will be a host of golden daffodils for all to enjoy. They have completed the gardening task as part of their project in A level studies in Child Care. The daffodils will bloom close to the tree planted in memory of catering manager Mrs Sue Byrne, who died seven years ago.

Boxing daysBoxing days


M ULTI-talented Maths teacher Mr Lee toyed with the idea of having a stage career...but when he did his

sums he decided teaching was best. ‘The entertainment industry is a cut-throat world, and there was no guarantee I would get anywhere’ he said. ‘Which is why I chose teaching. It’s enjoyable, and you get paid every week!’ Mr Lee, who plays the drums, acts and sings, was also offered a place in an American sports academy but couldn’t take it because of a knee injury. Ironically, Maths was not his favourite subject when he was a St Mary’s student back in the 80s: ‘I found in Sixth Form that Maths is what I do best, but my favourite subject was Geography. And recently I have been reading up on History.’ Mr Lee’s first day at St Mary’s: : : : ‘I remember seeing two girls and thinking, I hope I get to meet them! I felt OK, as I never really feel awkward in new situations.’ His happiest memory: ‘Performing in the school orchestra. It was awesome. And playing in the Wirral Cup Final at cricket. I was team captain and we won.’ How things have changed: ‘There are much better facilities, but there is a lot less space at break and lunchtimes. There never used to be a school newsletter!’ His verdict on That Quote (see below): ‘Mencken’s naïve.’

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 American writers of the

early 20th Centuryearly 20th Century

M RS Doherty’s first pupils never put a foot out of place. They were quiet, well-behaved and didn’t even bat an eyelid when she gave

them lots of homework. They were dolls! Mrs D knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher ~ and she must have had her future all mapped out because she is now teaching her favourite subject from childhood ~ Geography. ‘At first, as well as Geography, I started teaching French and RE. There are so many different things you can do, which is why I enjoy teaching. If I wasn’t a teacher, though, I’d be a nurse, because I like to help people’ she said. Mrs Doherty’s first day at St Mary’s: ‘I didn’t like my first day, although I was so excited it was scary. I remember my class was last for dinner and there was nothing left.’ Her happiest memory: ‘Having the same class up to and in Year 11.’ Her funniest memory: ‘Being in Mr Duffy’s class.’ How things have changed: ‘The school is much bigger, it’s much cleaner and the lessons are more interesting. It just used to be dictating to the students or working from textbooks. It was also stricter and behaviour is much better now!’ Her verdict on That Quote (see right): I think it’s absolute rubbish and I would like to see

Mr Mencken teaching five lessons a day with 32 children in a class.’

Interviews byInterviews by

Sixth FormerSixth Former

Melanie O’HaraMelanie O’Hara

‘I nearly went into showbiz ‘I nearly went into showbiz

instead of teaching ’instead of teaching ’

PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Doherty PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Doherty PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Doherty PEOPLE YOU KNOW: Mrs Doherty was taught in the late 80s by: Mrs was taught in the late 80s by: Mrs was taught in the late 80s by: Mrs was taught in the late 80s by: Mrs Giles, Mr Duffy, Mr Jordan, Mr Giles, Mr Duffy, Mr Jordan, Mr Giles, Mr Duffy, Mr Jordan, Mr Giles, Mr Duffy, Mr Jordan, Mr G i l c h r i s t M r s J on e s , M r G i l c h r i s t M r s J on e s , M r G i l c h r i s t M r s J on e s , M r G i l c h r i s t M r s J on e s , M r Polachowski, Mrs Porter, Miss Kelly Polachowski, Mrs Porter, Miss Kelly Polachowski, Mrs Porter, Miss Kelly Polachowski, Mrs Porter, Miss Kelly and Mrs Mills!and Mrs Mills!and Mrs Mills!and Mrs Mills!

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

Mr Lee as Mr Lee as Mr Lee as Mr Lee as we know we know we know we know him nowhim nowhim nowhim now

Mrs Doherty Mrs Doherty Mrs Doherty Mrs Doherty above left and above left and above left and above left and when she was when she was when she was when she was Miss Angela Miss Angela Miss Angela Miss Angela HumeHumeHumeHume

‘And I used to teach ‘And I used to teach

my class of dolls...’my class of dolls...’

PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Mr Lee was PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Mr Lee was PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Mr Lee was PEOPLE YOU KNOW : Mr Lee was taught by: Mrs Braid, Mr & Mrs taught by: Mrs Braid, Mr & Mrs taught by: Mrs Braid, Mr & Mrs taught by: Mrs Braid, Mr & Mrs Jordan, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, Mrs Jordan, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, Mrs Jordan, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, Mrs Jordan, Mr Duffy, Mr Cull, Mrs Mills , Mr Gilchrist, Mr Pol, Mr Mills , Mr Gilchrist, Mr Pol, Mr Mills , Mr Gilchrist, Mr Pol, Mr Mills , Mr Gilchrist, Mr Pol, Mr Charles, Miss Kelly, Mrs Jones Charles, Miss Kelly, Mrs Jones Charles, Miss Kelly, Mrs Jones Charles, Miss Kelly, Mrs Jones (History) and Mr & Mrs Archer!(History) and Mr & Mrs Archer!(History) and Mr & Mrs Archer!(History) and Mr & Mrs Archer!


How well do you How well do you know our know our school?school? KEEN Year 13 photographer Paul Sheldrake (pictured above) took these stunning pictures in and around St Mary’s as part of an ICT project. But can you guess what they are? There are three prizes of £10 for the first three correct entries. But please share this issue of Newsletter with your family

B E F O R E tearing out the coupon. Entries will be accepted from Monday December 17.

WIN £10!WIN £10!

A……………………………………….

B……………………………………….

C……………………………………….

D……………………………………….

E……………………………………….

F……………………………………….

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

H.......................................................

EAGLE EYE EAGLE EYE EAGLE EYE COMPETITIONCOMPETITIONCOMPETITION

Did you work out what 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.

AAAA

Name the Name the

mystery mystery

objects! objects!

BBBB

CCCC

DDDD

EEEE

FFFF

GGGG HHHH


TEACHING Assistant Alison Pidugu is on a mission. She left her job at St Mary’s last July to work with the poor in India. Alison and her husband Francis have made a permanent home in a small town in one of the poorest regions. They have gone to help the Dalits, India’s Untouchables, who are regarded by higher castes as the lowest of the low and who often have to resort to begging to survive. Alison and Francis have already set up a Christian training centre for young women teaching tailoring and embroidery so that they can support themselves. They hope soon to found an orphanage and also to start a children’s club in the slums for Dalit children. Adjusting to life in India has been an incredible experience for Alison. She writes: ‘I am taking every day in my stride and trusting in God

to help me along the way. We have really been blessed by the welcome we have received’.

Alison and Francis Alison and Francis Alison and Francis Alison and Francis are living entirely on are living entirely on are living entirely on are living entirely on their savings and the their savings and the their savings and the their savings and the support of friends and support of friends and support of friends and support of friends and relatives. If you want relatives. If you want relatives. If you want relatives. If you want to know more or help to know more or help to know more or help to know more or help their work please their work please their work please their work please contact: King’s Church, contact: King’s Church, contact: King’s Church, contact: King’s Church, Birkenhead, on 653 Birkenhead, on 653 Birkenhead, on 653 Birkenhead, on 653 5595 .5595 .5595 .5595 . Or you can email: Or you can email: Or you can email: Or you can email: [email protected]@[email protected]@gmail.com

Left: Alison (far right) and Left: Alison (far right) and Left: Alison (far right) and Left: Alison (far right) and some of the young women some of the young women some of the young women some of the young women who have joined the new who have joined the new who have joined the new who have joined the new training schemetraining schemetraining schemetraining scheme Below left: Young boys were Below left: Young boys were Below left: Young boys were Below left: Young boys were delighted to receive new delighted to receive new delighted to receive new delighted to receive new pencils from Alison pencils from Alison pencils from Alison pencils from Alison

Alison’s Alison’s Indian summerIndian summer

A LISON took this picture from the balcony of her flat. Two small girls were hunting for plastic bottles to sell. She gave them about 30 empty water bottles from her own kitchen. The girls were delighted since they could then exchange them for ten rupees, or 8p, which would buy them a meal.

Plastic Plastic

bottles to bottles to

save livessave lives

BelgaumBelgaum

How to helpHow to help


IT was fast. It was exciting. It was colourful. It was...St Mary’s annual Dance Festival! Some of our most talented dancers joined with students from Plessington School, Upton Hall School, the Wallasey School of Ballet and the Alison Clayton and Anamal Dance Schools to make the whole three-day event community-based.

LearningLearning how to fly...how to fly...

& & & & & & & & & & & &

moremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremore

... at our ... at our

Festival Festival

of Danceof Dance

Baby , remember my name...

Light up the sky like a flame...

I’m gonna learn how to fly...

I’m gonna make it to heaven...

I’m gonna live forever...


A bridal procession of mops for Head of Dance Miss Caroline Foster who was married during half term

Perfect poise and drama expressed in dance

No business like Show business...

Turning dance on its head

Telling a story in dance


W ORLD G ymnas t i c s Champion Beth Tweddle

was Guest of Honour at our

annual Presentation Evening. She presented certificates and prizes to more than 300 St Mary’s students on what was an impressive and lively night of celebration and entertainment. Since our usual venue, the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, is currently unavailable, we made ourselves at home in the Sports Hall...a familiar kind of landscape for Olympic athlete Beth.

Left: Beth shows off her medals, which Left: Beth shows off her medals, which Left: Beth shows off her medals, which Left: Beth shows off her medals, which include the 2006 World Championship include the 2006 World Championship include the 2006 World Championship include the 2006 World Championship Gold, with Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman Gold, with Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman Gold, with Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman Gold, with Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman and Chairman of Governors Canon Brendan and Chairman of Governors Canon Brendan and Chairman of Governors Canon Brendan and Chairman of Governors Canon Brendan HobanHobanHobanHoban

As Olympian Beth honours students of As Olympian Beth honours students of

St Mary’s, it’s a very special moment...St Mary’s, it’s a very special moment...

‘I F you have a dream, make sure you go for it’ ~ that was Beth Tweddle’s advice to St Mary’s students at our Presentation Evening. Olympic athlete and World Champion gymnast Beth openly admits to being ‘stubborn’ and ‘always wanting the last word’. It has paid her great dividends. The 22-year-old John Moores University graduate has astounded the sports world by recovering from a number of injury setbacks and is due to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. South African-born Beth trains in Toxteth and aims to be a physiotherapist when she retires from competition. In spite of all that she has found time to give masterclasses in St Mary’s and boost our Sports Appeal. Her inspiring speech to a packed St Mary’s Sports Hall earned great applause: ‘If people tell you you’re not going to make it, don’t listen to them’ she said. ‘If you have a dream, make sure you go for it.’

To be prized!To be prized!


Special Prizes 2007Special Prizes 2007

John Hardman Memorial AwardJohn Hardman Memorial Award

Governors’ Award for CitizenshipGovernors’ Award for Citizenship

Lauren Sanderson Daniel Platt Rebecca Durney Natasha Melling

Olive Jordan Memorial AwardOlive Jordan Memorial Award

Ben Percival Tom Anson

Faye Stuart Lee McComb

Award for Outstanding AchievementAward for Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Academic AchievementAward for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Jessica Bradbury Abbey Catherall Callum McKenna Christopher Jones

UnileverUnilever UnileverUnilever

St Mary’s Brass EnsembleSt Mary’s Brass EnsembleSt Mary’s Brass EnsembleSt Mary’s Brass Ensemble prepare for their performanceprepare for their performanceprepare for their performanceprepare for their performance

A special dance A special dance A special dance A special dance presentation presentation presentation presentation from Year 12’s from Year 12’s from Year 12’s from Year 12’s Natalie TaylorNatalie TaylorNatalie TaylorNatalie Taylor

Headteacher’s AwardHeadteacher’s Award

Danielle Ross Richard Roth


Prizewinners 2007Prizewinners 2007

Choreographer of the YearChoreographer of the Year

Rochelle Lambert

Composer of the YearComposer of the Year

David Conlan

Dramatist of the YearDramatist of the Year

Jordan Champion

H S AH S A

AWARDSAWARDS

YEAR 7: Jordan Nicholls, Jessie Williams YEAR 8: Philip Makinson, Rebecca Newton YEAR 9: Elisha Carter, Adam McComb YEAR 10: Tom Price, Chloe Tartt YEAR 11: Andrew Clarke, Stacey Lamb YEAR 12: Andrew Livingstone, Terri Robinson

ARTS ARTS

COLLEGE COLLEGE

AWARDSAWARDS

S.M.A.R.T.SS.M.A.R.T.SYEAR 10: Kyle Pritchard, Danielle Smith YEAR 11: John McNicholas, Richard Roth, Emmanuella Nerantzoulis

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

SERVICE SERVICE

AWARDSAWARDS

YEAR 7: Dylan Brannagan, Hannah Ashwell YEAR 8: Eamee Boden, Matthew Quinn YEAR 9: Sammie Birchall, Roisin Fattorini YEAR 10: Johanna Robinson, Danny Williams YEAR 11: Tania King, Jonathan Soundie YEAR 12: Rebecca Perry, Christopher Skeggs

YEAR 7: Dylan Brannagan, Sophie Clarke, Tommy Daniels, Eve Eaton, Vanessa Nokes, Emma O’Sullivan

PLATINUM PLATINUM

AWARDSAWARDS

HEALTHY HEALTHY

EATINGEATING

YEAR 7: Sarah Bowers, Kyle Hickman YEAR 8: Ryan Kelly, Leah Morris YEAR 9: Lee Charlton, Claudia Ives YEAR 10: Rebekka Kelly, Paul Yeardsley

St Mary’s Newsletter Summer 2006 Page


Prizewinners 2007Prizewinners 2007 SUBJECT AWARDSSUBJECT AWARDS

ENGLISHENGLISHENGLISHENGLISH YEAR 7: Rebecca Farrelly, Ewan McElroy YEAR 8: Lucy O’Hare, Matthew Quinn YEAR 9: Sam Astill, Jessica Herndlehoffer YEAR 10: Emily Merrall, Connor Usher

MATHSMATHSMATHSMATHS YEAR 7: Caitlin Birch, Matthew Davies YEAR 8: Carl Dunn, Camila Falencka YEAR 9: Lee Lavery, Christina Rushworth YEAR 10: Jamie Harrison, Jenna Young

RERERERE YEAR 7: Rosie Irwin-Watson, George Roberts YEAR 8: Tyler Adamson, Keith Bond YEAR 9: Roisin Fattorini, Jamie Toner YEAR 10: Tomas Bersier, Bethany Cotgrave

ICTICTICTICT YEAR 7: Luke Catherall, Natasha Fallon YEAR 8: Callum Hibbard, Ella Redvers-Rowe YEAR 9: Siw Cattle, Connor McKenna YEAR 10: Luke Evans-Jones, Christina McCarthy

PHYSICSPHYSICSPHYSICSPHYSICS YEAR 7: Charlotte Sale, Jan Taylor YEAR 8: Jessica Eastwood, Adam Salter YEAR 9: Jennifer Beale, Elliott Wakefield YEAR 10: Ashleigh Downes, Jessica Forsey

CHEMISTRYCHEMISTRYCHEMISTRYCHEMISTRY YEAR 7: Stuart Dunlop, Vanessa Nokes YEAR 8: Lucinda Crosby, Ryan Tsang YEAR 9: Natasha Heaney, Jonathan Lea YEAR 10: Peter Edwards, Martika Taylor

BIOLOGYBIOLOGYBIOLOGYBIOLOGY YEAR 7: Charlotte-Anne Fildes, Rhys Morgan YEAR 8: Rebecca McGarry, Josh Rylance YEAR 9: Nicole Cosgrove, James Doolan YEAR 10: Ashleigh Jellicoe, Matthew Ridge

ARTARTARTART YEAR 7: Connor Hitchmough, Joanna Robinson YEAR 8: Jason Hill, Rachel Wickham-Jones YEAR 9: Tom McHugh, Elise Pritchard YEAR10: Jacob Bell, Abbie Brace

GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHY YEAR 7: Matthew Gillespie Vanessa Nokes YEAR 8: Jamie Ali, Shay Cannon YEAR 9: Kevin Fallon, Katie Menear YEAR 10: Rachel Campbell, Daniel Foulkes

HISTORYHISTORYHISTORYHISTORY YEAR 7: Bernadette Howard, Jack Trafford YEAR 8: Jessica Eastwood, Joe McDowell YEAR 9: Daniel Hutton, Janalou Malgapo YEAR 10: Lucy Griffiths, Andrew Vaughan

FRENCHFRENCHFRENCHFRENCH YEAR 7: India Kirkham, Stephen Williams YEAR 8: Shaun Anglesey, Emma Moran YEAR 9: Jamie Collins, Charlotte Kinnear YEAR 10: Jack Leckey, Emily Merrall

GERMANGERMANGERMANGERMAN YEAR 7: Robyn Ashton, Ciaran Gregory YEAR 8: Kieran Cahil, Lucy Keating YEAR 9: Kate Burnett, Joseph McGee YEAR 10: Niamh Gregory, Karl Plant

MUSICMUSICMUSICMUSIC YEAR 7: Ian Astill, Erin Nuttall YEAR 8: Matthew Jones, Natasha Jones YEAR 9: Jennifer Munn, Philip Taylor YEAR 10: James Blackmore, Katie Brown

DANCEDANCEDANCEDANCE YEAR 7: Chloe Hibberd, Colton Wilson YEAR 8: Charlotte Hawes, Niall Holtham YEAR 9: Michael Kirkham, Charlene Perry YEAR 10: Michael Skeggs, Rachel Webster

DRAMADRAMADRAMADRAMA YEAR 7: Sean Delaney, Eloise Miner YEAR 8: Simone Fisher, James Murray YEAR 9: Elisha Carter, Alan Williams YEAR 10: Kieran Comer, Olivia Mason

BUSINESS STUDIESBUSINESS STUDIESBUSINESS STUDIESBUSINESS STUDIES Sarah Middleton, Barrie Nelson

CHILDCARECHILDCARECHILDCARECHILDCARE Alicia Hale, Jodie Madden

HEALTH & SOCIAL CAREHEALTH & SOCIAL CAREHEALTH & SOCIAL CAREHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Amy Middleton, Danielle Smith

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY/DT FOODDESIGN TECHNOLOGY/DT FOODDESIGN TECHNOLOGY/DT FOODDESIGN TECHNOLOGY/DT FOOD YEAR 7: Jack Madden. Alix Quinn YEAR 8: Marc Waterhouse, Chantelle Wilson YEAR 9: Vanessa Forber, Grant Jamieson YEAR 10: (Graphics) Luke Trussell, Megan Turner (Resistant Materials) Barry Greenwood, Rachel Williams (DT Food) Johanna Robinson, Jonathan Varney

St Mary’s Newsletter Summer 2006 Page


Prizewinners 2007Prizewinners 2007

TEAM OF THE YEARTEAM OF THE YEAR

Wirral ChampionsWirral Champions 55--AA--SideSide

SPORTS SPORTS

AWARDSAWARDS

ATTENDANCE AWARDSATTENDANCE AWARDS

Anthony Byrne Lewis Clarke Chris Dermody Jordan Downey Daniel Lewis Luke McMillan

Michael Williams Colton Wilson

YEAR 11 SUBJECT AWARDSYEAR 11 SUBJECT AWARDS

BUSINESS: Paul Ehlen, Georgia Billington

PE: Lewis McDonald, Lisa Markey

DT/GRAPHICS: Matty Brown, Jade Carter

DT/RES MATERIALS: Liam Breen

DT/FOOD: Richard Roth, Abbey Catherall

DRAMA: James Murray, E. Nerantzoulis

MUSIC: David Garnett, Siobhan Connor

ART: Charlotte Brierley

SPORTS LEADER: Chloe Sherlock, Natalie Taylor

HEALTH/SOC CARE: Carolynne Delaney

CHILDCARE Stacey Lamb

YEAR 7: Jordan Downey, Megan Hoey YEAR 8: Alex Sutherland, Matthew White YEAR 9: Beckie Clerc, Joe McGee YEAR 10: Olivia Mason, Andrew Travis YEAR 11: Lisa Markey, Lewis McDonald

RE: Steven McMillan, Lisa Williams

ENGLISH: James Murray, Emmanuela Nerantzoulis

MATHEMATICS: Christopher Jones, Lydia Wellens

PHYSICS: John McNicholas, Abbey Catherall

CHEMISTRY: Tom Jones, Jessica Bradbury

BIOLOGY: Callum McKenna, Rachel Bruce

GEOGRAPHY: John McNicholas, Rachel Bruce

HISTORY: Oliver Bond, Nikki Johnson

FRENCH: Sean Descombes, Emma McQuillan

GERMAN: Callum McKenna, Sarah Breen

ICT: Iain Lightfoot, Amy Farrell

AWARDS FOR AWARDS FOR

YOUTH YOUTH

LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP

YEAR 7YEAR 7YEAR 7YEAR 7 Sarah Bowers Sebastian Bowers Thomas Daniels Ciaran Gregory Dominic Harold Sophie Ingram Elizabeth Johnson Daniel McCloud Robyn Moore Rhys Morgan Lisa Naughton Shimal Nemat Andrew Smith Shaun Walsh Eve Eaton YEAR 8YEAR 8YEAR 8YEAR 8 Jamie Ball Sam Edwards Jonathan Gregory Michael Mason Leah Morris Rebecca Newton Lauren Rigby Lydia Ruiter Adam Salter Aaron Shardey Kathryn Soundie Alexandra Sutherland Matthew White Chantelle Wilson Coral Brislen Kenneth Reader

Full attendance for three years: Full attendance for three years: Full attendance for three years: Full attendance for three years: Philip Taylor Jessica Tolond (Year 10)

YEAR 9YEAR 9YEAR 9YEAR 9 Daniel Bruce Katie-Ann Daniels Thomas Favager Elin Goddard Harry Johnson Emily Smith James Soundie Philip Taylor Jessica Tolond YEAR 10YEAR 10YEAR 10YEAR 10 Kate Bradley Keiran Comer Neil Gregory Niamh Gregory Timothy Griffiths Jamie Harrison Ryan Kelly John Kenwright Olivia Mason Anton Miner Barrie Nelson Karl Plant Thomas Price Mark Ridgway Johanna Robinson Luke Sanford Daniel Scullion Gemma Stevenson

Tom Burnett 200 hours Louise Rouse 200 hours Oliver Morris 200 hours Christopher Skeggs 200 hours Owen Plant 200 hours Matthew Wood 200 hours Danielle Moore 100 hours

DANCE: Natalie Taylor


C omo estas?* I’ve arrived and it’s been a crazy few days. I stayed in a youth hostel

in Santiago centre which was so busy and quite scary but amazing, unlike any city I have seen. Yesterday I arrived at my new family’s house, which I was quite nervous about. It’s in a satellite town called Puente Alto, much poorer and certain areas are quite rough, although I know where to go now so that’s not a problem. At first it was hard to communicate with absolutely no Spanish, but the daughter of the family is an English teacher so communication is

a lot easier now. Just had a bbq with the whole family and they have told me that although I may cry because I have left home, they will cry when I leave and that I am their new son. De Ingles hijo!* *Son of England *Como estas: How are you?*Son of England *Como estas: How are you?*Son of England *Como estas: How are you?*Son of England *Como estas: How are you?

Andes, a condor, and a volcanoAndes, a condor, and a volcano

Shaun’s

RED HOTRED HOT

CHILECHILE

De Ingles hijo*De Ingles hijo*

SIXTH FORM LEAVER Shaun Coyle is taking a gap year teaching English in Chile with voluntary organisation Project

Chile. Here he shares his first impressions and

experiences...

Above right: Shaun with his Chilean ‘family’ and Above right: Shaun with his Chilean ‘family’ and Above right: Shaun with his Chilean ‘family’ and Above right: Shaun with his Chilean ‘family’ and (right) his first view of the Andes from the aeroplane(right) his first view of the Andes from the aeroplane(right) his first view of the Andes from the aeroplane(right) his first view of the Andes from the aeroplane

Shaun

S O here’s my first Chilean adventure. We had tents. We had sleeping bags. We had bread. We had wine. It was colder than you could imagine. Nine o’clock at night and we caught a bus to a place

called El Volcan (The Volcano). Driving through the Maipo Valley, the road suddenly stopped and a dirt track continued. After an hour the driver dumped us next to the scariest windmill thing in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. It was so dark we knocked at the nearest house and met some guy called Don Victor. An old dude with a woolly hat and two teeth. He spoke Spanish but every so often threw in an English sentence: ‘De donde eres?’ (Where are you from?) ‘Ah! Escozia y Ingleterra good!’ (Scotland and England good!) ‘English stay but Yankees go home’ were his first words! He led us to a random patch of land and left us to it. We got a fire going and drank some vino. Dogs. In the morning, dogs. Just dogs. About ten running around our tents fighting each other, eating

our bread. But we could see where we were now and it was absolutely amazing! A small valley near a volcano and in a little shanty town. Don Victor grew a fine set of teeth overnight and greeted us with them in the morning. He told us about a waterfall ‘nearby’ so we headed off walking in that direction. I couldn’t believe I was walking through the Andes. But the waterfall never came and a truck driver stopped to give us a lift. We finally got to it six kilometres down the valley. Such a cool place, sat off for ages, chillied beans and got wet. Saw a condor too! They are massive birds. Their wingspan, according to local crazy people can be up to six metres and they can pick up goats! Luckily we hollered some Chilean lorry driver and hitch-hiked back. Wine, fire, guitar and bread in the night. Dogs and dogs in the morning. The next day we walked through the village and got ourselves a deal with some horses! We went to the waterfall again but this time cowboy-style. My horse was a classy kinda guy called Roberto and we had some Chilean guide called Hermano who couldn’t have looked more like John Wayne. So I can say I’ve hitch-hiked and cowboy’d the Andes! Hope you are all doing fine. Bye for now.

An Andean condor


Above: Mount St Mary’s Above: Mount St Mary’s Above: Mount St Mary’s Above: Mount St Mary’s about to blow its top in the about to blow its top in the about to blow its top in the about to blow its top in the Geography DepartmentGeography DepartmentGeography DepartmentGeography Department

Below: A little drummer boy Below: A little drummer boy Below: A little drummer boy Below: A little drummer boy (also an Everton supporter!)(also an Everton supporter!)(also an Everton supporter!)(also an Everton supporter!)demonstrated his skillsdemonstrated his skillsdemonstrated his skillsdemonstrated his skills

Above: Above: Above: Above: Understanding Understanding Understanding Understanding circuit boards in circuit boards in circuit boards in circuit boards in Physics with Physics with Physics with Physics with Mr GarlandMr GarlandMr GarlandMr Garland

Left: Ooh la la! Left: Ooh la la! Left: Ooh la la! Left: Ooh la la! Delicious pastries Delicious pastries Delicious pastries Delicious pastries and the smell of and the smell of and the smell of and the smell of fresh coffee in fresh coffee in fresh coffee in fresh coffee in Modern Modern Modern Modern LanguagesLanguagesLanguagesLanguages Right: Trying out Right: Trying out Right: Trying out Right: Trying out medieval warfare medieval warfare medieval warfare medieval warfare in the new History in the new History in the new History in the new History RoomsRoomsRoomsRooms

‘Big’ school is ‘Big’ school is F UN and learning...that was the theme of St Mary’s Open Evening when next year’s Year 7s came to see what big school would really be like. The whole school was buzzing with activities ranging from erupting volcanoes, screaming jelly babies (see opposite!) to knights wielding medieval weaponry and visitors sampling delicacies in a Continental Café. Headteacher Mr Paul Heitzman welcomed parents and prospective pupils before they toured our school’s state-of-the-art facilities.


Candle powerCandle power

Above: Mr Chalk Above: Mr Chalk Above: Mr Chalk Above: Mr Chalk makes some jelly makes some jelly makes some jelly makes some jelly babies ‘scream’ babies ‘scream’ babies ‘scream’ babies ‘scream’ in Chemistryin Chemistryin Chemistryin Chemistry

Left: A Left: A Left: A Left: A prospective prospective prospective prospective student learns student learns student learns student learns about world about world about world about world religions. This religions. This religions. This religions. This special special special special candlestick, candlestick, candlestick, candlestick, called a menorah, called a menorah, called a menorah, called a menorah, is a Jewish symbol is a Jewish symbol is a Jewish symbol is a Jewish symbol of light. of light. of light. of light. You can see it on You can see it on You can see it on You can see it on our school badge!our school badge!our school badge!our school badge! Right: Testing out Right: Testing out Right: Testing out Right: Testing out liquids in liquids in liquids in liquids in ChemistryChemistryChemistryChemistry

Left: Hair raising Left: Hair raising Left: Hair raising Left: Hair raising experiences with experiences with experiences with experiences with the Van Der Graff the Van Der Graff the Van Der Graff the Van Der Graff generator in generator in generator in generator in Physics. Physics. Physics. Physics. It produces static It produces static It produces static It produces static electricity which electricity which electricity which electricity which passes through passes through passes through passes through the body (safely!) the body (safely!) the body (safely!) the body (safely!) and produces and produces and produces and produces this dramatic this dramatic this dramatic this dramatic effect.effect.effect.effect. Right: Having fun Right: Having fun Right: Having fun Right: Having fun with puzzles and with puzzles and with puzzles and with puzzles and quizzes in quizzes in quizzes in quizzes in GeographyGeographyGeographyGeography

‘Big’ school is ‘Big’ school is cool!


Hanna is Hanna is world clasworld classs S ILVER medal trampolinist Hanna Moses took a

leaf out of Beth Tweddle’s book and fought back from a broken ankle to compete on the world stage. * Hanna, aged 15 and in Year 11, represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Quebec, Canada, in November. With only two weeks’ training she took her place in the Double Mini Trampoline event, missing out on the medals this time, but completing the competition. ‘The whole thing was an amazing experience’ she said. ‘I feel I messed up, but I wasn’t long out of plaster.’ Ironically, it wasn’t trampolining that caused the injury, but rather a family day trip to the Crocky Trail adventure park in Chester! Undeterred, however, Hanna is now looking forward to the European Championships to be held in Odense, Denmark, in April. Hanna (left) won two silver medals at last year’s European Championships in Metz, France. *See page 12 for Beth’s story.

Picture reproduced by kind permission of Alan Walter (Daily Mail)

I T was a simple header into the back of the net, but it put Ipswich joint top of the

Championship earlier this season...and made national headlines for Jonathan Walters. The former St Mary’s boy ~ more familiar to staff and students as Jonny ~ is at the top of his game for Ipswich Town FC after moving from Blackburn via Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham and Chester. He scored the all-important goal earlier this season to clinch a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace (pictured left). And he made it on to ITV1’s Championship programme recently when he scored the first hat-trick of his career and inspired a home win against Bristol. Jonny was always a keen sportsman during his time at St Mary’s and because he is half Irish through his late mother, Helen, he has played for the Republic of Ireland’s Under 21s, making him an Irish international. Aged 24, he lived in Moreton before moving to Wallasey, and his wife Joanne is also from Wallasey. They have a young daughter, Scarlett. He is the third of four Walters children to attend St Mary’s ~ Aidan, 27, James, 25, and Samantha, 19, now studying Sport Development with PE at John Moores University.

Walking on air...Jonny Walters celebrating the header which clinched the 1-0 victory for Ipswich

Jonny heads for gloryJonny heads for glory

Former student Former student

seeks his goal seeks his goal

Christmas 2007

Documents

st marys newsletter

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st josephs

artsa specialist college

st marys theatre company

hundreds of students

wirral way wirral way