AN END OF SCHOOL YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of another busy, yet fun filled, academic year at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, I would like to take a moment to reflect on all we have achieved together in 2024-25 and to thank you for your continued support within our community.

30 years of P&P

As well as being the Catholic Church's Jubilee 'Year of Hope', this year has held further special significance for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, as we celebrated our 30th anniversary, looking back on three decades of Catholic education and service to Halton and the surrounding areas. We marked this milestone with great pride over a series of joyful events, beginning with the Mersey Gateway Bridge lit up in our school colours, and culminating in a deeply moving Community Mass in June attended by staff, students, families, and local clergy.

Our amazing young people

When our Year 7 students joined us in September we knew instantly that they would embrace life at Saints Peter and Paul with open hearts. And they didn’t let us down. We’re so proud of how quickly they settled in, made new friends, and threw themselves into new subjects, clubs, and into the wider school life. It has been so special to share their transition from primary school with them, and if they continue to progress as they have this year, we are truly excited to see what they can achieve over the next four years too.

Our wonderful Year 8 students continued their journey too, having set extraordinarily high standards of attainment and positive behaviour for the whole school in their first year, they have gone on to grow in confidence and have shown real character this year, continuing to make great and valuable contributions to our school community.

With Key Stage 4 just around the corner, Year 9 have made important decisions about their future studies as they selected their GCSE options. It was a pleasure to see them approach this with great maturity and consideration, and we’re confident they’ll more than step up to the challenge of the next two years with strong determination and focus. You’ve got this!

Soon to be the oldest year group, our Year 10 students have more than impressed us with their commitment to learning and personal development this year. We’ve had glowing feedback from work experience placements, and their engagement with careers events and vocational opportunities has been outstanding, with our staff beaming with joy at the positive comments they've received from our college and local authority partners about Year 10's conduct and insights. They’re well and truly on the way to becoming leaders of our school as the Class of 2026.

And finally, we also said goodbye to our Year 11 students, who have made us so proud. Their resilience and determination throughout the exam season were truly inspiring. As you prepare for the next chapter, whether at college, apprenticeships, or training, we know you carry with you the values of our school and that you will go on to achieve great things. We will see you all again at 9am on Thursday 21st August to collect your GCSE results. 

Our community

We give thanks to you, our wonderful families, for the fantastic partnerships we share. Your encouragement and guidance from home makes a world of difference in ensuring that together, we provide the best care and education for your children, and with your support we are able to give back to our community too, thanks to your generous contributions towards our Christmas Hamper appeal and your donations to our chosen charities.

We also thank our Governing Body for their dedication and contribution throughout the year, and our local primary and further education colleagues for the opportunities to collaborate and our shared commitment to the young people of Widnes.

To our staff leavers, Miss Bennett, Mrs Forber, Mr Marston, Miss McKeever, Mr Rhodes, Mrs Sheerin, and Miss Stevens, we offer a fond farewell and our deep appreciation for the gifts and service you have given to our school. May your new paths be filled with success and blessings.

We also take a moment to honour the memory of Mr Gus van Cauwelaert, former Headteacher of Saints Peter and Paul, who sadly passed away this year. Mr van Cauwelaert served our school with deep faith and integrity between 2003 and 2012, and we remember him with admiration and affection.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

As we move into the summer break, we remain mindful that this time can bring different challenges for some families. Our school website contains key information on safeguarding, wellbeing and mental health support, including details of local and national organisations that offer help outside of school hours. We encourage anyone in need to seek help.

So, as this very special year draws to a close, let us pray together:

“Loving God,As we end this school year, we thank You for the learning, the friendships, and the shared moments of grace.Be with those who leave us, guide those who return, and watch over all our families.May we rest in Your peace and return refreshed in hope.In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I wish you and your families a safe, joyful and restful summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another year of growth together.

With every blessing,

Mrs ScottPrincipal

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School