Headteacher's Letters

Dear Parents/Carers

Foodbank Donations             

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students and families who generously contributed to our foodbank collection. Your kindness and willingness to support others in our community is truly appreciated.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to gather a wonderful amount of donations, which will be delivered to the foodbank on Wednesday. These contributions will make a real difference to those in need, and your compassion reflects the very best of our school community. Thank you once again for your continued support and generosity.

Big Lent Walk

On 14th March 2026, our Year 10 and Year 11 students put on their walking shoes for the Big Lent Walk, raising valuable funds for the Lourdes Group and CAFOD. The sun shone as staff and students enjoyed not just the fresh air and exercise, but also the laughter, camaraderie, and sense of community that made the day truly special. Their effort is a wonderful reminder of the joy of giving and supporting others.

A Prayer for Easter

Loving God,

As we celebrate the joy of Easter,

we thank You for the gift of Jesus’ resurrection.

Help us to carry His love in our hearts,

to share kindness with others,

and to live each day with hope and faith.

May this holy season bring peace, happiness,

and a deeper understanding of Your love. Amen.

Attendance

This half term we launched the 5x5 = 25 attendance campaign. We have just five days to go!  I am pleased to report that we still have many students across different year groups are achieving 100% attendance. Thank you for your continued support—please keep it up!

If your child has had time off school this half term, why not challenge them to 100% attendance in the final week of term? Every day in school counts—missing just one day equals five lessons of lost learning. Being present helps students maintain routines, build stronger friendships, and supports their wellbeing and mental health. Most importantly, it gives them the best chance to achieve their full academic potential. If you need any help or support with getting your child into school, please do not hesitate to contact the attendance team, who will be more than happy to help.

Summer Examinations

Students in all year groups should now start preparing for their summer examinations. Students should create a revision timetable and put time aside to learn key knowledge and do practice questions.

• Year 11 – French and Spanish GCSE speaking examinations will take place on 16^th and 17^th April 2026, the first week back. Written exam papers for some students will start as early as Fri 1^st May 2026 with Travel and Tourism.
• Year 7 – Examinations start Monday 20^th April 2026
• Year 8 – Examinations start Monday 27^th April 2026
• Years 9&10 – Examinations start Monday 15^th June 2026 and will be spread over a two-week period

Celebration Assemblies

Celebration assemblies have been taking place, with the Year 10 assembly happening this week. Congratulations to all students who received subject certificates for progress and attainment, as well as those who earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Foundations Awards for participation in extra-curricular activities. Special recognition also went to students who received Pin Badges for sustained focus in lessons. Attendance awards were presented to celebrate excellent commitment to school life. Well done to all those who received an award.

Behaviour in the local community

This week, school assemblies will focus on the importance of showing respect within our local community. Unfortunately, I have received a small number of complaints from members of the public regarding the behaviour of students on their way home from school. In some cases, students have been identified as belonging to Our Lady Queen of Peace. We ask that you reinforce with your child the importance of being polite, considerate, and respectful to others at all times. This is especially important when passing local primary schools, where younger children may be walking home with their families. I would also like to remind you of the legal guidance regarding e-scooters. In the UK, privately owned e-scooters must not be used on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. They are classified as motor vehicles and require insurance and a licence. Failure to comply can result in fines, penalty points, and confiscation of the scooter. Only government-approved rental e-scooters may be used legally in public spaces. In addition to e-scooters, e-bikes are not permitted on the school site. I appreciate your support in helping us maintain high standards of behaviour and safety within our community.

Year 9 Options Evening

This year, the Year 9 Options Evening took on a new format, giving students the chance to explore a wider range of opportunities. In addition to speaking with colleges, students were able to visit subject leaders and ask questions about Year 9 pathways, option choices, and how different subjects could link to future careers. The evening provided valuable guidance to help students make informed decisions about their academic and career journeys. A reminder that Options forms must be returned to school by Wednesday 25th March 2026 at the latest.

Staff vs Year 11 Charity Netball match – Report by Mrs Knight

A massive thank you to everyone who took part in, supported, cheered at, or simply survived the Staff vs Year 11 Charity Netball Match in aid of the Lourdes group. In a series of highly competitive matches, the Year 11 girls showed absolutely no mercy in defeating the boys, demonstrating why they are the current district champions.  The girls then faced the staff, who demonstrated that experience (and questionable levels of competitiveness) always triumphs over youth. In the end, staff came out on top against all teams, including the mixed team. It must be said, the students were absolutely amazing throughout, playing with great energy, enthusiasm, and, most importantly, fantastic sportsmanship. They took everything in good spirit from start to finish. For the students, Jess earned Player of the Tournament with a brilliant performance, holding her own against a very determined Head of PE. It was a battle to remember, and Jess more than rose to the challenge!

Success for the Year 9 Boys' Football Team

Well done to our Year 9 Boys’ Football team, who have successfully made it through to the West Lancs Cup Final. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the team’s hard work, commitment, and determination throughout the competition.

Many congratulations on a spectacular performance in the semi-finals. The boys demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, representing the school with pride both on and off the pitch. Their effort and positive attitude were clear to see, and they thoroughly deserve their place in the final. We wish the team the very best of luck and hope that they will be successful in the final.

Curriculum for Life Day

On Friday 13^th March we had our Curriculum for Life Drop Down Day. Students from all years took a break from their usual lessons to study a range of topics designed to prepare them for life outside of school. Thank you to our form tutors and visiting community partners and other agencies who helped deliver sessions on a range of important topics including online safety; PREVENT; anti-smoking and vaping; anti-bullying; careers and aspirations; the importance of good oracy; health and wellbeing and Faith in Action!

Dates for your diary

Monday 13^th April 2026                  Start of the Summer Term

Monday 20^th April 2026                  Start of the Year 7 exams

Monday 27^th April 2026                  Start of the Year 8 exams

Friday 1^st May 2026                          Start of Year 11 exams

Monday 15^th June 2026                  Start of Year 9 & Year 10 exams

Friday 19^th June 2026                      Year 11 Prom

Thursday 2^nd July 2026                    Year 6 Transition Day

Holiday Dates

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term. I wish you all the best for the Easter break.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M. Henshaw

Headteacher