St. Vincent’s is certainly a very special place. There is  a wonderful feeling which surrounds you in walking  through the doors. I would like to thank the children, the staff and Governors for the warm welcome I received during the interview process.

Having worked within primary, secondary, further and higher education and across public, private and voluntary sectors; I look forward to sharing my experience in support of our children.

John Patterson

We were excited to be one of over 50 schools and community groups in Merseyside planting a commemorative “Jubilee Tree”

The project was officially launched by Dame Lorna Muirhead, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside with a ceremony in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 24 November. Dame Lorna Muirhead said: “I am delighted that so many schools and community groups across Merseyside have chosen to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in this way. In 60 years these trees will be a landmark to commemorate this special year.”

“The trees planted as part of this project will serve as a continuing reminder of Her Majesty’s lifelong service to this country.”

St Vincent’s apple tree was planted with the help of Helen Carty, High Sheriff of Liverpool, who came up with the Jubilee Trees concept. Helen said ‘this  is a great way to round off a memorable year for the country, and the trees will also help create The Mersey Forest – providing habitat for wildlife, helping to improve air quality, and creating greener, even more attractive school grounds for children to enjoy.’

As another component of the post-16 BTEC Personal Development and Well-being unit, our students have been engaging and liaising with a notable organisation, Mid Mersey Age UK of Age Concern, to learn about what opportunities might be available to them when it comes to seeking employment.  Age UK representatives were kind enough to give of their time and spent an afternoon with our students at St Vincent’s.  As such, the pupils learned all about the diverse and beneficial services that Age UK have to offer, and advised as to how the students themselves could become a part of such an organisation through training and volunteering opportunities.

The initiative was of multiple values to both parties, but a highlight of the relationship was that it served to bring the young and the elderly together, generating the mutual benefit of social interaction.  St Vincent’s reciprocated the visit of Age UK, and our Key Stage 4 and post-16 pupils attended an afternoon visit to their base at Mansion House in St Helens.  The students had the opportunity to ‘give something back’ and showed their support for Age UK utilising the on-site bistro and enjoyed a range of drinks, cakes and treats; the money from which is re-invested into the charity.

Afterwards, the pupils were invited to enjoy and participate in a festive event that Age UK had organised for its clients; a Christmas sing-along.  Guest singers took the stage to sing carols and popular songs, and the young and the elderly were up dancing and singing and a very happy time was had by all.  Our pupils then took the stage and sang some of the songs that they will be performing in our upcoming Christmas performance.  One pupil, Tammy, sang a beautiful a cappella rendition of “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston, and it was a very special moment that moved many members of the audience.

St Vincent’s would like to express their thanks and gratitude for all of the kindness and support shown to us by the staff and clients of Age UK at Mansion House, and we wish you all a very merry Christmas.