FROM THE HEADMASTER

Paul Byron

I'm sure that on the unofficial 'grapevine'many of you will have learned of my intention to retire at the end of December 2002.

I took up my post as Headteacher of De La Salle on 1st January 1990, and I will have completed thirteen years as the Headteacher of the school.

In 1990, the school was still recovering from the huge reorganisation of Roman Catholic Schools in St Helens and only Years 7, 8 and 9 were De La Salle 'new pupils'. Years 10 and 11 were taught in single sex schools, the girls of the former Notre Dame School were in the current building and the boys in the former West Park School were on the Alder Hey site, which is now a new housing development, Wokefield Way,

The new intake in September 1990 was only 166 pupils which contrasts sharply with this year's record number of applications of 327. Examination Results are at an all time high, and the school was acknowledged as one of the most successful in the country in the Chief Inspector of Schools Annual Report in 2001.

All this could not be achieved without the support of many interested parties: teachers, governors and of course the parent body.

I would therefore formally like to thank all of you for your support and commitment

LOOKING AHEAD

16th April
PTFA Meeting.

17th April
visits to Pilkington's Factory

18th April
Year 7
Science Trip

19th April
Year 7
Science Trip

19th April
Year 10 Geography
Trip

20th April
PTFA CAR
BOOT SALE

3rd May
SCHOOL HOLIDAY

6th May
BANK
HOLIDAY

7th May
Key Stage 3 Exams

8th May
Key Stage 3 Exams

9th May, Ascension Day
Founders Day
Key Stage 3 Exams

10th May
Key Stage 3 Exams

13th May
Key Stage 3 Exams

Preparations have been well under way for Summer 2002 since January, and in the case of those in the St. Helens District Squads, since as early as October. The new cricketers in Year 7 have received coaching from Tony Boardman of Newton-le-Willlows C.C. on Monday evenings from 3.30 to 5.00 p.m., since the beginning of this term. They are showing talent, commitment and enthusiasm in establishing a squad in preparation for May. Such was the demand for coaching that we had to put on a second evening on Tuesdays for Year 8; again by Tony Boardman and later Chris. Rimmer. And still we couldn't satisfy the demand from Year 9, so they should get some opportunities after Easter . It has been gratifying to see how enthusiastically pupils, both boys and girls, have responded to the opportunities offered them and thanks are due to Tony and Chris for keeping their interest very much alive. Also to Dermot Heslop, St. Helens Sports Development, and Bob Denning, Lancashire Cricket Development, for funding these coaching sessions.

Our U15s girls took part in the Merseyside Girls' Six-a-side Tournament at John Moores Univerity on Jan. 24th. They acquitted themselves very well, coming third and narrowly missing out on second place by three runs. Always improving, many of these girls will be challenging for places in the new U15s St. Helens Girls team for this season. The U13s boys took part in the Norwich Union Lancashire U13s Six-a-side on March 11th. at Skelmersdale Sports Centre. Every member of the squad of ten played at least 2 games, and in coming fourth we beat an unbeaten Rainhill in their final game to deprive them of the championship. Neil Kehoe and Andrew Callaghan put on an unbeaten opening stand of 43 against Ormskirk the eventual winners. All played with great enthusiasm and fine team spirit. After Easter both the U13s, and U15s. will play at Sutton in their respective St. Helens Schools six-a-side tournaments and players are most eager to take part.

A team from each of the Years 7 -10 will take part in their respective Lancashire Knockout Cup competitions and in the St Helens Merit League.

This Summer there will also be an opportunity for Year 7 and 8 Girls to represent the town in the Merseyside Youth Games on the Wirral. After Easter we should have many girls wanting to take part in the special coaching sessions. Finally, it has been pleasing to learn, that 3 former De La Salle girls - Kate Rowe, Stephanie Moulsdale and Lisa Grounds - have been selected to join Claire Toole in the U17s. Lancashire Ladies side. Cricket continues to flourish at De La Salle.

P. Topping.

In the EiC initiative,De La Salle School hasbeen designated as thelead member of a clusterof schools including Broadway High School,Rainhill High School and Sutton Community High School. This partnership has been established to develop a series of complementary study-support and enrichment opportunities beyond the normal learning programme.

During this academic year,we already have involved Years 8, 9 and 11 in the partnership

Year 9 have experienced a series of study programmes collectively known as "The Virtual Journey through Spain".

Once again the Music Department from De La Salle is touring Spain to entertain audiences with music provided by the orchestra and the choir.

This year, we have been working hard to raise the profile of the music department and its talented pupils by asking local companies to sponsor us. Several companies have offered their support:- Expression Offset, Haydock; Tyrers, Wilkinsons; Morrisons and Arriva North West.

Obviously local support is gratefully received by all staff concerned as we wish to promote the successes of the school, as it is soon to gain the status of a Performing Arts College.

The school has many talented pupils in all the arts - Music, Drama and Dance, and they regularly perform with various groups such as:
St Helens Youth Brass Band, National Youth Brass Band, Knowsley Youth Orchestra, the Jazz Pack and various amateur dramatic societies.