Newsletter 22.07.2026 – St Nicholas Catholic High School

A prayer to share

End of School Year Prayer

Loving God,

As another school year draws to a close, we pause to give you thanks.

Thank you for every lesson learned, every challenge faced and every friendship made.

Thank you for the teachers, support staff, families and friends who have encouraged us, guided us and believed in us.

Help us never to forget what matters most:
to love one another, to stand up for what is right, to care for those who are struggling, and to be people of compassion, integrity and joy.

May we carry with us the values we have lived: faith, hope and love.

Bless our school community.
Keep us safe during the summer months, protect our families, and bring us back together in September.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A Message from our Chaplain, Mairie

Thanks on my retirement

As I retire from my role as School Chaplain, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our students, families, and the wider school community.

It has been a real privilege to be part of school life and to share in so many special moments with you. From Covid bubbles and virtual prayers, to school trips and retreats, I have enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful students and families, and I am grateful for the kindness, friendship, and support I have received over the years.

I would like to thank you for all the support you have give our various charity projects over the years. From shoeboxes, to Christmas hampers, to CAFOD and Caritas, with your support, our students have helped to show those less fortunate that they matter and that there are people who care.

I would also like to thank the PTFA and all the initiatives they have managed over the years. They have found so many imaginative ways to support the school and the Catholic Life of the school has benefited in many ways from their fundraising. They have always been a smiling face of St Nick’s hospitality to new families and guests as well as supporting student events throughout the year.

Thank you so much for welcoming me into your lives and for allowing me to be part of your journeys through times of celebration, challenge, and growth. The memories I take with me will always have a special place in my heart.

I wish every student and family all the very best for the future. May our school continue to be a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to be their very best.

Thank you once again. It has been an honour to serve as your School Chaplain.

With every good wish and God’s blessing,

Mairie

Message from the Head

Message from Mr Burns

As another successful academic year comes to a close, I would like to thank our parents and carers for the tremendous support you have shown throughout the year. The strong partnership between home and school continues to be one of our greatest strengths and has helped create a community where every young person is known, valued and encouraged to achieve their very best.

I have been incredibly proud of our students once again this year. They have shown resilience, determination and kindness in all they do, embracing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through sport, music, drama, educational visits, leadership roles or clubs, they have represented St Nicholas with pride and enthusiasm. It has also been wonderful to welcome our new Year 7 students, who have already made such a positive impression during their transition days.

My sincere thanks also go to our exceptional staff, whose professionalism, care and commitment make such a difference to the lives of our students every day. Whether teaching in classrooms, supporting students pastorally, working behind the scenes or leading opportunities beyond the school day, they consistently go above and beyond to ensure every child is able to thrive.

As we reach the end of the year, we also say goodbye to Mrs A Baxter (Modern Foreign Languages), Mr I Camm (Religious Education and History), Miss A Deponeo (Science), Mrs Mairie Gelling (School Chaplain), Mrs Sarah Fish (Teacher of Mathematics and Head of Year), Mrs A Higgins (Modern Foreign Languages), Mr Paul Barratt (Pastoral Manager), Mr K Reid (Music) and Mrs Krysia Rose (Teaching Assistant and Resource Base Manager). We thank each of them for their valued contribution to St Nicholas and wish them every happiness and success in the future.

Finally, I wish all of our families a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year at St Nicholas.

To read the longer letter click here

Reward Trips

Reward trips

Our reward trips were a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the year, with students enjoying exciting days out at Alton Towers, Chester Zoo and Go Ape at Delamere Forest.

Over 400 students attended the Alton Towers trip, which was superbly organised by Mrs Dale. From start to finish, everything ran with military precision, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone. It was wonderful to see so many students having fun, making memories and spending time with their friends.

Students who remained in school also enjoyed a special reward day packed with activities, including sports, games and a delightful afternoon tea with the Headteacher.

A huge thank you to all the staff who gave up their time to make these reward days such a success. It was a brilliant way to round off another fantastic school year.

Music Success

Morocco 2026

On Friday morning, Mr Bradley and Mrs Simms set off from St Nicholas with a group of Sixth Form students on the trip of a lifetime to Morocco.

Over the coming days, they’ll be exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, trekking through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, and taking part in many more exciting adventures and cultural experiences.

We wish them a fantastic trip and can’t wait to see what they get up to!

Follow their journey on our Sixth Form Instagram and the St Nicholas Catholic High School Facebook page for regular updates and photos.

Dorigatti/Pringle Football Tournament

Dorigatti/Pringle Football Tournament

On Monday, we held the postponed Dorigatti and Pringle Memorial Football Competition, and it was fantastic to see so many students taking part. The effort that had gone into the team colours and kits added to the occasion, creating a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day. There was plenty of friendly competition, teamwork and school spirit on display, making it a memorable event for everyone involved. Well done to all of the students who participated, and a huge thank you to the PE team for organising another enjoyable and successful event.

Further photos on Facebook

Library and Literacy

Summer reading events

Make sure to take advantage of the reading events and opportunities over the summer holidays. Here’s what available nearby:

Books on the Walls, Chester

(2 City Walls) is hosting a book launch for Terry Pratchett by local author Andy Sawyer on Friday, 24 July 2026 at 18:00. Andy Sawyer will be talking about his new book about the late Terry Pratchett – a must for all Sci-Fi and fantasy fans. You can reserve a spot via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/books-on-the-walls-book-launch-andy-sawyer-terry-pratchett-tickets-1991275329113

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer opportunities for older teens (enquire in your local library).

This voluntary post is an opportunity to gain experience of working with the general public. It will suit someone who is interested in libraries, books and reading. The role will involve assisting library staff to deliver the Summer Reading Challenge during the summer holidays and to promote reading and using the library to young people at other times of the year.(This role is also suitable for young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award).

Person specification

Enthusiastic about books and reading; friendly and approachable manner; good communication and listening skills; patience, flexibility and a good sense of humour; be able to commit time on a regular basis.

Role description

To encourage and motivate children to complete the challenge; to assist library staff and visiting families with registering children for the Challenges; explain how the Summer Reading Challenge works; to give out stickers and update forms; to help with displays, events and craft activities; to tidy the Children’s Library; to assist the library staff in creating displays.

Vacancy at St Nicholas

PTFA Summer Raffle Winners

Dear parents & carers,

Thank you very much to those of you who bought tickets for the summer raffle, we raised £1,248.00 which will help school to buy much needed resources.

The PTFA has recently purchased food for MFL for a Spanish Cultural Food Event and provided funds for the Performing Arts

Your PTFA needs you!

We are looking for help to ensure our PTFA can continue supporting school therefore enriching our children’s education. If attending regular meetings is not possible, we welcome help with occasional events or specific tasks. Please consider joining us to keep this vital part of school life going. If you would like to come along & join the team please do contact school alternatively, we have our first meeting of the school year on Monday, 21st September at 5.15pm & then our AGM is on Monday, 9th November at 5.15pm. Our Chair will be standing down after 9 years, if you or anyone you know can help with this role please contact school during the first week of the new school year as we do not wish to lose the PTFA. Thank you.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy summer time. Enjoy a much needed rest.

Thanks again.

Your PTFA

PTFA Summer Raffle

Here are the winners of the PTFA SUmmer Raffle

Thank you to all our generous sponsors

Eurocamp Holiday – Neive Yeo
Brio voucher – Isaac Leech
Brio voucher– Simon Spencer
Prosecco – Parent of Aidan McMurtree
£50 Amazon Voucher – Matthew Rice
£50 Amazon Voucher – Adrian Taylor
Car Service by DC Lomas Winsford – Matthew Alderton
GHD Straighteners – Esmee Buckley
Bottle of Rum – Parent of Martha Dudley
Bottle of Gin – Parent of Eve Stacey
Bottle of Wine – Parent of Jack Gregson
Dove Gift Box – Lucy Monksmith
Soap & Glory Gift – Freya Walker
Wax Melts by Zaila’s Wax melts Cheshire – Nanci Rawlinson
Nozeco – Henry Pudney
JD Sports £50 Voucher – Mia Walker
JD Sports £50 Voucher – Gabrielle Grainge
Odeon £50 Voucher – Ella Monksmith
MOT Voucher by DC Lomas Winsford – Charlotte Daniels
Port & Glass Gift – Parent of William Cummings

Your School Lottery

Our latest jackpot winning numbers are:
068492, 306655, 211057, 749444, 076332, 400541, 757470

Our supporters have won:£11.50, £19.75 & £22.25 in the draw!

Thank you so much to the supporters who have donated their winnings to school – we are very grateful.

Please consider joining our school lottery if you’ve not already done so as it helps raise funds for school. Thank you for your support as always.

www.your.schoollottery.co.uk

Attendance

Everyone Matters – so Attendance Matters

Upcoming dates

Wednesday 22nd July SCHOOL CLOSES – 12.30pm

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Thursday 3rd September School Opens to all students

Thursday 24th September Open Evening 4-6pm

Tuesday 20th October Sixth Form Open Evening 5-7pm

Click here to download 2026-27 Holiday Dates