Dear Parishioners,

As a Catholic school our mission at St Michael and St John’s is to serve and to make Christ known through our work with our children, families, parish and Diocese.  So our whole community was delighted when a recent inspection by Salford Diocese in March judged us to be ‘outstanding’ in our commitment to Catholic faith and teaching.

Our purpose as a school is underpinned by our mission statement: “Following the example of Jesus, together we learn, love and respect one another to be the best we can be”.

As a Catholic school we endeavour to make the person of Jesus Christ known and loved and ensure that Christ and His teachings are central to all school activities.   The Gospel values are studied, assimilated and lived out in practice and this creates what would be described as the ethos of the school.

The inspectors found that: “All staff act as excellent role models for the children and help them in recognising that God is with them in every aspect of school life.”…“The quality of outreach support provided by the school is absolutely outstanding as not only senior leaders but all members of the community of St. Michael and St John’s live out the gospel message to care for others in their service to the community.”

Our pupils are supported not only by the staff but also by our outstanding Pupil Chaplains who plan, prepare and deliver daily acts of collective worship, prayer and reflection.  Parents and parishioners who have observed these have shared with us how are impressed they are by their quality.

The school recognises that parents are the primary evangelisers for their children and as a Catholic school we seek to support our parents accordance with the teachings of the Church.

As the inspectors commented: “The home, school and parish links are inclusive, creative and effective.”… “All children are provided with a Catholic education in a caring and supportive environment where individual needs are exceptionally well catered for.”

These findings are a well-deserved recognition of our pupils and testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team involved with St Michael and St John’s.   The strength of the relationships between the school, Priests, Catechists and Parishioners ensures our school is the special place it is.  Thank you and congratulations to all.

Mrs Zoe Mabbott  (Headteacher)

The full report is available on the school website at  http://www.ssmj.lancs.sch.uk