"Success isn’t only about crossing the line first. It is about how you carry yourself and the respect you show to others.” Dame Kelly Holmes

Our Y3 & Y4 athletes did us proud on Friday afternoon (05.12.2025) as they represented St Sebastian's in the city final of the Indoor Athletics competition. The event, organised by LSSP and held at Liverpool Hope University, brought together ten qualifying schools from across the city. The standard was incredibly high, and our children rose to the challenge with determination and enthusiasm. They took part in a wide range of track events, including over/under relays and 1, 2 and 4 lap hurdle and sprint relays, as well as field events such as chest pass, speed bounce, five strides, javelin, standing long jump and vertical jump.

During our whole school celebration assembly earlier in the day, I had already shared with the school how proud I was of our children for reaching the city final. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a one-form entry school competing against much larger schools, and it reflects both their talent and the hard work they have put in to qualify. It truly brings our school motto to life: "Only my best will do. Be kind to one another".

Before leaving for the event, we talked about the importance of sportsmanship. I had the privilege of accompanying the children and it was wonderful to cheer them on and witness first hand what fantastic ambassadors they were for St Sebastian's.

Although we did not win the overall competition, we were delighted when St Sebastian's was named by the organisers as the winner of the Sportsmanship Fair Play Award. This recognised our children's excellent manners, their willingness to support pupils from other schools and the fairness and respect they showed throughout the afternoon. It is a credit to our whole staff team that this is so evident in the way our children conduct themselves.

A huge well done to every child who took part and heartfelt thanks to Mrs Fitchett Sabbagh and Mrs L McCormick for the time and dedication they give after school to prepare our pupils for these opportunities. We could not be prouder, and we look forward to competing in more events throughout the year.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

This week, our school choir brought real festive cheer to our local community as they performed at three Christmas Lunches from 2nd to 4th December 2025. The events, organised by the West Derby Rotary Club and Liverpool Community Police, welcomed over 300 local pensioners each day. Speaking to guests afterwards, it was clear just how much they enjoyed our children’s performances. We received so many heartfelt compliments about their beautiful singing, with several people describing them as “a choir of angels bringing pure joy to everyone!” Guests also praised our children’s impeccable manners and exemplary behaviour. We even had Mrs McCormick's elderly relatives and parents from our school community attend; they were overjoyed to discover on the day that it was our school choir bringing joy to all... "The children were fabulous and, as always, a credit to St Sebastian's community." 

Our choir, made up of children from Year 1 to Year 6, sang with such warmth and confidence and their thoughtful use of sign language in some of the songs was especially appreciated. They truly lifted everyone’s spirits and helped bring the joy of the Christmas season to life.

A huge thank you to Mrs Rabbette and Mrs Cooney for their dedication and hard work in preparing the children for such impressive and uplifting performances.

CAFOD Christmas Fun Run

All are welcome at CAFOD’s annual Christmas Fun Run at Wavertree Sports Park, L15 4LE on Saturday 27 December 2025. Registration open from 10am, and the run sets off at 11am. 3k and 5k route options available, pram friendly route and dogs on leads are welcome too. Festive attire is encouraged! We’d love to raise more sponsorship from this event. For a sponsor form or interest in volunteering at the event, please email Colette on cbyrne@cafod.org.uk or sign up now by visiting cafod.org.uk/christmasfunrun  

Entry Fees: £10 adults | £5 children | £20 family ticket

Please Note: Due to planned works on The Mystery Park, this year's route will be adjusted to avoid the area. We’re looking for some extra help to marshal the route, as well as helping with the sale of raffle tickets and hot drinks on the day. If you know someone who could help us out, please do get in touch!

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

Today, our school celebrated World Children’s Day, organised globally by UNICEF to highlight the rights, needs and voices of every child. Pupils reflected on the importance of equality, kindness and respect for all, exploring how they can make a positive difference in our community and beyond. Through prayer, classroom activities and class discussions, we celebrated our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of children everywhere, following our school motto "Be Kind to One Another."

Families, please refer to ClassDoJo for highlights of today!

Loving God,
You created every child in Your image,
filled with wonder, hope and dreams.
Bless all children with love and safety,
with food, health, and a home.

Help us to care for one another,
to be kind and fair,
and to stand up for those in need.
May we share Your love with the world,
so that every child may grow in peace, joy, and hope.

Amen.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

This morning, our school community gathered together to reflect and remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts. Mrs L McCormick led a beautiful service, helping our children to understand why Remembrance Day is such a special and important occasion. Our children were so respectful and thoughtful throughout. The whole school fell silent for two minutes of reflection at 11.00am, followed by listening to The Last Post.