St Helens students explore their doorstep moments

Earlier this term, our Year 8 students took a much-needed break from their regular routines to dive into something a little different: their retreat days.

This year’s theme, “Doorstep Moments,” was inspired by the life-changing encounter between St. John Baptist de La Salle and Adrian Nyel. That simple meeting didn’t just change their lives - it shaped the future of education and service as we know it.

During the retreat, students were encouraged to think about their own “doorstep moments,” those times in life when we pause, reflect, and make decisions that can really change the game.

Over two days, each form class got stuck into a variety of activities that brought plenty of opportunities for reflection, creativity, and connection. In the Service in Action session, students brainstormed ways to tackle the needs they see in their communities and how they could make a real difference.

The SYNOD discussions gave them the chance to think about some of life’s big questions and chat openly about their beliefs and values. Guided meditation sessions were a chance to hit pause, slow things down, and reflect on what their own doorstep moments might look like. There were also craft sessions where students worked together on creative projects, building friendships while they worked.

A definite highlight for many was teaming up with The B-Tales, who brought scripture to life in fun, relatable ways while tying it back to the retreat’s theme.

It wasn’t all about deep thinking, though. Students also had plenty of time to relax and enjoy team-building activities with their classmates and teachers. The feedback was fantastic across the board, with students and staff alike saying how much they got out of the experience.

For many students, the retreat offered a rare chance to step back and take a breather. One student said, “Retreat taught me that sometimes you need to find time to slow down and switch off.” Another shared, “It’s okay to figure out your beliefs,” while a third commented, “I enjoyed spending time with my friends.” Those simple but powerful reflections capture exactly what these two days were all about: making space to reflect, build connections, and think about what really matters.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made the retreat possible - from the staff who guided the sessions to The B-Tales for their energy and creativity, and, of course, the students, who brought so much heart and openness to the experience. These retreats were a reminder for all of us about the importance of slowing down, appreciating the little moments, and recognising the doorstep moments that shape who we are.

De La Salle HOPE Campaign raises £3,500 

All at De La Salle School St Helens are thrilled to share the success of our recent fundraising efforts for our Help Other People Eat Campaign (HOPE). Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our entire community, we surpassed our initial goal and raised a total of £2,000. We also received a generous donation from our local SVP of £1500 which took our total raised to £3,500  

This achievement was made possible by the incredible support of our parents, students, teachers, and local SVP group.  

Here are some of the highlights of our fundraising endeavors: 

·         Meal Hampers: We made and delivered food hampers to those in our community who were struggling with food poverty. 

·         Raffle: Chaplaincy students raffled chocolate and sweets to students to raise money to make our hampers. 

·         Alternative secret Santa: Staff donated the money they would have spent on Secret Santa to the HOPE campaign.  

·         Online Campaign: We reached out to our local community with an online campaign which raised over £1,100.  

·         SVP Partnership: We partnered with the SVP who kindly provided funds to help provide packages and supermarket vouchers to people in our community to help them with food costs. £1,500 

The funds raised will directly support Mary’s Meals. Mary's Meals is a global charity that provides daily school meals to children in some of the world's poorest communities.  

We are incredibly proud of our community for coming together to make a real difference in the world. This successful fundraising campaign demonstrates the power of our mission  and the positive impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal. 

A New Collaboration with The B-Tales: Inspiring the Next Chapter

Our school is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with The B-Tales, the dynamic organisation known for bringing scripture to life in creative and engaging ways. After their fantastic work with us during the Year 8 retreats, where they explored the theme of “Doorstep Moments” with our students, Tash from The B-Tales enjoyed her experience here so much that she’s returned to partner with us on an exciting new project.

Tash has been spending time with our students to conduct research for an upcoming initiative titled God’s Grace. This new programme will target girls in Years 9, 10, and 11, with a focus on supporting those who struggle with self-esteem and helping them recognise themselves as unique, valuable, and loved - a true product of God’s grace.

During her visits, Tash has been engaging with students in discussions, listening to their perspectives, and exploring what they believe would make a positive difference in their lives. Her goal is to ensure that God’s Grace is not just another programme, but one that truly speaks to the challenges and experiences faced by young women in our school community and beyond.

The heart of God’s Grace is to remind girls that their worth isn’t tied to fleeting standards or external expectations, but rather to their identity as daughters of God. By creating a safe space for open conversations, creative expression, and personal reflection, the programme hopes to empower young women to see themselves in a new light - embracing their strengths, celebrating their individuality, and recognising the immense love and grace that surrounds them.

It’s been wonderful to see how our students have already contributed to shaping this project. Their honesty and insights have been invaluable, and Tash has expressed how impressed she is by the thoughtfulness and openness of our school community. As she continues her work, we are excited to see how God’s Grace develops and what an impact it will make in the lives of the girls who participate.

This collaboration is a testament to the power of meaningful partnerships. The B-Tales bring a fresh and energetic approach to faith and personal development, and we are proud to be part of the story as they create something that will uplift and inspire young women for years to come.