On Friday 31 January, St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, celebrated the Feast Day of its patron saint.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for the school community to come together for collective worship and a chance for pupils to participate in Salesian activities.

The Feast Day celebrations began with a school-wide mass, led by Fr Anthony Kelly, parish priest of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs and St Swithin.  

This year’s theme is based on the Salesian Strenna for 2025– ‘anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people’.

Each year group participated in different activities throughout the day that centred on highlighting the importance of the school’s core values of ‘Faith, Hope, Love, Respect and Community’.

The jam-packed schedule allowed students to enjoy some time away from the day-to-day of school life.

Students shared why they feel it is important to celebrate the life and work of St John Bosco.

One student said: “Celebrating St John Bosco reminds us of the values of compassion and dedication, which guide us to make a difference in our community.”

Another added: “St John Bosco’s life inspires us to live out our mission to flourish in faith, hope, and love, supporting one another, just as he did.”

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “The Feast Day of St John Bosco is one of the most important dates in our calendar and is a chance for our school community to come together to give thanks and celebrate the life and teachings of St John Bosco.

“As the patron saint of youth, St John Bosco dedicated his life to the service of young people. His teachings and determination to respond to the needs of the young are a powerful reminder that we must support, encourage, and nurture young people.  

“Through faith, hope and love, we can create an environment where our students can truly flourish academically, emotionally, socially and morally.”