Celebrating Salesian spirit
by Educate Magazine February 2, 2026 · Secondary School News
Students and staff at St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, recently celebrated its school’s patron saint, St John Bosco.
Founder of the Salesians, St John Bosco is the patron saint of young people. He is known for his dedication to education and inspiring children by captivating their interests in a loving and kindly manner, building strong relationships through respect and understanding.
The official Feast Day took place on Saturday, 31 January. St John Bosco Arts College began its celebrations on Friday, 30 January with a school-wide Mass. The Mass was led by Father Tony Frain.
Each year group then participated in a variety of different activities. Each activity centred on the school’s five core values of love, faith, community, respect and hope.
Year 7s considered what it means to be part of the Salesian community. Then they created their own Salesian superhero costumes and presented them as part of a catwalk. Students in Year 8 and 9 attended the Showcase Cinema. They watched a screening of ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’.
Darcy in Year 7, said: “Today has been so fun. We’ve unleashed our creativity.”
Leah, also in Year 7, added: “It was good fun making the outfits.”
Higher up the school, Year 10s stayed in school to play ‘Bosco’s Bingo’ and designed their own form mascots. Year 11 created bespoke dreamcatchers and had the opportunity to play inflatable games. Sixth formers went bowling to Hollywood Bowl on Edge Lane.
Isabella in Year 11, commented: “Making the dream catchers was so calming and peaceful. I’m really happy with the end result too and I’m going to give it to my mum.”
The carefully planned programme of activities gave students the opportunity to reflect on the importance of celebrating the life and work of St John Bosco beyond their everyday school experiences.
Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “The Feast Day of St John Bosco is one of the most important dates in our school calendar and is always a special time for us to come together as a Salesian family to give thanks to St John Bosco.
“His commitment to young people and belief in the power of education continue to guide and inspire our mission as a school.”
