tudents and staff at St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, recently came together to celebrate and honour its school's patron saint, St John Bosco.

Founder of the Salesians, St John Bosco is the patron saint of young people 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.

With the official Feast Day taking place on Saturday, 31 January, St John Bosco Arts College began its celebrations on Friday, 30 January with a school-wide Mass, led by Father Tony Frain.

Each year group then participated in a variety of different activities that 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 before creating their own Salesian superhero costumes and presenting them as part of a catwalk. Students in Year 8 and 9 attended the Showcase Cinema to watch a screening of 'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants', whilst Year 10s stayed in school to play 'Bosco's Bingo' and designed their own form mascots.

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 11 created bespoke dreamcatchers and had the opportunity to play inflatable games whilst 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."