Congratulations to our four talented footballers who represented our city in the quarter final win of the ESFA U12 Girls District National Cup competition!

Anya, Sophie, Honey and Blossom all lined up for Liverpool. Selection for the team is held in the summer through hugely competitive trials, meaning that to even wear the shirt is an impressive achievement.

The quarter final fixture was something of a local derby as Liverpool faced Sefton for an evening kick off at Jericho Lane. Liverpool finished the first half with a 2-0 lead but an impressive fightback from Sefton saw the scores level at 2-2 for the final whistle.

This took the game into some nailbiting extra time but nerves were quickly allayed as Liverpool couldn't stop scoring, finishing the match with a formidable 6-2 victory.

The team will now progress to the semi final which will be played before 7th March. Anya and Sophie will be hoping for back to back wins after securing the National Cup at Stoke's stadium last season. We wish them lots of luck!

KS5 students had the opportunity to take part in an empowering careers event on Wednesday, featuring a panel of female scientists from S L Sequirus. Organised in partnership with Laura from Elevate BP, the session invited students to explore a central question: Is there a place for women in science ?

The panel shared their experiences from across the company, giving students a glimpse into a wide range of scientific roles - from laboratory research to quality assurance and vaccine development. Each speaker offered honest reflections on their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the progress still being made to ensure women are represented and valued in STEM fields.

Students then took part in a lively Q and A, asking thoughtful questions about workplace culture, career pathways, and how to overcome stereotypes that still persist in the industry. The discussion encouraged students to think critically about equality in science and highlighted the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of healthcare and innovation.

The event left students inspired, informed, and more aware of the opportunities open to them - proof that the next generation of scientists is already thinking boldly about the world they want to build. 

Congratulations to students in Years 9 and 10 who recently participated in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. Students had an hour to work through some extremely tough problem solving questions and all those who participated gave tremendous effort! 

Across the two year groups we had a number of students who achieved Bronze and Silver Level awards, which is an outstanding achievement.

Well done to the following students who will all be receiving certificates for their success:

Year 9 Bronze Winners: Lorna, Elizabeth, Imogen, Imogen, Hannah, Ella, Emily and Layla

Year 9 Silver Winners: Jasmine, May and Isla (Best in the Year group)

Year 10 Bronze Winners: Isabelle, Abigail, Brooke, Anno, Olivia, Megan, Lydia and Anna

Year 10 Silver Winners: Ellie, Isla and Annabelle (Best in the Year group)

KS3 students were thrown into the heart of a fictional zombie apocalypse this week, thanks to an action-packed STEM workshop delivered by Graeme from Liverpool John Moores University. The session used an imaginative outbreak scenario to help students explore how real scientists and public-health teams respond when a dangerous virus begins to spread.

Working in groups, students analysed how the "infection" was moving through the population and debated the best strategies to contain it. Each team had to think like scientists, medics, and emergency planners - balancing the need to protect the public with the responsibility to care for those already affected.

The fast-paced challenge encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication, with students weighing up everything from quarantine zones to treatment options. By the end, students  had not only survived the zombie scenario but also gained a deeper understanding of how STEM skills play a vital role in managing real-world outbreaks.

It was a brilliant blend of science, strategy, and imagination - one that left students buzzing with ideas and a new appreciation for the people who keep communities.

KS3 students took part in an inspiring STEM experience delivered by staff from Liverpool John Moores University on Tuesday which was designed to open their eyes to the wide range of science careers within the healthcare sector. The session gave students the chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals and get hands-on with practical skills that save lives.

Throughout the workshop, students learned how CPR is performed and why quick, confident action can make all the difference in an emergency. They explored the importance of proper wound cleaning, discovering how infection prevention plays a crucial role in patient care. They also gained insight into how blood is safely extracted, helping them understand the science and precision behind everyday medical procedures.

One of the most memorable moments came when students experimented with medical tubes to see how healthcare workers support patients who cannot swallow - an eye-opening demonstration that sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation.

The experience left students buzzing with enthusiasm and gave them a real sense of how science shapes the world of healthcare. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-life impact, and it may well have inspired some future scientists and clinicians along the way. We’d like to thank LJMU for organising the event and for helping us to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and International Women and Girls in Science Day.

St Julie's Performers were crowned overall winners of the NOW Festival, the city-wide annual celebration of mental health, after delivering a breathtaking performance of Behind Closed Doors. 

The powerful and thought-provoking piece explored the lives of young carers, offering hope to those who hide their struggles, and left the audience in tears before earning a standing ovation. 

St Julie's also received the coveted WOW Recognition Award for their standout performance.

We're very proud of the power of the piece as we recently celebrated achieving the 'Young Carers in Schools Award' and believe this performance offers a far reaching voice to articulate the often hidden challenges faced by young carers within our school community and beyond.  

Well done to all the schools and performance groups who shared such inspiring stories, it truly was a celebration of the city’s talent and creativity.

We are excited to share that our Whole School Careers Fair will take place on Thursday 12th February in the Sports Hall, in partnership with Career Connect. This event is a fantastic opportunity for students across all year groups to meet and engage with a wide range of employers, FE colleges, apprenticeship providers, universities and traineeship organisations, all here on site.

A diverse mix of employment sectors will be represented, offering something for every interest and ambition. Exhibitors range from fashion to football, the RAF to construction, and hairdressing to the NHS, giving students a real insight into the breadth of pathways available to them in the future.

The Careers Fair will also help students deepen their understanding of Labour Market Information (LMI), including local growth sectors, emerging industries and the skills most in demand in our region. Crucially, it will give students the chance to make meaningful links between what they learn in the classroom and the careers those subjects can lead to. By speaking directly with professionals, students can explore future career trends, ask questions, and begin to make informed decisions about their next steps.

We look forward to welcoming all our exhibitors on site next week and to seeing our students take full advantage of this valuable and inspiring opportunity.

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 students who competed at the LSSP Dodgeball tournament hosted at Belvedere this week, earning some medals!

The players worked really hard, giving 100% effort in every game. The players finished second out of a field of ten teams facing players from St. John Bosco, Alsop and Gateacre. 

Well done to our star players of the day: Nancy in Year 7 and Riya in Year 8.

With the exam season looming Year 11 students celebrated Mass on Wednesday to pray for themselves and all those who will have formal exams this year. 

The Mass offered a time of peace, reflection and reassurance that our students are not alone in their struggles and anxieties.

Fr Stephen Pritchard and Fr Peter Murphy preached on the Gospel taken from Matthew of Jesus calming the storm which  was a powerful reminder that we can find peace in God, even when we feel overwhelmed. 

Thank you to everyone who bought a ribbon or cake in Wednesday's fundraising sale which was a sell out in support of the Lord Mayor's Legacy Fund.

The £179 raised in funds will go towards providing training and opportunities for Youth Worker development in the city.

Congratulations to Emmie from 8 Nugent who successfully defended her butterfly stroke titles at the Cheshire Gala at Macclesfield.

Emmie took gold in the 50m and 100m races in the 14 year old category. She then stepped up to the junior category, competing against opponents up to age 16, and earned a phenomenal bronze from an opening field of around 100 swimmers.

We wish Emmie good luck in her next competition, swimming in Burnley.

Over the course of two nights, seventy five of our Performing Arts students have visited the Empire Theatre for a performance of the smash-hit musical, Mary Poppins!

The fantastic choreography, outstanding singing and dazzling costumes blew the students away, not to mention seeing Mary Poppins take flight! 

Today marked the last school based session for our Year 9 cohort.

Guest speakers have included female electricians, plasterers, managers and recruiters. Students  learned about their different roles, how to qualify, labour market information, why it's important to challenge stereotypes and consider a wide range of career opportunities.

Gail from HMS shared her experiences and the growing number of women in the construction industry, We'd like to thank Billie and Hannah for inviting us to take part in The Big Trust Project, and look forward to an off-site trip to consolidate our learning in the coming weeks.

On Thursday a group of Year 9 students attended a County lines awareness event hosted by Merseyside Police and the LFC Foundation.

Students heard talks from the Police, NHS and lived experience from Angela Preston.

Students then took part in 4 workshops.

A VR county lines simulation experience delivered by Everton in the community; a workshop around the dangers of county lines including lived experience by Catch 22; a talk around the dangers of ketamine use by River and a business talk from the owners of Block P, owned by two young men from Liverpool who were once at risk of becoming involved in county lines.

Students then submitted questions for a panel of celebrity guests, including Jamie Webster, Tony Bellew, Phillip McGuinness and Jessica Gagan.
Each school had to choose a stand out student of the day with the winner being awarded a voucher of up to £100 to spend at Block P. Our deserving winner was Sienna!

On Wednesday 4th February we're raising money, for the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Legacy fund.

The Legacy Fund is aiming to create money to fund youth worker training and support for young people across the city.

We are selling gold ribbons and will be having a cake sale at break time to raise funds in support.

On Wednesday 28^th January students from year 9 and 10 took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge from the UK Maths Trust.

This is a challenge that is designed to encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency and is taken by schools internationally.

While the problems are mostly accessible they also provide a good challenge whilst promoting careful thinking and problem-solving. Top scoring participants  are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for when the results come in in a few weeks time. Good luck to all who took part!

The annual residential at Magdalene College is open for Year 12 students attending a state-maintained school in Merseyside.

The Magdalene College Residential is a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving students to find out more about studying at top universities such as the University of Cambridge. During the residential, participants will stay in Magdalene College accommodation; explore their academic interests by attending workshops and seminars led by university lecturers; visit some of Cambridge’s libraries and museums; spend time with current Cambridge students; learn about the university application process; and gain an insight into living and studying in Cambridge.

The Residential is entirely free of charge, including accommodation, food, and all activities. The college are also able to fully fund transport costs for all participants.

Full details, eligibility criteria, and the application form are available on the Magdalene College website. Applications will close on 25th February, and applicants will be asked to nominate a current teacher to provide a short reference. Apply here

Academic staff members at Magdalene College are offering online subject taster sessions in a range of courses.

Each subject has one online session  - the first half in the style of a lecture, and the second is more discussion-based. Upcoming sessions include Medicine, Languages, Law, and Maths. These sessions are aimed at Year 11-12 students.

Students can sign up to the sessions they wish to attend here. Bookings close at 9am on the respective event days.

We welcomed Fr Simon Gore, Lauren and Ellie from Animate Youth Ministries in to school to speak to all of Y8 about the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Through a game of 'Who wants to be a millionare?' Lauren demonstrated to students how difficult it can be to make choices and deciding who to listen to.

By receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, it can help guide us as we navigate our way through life and growing up. Registration for Confirmation is still open to baptised Catholics in Y8 and above until 13th February via www.liverpoolcalled.co.uk.

If you miss the deadline, contact your local parish.

On Friday this week some of our enterprising Year 10 students took part in an all day workshop developing business ideas.

The workshop, delivered as a joint enterprise between the King's Trust and the Liverpool FC Foundation saw students pitching business ideas and then modelling them for viability using computer based tools.

The workshop had a competitive edge, with the best ideas going forward to a regional competition and maybe even further!

On Wednesday this week students took part in the inaugural session of our new gymnastics and cheerleading club!

The gymnasts got off to an almost literal flying start with some wonderful lifts and tricks! If you'd like to join them the club takes place after school on Wednesdays. Ask Miss Jones for more details.

On Tuesday we welcomed Tamara, Stevie and Billie from Humanutopia to deliver their inspirational one day programme 'Who Am I?' to Year 8 students.

The programme revolves around three separate sessions based on barriers, mindset and the future and encourages students to both reflect on the changes they want to make in their life and empowering them to confidently make those changes.

The workshop has always been well received at St Julie's and this year's cohort were no exception, taking an enormous amount away with them. Thanks to the Humanutopia team for another great workshop.

This week saw the launch of a new lunch time club as students considered some of the big questions in Philosophy Club.

In the first session students were introduced to what the club is all about and the kind of topics coming up for discussion and some of history's great thinkers whose thoughts will be subject to debate.

If you're interested in joining it's not too late - ask Mrs Cobourne for more details.

We are delighted to announce that 9 of our Year 12 students have been selected to take part in the Liverpool Aspire Programme - an exciting opportunity designed to support ambitious learners in achieving their university and career goals.

Through a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and enrichment activities led by the University of Liverpool, students will gain valuable insights into higher education, develop essential academic and professional skills, and build confidence for their future pathways.

With AI transforming how we work, many students are questioning what the workplace will look like by the time they leave school.  In the past, automation replaced repetitive manual work. Today, AI is reshaping jobs across every industry, from finance to healthcare. InvestIn have launched a series of free online workshops to help students explore these changes. 

• How is AI affecting jobs today?
• How AI will impact jobs in the future
• The opportunities and challenges of AI 
• How AI affects subject choices, university decisions and career planning

• How to prepare for changing career paths 
• Why personal values matter more than ever
• How to develop key transferable skills 
• The importance of work experience 

Hundreds of financial support packages worth up to thousands of pounds can be claimed by students to cover tuition or living expenses at university or college amid rising costs of living.

We are delighted to announce that a whole-school Celebration Mass will take place at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Wednesday, 25th March 2026, at 1:00 pm. The Mass will be presided over by Archbishop John Sherrington and will bring together representatives from all Notre Dame schools across the UK, the Congregational Leadership Team, the Sisters of Notre Dame, Parish Priests, governors, staff and members of the Archdiocese.

This landmark anniversary provides a profound opportunity to honour the extraordinary contribution of the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose unwavering commitment to Catholic education has transformed countless lives and continues to inspire our mission today. It is a moment to reflect upon their enduring legacy and to reaffirm our shared dedication to sustaining their vision for generations to come.

In the weeks leading up to this significant occasion, students will engage in a series of enriching activities designed to celebrate the work and legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame and to highlight the importance of nurturing the whole child as an exceptional citizen in today’s modern world.

These activities will include form-time assemblies exploring key themes and historical insights into the global mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame; year-group assemblies focusing on Notre Dame’s values, legacy, and its role in empowering women; commemorative items, including 175th-anniversary badges and bookmarks for all students and a Notre Dame celebration cake to mark this special milestone!

Looking ahead, during the summer term we will also host an Alumni Afternoon for former students. This event will feature refreshments, a formal service, and an opportunity to reconnect and network with fellow St. Julie’s alumni. Further details will be shared closer to the date.

Our Year 10 Mentors in Violence Prevention have begun their 2026 work with a training session from Mia Magee from the Merseyside Youth Association.

The session on Wednesday afternoon prepared the students for testing their skills in the field with the delivery of lessons to Year 7 students the following day during PSHE.

The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme explores a series of scenarios involving a range of behaviours, such as name-calling, sexting, controlling behaviour and harassment. Using a 'bystander' approach individuals are not considered potential victims or perpetrators; instead, they are empowered and active bystanders with the ability to support and challenge their peers in a safe way.

This week, Key Stage 3 students attended an audition for this year’s Great Big Dance Off competition team. With 90 students in attendance, it was fantastic to see the passion and enthusiasm students have for dance. 

Well done to all students who auditioned. The team will be announced on Friday. 

On Wednesday this week teams of athletes from Years 7 and 8 took part in the LSSP athletics competition at Greenbank Sports Centre.

Year 7 had a great competition, finishing 4th out of 15 participating schools and have qualified for the Merseyside Finals!

Podium finishes included Abigail taking first place in the 4 lap race while Daniella took first place in the 6 lap race, Anya and Abigail took first place in the 8 lap Paarlauf, Peggy took first place in the 6 lap race, Daisy-Cheryl took second place in the 4 laps race and Sophie took third place in the 2 lap race. 

Our Athlete of the day was Daniella. Congratulations to her and all of our competitors for a great competition!

We have partnered with Careers Connect to offer a Careers Fair on Thursday 12th February.

A range of employers, apprenticeship providers, Further Education and Higher Education providers will be in attendance on the day to provide information, advice and guidance to students across all year groups.

This will be an excellent opportunity for students to ask questions, learn about career and training pathways; local labour market information and skills required for their career of choice. 

Year 13 students are breathing a sigh of relief this week as it marks the end of the UCAS application process.

Our applicants are currently preparing for interviews and applicant events for subjects ranging from teaching to paramedic science.

We'd like to thank subject teachers and form tutors; Liverpool Aspire and HE+ for their support throughout the process.

We'd also like to congratulate all our students on their diverse and exciting offers which include independent providers for Performing Arts, Oxford, Queens Belfast and University of Liverpool to name but a few and wish them the best of luck with their mock exams.

This week, St Julie's have begun rehearsals for the annual Now Festival which will take place at the Liverpool Epstein Theatre on the 9th February.

With the theme of Environment, St Julie's have decided to focus on a home environment and explore what happens behind closed doors. 

Once Upon a Time is how we’ll open our play,
But it’s not a children’s story you’ll hear today.
There isn’t a princess locked in a tower, or a knight to save the day,
No superhero in a cape, no dragon to slay.

You see this story is about Iris, just turned 13.
And her sister Ella, a typical teen.
If this was a fairy tale, it’s the perfect princesses they’d be,
Girls with good grade and in top sets, is what people would see.

Smart uniform, neat hair, immaculately dressed.
Even for a fictional story, it’s hard not be impressed.
But what if I told you, that fiction isn’t what you’re about to see.
And this picture-perfect family is not meant to be.

You see behind ever smile, there’s a story to hear and feel
And this story we’re going to tell you, this story is real.
Despite what you first see, there is something much more,
And I guess it’s true what they say, you never know what’s happens, behind a closed door.

On Thursday we welcomed Laura Hughes from Know Knife Crime into school to deliver a presentation to all students in Years 8 and 9 in the Sports Hall. Laura related her personal story of loss and the massive ripple effect it caused through her family and beyond.

Students were very respectful of the powerful messages that were sent and all left the assembly with valuable new knowledge about the realities of knife crime. Thank you to Laura for taking the time to share her very personal story with us.

This week we were happy to host the Liverpool Schools’ Immunisations Team for a session delivering missed immunisations.

If your child has missed a school immunisation you can contact the schools immunisation service for Liverpool at mcn-tr.vacandimms.team@nhs.net and the team for Halton, Knowsley and St Helens at mcn-tr.schoolimmunisations@nhs.net.

In November, every form group in St Julie’s sent a Christmas card to schools and parishes in the Holy Land; Israel, Palestine and Jordan.

The cards were a symbol of love and solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in an area of the world where there is much unrest and suffering. Living in solidarity with others is one of the strands of Catholic Social Teaching, which runs through everything we do in school.

We sent these cards in the hope that they would reach their destinations but anticipated that some may not.

However, during the Christmas break, we received a lovely email from Fr. Imad Twal from Marka Parish – Mary Mother of the Church in Jordan which reads:

In the name of My school and community, I would like to thank you for the wonderful and beautiful signatures. This is a symbol of love and solidarity. 

I’m now a parish priest in the city center one of the poorest area. Thank you. You are in my daily prayers. 

Merry Christmas and Happy new year 

Our Chaplain has done some research and the name Marka, meaning a place of rest is derived from the disciple Mark. The town was in a strategic location along the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah passing through Zarqa, Ruseifeh, Marka, Amman and Ma’in. The residents of Marka are mainly Christian, and are a mix of professional, skilled and unskilled workers, wuth the majority finding employment in the surrounding area. The economy of the town and the surrounding areas is average, with less industry and mostly small businesses, shops and offices.

Fr Imad also kindly sent us some pictures of line in his parish!

Our school works with SIBS, a charity supporting children and young people who have a brother or sister with a disability, serious illness, or mental health condition. SIBS offers practical help, advice, and reassurance to make young carers feel less alone.

Key resources include:

- "Young and Caring – Accessing Support" which helps young people get the practical and emotional support they need, and think about who else can help them. Everyone’s situation is different, so this workbook is just one of several tools available.

- "Young and Caring for Someone with a Mental Illness" is designed for those caring for someone with a mental health condition, but many tips are useful for any young carer.

There’s also extra guidance via Sense for young carers and siblings. To find out more, click here:  https://www.sense.org.uk/our-services/support-for-children/support-for-young-carers-and-siblings/

We’re proud to have received the Barnardo’s Liverpool Schools Young Carers Award and the Young Carers in Schools Award from the Carers Trust, recognising our commitment to supporting young carers.

Visit the updated Young Carers section of our school website for more information and to access resources.

We finished the term with our Advent Service which, this year, was a 'Karaoke Christmas Story'! Our Junior and Senior 1804 society retold the nativity story through narration, scripture and a mixture of pop songs that everyone was encouraged to join in with.

Donations to the Micah foodbank were offered during the service and our dancers performed beautifully to Phil Wickham's version of 'Away In a Manger'.

After a closing Christmas reflection, students enjoyed the annual staff Christmas sing-a-long video and everyone left the school building with the rousing St Julie's tradition - 'My Lighthouse'! 

Students were entertained at break time by a pop up Christmas concert from our Sixth Form performing arts students!

The three piece band and four vocalists belted out some Christmas classics to a very appreciative audience!