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Neston High School Service of Thanksgiving

A service to celebrate 50 years of Neston High School took place at the Parish Church today.

Led by the Bishop of Birkenhead, Rt Revd Keith Sinclair, the Service also included the Dedication of wall-hangings created by Year 12 students Robyn Barbrooke, Zara Fenney, Emma Hearn, Martha Kieran and Faye Laithwaite, which will be placed in the give arches on the West Wall of the Church.

Following a Welcome by Reverend Neill Robb, and Absolution by the Bishop, the High School Singers provided some superb entertainment with their performance of two songs.  This was followed by speeches from Mr Reg Chrimes (Chair of Governors) and Mr Stephen Dool (Head Teacher).

Mr Chrimes spoke of the history of the School since it opened in 1958, including it's transition from being a Secondary Modern to a Comprehensive in 1974, which paved the way for thousands of local young people to progress through the school to a flourishing 6th Form department and on to further education and an enormous range of career paths.   

Mr Dool put into context how much the world has changed since Neston High School was established. He noted how, in 1958, mention of a Big Mac would have brought to mind nothing more than a large raincoat, and that a Blackberry then was something that grew on a bush, rather than being the means of communication that is so familiar to the 2008 school population.

He also extended thanks to all the staff, governors, parents and members of the community for helping to form the Neston High School of today.  Earlier he had asked current pupils what they thought the school would be like in another 50 years:

"Well you won't be here then, Sir," was one comment - greeted with much amusement by the Year 7 pupils in attendance at the Service.  Other pupils suggested that in 2058 pupils would not just be 11-19 year olds, but would instead be of all ages, from throughout the community, taught by robots 24 hours a day!

Mr Dool finished his address by saying that whatever changes do come, what will not change is the way in which teachers, parents, vicars, indeed everyone in the community, will still be able to inspire pupils to achieve their goals. This is best summed up by the school's motto: "Together We Strive For Excellence."

The speeches were followed by a superb solo vocal performance by Year 10 pupil Laura McNamee and confidently delivered reading by Year 7's Lauren Williamson.

The Bishop gave his sermon, noting his personal passion for cementing the connection between secondary education and the support and teachings of the Church.  He then gave the Dedication for the wall hangings, which will hang in the Church and be a constant and striking reminder of the bond between Neston High School and the Parish Church.

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