Head’s archdiocese award
AN inspirational headteacher who is passionate about his school community and bringing out the best in all his pupils has won the Primary Headteacher Of The Year Award from the Archdiocese Of Liverpool.
Paul Loughran, head at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Widnes picked up the accolade at the annual awards ceremony, and the school was also runner-up in the Contribution To The Community Award.
Hundreds of schools entered the awards which celebrate excellence across the archdiocese.
Paul was described as an inspirational leader who is always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the school community, and who strives to help students aspire to be the best they can. Under his leadership
the school has achieved outstanding results – St Michael’s was in the top 5% in the country last year for Year 6 SATS results, and in the Good Schools Guide is ranked in the top 3%.
“This is an excellent achievement for a school in an area of high deprivation. I felt very privileged to accept the award,” said Paul, who was nominated by the school’s governing body.
“I am not into league tables and awards though – every other head is worthy of such an award – it’s about giving children the best education you can.
“We encourage children to aspire to be the best person they can and believe that if you work hard it’s possible to achieve your dreams.”
Paul has taught at St Michael’s for over 20 years, six of those as head. He has introduced numerous initiatives to provide children with a wide range of opportunities in school and in the community to encourage them to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
‘Acts Of Kindness’ is an annual activity where children and staff tour the community handing out flowers and chocolates to people in the community – they might choose and mum and baby, an older person, health workers, ambulance staff etc.
“The children love doing it and the reaction from the community is lovely,” said Paul.
“The aim is to share happiness by passing it on to other people.”
They have the Daily Mile where all the children run a mile in the school grounds every morning before school to promote fitness and healthy living, and it is an opportunity to chat before ● school starts about any issues children may have.
The school has built strong links with their local and wider community which has brought a wealth of experiences for the children, for example they visit a nearby nursing home, and have been involved in projects with the Royal British Legion, and Halton Haven.
And every year a group of children from Chernobyl visit the school, taking part in learning and creative activities, and building friendships.
There are Class Of The Week, Golden Tie and Values awards, all which recognise positive efforts in school, such as good work, manners, kindness and respect, and there is an Equality Tree to help the children understand and appreciate that while everyone is different, we are all equal.
“The children really work hard and continue to demonstrate our core values inside and outside of school,” said Paul.
“To be a good citizen you have to start off with the right values and this is what we encourage.”