Over the last couple of weeks, we commissioned our Head Boy and Girl, prefects and a number of our form captains in Newman chapel, following a long-held tradition at Maricourt. These young people volunteer to represent their form classes and they are the students who will lead by example in the school.

Mr McCabe, our chaplain, spoke to the students about putting into action Venerable Catherine McAuley's wish that "we should be as shining lamps, giving light to all around us," especially in these difficult days. Our Head, Mr Mangan, spoke to the students about how service is integral to being a student of Maricourt, serving their peers and the school in order to be an example to others.

The staff who were present prayed for the students and they were then presented with their badges. They then recited the form captain pledge that has been recited down through the years in Maricourt. The service ended with their Progress Leader reading to them a reflection by St John Henry Newman to send them out to start their work among their peers.

We are immensely proud of these young men and women and they are to be congratulated for standing up and standing out among their peers to take on this role.

After half-term, we will be commissioning our Year 7 form captains who will be taking on the role for the first time.