St Damians RC Science College

Confirmation 🕊️

A number of St Damian’s pupils in Y8, Y9 & Y10 were confirmed by Bishop John at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Lees, Oldham. They completed a seven week programme led by the Oldham & Ashton Deanery of the Salford Diocese and took this important Catholic sacrament, choosing to confirm their faith 🙏

GIFT TEAM – Caritas workshop
Members of the GIFT team took part in a Caritas workshop led by Kathryn Ansley from Caritas Diocese of Salford, the diocesan charity supporting local families in need, guided pupils in understanding social action and Catholic community outreach. Pupils learnt about the work of the charity and where the money raised at St Damian’s goes to support.

A TALENTED teenager from Droylsden is preparing to represent Great Britain on the international stage.

Stan O’Leary has been selected for the Under-16 Men’s Fastpitch Softball squad heading to the European Championship in Czechia.

The 15-year-old will compete in the tournament from June 29 to July 4, with teams playing 10 games over five days against some of Europe’s best young talent.

Stan, who attends St Damian’s RC Science College in Ashton-under-Lyne, has earned his place in the national side after years of dedication to the sport.

Read more: https://www.tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/2026/05/29/droylsden-teenager-to-represent-great-britain-at-european-softball-championship/

As part of the latest Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) campaign we are reminding people about the dangers of open water.
If you encourage your mates to go in the water it could be the last time you see them. Cold water shock kills even the strongest swimmers.

Sustainability at St Damian’s.
Bottle Top Competition ♻️

During the summer term, the Seed Young Changemakers have created a competition to see which form group can collect the most plastic bottle caps between now and the end of the academic year. So far, we have collected an excellent 2,500!

This is a collective effort, so parents/carers can also help out by collecting plastic bottle caps at home. There will a prize for the winning form in each year group. Good luck! ♻️

🐝 World Bee Day 🐝
To mark World Bee Day on 20/05/26, our Y9 GIFT Team (Eco Group), scattered some ‘seed bombs’ in the Science Garden to attract bees and encourage pollination. With the ever-increasing threat to the bee population, this was a great way to mark the day and recognise the importance of bees in our eco-system 🐝

During May, our school community is invited to pray the Rosary together at lunchtime around school. It was wonderful to see so many staff and pupils attend these prayer reflections around the school; a peaceful moment to grow in faith as one. 🙏

Ascension Day Liturgy of the Word

Our Y7, Y8 and Y9 students gathered for a beautiful Ascension Day Liturgy of the Word, led by our wonderful GIFT Team.

Ascension Day is one of the great solemnities of the Christian calendar, marking the moment Jesus ascended bodily into heaven.
A meaningful opportunity for our school community to pause, reflect, and celebrate faith together.

⚽ Well Done to the Year 7 boys Development Football Team.
The boys took part in the Tameside Development Tournament at Laurus Ryecroft and were a fantastic example of team spirit. Supporting one another throughout and gracious in victory and defeat.
A special word to the 7b team, that managed to win all 4 matches. Well Done lads, hopefully we go again after half term⚽