2 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2026 HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE Dear Thornleigh Salesian College Community, As we reach the end of another busy year, I want to thank every staff member and student for their commitment to school. This term has been full of memorable moments that demonstrate what it means to be part of Thornleigh, students who put others first, staff who go the extra mile and families who have supported our ethos. A special highlight this term was the visit of the Rector Major of the Salesians, Father Fabio Attard, who joined us for the Diaconate Ordinations. He offered warm encouragement as we mark 100 years of Salesian presence in Bolton and reminded us, powerfully, to always put the children in our care first. It was a timely and fitting reminder of our mission. I am pleased to welcome Brother Raphael as our new Assistant School Chaplain. His presence will strengthen our spiritual life and I know pupils and staff have already benefited from his warmth and guidance. We were honoured to be joined by the family of Joseph Slupski as we relaunched the ‘Slupski Award’ at the Year 11 celebration Mass. Congratulations to Allesandro Orlando for receiving the award for being an outstanding citizen, a wonderful example of our values in action. We said goodbye to two exceptional cohorts this term. To our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils, thank you for your contribution to the life of Thornleigh. We celebrated your achievements at two very special prom events and in our Year 11 and Sixth Form events, you leave with our very best wishes for the future. This term’s other events included our Confirmation Service, a summer literacy week featuring: children’s author Jamie Fox and the Pavement Poet; a successful sports day; the Let’s Dance 2026 showcase; the Spirit of Cricket Festival at Old Trafford; Rock and Pop night and our end-of-year trips. These experiences enrich our students’ character and broaden horizons outside the classroom. Sporting success stood out too with the highlight being our Under 13 girls’ football team who reached the quarter-finals of the English Schools National Cup and were narrowly beaten on penalties, a proud achievement and a testament to their determination and teamwork. As we pause for the summer, Pope Leo XIV’s words resonate with our mission, to be witnesses of hope, to respect the dignity of every person and to work together for the common good. Let these principles guide us into the new academic year. Thank you to parents / carers, staff, governors and students for everything you have given to Thornleigh this year. May you rest well over the summer, returning refreshed, ready to continue our work of forming young people who are valued, loved and cherished. Mr Fitzsimons Headteacher
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