St Bonaventure's
November Newsletter
HEADTEACHER MESSAGE
This half term, as we move into Advent and preparations for Christmas, we will be focusing on one of our key virtues - Charity. This year, we will be donating to a range of charities that support some of the most needy in society.
Our Chosen Charities this Year are:
- CAFOD - Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal
- Mizen Foundation - Jumpers for Jimmy - to support the great work they do promoting forgiveness and peace.
- BCCS (Brentwood Catholic Children's Society) - we know the fantastic support they give the families in greatest need both spiritually and financially.
- Canning Town Foodbank - to help meet the needs of our local community.
Thank you in advance for supporting us. I know that many in our community are being adversely affected, at present, by the high cost of living. Any contribution to our school fundraising efforts will be greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Mr C McCormack
NEWS AND EVENTS
Pupil Engagement Session
Our students impressed our visitors with their invaluable insight; they engaged in the discussions focused on developing a shared vision that is inclusive, empowering and equitable.
Sponsored Walk
Catholic Leadership Course
The event was led by former school leader and current Chief Executive Officer of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Raymond Friel OBE. Friel passionately delved into the purpose and principles of Catholic education and leadership, emphasising "the integral formation for the common good - the head, the heart, and the hands."
Road Safety Workshop
Year 7 enjoyed a workshop with The Riot Act UK. They learnt about the dangers of distractions such as mobile phones when travelling - and the added dangers of silent electric vehicles. They reflected on the ways to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Future First Day
On Friday, we had an opportunity for our Year 10 students to hear from those who were once in their shoes and to learn about the next steps after school or 6th Form.
They spoke with alumni who are currently at the University. We also had a few alumni who are working in the world of Insurance, teaching, running Terminal 5 at Heathrow and also a person who worked for the NHS but now runs his own business.
CAFOD Family Fast Day
The CAFOD Young Leader worked alongside the Chaplaincy Team to organise a soup lunch for the CAFOD Family Fast Day.
This is a day that we ask staff and students to fast, contribute the cost of a school lunch, but have a simple soup instead of a full meal.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Sixth Form Football Team Win
Before the game, both teams had impressive records, each boasting 4 wins from 4 games. However, St Bons secured their spot at the top of the table with a commanding 5-1 victory, increasing their goal difference to +16.
Year 10 Football Team Win
It took a last-minute goal from Ikay to ensure we progressed to the next round with a 1-0 win secured in extra time.
David Anugo's International Debut
Congratulations to David Anugo in Year 10 for making his international debut for Romania U16 against Spain last month.
We are super proud of you, keep up the hard work! 💪
JERMAIN DEFOE VISIT
During the half term, Jermain Defoe and Winnrs Camp ran an exciting football camp at St Bon's.
We're grateful to have such a fantastic ambassador for our school, and it's amazing to hear him speak so highly of the school.
It is always a pleasure to have Jermain back!
Q&A: MR S BARTLETT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF 6TH FORM
I loved school, although I probably didn’t realise it at the time. When you leave a look back you realise just how much fun school is. My memory of my time as a student here at St Bon’s is filled with fondness. That led me to the realisation that I would like to be a teacher. The PE department always seemed to be having fun (Mr Bastian mostly); it didn't seem like ‘work’. When you select a career which you are passionate about it doesn’t feel like work. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career, one that I would highly recommend.
I would always advise following your passion, mine, being a PE teacher, is often linked closely to sports. I very nearly became a Sports Psychologist when selecting my career pathway. Psychology to bring about improved performance is a scientific field I am still interested in. More recently I have become fascinated by the way in which the world is evolving. We are arguably, in my opinion, entering another industrial revolution as we see the growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain technology, privatisation of space exploration and decentralised ownership of assets plus more. It will be more impactful than the birth of the internet. There are so many exciting opportunities in this revolution it’s hard to pinpoint one, but if I had to I would look at how sports teams could use this technology to bring about a better experience for their fans.
If you could invite any historical figure to be a guest lecturer in your class, who would it be and why?
Nelson Mandela. I would love to invite Mr Mandela in to lead an assembly to our 6th Form. Nelson Mandela served time in prison on Robben Island for inciting workers' strikes and leaving the country without permission during his persistent search for a more inclusive South Africa. When a fellow prisoner was asked what they most remembered about Nelson Mandela, they replied ‘He was always so kind to the guards.’ It is incredible that he stayed so true to his mission at a huge personal sacrifice.
One tip you give to your students for the new academic year?
- Be kind. Make kindness your norm.
- Be teachable. Help our outstanding staff support you on your journey.
PARENTAL TIPS
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 29th November - Telco 25th Anniversary
Thursday 7th December - Year 12 Exam Stress Workshops
Wednesday 13th December - Sixth Form Talent Show / Non-uniform Day / Jumpers for Jimmy - Christmas Jumpers or Red, Green or White
Tuesday 19th December - End of term
Contact Us
Email: info@stbons.org
Website: https://www.stbons.org/
Location: Boleyn Rd, London E7 9QD, UK
Phone: 020 8472 3844