Our Director of 6th Form, Mr Templeman, has had a fantastic start to the academic year with Year 12 students taking part in an Outward Bound Induction Day to remember last week.

The bonding exercise was a novel way of getting to know each other a little better.

The students went to the picturesque Fairlop Waters and participated in AquaBounce but first they all met up and walked through West Ham Park together before catching the Central Line.

They got absolutely soaked at AquaBounce and had loads of fun. It was a brilliant way to integrate and make new friends as well.

“It was a perfect start to the year and I don’t think we could have chosen a better way to break the ice and get them out of their comfort zones by having fun with their new friends” concluded Mr Templeman.

The Big Hello was a huge hit by the sound of things.

Welcome to St Bonaventure’s and good luck in your studies Year 12.

Last night, Wednesday September 4, Year 13 A Level stident, 17 year old Immanuell Raja, was awarded a certificate and prize for his entry into the inaugural St Mary’s University in Twickenham’a A Level Theology Essay Competition.

With nearly 100 entries from all over England and Wales, Immanuell’s response to the question, ‘Philosophical arguments for the existence of God cannot alone lead to belief in God – Discuss’, was given an “honourable mention” as he was awarded a strong second prize.

Immanuel wrote the essay based on his Year 12 RS studies and impressed the judges who were all St Mary’s lecturers and professors.

At the awards, Immanuell was put on the spot by Cardinal Vincent Nichols who wanted to know his conclusions to the burning question. Immanuel explained that he felt that philosophical arguments were useful, but are not enough on their own – something the Cardinal agreed with he admitted.

After the awards, the Cardinal left the ceremony with a copy of Immanuell’s essay which he said he would read on his way home.

Mr Lewis attended the awards with Immanuel and his family in his supportive role and was extremely proud to be there. Immanuel’s mum was thrilled to meet the Cardinal too.

Immanuel wants to study Law or Theology and is considering going to St Mary’s.

His prize was a book token.

What a perfect start to his Year 13 studies.

Eight priests came to con-celebrate at the thanksgiving and farewell mass for Headteacher Paul Halliwell yesterday, July 10, to thank him for his nine years at St Bonaventure’s.

It was a fitting tribute to Mr Halliwell who was very moved by the beautiful sermon by the Right Reverend Monsignor John Armitage and his favourite hymns that were sung with gusto including the magnificent school hymn that was introduced two years ago.

The choir sang ‘Remember Me’ from the film Coco that Ms Warren had adapted specially for Mr Halliwell which was very moving.

Readings and bidding prayers were read by students with Headboy Rishi Patel leading prayers. Chair of Governors, Tim Campbell, did a reading too.

The staff choir performed  The Irish Blessing, May The Road Rise To Meet You which that had been practising secretly for weeks.

It was a lovely tribute to a successful nine years Headship and Mr Halliwell wanted me to pass on his thanks to all staff, students, governors and parents who have shown him love and support during his time at St Bonaventure’s and especially during these last few days when he has been inundated with well wishes, cards and gifts.

He will miss you all.

God bless.

Our lovely Mr Fouabi won The Golden Apple Teacher Award at our special Awards’ Assembly and Liturgy on Friday, July 5.

He was nominated by the students and was very pleased to receive the award.

Mr Fleming received the runner-up award.

Mr Owusu-Nyarko was third.

Year 10 student Thomas Marques received the Servus Deus badge.

Ms Inga-Valdiviezo was given the staff Servus Deues accolade.

Miss Hillan and Miss Prichard were special guests at the German Ambassador’s residence in Belgravia last night for a summer festival of the German language.

Miss Hillan met with the Ambassador, Paul Wittig, in Belgrave Square and enjoyed bratwurst, sauerkraut and bretzel on the lawn in the glorious summer sunshine.

The children’s author, Julia Donaldon,  who wrote the popular story The Gruffalo, was there along with its illustrator, Alex Shaeffer.

It was a splendid occasion and a wonderful celebration of all things German.

In case you were wondering, the postcard translates as “keep learning German”…wise words indeed.

Shanea Oldham, 18, who has just finished her A Level examinations with us attended the Curzon Soho Cinema in Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, last night, July 3, as she had been shortlisted  in The Jimmy Mizen category at the Celebrating Young people Awards.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution of young people in the presence of His Eminence, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Baroness Sheila Hollins and other dignitaries.

We heard the wonderful news last night that she had won for her work in tackling the problem of increasing violence on the streets of Newham.

Read  the precis here:

Mr Halliwell added: “These awards are a fantastic way to celebrate different aspects of Catholic social teaching lived out in social action. Shanea really deserves the Jimmy Mizen Award as she is determined to bring about change in our community and really wants to make Newham a safer and better place for youngsters.

“I am especially proud that St Bonaventure’s has won an award at this humbling event every year since they started which I feel is testament to the way our students are socially aware and involved in the community. They are really tuned in and aware that they play a vital role in changing hearts and minds.”

Congratulations Shanea!

Parents, aunties, uncles, sisters, brothers, neighbours and friends are all invited to this wonderful annual MAD (Music, Art, Drama) event on the friary lawn at St Bonaventure’s on July 4 from 4pm – 6pm.

There will be singing, performances, art for sale, readings and food…what more could you want?

This event is one of the highlights of the year that showcases the talent that exists in St Bonaventure’s and one that the students and teachers love just as much as the parents.

Ms Gilroy would love it if as many people as possible could attend to show their support for students on this magnificent afternoon.

Pop the date in your calendar…it’s something you shouldn’t miss.

Tickets are available from school.

Please join us for this wonderful event.

Mr Templeman and Mr Ancora  are with seven Year 13 Sports Science students in Mr McCormack’s home town of Merthyr Tydfil this week and staying at the beautiful Maes-Y-Lade in the Black Mountains.

They have been rock climbing today and abseiling down a disused quarry. Kayaking is planned for later in the week.

What a beautiful location.

Meet the new House Captains who were announced at Sports’ Day on Friday, June 21, 2019.