MUFTI DAY FOR EXPEDITIOUS EXPLORERS

By Publicity Manager20th June 2019

School is holding a non uniform day next Wednesday, June 26, to raise funds to buy equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh intrepid explorers.

They desperately need  a stockpile of tents, boots and sleeping bags that will be utilised for years to come and will benefit many, many students who will take part in the worthwhile scheme.

Please support this effort and send in money donations  via ParentPay by midday Tuesday, June 25, or money will be collected at line-ups on Wednesday.

Mrs Racon went on to explain: “Our students have really embraced the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and have loved learning new skills in the great outdoors. They have learned team-building and experienced some things that will stay with them their whole lives. This is the first year we have run the scheme and it has been so rewarding. The feedback from those involved has been outstanding.”

She added: “The equipment we hope to buy will enable more students to become involved and gain this fabulous programme.”

SPORTS DAY TOMORROW

By Publicity Manager20th June 2019

Don’t forget it’s Sports Day tomorrow, Friday, June 21, 2019.

Students should make their own way to The Terence McMillan Stadium in Plaistow which is behind Newham Leisure Centre on Price Regent Lane.

They should arrive for 8.45am in their PE kit.

They should bring lunch and drinks with them too. If the weather looks like it will be hot, they should bring sun tan lotion. A warm jacket might be advisable too just in case the weather is unseasonable.

Students will be dismissed at  approximately 2pm and they should make their own way home.

RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP

By Publicity Manager14th June 2019

Year 8 boys took part in a workshop this morning, June 14, and learned all about renewable energy sources.

They designed electric cars then raced them to see which one was the most efficient.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

By Publicity Manager13th June 2019

Mr Piggott’s maths marvels are out at City Hall in London this afternoon where they are taking part in the  Count On Us Challenge.

Before they left, they found time to pose for a group photo in Mr Halliwell’s office.

Fingers crossed they do well.

NEW HEADTEACHER APPOINTED

By Publicity Manager5th June 2019

I am very pleased to inform you, that after a lengthy and highly competitive interview process, the Governing Board of St Bonaventure’s has appointed Mr Christopher McCormack as the next Headteacher of this school.

Christopher McCormack has been at St Bonaventure’s since September 2003 and over the last 16 years he has dedicated himself completely to the students in the school. He is well known by all in the school community, current students and Old Bonaventurians will testify to his skill, talent and love.

As Christopher is already part of St Bonaventure’s, this will mean that there will be a seamless transition from my tenure as Headteacher to his.  Over the next 5 weeks I will hand over the responsibility of running this great school and this will occur without detriment to staff, students or any of our partners.

In September, he will be ready to lead St Bonaventure’s and the school community will not be unsettled, which is often the outcome of a new Headteacher appointment.

I thank God that I will be able to leave St Bonaventure’s knowing that all is safe and secure under his leadership.

Please keep the school, Christopher and the whole community in your prayers as they enter the next phase in this historical school’s life.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul Halliwell

Departing Headteacher.

THOMAS AT NUMBER 10

By Publicity Manager3rd June 2019

LAST Friday, May 31,  during half term week, Year 10 student, Thomas Marques, gave up his morning to represent the school as part of a delegation who presented a climate change petition to  Number 10 Downing Street, the Prime minister’s residence.

The petition contained nearly 3/4 million signatures and was part of a joint effort including CAFOD, WWF and Christian Aid.

Thomas, who is 15,  was able to articulate the problems of climate change and why he felt passionate about it. This is in part, due to his training earlier in the year from Brentwood CAFOD volunteers.

This was just reward for Thomas leading the Year 10 CAFOD group – especially with the tea and coffee making efforts at Parents’ Evenings. He has helped raise several hundred pounds this way and Sarah from CAFOD added: “He was a great testament to your school.”

Well done Thomas.

 

LITTLE BOY LOST

By Publicity Manager24th May 2019

Politics teacher Mr McDonald is a true hero today after reuniting a lost 2 year old boy with his mum after school last night, May 23.

Mr McDonald, was on his way home when saw the tot running out of West Ham Park alone and he ran after him when he realised he was unaccompanied and fearing he might come to serious harm. He brought him into school and the police and were called.

The boy spoke no English and was a little scared but seemed to settle once he was given juice and a biscuit by staff.

Meanwhile 4 students went running up Boleyn Road to try and find the toddler’s mum.

As luck would have it, a visitor to school was able to glean a few words from the tot and tell us the boy’s name and establish he had been in the park with his mum.

After a tense quarter of an hour the boy was reunited with his very worried mum.

Happy ending.

Thank you Mr McDonald and phew, what a superstar!

GREEN FINGERED ABEL WINS AWARD

21st May 2019Publicity Manager

 

Headteacher Paul Halliwell  today presented  May’s Jack Petchey Award to a Year 13 student who has impressed the people of his community with his kindness.

Abel Anto is 17 and about to take A level examinations in Chemistry, Biology and Product Design.   He is hoping to study Medicine or Bio-Medicine  at University this autumn.                                                          

Lead Practitioner Mrs Lucie Racon nominated Abel and went on to explain: “Every week Abel volunteers working at an allotment in Becontree helping to grow a variety of vegetables for the Indian Catholic community.The most needy  will receive the veg and Abel’s work is really making a difference to their lives. He really is a kind and considerate young man.”

 

HASEEB WINS JACK PETCHEY AWARD

16th May 2019Publicity Manager

Year 10 student Haseeb Rauf was today called in to see the Headteacher for some excellent news.

Haseeb, who is 15 and in 10 Gregory was told that he has been awarded the April Jack Petchey Award .

Mr Halliwell went on to explain: “Lots of teachers put Haseeb’s name forward for this award and commented how kind and caring he is. Kindness should never be underestimated, it is such a lovely quality to possess. Haseeb also does excellent mentoring work with the HeadStart programme and is a role model for the younger students. He really does deserve his award.”

Haseeb is deciding how to spend his £250 award money.

 

 

WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

By Publicity Manager15th May 2019

When actor Patrick McGoohan from the TV show ‘The Prisoner’ announced: “I am not a number, I am a free man” what he didn’t realise was that numbers provide the road to freedom, freedom towards financial security, better job prospects and sound decision making that lasts a lifetime.

Here in St Bonaventure’s Mrs Imrith is excited to announce it’s National Numeracy Day and she has lots of interesting things planned for our students to get involved.

All lessons are starting with a numeracy activity, puzzles, discussion and a short video and at lunchtime activities, games and competitions will be taking place in the maths corridor.  Spot prizes, merits and encouragement to keep using numbers everyday will take place too.

Mrs Imrith went on to explain: “Attitudes towards numbers have been negative for far too long, but at St Bon’s we want to change that. We want to help make people feel confident and recognise the value and presence of numbers in everyday life. People can manage their money better and avoid debt. Everyone has a maths brain and with a little time and effort people can improve their skills and become more confident with numbers.”