St Bonaventure's

May Newsletter

HEADTEACHER MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope that this message finds you and your families safe and well.

This half term has been another filled with activity and learning. The public examinations have now started for our Year 11 and 13 pupils and I ask you to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers at this time. This is a very stressful time for these pupils, yet they have made a very positive impression by showing high levels of commitment and application. Whilst exams are very important, we must remind ourselves that they do not define us as humans or limit the contribution we can make to the common good.

Next half term, we aim to continue providing pupils with a first-rate education both academically and spiritually. There are also significant events occurring that we are very much looking forward to. These include the feast day of our great patron St Bonaventure, and Sports Day.

I am also looking forward to our St Bon’s Reconnect Event on the 11th of July. This should be a lovely occasion. Anyone linked to our great school is encouraged to come and socialise with like-minded Bonaventurians.

Thank you, as always, for all of the support and backing you give St Bonaventure’s. It is greatly appreciated.

Have a lovely half-term break

God Bless

Chris McCormack

NEWS AND EVENTS

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Champion of U15 Floodlit Shield

Congratulations to our Year 10 student, David, who was part of the West Ham team that won the U15 Floodlit Shield, beating Blackburn Rovers 4-0.

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Year 10 Shopping Trip

Year 10 students taking a trip to the local shop to buy supplies for their cooking lesson.

They are each studying for an Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) qualification, an alternative pathway which will develop their life skills, communication and independence.

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Hadleigh Country Park Visit

Our Year 10 students had a glorious morning at Hadleigh Country Park in Essex, cycling at the site of the 2012 Olympic mountain biking event.

They had a great time biking through the scenic trails; the boys had a fantastic time in nature.

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Blessed New Displays

We celebrated our Franciscan roots by welcoming Father Michael and Fr Brian OFM from St Francis Church in Stratford back into school to bless our 3 beautiful newly installed displays!

Everyone who saw the museum board, the Sister Thea Bowman Library display and the war memorial dedicated to Bonaventurians who gave their lives in the world wars and all conflicts since.

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Headteacher Awards

Well done to these Year 7 and 8 students for achieving 1500 merits; it is a testament to their hard work and good behaviour!

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Newham School Council Annual Conference

Our School Councillors had the thrilling opportunity to join other secondary schools at the Newham School Council Annual Conference held at Plashet School. They participated in activities to enhance their skill set as school councillors.

CATHOLIC LIFE - PRAYER FOR INNER PEACE

St. Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now, that I may know true peace of mind, heart and soul. Help me grow in faith, so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life.

Fill me with a complete and lasting confidence in God’s healing graces. Grant me the serenity known by those who let go of resentments, bitterness and anger. Reassure me that Our Divine Saviour

, Jesus Christ, is with me every step of the way, every day of my life, and that in His gracious love I need not worry or fear any of life’s difficulties. Amen.

“When you look into muddy or choppy water,
you will not see your face reflected.
If you want the face of Christ, who looks
on you, to be reflected within you, come away
from the disturbance of exterior things,
and let your soul be at peace.”

– St. Anthony of Padua

Q&A WITH MS PARKER, HEAD OF SENDCO

What inspired you to become a SENDCO?

After more than a decade in special needs schools, I decided to take the leap into secondary education. My aim is to support students who might find mainstream settings challenging, and to make their secondary school experience as enjoyable and successful as possible, setting them up for life.

Describe your teaching style in one sentence.

Inclusive and committed to the success of each and every student at their own level.

If you could invite any guest lecturer for parents in your school, who would it be and why?

I would choose Temple Grandin as a neurodiverse champion! She has used her personal experiences with autism to advocate for better understanding and support for individuals on the spectrum. Check out her TED Talk: The world needs all kinds of minds.

What would be your one piece of advice to parents of your students?

You are not alone - please always seek advice from the school, and your GP and join the Newham Parent Forum, designed to empower parents and influence services.

https://www.newhamparentforum.co.uk/

ST BON'S RECONNECT EVENT

Our St Bon's Reconnect event is fast-approaching and we look forward to seeing our past students again!

This event will be a great chance to reconnect with former students, and teachers past and present.

Join us on the 11th of July 2024, from 6:30 PM; it will be a fun night of reconnection, stories and camaraderie.

Book your place by clicking the link below!

BUY YOUR TICKET

EXAM TIPS

Quality over Quantity: It is easy to get caught up in the idea that you need to do several hours of work to be productive. Remember doing quality work, be that doing a timed paper or testing your knowledge with flashcards can be far more effective than reading a textbook for hours.
Rest is Important: Sleep helps with our mood, health and performance, it allows us to recharge and have the energy to take on the tasks in our day.
Go Outside: Don’t keep yourself cooped up in the house. You need to get fresh air and move about. It is in the moments when we take a break that we can recommit to our work.

UPCOMING EVENTS

5th June - Head Boy Interviews - 5th June
10th June - Year 10 Parents Evening - 10th June
11th June - Year 7 Cricket Competition - 11th June
17th June - Year 12 End of Year Exams - 17th June (Mon-Thurs)
24th & 25th June - Year 9 End of Year Exams
1st - 3rd July - Biology Field Trip (Year 12)
1st - 4th July - Year 12 Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
18th July - Last Day of Term

WORK WITH US

At St Bonaventure's, every member of staff is valued highly and allowed to develop and grow. At the heart of our ethos lies a commitment to fostering a genuinely supportive and empowering environment for all, regardless of background or faith.

Current Vacancies:

Learning Support Assistant – closing date 4th June 2024

Apply for Vacancies

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Contact Us

Email: info@stbons.org
Website: https://www.stbons.org/
Location: Boleyn Rd, London E7 9QD, UK
Phone: 020 8472 3844

St Bonaventure's