St Bonaventure's

Our school community joyfully celebrated the Feast of St Bonaventure, our patron saint, on the 15th of July. This special day provided an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of St Bonaventure's life, his remarkable witness to the Gospel, and the rich spiritual heritage of the Franciscan tradition that continues to shape our school community.

Throughout the week, students in Years 7–10 participated in a range of spiritual activities designed to deepen their appreciation of St Bonaventure's life and mission. Through prayer, reflection, and classroom learning, students explored his profound love of God, his commitment to wisdom and learning, and his belief that all knowledge finds its fulfilment in Christ.

As we conclude another academic year, we entrust our entire school community to the intercession of St Bonaventure, praying that, like him, we may always seek Christ, grow in holiness, and use the gifts God has given us in loving service of others.

St Bonaventure was born around 1221 in Bagnoregio, Italy, and was baptised with the name John (Giovanni) di Fidanza. According to tradition, as a young boy, he became ill, and his mother sought the prayers of St Francis of Assisi. After his remarkable recovery, it was believed that he had been healed through St Francis' intercession.

He studied at the University of Paris, one of the leading centres of learning in medieval Europe, earning a Master of Arts degree before entering the Franciscan Order around 1243. As a Franciscan friar, he continued his theological studies and later became one of the Church's greatest scholars and spiritual writers. In 1257, St Bonaventure was elected Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, a role he faithfully served for 17 years. During a period of challenges within the Franciscan Order, he helped preserve its unity by encouraging both fidelity to the ideals of St Francis and sound theological formation.

In 1273, Pope Gregory X appointed him Cardinal Bishop of Albano. St Bonaventure played an important role in the Second Council of Lyon before his death on 15 July 1274.

Each year on 15 July, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St Bonaventure, remembering his enduring witness as a Franciscan friar, theologian, bishop, and Doctor of the Church whose life continues to lead others towards Christ.

Congratulations to Abdul Majid (Year 9), Luginton (Year 10) and Reuben (Year 12), who have been honoured with the 2026 Brentwood Catholic Schools Good Citizenship Awards.

The awards were presented at the Cathedral Church of St Mary & St Helen in Essex by The Rt Rev Bishop Alan Williams SM, Bishop of Brentwood, in recognition of students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, compassion and service.

Abdul, Luginton and Reuben have each exemplified the values of kindness, resilience and selfless service through their contributions to school life, their local communities and the wider Catholic community. Their commitment to living out these values makes them truly deserving recipients of this prestigious award.

CAFOD Young Leaders Celebration Day, 23rd June

Our Year 12 CAFOD Young Leaders recently attended the national CAFOD Young Leaders Celebration Day at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, joining students from Catholic schools across England and Wales to celebrate a year of leadership, faith and action.

The day provided an opportunity for young people to reflect on the impact of their work throughout the year, celebrating how they have put Catholic Social Teaching into practice by raising awareness, campaigning for justice and supporting those most in need. Through workshops, prayer and shared worship, students were encouraged to continue using their voices to challenge injustice and become agents of positive change in their schools and local communities. Our students represented St Bonaventure's with enthusiasm and maturity, returning inspired to continue leading initiatives that place faith into action. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to living out the Gospel through service, solidarity and compassion.

Deanery Transition Day, 29th June

Our Year 10 students were delighted to support this year's Deanery Transition Day in Chigwell Row, welcoming Year 6 pupils from our local Catholic primary schools as they begin preparing for the next stage of their educational journey.

The day offered a wonderful opportunity for the pupils to make new friendships, enjoy games and sporting activities, and come together to celebrate Mass as one Catholic family. Throughout the day, our Year 10 students served with generosity, kindness and joy, helping every child to feel welcomed, valued and at home. Their willingness to lead by example reflected the Gospel values at the heart of our school community and reminded us that faith is lived out most powerfully through service to others. We are incredibly proud of the compassion and maturity they showed, and we look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 pupils in September.

Brentwood Leadership Conference, 2nd July

A group of our Year 10 student leaders recently represented St Bonaventure's at the Diocese of Brentwood's Student Leadership Conference: Being the Change, held at The Campion School in collaboration with the Diocesan Education Service, Caritas Brentwood and the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service.

Bringing together young leaders from Catholic schools across the Diocese, the conference encouraged students to deepen their understanding of leadership rooted in faith, service and Catholic Social Teaching. Through inspiring talks, workshops and opportunities to collaborate with their peers, students explored how they can make a positive difference within their school communities and beyond. The day was a valuable opportunity for our students to grow in confidence, strengthen their leadership skills and reflect on how they are called to be witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, maturity and commitment they demonstrated throughout the conference, and look forward to seeing the positive impact of their leadership within our school community.

Called To Action Conference, 7th July

A delegation of our Y7 and 8 pupils recently attended the Called to Act conference at Westminster Cathedral Hall, organised by Citizens UK, joining young people from Catholic schools across the country for a day of faith, reflection and social action. The conference celebrated how Catholic Social Teaching is being put into practice through campaigns addressing issues such as affordable housing, youth safety and the cost of living. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to recognise that their voices matter and that, by working together, they can help bring about positive change in their communities.

Our boys also played a key role in leading worship for the conference, using their musical talents to help create a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere for everyone gathered. The day was a wonderful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of faith in action, meet like-minded young people from across the country and be inspired to continue living out the Gospel through service, justice and compassion. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented St Bonaventure's throughout the event.

Mission Week, 6-10th July

During Mission Week, our school community took time to reflect on our Franciscan heritage by learning more about the lives and teachings of St Francis of Assisi and St Bonaventure. Throughout the day, students explored the Franciscan values of humility, peace, service and care for creation, gaining a deeper understanding of the foundations of our school's mission and identity. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, providing a quiet space for prayer, reflection and a personal encounter with Christ. The week concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass, where we gathered as a faith community to give thanks and strengthen our shared commitment to living out the Gospel. Mission Week was a valuable opportunity for spiritual formation, allowing students and staff to reconnect with our Franciscan roots and deepen their faith. We thank Father John Jesus, from the parish of St Antony’s, Canon Bob, from St Micheal’s Parish and Father Charles-Benoit Reche, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from Canning Town, for celebrating Mass for us.

Non-uniform day, 13 July,

To mark the end of the academic year, our school held a vibrant World Cup-themed Non-Uniform Day, combining celebration with charity. Students embraced the opportunity to represent countries from around the world by wearing national football shirts or traditional cultural clothing, creating a colourful display of the rich diversity within our school community. The event celebrated different nations, cultures and traditions while promoting unity, respect and inclusion. As our final fundraising event of the year, all proceeds from the non-uniform day will be donated to charity, demonstrating our commitment to serving others and putting our faith into action. It was a joyful occasion that brought the school together in celebration while supporting an important charitable cause.

We asked a selection of our Year 7 students to reflect on their first full year at the school and share their experiences. From settling into a new environment and making friends to discovering favourite subjects and taking part in extracurricular activities, they had plenty to say. Here are some of their responses, offering an insight into what their first year has been like.

• One of the things I've loved most about St Bonaventure's is how welcoming everyone has been. I remember feeling nervous on my first day, but the teachers, older students and my form made me feel like I belonged really quickly. I've made some amazing friends this year, and I actually look forward to coming into school every day because I know there will always be someone to make me smile.

• My favourite part of Year 7 has been all of the opportunities we've had outside of lessons. I've enjoyed taking part in clubs, school events and competitions, and I've loved getting involved in everything I can. It has helped me become much more confident, and I've discovered interests that I never knew I had before coming to St Bonaventure's.

• The teachers at St Bonaventure's have really helped me settle in. They always encourage us to work hard, but they also take the time to help us if we're finding something difficult. I've learned so much this year, not just in lessons but also about being responsible, respectful and always trying my best.

• I love the sense of community at St Bonaventure's. Everyone looks out for each other, and there is always someone willing to help if you need it. Whether it's my form tutor, my teachers or my friends, I've always felt supported. It really does feel like one big family, and that's something I've appreciated throughout my first year.

• Looking back, I can't believe how much I've grown since September. I've become more confident, more independent and much more organised. I've made memories that I'll never forget and met people who have become really good friends. I'm excited to start Year 8 because I know there are even more opportunities ahead, and I'm proud to be part of the St Bonaventure's community.

Sixth Form students from our East London Citizens Organisation (TELCO) Enrichment Group have been leading an inspiring campaign to improve youth safety across Newham, demonstrating the power of young people to create positive change in their communities.

As part of Citizens UK, our students began by listening to the experiences of others. Through one-to-one conversations, a house meeting and a neighbourhood walk, they gathered the views of fellow students, families and local residents to understand the issues affecting young people. A clear message emerged: many young people feel less safe and believe that the reduction of Safer Schools Officers has weakened relationships between schools, young people and the Metropolitan Police.

Using the Citizens UK community organising model, students analysed the issues they had uncovered and developed three clear campaign asks: the reinstatement of Safer Schools Officers, more opportunities for positive engagement between young people and police officers, and regular meetings between TELCO representatives and senior Metropolitan Police leaders.

The group presented their findings and proposals at the Newham Citizens Accountability Assembly, where they spoke directly to local decision-makers and secured commitments to work together on improving youth safety. Building on the success of the Assembly, students have developed a Youth Safety Survey to gather the views of more young people across the school and are arranging a meeting with representatives from the Metropolitan Police to present their proposals. They also wrote an article for the local press and the Deanery newsletter to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage wider community support.

This project has been an outstanding example of youth leadership in action. Throughout the campaign, students have developed valuable skills in communication, leadership, public speaking, negotiation and community organising, while making a meaningful contribution to improving safety for young people across East London.

The campaign reflects the values at the heart of our school community: empowering young people to make their voices heard, build trust and work together to bring about lasting change. While significant progress has already been made, our students remain committed to ensuring their campaign continues to make a lasting impact, and they're just getting started.

We are creating a Commemorative Legacy Wall, made from beautifully engraved bricks, as part of our celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the school. Each brick will feature the name of a student, alumnus, former staff member, or individual who has been personally connected to St Bonaventure’s and its community.

This wall will stand as a lasting tribute to those who have helped shape St Bonaventure’s over the years. It will be a place where current students, future generations, and visitors can pause, reflect, and feel connected to our rich history.

This initiative is open to:

• Current and former students
• Past and present staff
• Individuals with a personal connection to St Bonaventure’s

Each engraved brick costs £25, and only a limited number are available, so we encourage you not to miss this unique opportunity.

Our Year 6 Open Events will take place in October. If you have family members or friends with children currently in Year 5 or Year 6 who are considering their secondary school options, we would be very grateful if you could share the details below with them.

Open Evening
Thursday, 1 October, 6:00 pm - Please register using the link at the end of this section.

Open Mornings
Monday 5th of October, Tuesday 6th of October, and Wednesday 7th of October at 10:30 am.

1st of September: Inset Day for Staff (Pupils not in school)

2nd of September: Pupils return to school

9-11th of September: Biology Field trip Year 13

10th of September: Welcome Mass for Years 7 &12 in St Anthony's Church

17th September: Welcome back Mass for Years 8, 9 &11 in St Anthony's Church

21st September: Whole School Photo for 150th anniversary

1st of October: Year 6 Open evening at 6pm

2nd of October: Drop Down Day for Year 7 for Feast of St Francis of Assisi

5-6-7th of October: Year 6 Open Mornings 9:30-10:30am

23rd of October: Last day of term

As part of the Jubilee Year and in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, St Antony's Parish is organising a five-day pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi from 9–13 November.

During our time in Rome, we hope to attend the General Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV (subject to his being in residence). Our pilgrimage will also include guided visits to St Peter's Basilica, the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of St Mary Major, where we will have the opportunity to pray at the final resting place of Pope Francis.

We will then journey to Assisi, the beautiful city forever associated with the spirit and witness of St Francis. There we will visit the Basilica of St Francis, the Basilica of St Clare, the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

This promises to be a prayerful and enriching pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of St Peter and St Francis, and deepening our faith during this special Jubilee Year. I warmly invite all our parishioners to join us on this memorable journey.

Fr JJ

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

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