St Bonaventure's
December Edition
Dear St Bonaventure’s Community,
As we come to the end of our first school term, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our parents and families for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. This term has been filled with learning, growth, and many moments of joy, and it has been a blessing to witness our pupils flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.
Advent invites us into a season of hope, reflection, and expectation. In school, we have been helping the pupils prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ, reminding them that the true gift of Christmas is God’s love made visible in the birth of Jesus. May this message of peace and joy fill your homes in the weeks ahead.
As we look forward to the Christmas break, I pray that you and your families are blessed with time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate the holiness of this very special season. May the light of Christ shine in your lives and guide you into the New Year with renewed hope and strength.
Thank you for your continued generosity in donations and contributions to our Advent charities. We pride ourselves on our charitable giving, and we are always overwhelmed by the support we receive from parents and pupils.
Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and the love you show our school community. Wishing you all a blessed, joyful, and holy Christmas, and every grace for the year to come.
God bless,
Mr C McCormack
Headteacher
National School Attendance Award
Congratulations to our student representatives - Ian & Andrzej, Dieu-Donne & Etinosa, and Tise & Immanuel, who proudly accepted our National School Attendance Award on behalf of all students.
Deputy Headteacher Mr Lewis shared: “We are delighted to once again be recognised in the top 10% of schools nationally for attendance. We are grateful to all our families for working with us, and it’s a clear sign that our students truly enjoy school, shown by the way they turn up every day.”
Workshop with Inner Spark
Our Year 11 students took part in an inspiring workshop with Inner Spark, where they listened to Fusion, who is a Transformative Storyteller, TED speaker, and creative force.
Students explored everything from Willard Wigan and the world’s smallest sculpture to the powerful stories of Zion Clark and Christina Adane. They also learned how to use Google Alerts to stay on top of topics they care about, and gained insight into the commercial property world through a podcast with Nathan King.
Palace of Westminster Tour
Our School Council members enjoyed an insightful tour of the Palace of Westminster, including the House of Commons Chamber and learned much about the history and intrigue of the Parliamentary estate in the process.
To round off the day, students took part in the Power of Petitions workshop. We extend our thanks to the UK Parliament Education Centre for organising such a fantastic day.
Welcoming Alumni back
We were delighted to welcome back Divin Mubama, England U21 and Stoke City striker, alongside three former students who are all thriving in their own fields.
Each has taken a completely different journey: elite football, a self-made car care business, salon leasing, and self-taught trading, yet all are built on the same strong foundations.
Autograph Gallery
Our Year 9 artists took Shoreditch by storm when they immersed themselves in a practical, hands-on workshop at Autograph Gallery.
Exploring themes of portraiture & identity, our boys thrived in their roles as photographers, models, and curators. A huge thank you to the fantastic team at Autograph Gallery for hosting this workshop.
Young Writers Competition
We are delighted to announce that a number of our Year 7 students have been selected for publication in the Young Writers I Have a Dream competition, part of this year’s Black History Month celebrations.
This achievement reflects their dedication, creativity, and commitment to producing high-quality writing. Congratulations to all our young writers.
Jack Petchey Talk
Our Year 7 students recently participated in the Jack Petchey Talk About Transition workshop, designed to support students as they develop confidence, communication skills, and strategies for managing the move into secondary school.
The session focused on building resilience, fostering positive relationships, and encouraging students to express themselves effectively.
High Performance Foundation
St Bonaventure’s has been working closely with The High Performance Foundation, a charity that empowers young people with resilience, wellbeing, and employability skills.
We are proud to have helped develop the Game Plan Resources and to welcome the HPF filming team into school. Some of our students were invited as special guests to the inaugural roadshow event hosted by Jake Humphrey. Also, you might even spot our staff and students in HPF promotional videos.
Outstanding Leader Award
Congratulations to Mr. Templeman, our head of 6th form, who has been honoured with a Jack Petchey Foundation Outstanding Leader Award for his remarkable nine years of service to Wanstead RFC as a rugby coach.
We are incredibly proud of his dedication and the positive impact he has had on our 6th Form students, as well as the young players at Wanstead Rugby Club, where he coached the team to a league title last season.
Non Uniform Day
Our school was full of festive cheer as students and staff pulled on their best Christmas jumpers and enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch together.
Lots of smiles, great food, and holiday spirit made it a truly joyful day for everyone!
Newham General Hospital
Our Songaventures Vocal Group visited Newham General Hospital for some carolling, spreading Christmas cheer to all the staff and patients.
The boys did an excellent job in lifting the spirits of those in our wider community using the gifts of their voices and songs during this festive season. Congratulations and well done!
Macmillan & Mission: A Bake Sale for a Cause: This Advent, our school community came together in an incredible show of generosity at our Macmillan Bake Sale. The corridors were filled with the smell of freshly baked cakes, cookies, and pastries, lovingly prepared and donated by students, staff, and families. The enthusiasm was remarkable, with pupils queuing eagerly to support the cause and contribute in any way they could. Funds raised were shared between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Dominican Friars, who are currently providing urgent assistance to those affected by Hurricane Melisa. This event not only helped raise essential funds but also strengthened our sense of global solidarity, reminding us that charity begins with small acts of kindness made together.
Festive Fundraising: Christmas Jumpers & Sixth Form Talent -Our Advent fundraising continued with a joyful celebration of colour and creativity through our Jumpers for Jimmy non-uniform day. Students flooded the school with festive spirit, arriving in bright Christmas jumpers, handmade designs, and cheerful outfits reflecting the season’s joy. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement. To add to the festive fun, our Sixth Form students organised a brilliant Christmas Talent Show, showcasing singing, dancing, musical performances, and comedy acts. The audience—students and staff alike—were impressed by the talent on display. All proceeds supported various charities chosen by the school community. Events like these remind us how powerful it is when joy and generosity come together.
IGNITE: Hundreds of young people from across Newham gathered at St Antony’s Catholic Church in Forest Gate on Saturday 22 November for IGNITE 2025 — a free, vibrant day of worship, performance, and testimony that has quickly become one of the borough’s most anticipated Catholic youth events. Hosted by the Newham Deanery Youth Council, the celebration brought together students from secondary schools, colleges, and parishes across the borough.
The event ran from morning Mass through to a late-afternoon closing prayer, weaving together liturgy, music, drama, and spoken-word performances that showcased the extraordinary energy, talent, and faith of Newham’s young people. Among those taking a leading role were students from St Bonaventure’s, who contributed to the music, drama, and ministries of the day with enthusiasm and reverence. Their participation was recognised by staff and attendees alike as a powerful witness to the vibrant Catholic identity of St Bon’s and the dedication of its young people.IGNITE 2025 once again demonstrated the strength, unity, and creativity of Newham’s Catholic youth community — a celebration of faith that continues to grow in spirit and impact each year.
Blessing of Displays: We were truly blessed to welcome Fr. Reu from St Francis Parish to our school as he joined us to bless our newly created displays. These displays reflect our Catholic ethos, our Franciscan identity, and the values that guide us as a school community. Fr Reu spent time speaking with students about the importance of beauty and symbolism in our faith, the meaning of blessing sacred spaces, and our strong connection to our Franciscan roots. Students were particularly touched by the presence of a Franciscan priest visiting their classrooms and speaking with them directly. The ceremony brought a sense of peace, unity, and renewed awareness of our spiritual identity.
Adoration & Confession: A Time for Stillness - In the midst of a busy school term, our monthly opportunity for Reconciliation and Adoration became a powerful moment of stillness and reflection. Students were invited to spend time in the peaceful atmosphere of the church, where soft candlelight and quiet prayer created space for them to slow down and reconnect with God. Many chose to receive the Sacrament of Confession, courageously opening their hearts and embracing spiritual renewal. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration provided a focal point for silent prayer, grounding students in the true meaning of Advent—waiting, listening, and preparing their hearts for Christ. Staff accompanying them spoke warmly of the reverence and maturity displayed by the pupils. We thank Fr Reu and Fr. Dan Kelly for their ministry during this time.
Home–School Parish Mass: One of the most uplifting moments of the Advent season was our final Home–School Parish Mass of the year. Staff, students, and families gathered together in prayer, filling the church with warmth and reverence. Students participated in every part of the liturgy—reading with confidence, singing with joy, and altar serving with devotion. The Mass offered a beautiful opportunity for the school community to come together as one family of faith.
Praying the Angelus: Throughout Advent, our whole school has embraced the beautiful tradition of praying the Angelus together each day. At the sound of the bell, classrooms pause, students bow their heads, and a moment of prayer weaves its way through the building. This simple practice invites us to remember the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary — a message of courage, openness, and trust in God’s plan. For many students, this daily pause has become a cherished part of the school day, offering space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper meaning of Advent. It is a tradition that unites us not only as a school, but with the wider Church.
Carol Service Returns to St Antony’s: For the first time in several years, the school joyfully returned to St Antony’s Church for our Christmas Carol Service. The church was filled with students, staff, families, and special guests from St Helen’s and St Antony’s Primary Schools. The evening featured an inspiring blend of Scripture readings, choral performances, instrumental music, and dramatic presentations. Students brought the Advent message to life through their talent, reverence, and enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric — a beautiful mixture of awe, joy, and celebration. It was a true highlight of our Advent calendar, drawing together different generations of our community in worship and song.
Sharing Joy at Newham Hospital: One of the most touching moments of our Advent journey was the visit of our school choir to Newham University Hospital. The students brought music, warmth, and Christmas cheer to patients and staff, many of whom face illness or are working long shifts during the festive season. Their carols lifted spirits and filled hospital corridors with hope. Staff expressed deep gratitude, and patients were visibly moved by the kindness of our students. This visit captured the heart of Advent — bringing light where it is most needed.
End-of-Year Advent Liturgy: We concluded the term with a profoundly moving End-of-Year Advent Liturgy, gathering as a whole school to reflect on the blessings of the year. The celebration included Scripture readings, communal prayer, and uplifting music led by our talented student and staff choirs. Awards were presented to recognise excellence, character, and contribution throughout the term. The liturgy captured the essence of Advent — hope, gratitude, and joyful expectation — and left our school community united and inspired as we look forward to the new year.
Fr. Casey Cole
He is also known for his work in evangelisation and catechesis, using social media, videos, and writing to reach people. He has authored books such as "Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship".
Franciscan Christmas Prayer
that, as we are bathed in the new radiance of your Incarnate Word,
the light of faith, which illumines our minds,
may also shine through in our deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Contact Us
Email: info@stbons.org
Website: https://www.stbons.org/
Location: Boleyn Rd, London E7 9QD, UK
Phone: 020 8472 3844