St Bonaventure's

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of our first half term, it provides a welcome opportunity to reflect on what has been another busy and rewarding few weeks at St Bonaventure’s. School life continues to be enriched by the many opportunities our pupils have to learn, grow and develop, both in and beyond the classroom.

I am delighted by how well our Year 7 and Year 12 pupils have settled into school life. They have embraced our school’s virtues and ethos with great enthusiasm, and it has been wonderful to see them becoming such a positive part of our community. I hope they feel proud of all they have achieved in their first half term and look forward to seeing them continue to flourish as they grow in confidence and deepen their sense of belonging to St Bonaventure’s.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. The strength of our school community depends on the close relationships we share between home, school and parish. We are grateful for all that you do to support us.

As we look ahead, we have another action-packed half term to anticipate. In particular, we will begin preparing for our annual Advent charity fundraising activities, which provide a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to put their faith into practice and demonstrate our commitment to helping those who are less fortunate.

Before then, I hope that all our pupils, families and staff enjoy a well-earned and restful half-term break. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, recharge their batteries and return ready for the opportunities and challenges of the weeks ahead.

Finally, I ask that you keep Pope Leo in your prayers at this time, following the recent concerns about his health. As a Catholic community, we pray for his well being, strength and recovery, We ask the Lord to guide and sustain him in his leadership and to bring him comfort and peace.

I wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable half-term break and look forward to welcoming our pupils back for what promises to be another exciting and purposeful half term at St Bonaventure’s.

God Bless

Mr C McCormack

We are proud and excited to announce that our school will celebrate its 150th anniversary on 15 July 2027.

For 150 years, generations of students, staff, families and friends have helped shape our school and the community around us. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate our proud history, remember those who have gone before us, and cherish the generations of St Bon’s students who have gone on to make their mark in their respective fields.

To mark this special occasion, we are planning a number of events throughout the year. Please visit our 150th Anniversary page for more information.

Young Achiever Award

Our student, Maahir, was recently honoured with a Young Achiever Award at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, in recognition of his creativity and achievements.

We are incredibly proud of Maahir and look forward to celebrating another exciting milestone in December, when he is expected to receive further recognition connected with the London Book of World Records.

Meeting with Archbishop of Westminster

We are incredibly proud of our student Dylan, who represented our school as part of a delegation of young people with Citizens UK during a special meeting with The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster.

The visit gave Dylan the opportunity to meet the Archbishop and connect with other young people from across the country. Dylan also presented the San Damiano Cross, a powerful symbol of our Franciscan identity.

School Photo

Our entire school community, including governors, students and staff recently came together for a special group photograph ahead of the start of our 150th anniversary celebrations.

The photograph is now available to view and order via the link. When placing your order, please include your full name to help us distribute the photographs, as all orders will be delivered to the school. Order by 6 November to avoid postage and packaging charges.

Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament

Six of our Year 12 students, including Mia, Sofia, Callan, Ayman, Caleb and Naod, attended the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament at the House of Commons on Thursday 15 October.

The event brought together young representatives from across the UK for a debate on disability rights, giving children the opportunity to share their perspectives and engage with an issue that affects so many lives. We are proud of our students for taking part in this meaningful event, promoting inclusion, equality and the importance of ensuring every voice is heard.

Self-Portrayed Photographs

Our Year 11 students have been producing some outstanding layered biro studies using their own self-portrait photographs. The level of detail, creativity and skill in these pieces is fantastic.

Their artwork was also proudly on display during our Year 6 Open Evening, giving prospective students and families a glimpse of the creativity happening in our Art department. A brilliant showcase of talent from our young artists.

Year 12 Trip to Aylesford

Our Year 12 students kicked off the academic year with a special trip to Aylesford. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to get to know each other, make new connections and build excitement for the start of a new chapter.

The trip gave everyone a chance to strengthen friendships, and create lasting memories as they begin their A-Level journey together.

Creative 3D Models

Archie, our Year 7 student, has impressed staff with his amazing 3D models, spending his evenings designing and creating unique items for friends and colleagues.

He is already thinking about taking things to the next level by setting up his own small business. We can’t wait to see where his creativity takes him. Keep up the fantastic work, Archie.

BBC Bitesize

Our Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting experience with BBC Bitesize. Our students explored new ideas, engaged with learning and took part in an experience designed to inspire their curiosity and creativity.

It was a fantastic opportunity to bring learning to life, encourage students to explore new perspectives and create memorable experiences beyond the classroom.

Year 11 Curriculum Evening

We held our Year 11 Curriculum Evening, giving students and their families the opportunity to learn more about the year ahead, GCSE expectations and the support available as students work towards their final examinations.

Great to see the students engaging positively with the evening and thinking carefully about the steps they can take to achieve their goals.

New Academic Year School Masses

We began the new academic year by gathering as a school community to celebrate Mass, placing Christ at the centre of all that we do. These celebrations offered an opportunity for pupils and staff to reflect on the year ahead, give thanks for new beginnings, and pray for God's guidance. Through prayer, music and the Eucharist, we were reminded of our shared mission to grow together in faith, hope and love.

St Francis Drop Down Day for Year 7

To mark the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, our Year 7 pupils took part in a special day exploring the life, values and legacy of our school's patron saint. Through a range of activities and reflections, pupils were encouraged to consider what it means to live out the Franciscan values of humility, compassion, peace and care for creation. It offered a meaningful opportunity for our newest pupils to deepen their understanding of the school's Catholic and Franciscan identity, as well as the celebration of Mass at the end of the day.

Family Fast Day

Our school community came together in solidarity with those experiencing poverty and hunger around the world through CAFOD's Family Fast Day. Pupils were encouraged to reflect on the inequalities faced by our global neighbours and consider how small acts of sacrifice, generosity and compassion can make a meaningful difference. This initiative reminded us of our responsibility to put faith into action and uphold the dignity of every human person.

Reconciliation & Adoration

Continuing an initiative started last academic year, based on a request from students, on the first Thursday of each month, pupils are offered opportunities to deepen their personal relationship with God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration. These moments of stillness, prayer and reflection provide a welcome opportunity to step away from the busyness of school life, encounter Christ's presence, and experience God's mercy, forgiveness and peace.

TELCO/Citizens UK: Meeting with Archbishop Richard Moth

As part of our ongoing commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and community organising, representatives from our school engaged with Citizens UK and Archbishop Richard Moth, the Archbishop of Southwark. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore how Catholic schools, parishes and community organisations can work together to address social injustices and advocate for the common good. It was an important reminder that our faith calls us not only to prayer, but also to meaningful action in service of others.

TELCO/Citizens UK: National Youth Leadership Team

One of our pupil representatives has taken up the role to co-chair this new committee; a new initiative built by a team of young people at a national level, with the aim of coordinating the voices of their generation from across the UK in a way that offers meaningful engagement with present-day politics, in particular with the lead-up to the 2029 general election.

Year 11 Student Leadership Conference

Our Year 11 pupils had the opportunity to explore the meaning of authentic leadership and the positive influence they can have within their school and wider community. Drawing inspiration from the example of Christ's servant leadership, the conference encouraged pupils to reflect on their responsibilities as role models and consider how their gifts and talents can be used in service of others. The experience challenged pupils to lead with integrity, courage, compassion and a commitment to making a difference.

IGNITE 2026

We look forward to IGNITE 2026 - Saturday 21 November, an exciting celebration of faith, fellowship and young talent across the Newham Deanery. Hosted at St Antony's Parish, this year's event will place a special emphasis on showcasing the creativity and gifts of young people from our local Catholic schools and parishes. Through music, performances and shared celebration, IGNITE aims to strengthen connections between our communities and inspire young people to recognise their unique gifts and their place within the wider Church. All are invited! Stay tuned for communications about this event.

Ahead of our Year 6 Open Evening earlier this month, we asked our Year 8 and Year 9 student ambassadors a simple question: “If a Year 6 student asked you, ‘What is St Bon’s really like?’, what would you tell them?”

Their answers offer a genuine insight into life at St Bon’s, from the supportive teachers and strong friendships to our proud traditions, Catholic values and commitment to helping every student achieve their best. Here’s what they had to say:

Faijan – Year 9: “St Bon’s is a welcoming, supportive place where teachers push you to succeed and everyone feels like family.”

Ibrahim – Year 9: “St Bon’s is a welcoming and proud school with a lot of tradition. The rules are strict because the teachers want the best for us, but it pays off because everyone works together to do well. If you work hard, respect others, and get involved in school life, you will absolutely love your time here.”

Bilal – Year 9: “St Bon’s is a school built on kindness, where students help each other and everyone learns in a safe community while following the virtues.”

Aarav – Year 9: “St Bon’s is an amazing school. You’re going to love it here, and you’re also going to make great new friends.”

Francis – Year 9: “It’s a school where you can connect with everyone, even the teachers, and where you feel safe.”

Abdul Rahman – Year 9: “It’s a brilliant environment where teachers support you and help you get the best out of yourself.”

Jaineel – Year 9: “St Bon’s is a great school with a lot of academic success and committed, caring students and teachers.”

Join us for our 6th Form Open Evening on Thursday 28th of January 2027 at 6pm.

Come and visit our vibrant 6th form, meet with our friendly teachers, and discover why we are recognised as one of the leading academic and vocational Sixth Forms in the London Borough of Newham.

In 2026, two-thirds of our students received A* to B grades, with 80% of all our subjects in the top quarter for progress, continuing a tradition of high achievement and success. Many students also progressed to leading Russell Group universities, including UCL, York, Warwick, Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham, while others have secured places on competitive degree apprenticeships, opening the door to various future careers and reflecting a range of different successes.

To attend, kindly complete the form below. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Monday, 9 November⋅4:15 – 6:15pm: Year 13 Parents' Evening
Friday, 13 November⋅1:30 – 3:30pm: Provisional Sponsored Walk
Thursday, 10 December·4:15 – 6:15pm: Year 9 Parents' Evening
Wednesday, 16 December: CAFOD Non Uniform Day
Wednesday, 16 December·2:15 – 5:15pm: 6th Form Talent Show
Friday, 18 December·11:00am – 12:30pm: Advent Liturgy in St Antony's Church

Please save the date for our next Parental Connect event on Tuesday 17th November 5.00pm–6.35pm

This will be a practical information evening led by senior staff, and is suitable for parents and carers of students in all year groups. The evening will include short sessions on study skills, online safety and appropriate language, reading, and routines and resilience.

We are pleased to share the latest information from Newham Best Start Family Hubs for October to December 2026.

The brochure brings together free support for families from pregnancy to age 2, including baby feeding cafés, Welcome to the World sessions, parenting courses and childcare support. The timetable sets out activities across our Family Hubs and Children's Centres this term.

We would be grateful if you could share both with families through your usual communication channels, such as newsletters, parent apps or noticeboards. Families can find more information, including individual Children's Centre timetables, on our Best Start Family Hubs website.

If you have any questions, please contact familyhub@newham.gov.uk or call 020 3373 2555.

Our school community continues to keep Pope Leo XIV in our daily prayers as he recovers from his recent surgery. We wish him a speedy and full recovery, praying that God grants him strength, healing and renewed health as he continues his mission of faith, service and leadership within the Catholic Church.

May the Lord watch over Pope Leo XIV, surround him with His love and mercy, and bring him comfort and strength in the days ahead. We unite our prayers with Catholics around the world, asking for God's healing grace and continued blessings upon our Holy Father.

St Bonaventure's