The School Council met for the first time this academic year. They were formally introduced to the new prefect body and the Head and Deputy Head students. Although the frequency of the meetings will be reduced this year it is hoped that students can bring items for discussion that affect their lives at the College. This term is dominated by the National Anti-bullying campaign. The school has already themed all assemblies to raise the profile of this issue. The council were asked to consider ways that the students could help. I was impressed with the range of ideas that were forthcoming, competitions, using posters, poetry and drama productions. Siobhan Stevenson, the Head of the pastoral prefect team has offered to produce items for the school blog and publish a selection of poems written by pupils. I hope to provide a booklet of all students work that can be issued to parents.
The event ends in mid-november and I would appreciate feedback from parents as to wether the messages that we have tried to impart to the students have indeed had that desired effect.
Bullying is an issue that sadly impacts on a significant number of peoples lives and needs to be addressed. Let us all help create an atmosphere of zero tolerance at the school to all its forms so that it can be stamp it out.
A big thank-you goes to the Pastoral Prefect team for their efforts in organising the Buddy party. The students enjoyed a range of activities under the close supervision of the the prefects. The year 7 and 8 responded well and clearly enjoyed the opportunity to get together at the end of this first half term. Money was also raised for the year 11 prom through cake sales, ‘guess the weight of a cake’, and X-Box gaming. I was very impressed with the dancing exhibited by Jack Windebank and the way he managed to engage others do to the same!
The Speech Day remains an essential feature of the College calender and celebrates the success of our students over the previous year. The presentation of Certificates and trophies was made by Professor Anthony Dickenson, a former student of the College and now a world leader in the study of Neuropharmacology. He commented very positively on the broad range of achievements that were awarded and the outstanding level of academic success the College enjoys. Thanks go to Mrs Owen for Chairing the event this year, Brother Francis for his comprehensive review of the College year and our Head and Deputy Head students (pictured below) for their well read contributions.
Brother Francis receives a cheque for £1000 for the Brothers charitable work in Senegal. Umang Rajbhandari (Head student) and Matthew Tilbury (Deputy Head student) make the presentation with Prof. Dickenson
We are seeking a parent or teacher volunteer to fill the now vacant position of Chair of St Mary’s College Parents’ Association.
Our Parents’ Association is very active in the St Mary’s community and we already have a range of events and activities planned for this year.
Meetings occur on the first Monday of every month and usually only last one hour. The role of Chair is an integral part of the Parents’ Association and, as such, the Chair will be given full support from committee members and parents.
If you think you could fulfil this worthwhile role, or would like further information, please contact Brother Francis or Mr Ralph.
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