The Thorpe park trip has become an annual event in the St Mary’s calendar and always proves to be a great day out for the students. This year the students enjoyed some fantastic weather and although the park was busy many were able to try out the new rides and the usual favourites. I would like to extend my thanks to all the staff that supported the day and to the students themselves who always make the event such a success.

The College and PTA have organised a fund raising evening with Auctions, Caribbean food, Music, Raffles and Fireworks display starting at 6.30pm on Saturday the 24th April. The event is intended to raise funds for the Brothers schools in Haiti. The Entrance price of £5.00 per adult, £4.00  per child (or £25 for a family ticket/6 persons) is a direct contribution to the appeal. The ticket price includes the Quiz and Fireworks display kindly donated by ‘Paines fireworks’.

There have been many kind donations of items and money for the appeal but the evenings success is reliant upon good attendance.

The devastation in Haiti will necessitate a massive and long term commitment from the international community. The Brothers are able to direct monies to their missions which have long served the Haitian community. They will use all donations to reconstruct both schools and the lives of the communities they serve.

Parents and students can follow the progress of the Senegal mission at:

Parents and staff enjoyed a fantastic display of musical talent last Thursday evening. Students from the College performed an ecletic mix of music in the setting of  ‘The Church of the Immaculate Conception’, Portswood. Monies collected on the evening would be split equally between the two causes. A big thank-you to all those involved and who contributed their time, resources and money. A special thank-you  goes to Brother James for organising the event.

Kristian 'Carbo' Loading

Farewell to Mason

The day started as they boarded the 6.00am Red Funnel to ensure an early start – but unfortunately they had not banked on Mason getting two flat tyres and a broken chain in the first two miles! Mason safely back on the Southampton return ferry the adventure continued, unfortunately it was now nearly 8.00am with a windy and wet 65 miles ahead.

The high wind, hills and wet conditions made the cycle ride far tougher  than they had envisaged. But a good lunch at The Wight Mouse Inn, in Chale restored their resolve and they batted on

Kristian'Carbo' loading.. Again!

Charlie working out the route

finally reaching the ferry at 7.00pm, 10 hours cycling in total. The really impressive aspect of this quest was that the boys instigated and organised the whole thing them selves.

Finally home and ready for a long bath.

If you would like to make a contribution to help with this worthy cause please contact brother James (bro_james@lamennais.org) as all funds will be gratefully received.

Students at the College celebrate a late Ash Wednesday with a service recalling our faults and making promises to try and wash away at least some of them by Easter!

A thank-you goes to Fr Michael for leading the service, Brother James for providing the Music and every member of Form 7 who captured the spirit of the occasion through their readings and actions.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory   -Office 2007

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory  – Office 2003

http://www.ceop.gov.uk/

15^th January 2010

Dear Parents

We have had a start-stop opening to 2010 and to the new school term with the snow experience  dictating matters for us at the top of Midanbury. Your excellent cooperation in using the one way system for entering and leaving the grounds greatly helped the smooth flow of traffic during these snow days.

You are invited to a Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 27^th January at 7.30pm in the College Dining Room. There will be a presentation on Internet Safety and Cyber bullying, led by Mrs L White of Hampshire Police. Light refreshments will be provided on arrival.

Yesterday the Summer 2009 GCSE results were made public. It was pleasing to see St Mary’s at the head of Southampton schools for ‘grade point average’, indicating the breadth of subjects we offer. In the whole of Hampshire St Mary’s was second. This is good information to help recruitment  and we hope  Year 11 this year will maintain these levels. Please see SMC-CH blog.(www.stmaryscollege.co.uk/blog)

Year 11 will be going to Sénégal at Easter to work and exchange with Brothers’ schools and with others. Fund raising  efforts this term will go towards the Sénégal venture at Easter. I would ask you to remember the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Brothers have several schools here and the little information available indicates that up to five of our schools have been badly damaged by the earthquake and we know very little yet of pupils, Brothers and teachers in what is the  poorest area in the western hemisphere. We do know that two Brothers have died in the earthquake and two more are very seriously injured.. Your prayers would be a great consolation for the people of Haiti, especially in  Port-au-Prince.

May this year 2010 be rewarding for all in the many directions and experiences that make up our lives.

 Bro Francis

 P.S. Snow Days. We will be returning to normal standards for uniform and footwear on Monday, 18^th January. Your support to enforce high standards is greatly appreciated.

Information will continue to be displayed on the St Mary’s-Charlton Blog, as will this letter. Please continue to consult this as we noticed how effective the blog has been to keep you all informed quickly.