SMC staged yet another very successful whole school production last week. A dramatisation of the famous Roald Dahl story – ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ proved to be a lively, entertaining show, enjoyed by the cast and audience alike. Spoilt, selfish youngsters were taught life lessons by the hilarious, yet sinister Oompaloompas, whilst the worthy Charlie Bucket shone through to win the prize of becoming the owner of Willie Wonka’s wonderful chocolate factory.

Many thanks go to cast and crew who worked hard over the past months to put on a production of the usual professional standard expected by our audiences. Thanks also to our amazing costume designers, Mrs Ingram and Mrs O’Donovan, who surely went over and above the call of duty to produce such interesting and colourful outfits. Thank you to our artistic make-up ladies – Mrs Vanderveldt, Mrs Gallagher and Ms McGarigle. Oompaloompas would surely like to thank Mrs Long for her time given to rehearsing their entertaining dance routine.

Finally, special thanks to the best Sunday Morning Clear Up Crew ever! Too many of you to mention here, but Dr K and Mrs Hyde are very, very grateful! This year we had parents and even a student who was not even involved in the production – dedication indeed!

Kristian 'Carbo' Loading

Farewell to Maison

The day started as they boarded the 6.00am Red Funnel to ensure an early start – but unfortunately they had not banked on Maison getting two flat tyres and a broken chain in the first two miles! Maison 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.

For World Book Day some students have been writing reviews for books that they have read recently. These have been placed around the school and hopefully these lively and colourful displays will encourage other students to read the books!  Year 7 students have also brought in books from home which they have enjoyed. These have been shared with the class and some borrowing of books has taken place! Joel Palmer is very happy that Mrs Hyde’s one copy of Percy Jackson is now available for him to borrow! All students received their book token, which can be exchanged for a free book!

‘Unbelievable’ by Paul Jennings

This book is packed full of short stories that can be funny, strange, and unbelievable!  Perfect for readers from 8-12 years old.  As usual Paul Jennings adds fantastic twists at the end of the stories. I would definitely recommend this book.

Sam Douglas Form 8a

‘Unbelievable’ – Paul Jennings

This is a book of short stories, all with an interesting twist at the end. My favourite is ‘Pink Boutique’. It is a sort of flashback with age changing! I liked the book because you never know what is going to happen next! I suggest you read it for yourself.

Bertie White Form 8a

‘The Day of the Triffids’ by John Wyndham

This book is a Sci-Fi adventure story about the survival of a group of people after a meteor storm. The storm has blinded everyone in the world who watched it. Triffids break free and start to devour people! Will the human beings win their fight for survival???

Tash Howells Form 8a

‘Once’ by Morris Gleitzman

Once is a very interesting book about a Polish Jewish child in the Second World War.  The different thing about this book is that the child doesn’t know that the Nazis are killing the Jews, so it is his take on what is going on. The best way to enjoy this book is to know a little about the history. Be prepared to get the tissues out! Ericka Heron Form 8

Once by Morris Gleitzman

When I read this book, I thought it was interesting and fascinating. It was extremely hard to put down because events were constantly happening. It is about the sad life of a Jewish boy in the Second World War. I learnt a few things about the war. I would definitely read this again!

Danielle Windebank  Form 8

‘The Dare Game’ – Jacqueline Wilson

The Dare Game is a good book about a girl called Tracy Beaker. She thinks she is going to live happily ever after with her foster mother, but it doesn’t turn out like that! Tracy meets friends who play dare games and this is where the story begins…I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Siontai Gordon – Form 8 

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ by Jeff Kinney

This book is written by Jeff Kinney and is perfect for children, full of different adventures and whacky cartoons. Greg is always getting into trouble with his friend Rowley, while his little brother gets attention from their parents. It is simply unputdownable! Why not read his other books?

Saschca Lewis – Form 8a

‘I know what you did last Wednesday!’ By Anthony Horrowitz

The story is about two detectives who are brothers. They are the worst detectives in the world! They are called Nick and Tim Diamond. I like the book because it makes you feel like you are there with them all the way through the adventure story.

Matthew Moules Form 8a

‘How to Train your Dragon’ by Cressida Cowell

This is a book about a young Viking boy whose dad is leader of the tribe. For Hiccup, the young boy to get his dragon, he must first go on a dangerous adventure. He doesn’t exactly get the dragon he was expecting!! I think this book is a great story for people who like adventures or funny names!

Asad Siddiqui – Form7a

Simon Dredge was selected for the U13 Cross Country teams ( 12 boys, 12 girls ) to represent Hampshire & IOW early this year. The U13 Hampshire boys’ team were successful and have got through to the National Sports Hall Finals which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday 18^th April.  He is also taking part in the Hampshire Sports Hall Competition in Portsmouth on Sunday 14^th March and has been invited to attend a Hampshire & Isle of Wight County Coaching day at Winchester on the 27^th March to prepare for the finals in Birmingham. Simon trains during the winter each Wednesday with ‘Team Southampton’ of which he is a member and trains at the Sports Centre on Tuesday and Thursday evening from Easter to September. He also is  taking part in competitions representing ‘Team Southampton’.

Once again I am very pleased to be able to share with the College Community details regarding the success of our students. If other parents would like to provide me with pictures and details of their childs activities, sporting or otherwise I am happy to produce a regular ‘pupil focus’ spot on the blog.

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.

Examination Timetable  – Office 2003

Examination Timetable - Office 2007

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory   -Office 2007

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory  – Office 2003

Although not the Channel 4 version, the students in Year 11 managed for the second time in a year to produce a very respectable range of dishes to serve both staff and students. The monies raised this year will be contibuting to the growing Prom fund for the Year 11. A big thank-you and well done to all those involved. A special thank-you goes to Gill Kensit (Catering Manager) for supervising and allowing the students access to the Kitchen.

Images courtesy of Fr Michael.