A photocall in the Sports Hall this morning was called for our eight new Sports Captains when badges were distributed and their duties laid out for them.

The Year 11 boys were named as Kasim Aidoo who is Atkinson’s Sports Captain, Anthony Nkpa for Bell, Iuri Barbosa who is Colman’s, Jeffery Njuguna for Forest, Ebube Agu for Gregory, Philip Szcygielski for Heath, Teon Edwards for Wall and Franklyn Agu for Kolbe.

Head of Curriculum for PE, Mr Bartlett, said he had high hopes for the boys and wanted them to become excellent role models for the rest of the school. 

The boys received their badges and promised to support the younger students in their sporting activities throughout the year.

After a morning’s interaction with students and lessons, our German visitors met with Mr Halliwell to bid farewell before leaving for the airport to catch their flight back to Germany.

Miss Hillan said it was a very successful trip with lots of new friendships formed and lots learned.

They had a week packed with interesting events and visited Brighton where they had fish and chips before seeing the Pavilion. A trip to Greenwich Observatory and Greenwich Park was on the agenda as well as a boat trip along the Thames to Westminster Pier where they took in all the famous London sights.

The group were treated to a farewell meal at Pizza Express last night, Wednesday September 27,  and had a great time. Miss Hillan added: “Our students got so much out of the visit and it was fantastic to see them all conversing and learning new things. I’m sure their vocabulary will be all the richer now after this week and it will really help them in their exams.”

Our school has a long history with Kaiserslautern and this exchange has been taking place for many many years. Our students visited the town last September and they were made to feel at home and loved every minute of the visit.

Thanks to Miss Hillan for organising it all and making it such a success.

Here are the official photos from last night’s glittering Jack Petchey Awards Ceremony for Newham Schools at the O2.

Well done to all nine winners and Geography teacher, Mr V.I. who won the Leader’s Award and was there with Ziggy and Mrs Halliwell for picking up a special plaque  for “excellence in operating the scheme”.

It was a lovely evening, attended by our recipients’ families and a proud night for St Bonaventure’s.

Here are some photos capturing the reunion last Thursday, September 14, of our Class of 2017 Presentation Evening which was a wonderful affair with dozens of boys gathering for one last time – The Year 7 new starters of September 2012 and now the 2017 leavers.

Most boys have stayed on to continue their studies in our 6th Form but some came back from other 6th Form providers for the evening and it was lovely to see them all again.

Former Headboy Ashley Singh came back to help present prizes and certificates as our Guest of Honour and we would like to thank him for his time.

This Thursday, September 14, last Year’s Year 11 students – the Class of 2017 – are invited back to school for the annual Presentation Evening which is being held at 5pm in the Sport’s Hall.

It will provide an opportunity for the boys who sat their GCSEs this summer to get together and celebrate their achievments as well as each student being presented with a graduation certificate.

Lots of students have stayed in St Bon’s 6th Form to continue their studies but others who have gone on to other 6th Form establishments will be returning for the evening.

One last Form photo with their Form teachers will be taken.

Parents are invited to come along also and share in the occasion. Two guests per student are allowed. Refreshments will be provided.

The Guest of Honour, Former Headboy,  Ashley Singh, will present prizes and certificates.

Please reply to Ms Norman as soon as possible to confirm your attendance on s.norman@stbons.org.

Students are reminded that although the weather has turned colder they are not  yet allowed to wear the official black woolly St Bon’s hat until we return to school after the October half term holiday.

The hats will be available to buy from school Reception after October and they cost £3. 50. We have lots in stock so don’t panic.

No other hats are suitable and students seen wearing another non-uniform hat will be told to take it off and it could be confiscated.

Parents are asked to work with us and ensure their son has the correct hat and understand this rule.

This morning 170 new students joined our Year 12 as fully fledged 6th Formers all keen to start their chosen courses.

They gathered in St Francis’ Hall and were welcomed into school and addressed by Headteacher, Mr Halliwell, and Director of 6th Form, Wayne Templeman.

Guest speaker, Psychology expert, Elsa Corr, spoke to the group about Growth Mindset Training and  gave them pointers on how to succeed in the 6th Form and tailor their studying to the more difficult higher exams.

The students all looked incredibly smart and ready for the new chapter in their lives.

Tomorrow, Thursday September 7, they are going on retreat to South Weald in Essex for ‘The Big Hello’ which is a ‘getting to know you’ exercise with some prayer and fun thrown in with a range of activities  on the cards for them. This is traditionally a very useful day that past students say was a real ice breaker. 

Watch out for photos on Facebook and Twitter of tomorrow’s events.

One thing remains to be said at the is: “Welcome to St Bon’s.”

The Tempest team of photographers are in school this week to capture our Years 7, 9 and 11 boys and a last group photo of the Year 11 students.

Yesterday the Year 11 boys were photographed and the photos will soon be available for parents to buy.

Watch out for your son bringing information home. They are lovely keepsakes to cherish over the years.

Wow!…it’s only 6 weeks since we last saw him but school therapy pet, Australian Labradoodle,  Ziggy, has grown really big and looks very grown up.

His metamorphasis has really shocked boys and staff at school today with many gasping at his appearance and calm demeanour.

Some things never change, though, and everyone was pleased to see him and looking forward to the start of the new academic year with their furry friend alongside them.