Headteacher, Mr McCormack, wants to remind parents and carers that they have until close of school tomorrow, the 31st, to submit applications for the new Year 7 September 2020 intake.

Lots of applications have already come in which is fantastic.

School is usually closed for the half term holiday during this time but this year the holiday was slightly earlier which means school is open to receive applications if parents want to come in and hand them in the Reception personally.

There is still time.

We look forward to receiving them.

God bless.

Staff from St Antony’s Primary School joined our staff and Mr McCormack at the end of the school day today at a special mass for Baptista that was held in St Francis’ Hall in school.

Father Bob and Father James concelebrated the emotional mass and prayed for Baptista and his distraught family.

The whole community is grieving but the mass was a fitting way to remember such a loved student whose life touched so many.

Eternal rest grant onto him Oh Lord.

This lunchtime, Wednesday, October 16,  Miss Warren’s talented musicians put on an autumn showcase of performances involving a range of pupils including the newly formed string group, talented Year 12s and Denis the virtuoso Year 7 Pianist.

The students have been practising for weeks to put this together and it was beautiful and very moving.

Staff and students went along to watch in Cardinal Manning Hall where a photo of Baptista and remembrance book is located.

Throughout the event they kept Baptista in their thoughts as everyone in school struggles to try and come to terms with his senseless death.

St Bonaventure pray for him and his family always.

Year 11 History students visited The Science Museum in Kensington yesterday, October 9 to attend an exhibition called ‘Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security.’

The exhibition provided an insight into security techniques used in the Cold War.

The exhibition coincides with the 100th anniversary of GCHQ, the UK’s Intelligence, Security and Cyber agency.

They got to explore the story of Alan Turing and the team of Bletchley Park codebreakers who broke the Enigma code in 1941. There was a chance to uncover spy-craft from 1960’s Cold War espionage and challenge their friends by becoming  codebreakers in an interactive puzzle zone.

Students really enjoyed this trip and the range of artefacts, exhibits and interactive activities and one student, Leonardo Martin, added: “This trip really benefited my studies as I was able to see how espionage developed during the Cold War”.  

Another pupil, Brogan Cordice, commented: “Cracking the code was a challenge but lots of fun; it makes you realise why security is so important”.  

It sounds like they had a fantastic insight into the world of spies, secrets, espionage and intrigue and not a sign of 007 or Moneypenny anywhere.

Philip Clarke from the Gideons organisation came in to hand out the pocket-sized new testaments to `Year 7 boys at assembly today, September 19.

This happens each year at St Bonaventure’s and the students treasure their red Gideons and carry them in their blazer top pockets throughout their schooldays.

Thank you Philip for coming in today.

Our Director of 6th Form, Mr Templeman, has had a fantastic start to the academic year with Year 12 students taking part in an Outward Bound Induction Day to remember last week.

The bonding exercise was a novel way of getting to know each other a little better.

The students went to the picturesque Fairlop Waters and participated in AquaBounce but first they all met up and walked through West Ham Park together before catching the Central Line.

They got absolutely soaked at AquaBounce and had loads of fun. It was a brilliant way to integrate and make new friends as well.

“It was a perfect start to the year and I don’t think we could have chosen a better way to break the ice and get them out of their comfort zones by having fun with their new friends” concluded Mr Templeman.

The Big Hello was a huge hit by the sound of things.

Welcome to St Bonaventure’s and good luck in your studies Year 12.

Last night, Wednesday September 4, Year 13 A Level stident, 17 year old Immanuell Raja, was awarded a certificate and prize for his entry into the inaugural St Mary’s University in Twickenham’a A Level Theology Essay Competition.

With nearly 100 entries from all over England and Wales, Immanuell’s response to the question, ‘Philosophical arguments for the existence of God cannot alone lead to belief in God – Discuss’, was given an “honourable mention” as he was awarded a strong second prize.

Immanuel wrote the essay based on his Year 12 RS studies and impressed the judges who were all St Mary’s lecturers and professors.

At the awards, Immanuell was put on the spot by Cardinal Vincent Nichols who wanted to know his conclusions to the burning question. Immanuel explained that he felt that philosophical arguments were useful, but are not enough on their own – something the Cardinal agreed with he admitted.

After the awards, the Cardinal left the ceremony with a copy of Immanuell’s essay which he said he would read on his way home.

Mr Lewis attended the awards with Immanuel and his family in his supportive role and was extremely proud to be there. Immanuel’s mum was thrilled to meet the Cardinal too.

Immanuel wants to study Law or Theology and is considering going to St Mary’s.

His prize was a book token.

What a perfect start to his Year 13 studies.

Eight priests came to con-celebrate at the thanksgiving and farewell mass for Headteacher Paul Halliwell yesterday, July 10, to thank him for his nine years at St Bonaventure’s.

It was a fitting tribute to Mr Halliwell who was very moved by the beautiful sermon by the Right Reverend Monsignor John Armitage and his favourite hymns that were sung with gusto including the magnificent school hymn that was introduced two years ago.

The choir sang ‘Remember Me’ from the film Coco that Ms Warren had adapted specially for Mr Halliwell which was very moving.

Readings and bidding prayers were read by students with Headboy Rishi Patel leading prayers. Chair of Governors, Tim Campbell, did a reading too.

The staff choir performed  The Irish Blessing, May The Road Rise To Meet You which that had been practising secretly for weeks.

It was a lovely tribute to a successful nine years Headship and Mr Halliwell wanted me to pass on his thanks to all staff, students, governors and parents who have shown him love and support during his time at St Bonaventure’s and especially during these last few days when he has been inundated with well wishes, cards and gifts.

He will miss you all.

God bless.

Our lovely Mr Fouabi won The Golden Apple Teacher Award at our special Awards’ Assembly and Liturgy on Friday, July 5.

He was nominated by the students and was very pleased to receive the award.

Mr Fleming received the runner-up award.

Mr Owusu-Nyarko was third.

Year 10 student Thomas Marques received the Servus Deus badge.

Ms Inga-Valdiviezo was given the staff Servus Deues accolade.