The Ronian ISSUE 55 - Autumn 2013
Inside:
Cinders • Autumn Fayre • Paradise Farm • Michaelmas Concert • Alumni
w w w. s a i n t r o n a n s . c o . u k
The Headmaster writes...
The Friends of Saint Ronan’s (FOR) have been particularly busy this term. Their focus was, of course, the 130th Anniversary Ball which was a sell-out evening and enormous fun. Lots of funds were raised, too, for the much needed Astro Pitch and we are hugely grateful to the great number of auction lot donors and the courageous bidders. FOR were instrumental in welcoming new families through a series of breakfasts after morning ‘drop off’. They also auctioned off the ‘premier cru’ of the first twenty pots of honey from the newly installed and populated hives. Beyond this they ‘manned’ stalls at both Bonfire
An enormous amount has happened since we re-assembled in early September and other families joined us for the first time.
Night and the Christmas Fayre and mobilised legions of grandparents for the annual tea party in the Great Space. The proceeds of the Fayre will go to the Chapel Court project.
The list of the children’s achievements this term stretch as far as you can reach and the School has been a happy and busy place, with lots of laughter as ever. We greatly enjoyed Cinderella, the Nativity plays, the sport, the ‘steam punk’ art, the concerts, the varied Friday evening lectures and services. The exceptionally high praise heaped on us by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Good Schools Guide and the Tatler in October were wonderful endorsements and a great fillip
Fireworks provided by the Friends of Saint Ronan’s at the annual Bonfire
at the start of the new academic year. I am delighted that all our Cranbrook boarding candidates have
Scholarship Artwork
secured places for September and wish the rest of Year 8 ‘happy hunting’ as they prepare for their entry papers to senior schools. We have our largest ever field of scholarship candidates, with awards being attempted either across the range of academic subjects or in one of the six co-curricular disciplines (Music, Art, Sport, Drama, and, for the first time, IT and DT). There has been plenty for our alumni this term. High on the list has been the creation of a digital archive of the school magazines from 1889 and the beginnings of a photographic archive too. Both of these can be accessed via the Alumni
Kitty Allinson
pages on the School’s website. As word gets round the Alumni, there has also been a growing interest in our plans for ‘Chapel Court’. Thanks to the successes of the Ball, momentum is also building for the Astro Pitch, of which more next term. I join with all the staff in wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Sophie Butt
2
In this issue...
e Night
Autumn Fayre
4
Mr & Mrs Vassar-Smith
4
Astro Appeal
5
Matthew Bryan
5
Michaelmas Concert
6
The Oldies are the Goodies
6
Saint Ronan’s Girls on course to change the world
7
This term in... Selden
7
Paradise Farm
8
NPP Nativities
9
Inspection
9
Boarding & The Voice
10
Remove Geography Fieldwork
11
House Shout
11
Class 3 trip to Biddenden Vineyard
11
Autumn Term Prizes
12
Music Masterclass with Louise Winter
13
Hands on Science for Upper
13
Hymn for Saint Ronan’s
14
The School in the Community
15
NPP Science Day
15
Cinders
16
Music Masterclasses
17
Alumni
18-21
Sport
22-24
Coming up... Next Term
Savannah Knatchbull
Class 4 trip to Rye
21st Jan
Midway trips to Tun Wells Mosque
22nd-23rd Jan
Evensong
24th Jan
Musical Breakfast - The Voice
4th Feb
Musical breakfast - The Violin
6th Feb
Children’s Burns Night
6th Feb
Y7&8 girls Surrey Storm netball trip
10th Feb
Valentine’s Day Concert
14th Feb
Year 2 trip to Bodiam Castle
25th Feb
Musical Breakfast - The Guitar
27th Feb
Receptiun trip to Pizza Express
4th Mar
Evensong
7th Mar
Upper trip to Canterbury
13th Mar
Informal Concert
14th Mar
Brodie Shield
15th Mar
Year 2 trip to Silcocks Farm
18th Mar
Class 3 trip to Painted House, Dover
18th Mar
Shell trip to Penshurst Place
19th Mar
Year 1 trip to Headcorn Aerodrome
20th Mar
Bugsy Malone
26th/27th Mar
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Autumn Fayre raises funds for Chapel Court Memorial Garden Centrepiece It is always with apprehension that I look at the weather forecast before the Autumn Fayre but fortunately the weather did not let us down! The morning of the Fayre is always full of excitement, with many stalls dotted around, from 'Guess the Weight', the tombola, the cycle assault course to the ever-popular food stall. This year the candy floss was a great success, as well as Remove GV's crepes (pancakes to you and me!) A school piglet did not look out of place in front of the Farm stall but it was felt that Alpaca racing, though entertaining, might be a step too far! As the morning progressed the sugar levels soared, as did our funds. The Student Council have this year chosen to donate the funds raised (an amazing £1,650) towards a centrepiece for the Memorial Garden as part of the 'Chapel Court’ project, to augment the other monies we hope to raise when the Appeal is launched in the Spring.
Mr and Mrs Vassar-Smith I would like to take this opportunity to thank the pupils and staff for their best wishes, cards and other gifts on the occasion of my wedding just before half term. And well done my sneaky fellow teachers for getting the huge card done (and the little ones done by pupils) without me finding out! I’ll have to keep a closer eye on you lot. The day itself started rather damp and by the end of nine holes at Rye things had got worse, having been beaten by Mr Clarke at golf, a sport he indulges in once every seven years. Luckily, as we strolled up to St. Mary’s, Rye, at around 3pm, the weather had improved and remained dry for rest of the day.
reception in the Great Space was wonderful. The maintenance department and Katie Wyatt had done a
The service was excellent and greatly enhanced by the choir
wonderful job getting the room ready so soon after school had
of mainly Saint Ronan’s pupils who performed magnificently
paused for Half Term. If only I could say the same about my
under the careful guidance of Mr Pape and Aaron Keith. The
first dance. I’m sure one of the pages scored it as a 6 on his
congregation was most impressed and thank you to the Choir
‘Strictly’ dance paddle and only turned it upside down to be a 9
for giving up some of your Half Term to be there. The
when he saw the bride’s crestfallen face!
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A picture says it all In October, children from all age groups in the School were
the proposed Astro pitch. The plan is to build more
involved in a photo-shoot for the forthcoming Astro Pitch
momentum and then formally launch the Appeal in the Spring,
Appeal. Tim Fox, Head of Games, said, ‘In our mind’s eye, we
working towards a deadline of Founder’s Day 2014. Thanks
had the image we wanted and we explained this to the
to the Ball and early pledges of support, the target has already
children. They all know how important this project is for the
reduced from £350,000 to £292,000.
School, so they really enjoyed being able to help. It took some setting up, but they were real pros and incredibly patient.’
The Headmaster says, ‘Raising the funds for the Founder’s Hall back in 2008 gave us confidence but we are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. We’re going to tackle this
The School is currently in the ‘quiet phase’ of the Appeal for
appeal with true Saint Ronan’s energy and style.’
Some Varsity News Some news filters back to us and we are always keen to hear
Olivia Honychurch (King's, Canterbury) - Classics at Trinity
more. In the mean time, we congratulate the following Old
Hall, Cambridge
Ronians on their success:
Michelle Faure (Tonbridge Girls Grammar) – Experimental Psychology at Queen’s College, Oxford
Oxbridge Lucy Bates (Sevenoaks) - Biomedical Sciences at St Hughes’ College, Oxford.
William Brown (Tonbridge)- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Churchill College Cambridge Medicine
Luca Bertoli-Mitchell (Cranbrook) - Modern Languages at Queen's College, Oxford,
Louis Graham-Hart (Tonbridge) – Southampton
Thomas Harris (Eton) – Music at Trinity Hall, Cambridge
George Katis (Cranbrook) – Nottingahm
Hugh Granger (Tonbridge) - Classics at Robinson College, Cambridge
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Michaelmas Concert New this term was a Michaelmas concert given by the Saint
by Tchaikovsky and the orchestral rendition of The Ukrainian
Ronan’s Orchestra. Held right at the end of November, it
Bell Carol was spellbinding. The highlight of the concert was
heralded the Festive season at School with some wonderful
Mozart’s Sleigh Ride, with children from the audience invited
Orchestral pieces and Congregational Carol Singing. The
to play the sleigh bells alongside the orchestra. Hopefully this
Orchestra rose to the challenge of Trepak from the Nutcracker
will become an annual event!
Oldies but goodies... Nursery inspired by Bible stories The children in Nursery listened to stories with their mouths open this term about Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale and David and Goliath. Noah’s Ark inspired discussions about why you could not see God! Why it rains, how rainbows are made and the colours of the rainbow. Every child painted their own, using seven colours and using a new shape called an arc. While reading the story of Jonah we made an amazing whale in our role-play area, which ate children, amongst other things! Thomas Worthington told us his favourite part of the story was ‘the spit bit’ when the whale spat Jonah out onto the shore. Next to our whale the children made their own boats from tin foil and learned why boats and other objects float, while other things sink.
children sympathised with the smaller, braver David and this led to discussions about whether the children had ever been brave. Oli Hinchliffe told us he was brave when ‘I had ouches’
Giants taught us about size and strength and the virtue of
as well as ‘sometimes I wake up at night and think there are
being kind to others, including our enemies! We had fun
monsters there and they won’t go away’! The cross-curricular
drawing around our friends to see who was the tallest and the
opportunities offered by these and many other stories are
shortest and held a ball-throwing competition to find the most
endless and show why they are so important to children’s
powerful. Goliath, we decided, was a bit of a bully. The
learning. Sometimes the old ones are the best....!
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Saint Ronan’s girls on course to change the world Two wonderful initiatives took place this term, instigated by pupils, and then embraced by the school community. Emmy
The term in... SELDEN In a series of four articles, each house will take turns to showcase what they’ve been up to this term.
Shaw, from Remove KK (Year 8), wanted to organise some litter-picking on Water Lane, along the “Think Global Act Local”
Welcome to Selden! We are a fun, sporty and friendly house.
principle. She gave a presentation in Assembly, and several
We greet new Seldies with great care and enthusiasm. At the
volunteers replied: “let’s have a rubbish day!” The date was
start of each New Year we get to know them by going down to
set for Saturday 12th October, when various pupils, parents
the cricket pavilion. All year 8s are introduced, to help the new
and staff donned the obligatory “Hi Vis” jackets and set off to
children know that they’re there for a helping hand. Ice-
patrol the lane, in search of food wrappers, plastic bottles, and
creams are given out and games are played. Sadly this year
the like. They ended up finding more than they had bargained
timing became an issue and the games were cancelled. Last
for, including car tyres! It was a great success; even people
year there were piggy back races, wheelbarrow races (except
driving by smiled at the dedicated crew of luminous children
for some awkward Year 8s wearing skirts!), casual running
doing their bit for the environment!
races and relay races. Our Head of House, Mr Witham, is fun and always has new activities to be done. He explains that he is always there for a chat, even with his busy schedule. House points are discussed during House Assemblies every other Tuesday and prizes are awarded to highest amount of shows/showups + House bear. Last year was very successful with the Grand Prix, the Brodie
At the end of term, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, a younger pupil (Sophie Ford, from Class 4 AW) came up with her own plan to make a difference. She had been moved by the situation in the Philippines, wanted to organise a collection, and suggested a non-uniform day. She knocked on the Headmaster’s door to make her case, and the whole thing was agreed: following a Whole-School Assembly in which a Filipino visiting speaker explained the needs on the ground, all pupils (including in the Pre-Prep) came to school in
Shield, the Bakeoff and the House Poetry competition all won by Selden. Our last House Shout was successful, seeing as we are not normally as prepared (even with our Head of House as a music teacher). Ethan Richardson played amazingly as our individual act. He played ‘Jing-Po Chang Je’, a traditional Chinese piece, on the piano. He’s doing Grade 7 and works super-hard. As a House we sang ‘Linstead Market’, a Jamaican folk song. It included some dodgy dance moves throughout, causing much humour to the rest of the school.
their home clothes on Wednesday 11th December. Over £600 were collected as a result, and donated to the Ilolio Chapter of
As House Captain I was asked to give a presentation to the
the Red Cross.
rest of the house. My topic was hockey, which I’m very passionate about. The next heads of Houses will also be
The school has a strong charitable ethos, so this is not in itself
expected to do this, so they’d better start preparing!
notable. What is more so, and makes us very proud, is that children themselves came up with these ideas. That same
All in all, we are an all-round house which is caring and which
term, in fact, other pupils did some fund-raising of their own –
welcomes newcomers. We are excited about the next lot of
for a charity in Nepal in one case… or by going up a mountain
children coming and our next trip down to the Pavilion.
in a wheelbarrow in another instance! Well done to the pupils concerned, particularly Sophie and Emmy, and to all those
Charlie Chatterton House Captain Autumn 2013
who supported their marvellous projects!
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More than seventy piglets born since June The Farm has continued to grow. We have acquired five male Alpacas named Napoleon (white), Mac (brown), and Isaac, Loma and Liquorice (all black). They were given to us by the Kent family and showed the inquisitive side of their natures early on when they broke into the Sports Hall. The pigs have also done well and over 70 piglets have been born since the end of the Summer Term. Some were sold as weaners and others kept to produce our ever-popular sausages. This year we also experimented successfully with dry cured bacon, which is preserved in salt. We have been given two more chicken pens which are larger than our old ones and in much better condition. New chicks and ducklings have hatched and older hens are laying about a dozen eggs day. Money raised from the sale of the eggs and the pork is being reinvested in the farm, with food being our main cost (over two tonnes being delivered over the Christmas period). As ever Paradise Farm is only possible with the efforts of pupils, parents and staff and we can’t thank you enough for your continued support.
A busy buzzing year In the first year of their arrival the Ronian bees have been hugely successful in many ways. From their arrival in June, which was greeted by the first three beekeepers, to settling them down for the winter, they have kept pupils and Dr K alike busy. Our amateur beekeepers have seen the queen, watched bees lick up honey, seen larvae, realized how heavy honey is and observed bees defend their comb against marauding wasps. They also helped with record keeping and so far no-one has been stung (touch wood). At the end of August we were rewarded with a fantastic honey crop and hopefully next year will be even better.
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Prickly Hay almost stops the perfect Nativity in Busy Bethlehem This year’s nativities provided parents with a real treat as they
changed and he couldn’t understand why. He forgot all about
saw how busy Bethlehem was when Mary and Joseph arrived
organising - could it be because a very special baby was
and how the baby Jesus would have cried all night if he had
about to be born?
stayed on the prickly hay in the stable manger to begin with. The Pre-Prep Nativity told the story of Sam, Susie and Shrew The Nursery and Reception children performed Busy Busy
who were friends working in the stable when Jesus was born.
Bethlehem to a delighted audience. The scene was set in a
They noticed how uncomfortable the hay in the manger was
not just busy but busy, busy, busy Bethlehem. The town was
for the new born baby and replaced it with soft, fresh hay
preparing for the approaching Census day. Watching the
when Mary and Joseph were not looking. After this the baby
excitement and directing the crowds was a little soldier sent to
king was as good as gold as shepherds, wise men and angels
Bethlehem by Caesar Augustus. He loved to organise
came to pay their respects. All the children performed
everybody and thought that nothing could be more important
beautifully with loud, clear voices and wonderful singing. It
than being in charge. So when Mary and Joseph arrived late,
was a perfect end to our week of Christmas celebrations.
the little soldier was initially very cross. But something
A term of close inspection This term we have seen the School scrutinised by three external bodies: the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Good Schools’ Guide (GSG) and Tatler. The ISI gave us five days’ notice of their visit and seven inspectors arrived for a week. They scrutinised everything - the quality of pupils’ achievements and learning, the teaching, the children’s personal development, the curricular and extra-curricular provision, the pastoral care, compliance, governance, community links, boarding and our communication with parents. The list was endless and the process rigorous. At the end of the week, the Inspectors met with the SMT and Governors and read out their findings which, at that stage, were confidential. We achieved an “Excellent” rating in every single category assessed! The ISI team was hotly followed by the GSG assessor. This process took a day, with interviews with staff, parents and children. We were a little anxious what would be written, as the report is very subjective. However, we were pleased and the report is available on our website. The Tatler assessment was earlier in the term. We were re-invited into their Guide, after even closer scrutiny of what we offer and what makes us different. It’s a guide which is notoriously difficult to be selected for, so we were delighted.
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A vocal time in Boarding: Anushka wins The Voice We have welcomed Ronan Shanahan to the Boarding team
Twenty second interview with Ronan Shanahan:
this year. He has been a great addition and is a dab hand at Nobbly Bobbly or Feast: Feast
washing up!
Orange Juice or apple juice: Orange Juice We have had much fun and laughter this term doing The
X-Factor or Strictly: X-Factor
Voice. The first round involved the judges Me-Julie Jessie J,
Book or Film: Book
Kylie Hill and Mr Bright.i.am spinning around to choose their
Rugby or football: Rugby
acts. The second round saw the performers having to choose
One Direction or Bruno Mars: Bruno Mars
from a limited number of songs, before the final seven acts
Continental or full English: Full English
were chosen to perform at The Feast.
Flip flops or sandals: Sandals
This was a wonderful evening, full of entertainment and impressive singing. After watching all the acts perform, the children were asked to vote for their favourite. Congratulations to Anushka Ramyead who was this year’s Star Act. Anushka wins a trip to a recording studio to record her song
Twirl or Kit Kat: Kit Kat Tiger or Crocodile: Crocodile Beach or Swimming pool: Beach Tate Gallery or Natural History museum: Natural History Sean Connery or Daniel Craig: Sean Connery
professionally.
Busy learners in the Forest School
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The First XV rugby squad in action - currently unbeaten!
Getting down and dirty in the ditch: Remove Geography For their Common Entrance fieldwork project Remove pupils investigated downstream changes in our local river system. Using models by Bradshaw and Schumm they created questions such as: 1)
Is the channel wider downstream?
2)
Is the channel deeper downstream?
3)
Does velocity increase downstream?
4)
Does discharge increase downstream?
Pupils worked in teams to collect data that would enable them answer their questions. They were required to state their data collection methods clearly. They then used ICT to create overlaid cross-sections and embedded maps to present their
challenging, exciting and rewarding to be able to
data. Finally they used their geographical understanding to try
independently produce such an extended and sophisticated
to explain the data they had collected. The children find it very
piece of work.
House Shout: Bicton victorious
Class 3 trip to Biddenden Vineyard On Tuesday 1st October Year 3 went to Biddenden Vineyards. We travelled by minibus (and car) to look at how wine, cider and apple juice are made. First we went for a tour around the Vineyard. Everyone tasted red and green grapes. After that we went to look at the cleaning pit for apples. Later we went to see a machine for crushing grapes. Then we saw a man putting cider into some barrels; we heard when the man hit them, whether the tanks where they stored the apple juice were empty or full. After that everyone tasted four different apple juices; I liked all
Half term started with a song in our hearts! Our annual House Shout was once again a huge hit with the children. This year
of them the same but the first one a centimetre more because it was sour (I like sour things a lot).
the theme was Folksongs, and we heard songs from Ireland,
I had an amazing day at Biddenden Vineyards; in truth I did
Jamaica, South Africa and America.
not want to go back to School because it was so much fun.
The standard of singing has improved greatly and a lovely afternoon was had in the company of Phil Horley (Director of Music, Sutton Valence). Phil loved hearing each House’s contribution and named Bicton the overall winner, with Tilly Hastilow’s bassoon solo receiving special mention.
Unfortunately we had to. Mrs Bennett lost her keys (I thought that it was very funny). We found the keys in the minibus. So we went back to School. By Evie Sanderson 3RB
Sixth Form Scholarships Congratulations to Tabitha Underhill on being awarded a scholarship to Eastbourne College for the Sixth Form. She
Thanks to all the Housemasters and Mistresses for their tireless efforts and congratulations to Bicton. Worthy Winners!
joins Sophie Brown and Elizabeth TV who were both awarded 6th Form scholarships at King’s.
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Autumn Term Prizes Senior Prefects
Music & Perfoming Arts Prizes
Head Prefect
M. King
Sight Reading
O. De Winton
Second Prefects
G. Campbell-Wilson,
Acting Cup
A. McGowen
C. Chatterton
Public Speaking
H. Trelawny-Vernon
House Captains
Football Prizes
Bicton
T. Hastilow
U13 Player of the Season
W. Honychurch
Pembroke
J. Coulson
U13 Most Improved
F. Campbell-Wilson
Selden
A. Bartleet
U11 Player of the Season
J. Gotts
Tongswood
A. Butler-Gallie
U11 Most Improved
C. Stewart
Half Colours
J. Gotts, F. Gotts, F. Dear,
School Appointments School Prefects
J. Hamilton, B. Hall, J. Dale,
E. De Winton, H. Morris,
O. Dent, G. Campbell-Wilson,
W. Honychurch, E. Johnson,
O. Skeet, A. Hsuan, F. Ward,
F. Ward Captain of Hockey (boys)
H. Wyatt
Captain of Lacrosse
F. Black
Captain of Netball
C. Chatterton
E. De Winton, A. Bartleet Full Colours
N. Easton, O. Addis, H. Wyatt F. Campbell-Wilson
Girls Hockey Prizes
Headmaster’s Special Prizes O. Skeet, F. Faulkner, J. Gotts, S. Butt Most Shows
U13 Player of the Season
F. Black
U13 Most Improved
A. Erith
U11 Player of the Season
I. Black
Remove
J. Coulson
U11 Most Improved
O. Hancock
Upper
A. Stevens
Half Colours
I. Black, A. Bonner-Davies,
Midway
J. Jordan
J. Coulson, F. Faulkner,
Shell
E. Cooper
O. Hancock, T. Hastilow,
Class 4
C. Milborne
D. Holden-Craufurd,
Class 3
R. Redmayne
P. Hutton, M. Shaw, L. Stephenson
Exams - Best Average
Full Colours
Remove
J. Cubitt
Upper
A. Stevens
Midway
J. Hamilton
Shell
T. Tweedie
F. Black, C. Chatterton, G. Crawley, S. Knatchbull, I. Macdonald, L. Martin, S. McNeish
Miscellaneous Prizes Exams - Most Improved
Farm Prize
M. McDonald
Campbell-Longley Prize
J. Lee
Remove
I. Macdonald
Upper
H. Stephenson
Midway
R. Sercombe
House and Form Prizes
Shell
S. O’Reilly
Senior Form
Remove KK
Junior Form
Shell VC
House Cup
Bicton
L. Stephenson,
Bicton Prize
O. De Winton
G. Campbell-Wilson
Pembroke Prize
J. Cubitt
H. Trelawny-Vernon
Selden Prize
B. Booth-Clibborn
Tongswood Prize
A. McGowen
School Prizes School Colours
Harris Cup
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H. Wyatt, M. King,
Autumn Term Prizes
Masterclass with Louise Winter On Friday, 8th November our
Form Tutors Prizes Remove GV
J. Coulson
Remove KK
A. Butler-Gallie
Upper DB
S. Lund
Upper BC
F. Carver
Midway SC
E. Watson
Midway RVS
A. Moore
Midway IP
M. Hopper
Shell VC
C. Redmayne
Shell RH
B. Bonner-Davies
Shell NH
S. O’Reilly
4 AW
G. Bartleet
4 EM
A. MacLeod
3 RB
E. Sanderson
3 RT
S. Clarke
singers were put through their paces by Louise Winter, an International Mezzo Soprano who came to Saint Ronan’s to work with all our singing students…. and parents! Louise worked on so many aspects of singing. She taught us some great warm ups and in just 5 minutes the sound we were making improved greatly. The art of communication and really ‘performing’ a song was another facet of singing that she brought out in each performance of the morning. For more advanced singers, with Grade 5 and 6 repertoire, she concentrated on vocal technique. The morning was hugely rewarding for all who attended. Well done to our brave performers!
Hands-on Science for Upper at Herstmonceux observatory In the middle of the last century The Royal Observatory was moved from Greenwich to Herstmonceux. Light pollution in Greenwich had become a problem and, though purpose-built, the design and landscaping there were not ideal (lakes in the middle of areas that people move around at night are not a great plan!) Herstmonceux is now a Science Park and Upper were able to do a number of hands-on experiments. These included a spectroscope (originally used to measure the light of stars) and a hover chair, made out of a hoover, to encourage the pupils to start thinking about pressure. They also used some larger-scale outdoor models - an Archimedean screw and a balance table, alongside a massive lever (rotational forces, which we cover in the spring.) They also had a tour of two of the telescope domes – refracting and reflecting - which remain in situ after the Observatory moved on. This allowed us to look at some of the work done by the astronomers and to consider the massive scale of space. A team challenge also took place, involving bridge and tower-building. Well done to Mr Clarke’s team who were the overall winners. The Observatory has open evenings for star viewing throughout the year. Go to their website to find out more.
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Antipodean hymn writer composes for school Saint Ronan’s welcomed Professor Colin Gibson from New Zealand in October, as he was coming to Britain for the launch of a new website, the Canterbury Dictionary of Hymns. This (the website launch, not the talk at Saint Ronan’s!) was a highprofile event, and attracted attention from the national media. Professor Gibson is probably Oceania’s preeminent hymn specialist and is responsible for a whole section of this worldwide resource, the most comprehensive record of hymns ever compiled. For the last few years, as part of our Chapel readings, we ourselves have enjoyed learning about famous Christian hymns, listening to “hymn talks”, generally delivered by teachers (but also, this term, the Head Prefect and Night Matron!), and we invited Professor Gibson, whose daughter teaches English at the school, to give a talk on one of his own hymns. He did so, but also went above and beyond… Professor Gibson, intrigued by the school’s name (he has a grandson called Ronan), had read the section on our website dedicated to Saint Ronan; spurred by this magnificent story, he then set out to write “A Song of Saint Ronan”, designed to become something of a school anthem… How many other Prep Schools could make such a claim?! Having effortlessly produced six verses on the life of “our” saint, Professor Gibson, with only a matter of days left before his trip to Britain, managed to write a tune, just in time for his talk! What is more, as hymn enthusiasts will know, tunes used for hymns are always named – and sometimes used with different sets of lyrics (for example, “Slane” is the melody used for “Be Thou my vision”, but not only). In search of a name for his new tune, Professor Gibson announced in our Chapel that he had checked the international directory of hymn tune names, and that “Saint Ronan” had not been used before, so chose it for his song. It is now there for posterity’s sake, and may well become a classic! So, for the first time ever on that Thursday morning (17th October 2013 – mark the date), Colin Gibson’s Song of Saint Ronan came to life. It was a rather moving moment, and we were all very proud to be singing our very own school song, one that has been written especially for us. Let us hope that this “historic” first rendition will be the first of many!
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The School in the Community: Harvest Produce & Carol Singing The Year 3 children have been at the forefront of the Community programme this term and have done fantastically well. Our strengthening relationship with two Day Care centres in Hawkhurst has benefitted residents and pupils alike. Earlier in the term we delivered the Harvest Festival produce to gasps of appreciation. Last week the children returned to help get residents into the Christmas spirit by singing carols to them. It’s a great opportunity for the children to talk to the residents (nearly all in their 90s) about WW2, which they are studying. They can also hear about life in Hawkhurst and at Saint Ronan’s over the years, as several of the residents worked at Tongswood; some when it was a house and some when it was a school. We intend to return next term for Year 3 to perform their WW2 play to the residents before performing it to the School.
informative whole school assembly given by Mr V, Mr Bright and Rhea Parker, whose hometown was destroyed by the typhoon. We raised over £600 from a home clothes day and had a little fun on the way. Adding this to the money raised by the Poppy Appeal, Macmillan coffee morning and from the collection at the Christmas Fayre for Demleza House, the total
Following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, Sophie
raised this term is well over £1,700. It also brings the Saint
Ford in 4AW wanted to raise awareness and funds for the
Ronan’s total raised for charities in the last decade to more
Philippines Appeal. The outcome of this was a very
than an incredible £72,000.
Pre-Prep Science Day goes with a fizz, a hiss and a ‘Can you hear me yet?’ This year the theme was ‘Sound’, to tie in with our CrossCurricular Music Week. So a noisy time ensued as children investigated what sounds they could make themselves and the variety of sounds that could be made with instruments. Martin Rapley, the visiting ‘Bugman’, brought some endearing creatures such as an albino hedgehog and bright green tree frogs. We asked, ‘Do frogs have ears?’ (Yes - just behind their eyes). There were also intriguing creatures, like the chameleon that caught a grub with its tongue in front of our very eyes, and noisy ones like the hissing cockroaches. The Prep School Science staff and children were on hand to help. Mr Andrew let the children make carbon dioxide and they listened to it fizzing away as the bag expanded like a balloon. Mr Truelove and Mrs Scott took the children out hunting for mini beasts and listening for birds. The Prep children helped us make string telephones that really worked - hence the, ‘Can you hear me yet?’ Science Day helps all of us realise why science is so important in our everyday lives and that there’s a little, or a lot, of it in everything we do. Who knows what we’ll find out next year?
Richie explains why the organ has pipes of differing lengths.
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Cinders rises from the ashes
After our Narrator, Megan King, had announced that we would
Prince, Fairy Godmother kept wand busy, rescuing former
be taking the traditional Cinders story very seriously in this
fairy, Stinkersmell (Phoebe Bennie), from her stinky trainers
year’s House play (performed by Tongswood and Bicton),it
and restoring her sparkle. Peter Pan and Wendy (JJ Rose and
was clear that something unusual and not at all traditional was
Daisy Dent), and the depressed Jolly Roger (Barney Hall),
about to happen!
also got the benefit of Godmother Inc. magic as Captain
Cue Mr Shifter (Harry TV) and his assistants, who brought on the flat-pack beanstalk and a box of eight dwarves in a comedy tip of the hat to Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.
Hook’s missing treasure was invested in their businesses. (‘Wendy’s’ – what else? And Jolly Roger’s florist shop). A silver slipper switch at the end of the show left the Prince
When, shortly afterwards, it was
making a hasty exit, pursued by Granny
revealed that the box had been mis-
Gripington (Alexandra Erith), Petunia and
labelled and contained almost the
Begonia making off with Dandini, and Buttons
entire cast of ‘Peter Pan’, we knew we
free at last to propose to Cinders –with a helping
were heading into uncharted waters.
hand from Fairy Godmother’s investments to
As Captain Hook (Caspar Cubitt) and Smee (Eddie de Winton) attempted to train their pirate crew to buckle some
pay for the wedding. And so all lived happily ever after … Oh no, they didn’t!
swash, back in the Cinders story, Buttons (Angus McGowen) was in love
Well, perhaps not poor Dandini and the Prince…
with Cinders (Lucy Rose Stephenson) and the two Cruel
Great fun was had by all. The cast worked very hard, and
Sisters, Petunia and Begonia (Alex and Ronan) were arguing
were booed and cheered by fantastically supportive
as to who would make the fairest partner for the deliciously
audiences. Emma Morrell and Karen West costumed the show
vain Prince Charming (George Campbell-Wilson).
brilliantly and Mr Clarke and Ritchie (and their technical team)
Enter Fairy Godmother (Olivia Hancock). With a sprinkle of Godmother’s fairy dust, Cinders was able to go to the ball. Whilst Cinders was busy not falling for the Charms of the
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worked their magic on sound and light. Becky King did the cast’s make-up and Bev Beveridge painted the colourful set. Many thanks to all involved!
Benenden School - Brass Masterclass
Wellington College – Orchestral Workshop
Although boys do not usually visit Benenden School, three of
The journey to ‘Welly’ is long but one which we make each
our boys were invited to take part in a Brass Masterclass with
year so that the children can benefit from playing in a large
the principal trumpeter of the London Philharmonic Orchestra,
orchestra (130 strong this year). With the minibus packed
Paul Beniston. George C-W bravely volunteered to play first,
(literally) with thirteen children, two adults, three cellos and a
playing the slow movement of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto.
tuba (not to mention the sandwiches) we braved the M25,
For his efforts he was given
eventually arriving at
valuable advice about
Wellington College around
breathing and had the
11:00am.
opportunity first to punch
Hilary Davan Wetton is a
Paul in the stomach (!) and
nationally-renowned
then to stand on it (all in the
conductor, remembered as
name of science).
much for his witty rehearsal
A DCPS boy went next,
style as for his demanding
followed by Fred C-W, who
nature. He took the children
was the only euphonium
through four pieces, including
player present and who gave
the theme from ‘Star Wars’.
a good account of ‘Let’s Call
In between full rehearsals the
the Whole Thing Off’.
orchestra was split into
Following more performances from the Dulwich boys, Alex B
smaller groups for sectionals. Charlie and Tilly had the
had the unenviable task not only of playing last but of having
opportunity to play in a bassoon section of five players (even
to play the same piece (PB Blues) as the preceding player.
Saint Ronan’s can’t boast that…yet!) and George suffered the
Fortunately he gave the performance of his life, leaving us all
ordeal of having to stand up and hit a top A in front of the
very proud of him.
whole orchestra (much to the approval of the conductor and the amusement of his friends). The concert followed a
We had a super lunch followed by a demonstration recital given by Paul. The students were able to ask questions and
sausage and chip supper (excellent doughnuts!) and we piled back into the bus.
were particularly impressed that he had played on the soundtracks of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’! Our
The intensity and length of rehearsals (to say nothing of the
boys impressed with their behaviour, which was commented
journey) make this a tiring and demanding day for the children.
on (somewhat enviously) by a visiting teacher.
It is much to their credit that they not only played so well but that their conduct was beyond reproach.
Sevenoaks Carol Competition Sevenoaks invited entries for their first carol competition. As
versions of the same title.
part of their normal music lessons, Year 7 students composed a Christmas Carol. Five were selected for entry and the
Through the morning a professional choir sung the piece and
composers were invited to attend a workshop to hear their
we made alterations to the piece such as different dynamics
carol sung by a professional choir. Some of these carols were
and pitch, tempo and many more things.
then performed in a concert. Freddie Joarder-White’s carol was entered and he attended the workshop at Sevenoaks.
In the evening they sung a bunch of carols and three from each age group. It went from years 5 to 6 until years 12 to 13.
In October Sevenoaks produced a competition to write a carol
Even the year 5’s carols were amazing. At the end we got a
using a poem or just your own words. I wrote a piece of music
certificate telling us what we did well and what we could
to a poem called “The Oxen”. I liked seeing other people’s
improve on. Freddie Joarder-White Upper BC
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Tongswood photos discovered
Peter Gunther inherited a magnificent collection of glass slides depicting his father’s childhood at Tongswood. ‘Jimmy’ Gunther was born in 1912 and was the elder of Charles Gunther’s two sons from his second marriage (to Helen Bell). Peter has kindly shared this collection of approaching two hundred slides with the school and copies of the pictures have all been added to the school’s archives. They are a fascinating and very important record of Tongswood from 1914-1920. Of particular note are the pictures of Jimmy and his younger brother Billy in sailor suits being rowed across the Lake by their father, as well as several pictures of Charles Gunther’s sons in uniform from his first marriage (to Leonie Korte). Charles (jnr) and Norman were later to be killed on active service in Northern France, in 1918 and 1917 respectively.
18
‘The Ashes’ first presented
William Gladstone Prime Minister
Krakatoa erupts
e stampede
12 die in Brookly Bridg
Artist Edward Manet dies
tches
Swan Vestas safety ma first sold
‘The Merry Adventu Hood’ by Howard
res of Robin
Pyle is published
TB bacteria identified
1883
When Saint Ronan’s was founded... 19
‘Magic Lantern’ slides reveal school life from 1911 A recent ‘Big Tidy’ of the cellars led to an exciting discovery. Hidden away behind old boxes was a small cardboard box full of about twenty magic lantern slides. An excited Mr TV scuttled off to Marriots Photograhers in Hastings to get the images on the glass slides transferred to a CD. It turns out that the photographs were taken in 1911 when the school was in Worthing. A number of the pictures were of the return match against Wellesley House which, the school magazine of that term reveals, resulted in a 7-1 win and an unbeaten season for the Saint Ronan’s 1st XI. The team scored 72 goals, conceded just four and won all twelve matches. A sobering afterthought was that two of the team (Johnny Delap and Robin Leathes) were to be killed in Northern France within the next six years. The pictures will be made available via the photo archive on the website in the near future.
Interesting stories abound from Roll of Honour research, but further help needed to create ‘Book of Remembrance’ We are enormously grateful
on to Greshams, who shared
of LM Goodall in the trenches
to Mrs Sam Gould, a current
pictures from his nature
(he is in the middle of the
parent, for responding to our
notebook. His brothers were
picture, right). He was killed
plea for help (Summer 2013
also at Saint Ronan’s, along
in France in 1916.
Ronian P 17) by researching
with his four nephews, who
the Roll of Honour. When her
went to Wellington in the
young children and work
1930s. The second eldest
commitments have allowed,
(Brigadier Stephen Goodall )
she has concentrated her
has recently been in touch to
research on WWI and already
say that he has shared with
unearthed some exciting
his late uncle a lifelong
‘finds’ as well as some very
interest in moths, leading to
moving stories. One such
a second career in Peter
‘find’ is that of 2nd Lt L.M.
Scott’s Wildlife Trust.
Goodall (1902-08) who went
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We hope to create a Book Of Remembrance by the WWI centenary. This book will be kept in the Chapel and a permanent focus for our Acts of Remebrance. We do, however, need others to help out and to do some research especially into WWII. Please contact
Greshams also had a picture
info@saintronans.co.uk
Realising a vision The Saint Ronan’s Chapel was opened in 1957, shortly before
library the two school rooms that flank this garden. This will
the death of Headmaster W B Harris, or ‘Harry’, as he was
allow us to make much more of the history of Saint Ronan’s.
known by his pupils. It was Harry’s vision that saw the Chapel
There are so many characters to commemorate and be proud
moved brick by brick from the School’s original site at
of, not least the Old Ronians who fought and died in both
Worthing. However, though he lived to see the first services in
World Wars. We see this project as a way of making more of
the Chapel at Hawkhurst, Harry’s plan to link the ‘new’ building
our beautiful Chapel and of bringing our history into the heart
properly to the main school was thwarted by planners.
of the school. Encouragingly, the children have already raised over £1,000 towards the centrepiece sculpture for the
Now the School aims to fulfil Harry’s original vision, creating
proposed memorial garden.’
an attractive cloister-style link to the Chapel. The Chapel Court project will include the creation of a memorial garden in
The Chapel Court Project relies on the success of an Appeal
the area between the Chapel and the main building. William
to the Old Ronians who knew W B Harris and his successor
TV says, ‘The result will be a calm and inspiring new space at
Sir Richard Vassar-Smith.
the heart of the school. We are also going to convert into a
A work in progress: the school’s photographic archive During the Autumn work has begun on the process of creating an online archive of the School’s large photographic collection. The process of digitising a large proportion of the images has been completed, thus making them more accessible and preserving them in digital form for the future. A small number of achives have already been uploaded to the school’s website; more will be appearing in due course. www.saintronans.co.uk/Alumni/Photo-Archive.aspx
21
Sport Saint Ronan’s Saint Ronan’s Hits the Ground Running The Cross Country Squad were a credit to Saint Ronan’s in 2013. With so much going on at School, we didn’t always field our strongest teams but credit must go to those who raced and made us proud. The season got underway with the Rawlinson Run at Dulwich Prep where the combined Years 2, 3 and 4 teams secured a fiercely-fought third place behind the hosts and The Schools at Somerhill. Rebecca Redmayne (U8) and Lily Stewart (U9) won Bronze medals, with Hope Rutter finishing 4th in the U8 race. Guy Pryke and Oli Addis
The next event was on home soil when Saint Ronan’s hosted the Brenchley Relays. Carlos Nieto-Parr ran a phenomenal first leg, maintained by James Crawley, to bring the boys’ B
Guy Pryke and Oli Addis. The boys came a praiseworthy 22nd
team home in second; the As not far behind in third. The girls’
of 53 schools; Archie finishing in 8th, Matthew in 49th, Oli
teams ran hard, finishing in 6th and 13th places. Overall the
Chatterton, 144th, Guy 163rd and Oli Addis 168th… and every
squad finished in 3rd place; a tremendous effort!
one of them with marvellous sprint finishes.
In early October Sevenoaks Prep held the Thomas Trophy. The course was challenging and the opposition of a high
JP Foils the Opposition
standard but we battled hard and, in the U11 Boys race, came
With a spectacular win at the
4th of sixteen schools. Lily Stewart finished 5th in the U9 Girls’
Bath sabre competition, John-
race; James Crawley and Carlos Nieto-Parr were 5th and 6th
Paul Shaw has secured his
in the U11 Boys’ and Archie Butler-Gallie was 10th in a very
place at the top of the U9 boys
strong U13 field.
sabre ranking.
The Dobson Trophy took place at a very muddy Claremont
Throughout the year JP has
and the teams ran extremely well over difficult terrain. Top ten
foregone parties, decent food
places included Hope Rutter, 9th in the U9 Girls’ race; Carlos
and sleep to travel around the
Nieto-Parr, 4th in the U11 Boys’; Charlie Chatterton 8th in the
country, from Wrexham to
U13 Girls’ and Archie Butler-Gallie 6th in the U13 Boys’ event.
Camden, from Durham to
Knole is the toughest and most prestigious event in the Junior Cross-Country Calendar and 500 boys and girls took part. The girls were off first, on a course measuring about 1.6 miles. Charlie Chatterton finished strongly in 24th, backed up by team-mates Emmy Shaw (152), Lily Marsh (166) and Sophie Charlesworth (187), all of whom fought hard and competed well. Overall the Girls’ team came 34th out of 49; a performance of which they should be proud.
Coventry, to fence his way to the top in numerous competitions. With two gold medals, one silver and two bronze under his belt, he was still only one point ahead of his main rival before the Bath sabre tournament. So, whoever progressed further would be ‘top dog’. After the first two rounds, JP was well-placed, but not top. Fortunately, his rival was beaten in the first round of the knock-out rounds, so JP’s rank was secure, if he survived the first knock-out round,
The boys’ course was a real test of stamina, having two
which he did. In true Shaw fashion, JP was not satisfied with a
significant hills and measuring 2.1miles. Saint Ronan’s gave
number 1 ranking alone, but had to win the place in style by
their all with some fantastic running from the two Year 8 boys,
winning the tournament.
backed up strongly by the gutsy Year 7 trio of Oli Chatterton,
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A fantastic and fitting ending to a great year of fencing.
Sport Saint Ronan’s A productive season for Girls Hockey The girls worked their way through 38 fixtures this season, winning or drawing 19 and scoring 75 goals in total! 23 of those goals were scored by the U13 1st VII. Their fruitful season was kicked off by a 7-3 win against Vinehall and finished with success in the East Grinstead Hockey Tournament where they finished proud runners-up in the plate, following a 1-1 draw in the final against Holmewood House and sudden death penalty flicks! This was a very competitive tournament of 24 teams and the girls did incredibly well to go so far. Imogen Macdonald in goal made some spectacular and courageous saves. Freya Black and Charlie Chatterton made a formidable partnership up front; Savannah Knatchbull and Lucy Martin held the defence and Georgie Crawley and Sabina McNeish gave width to our attack. Freya Black should be congratulated as this year’s Player of the Season. Other teams to enjoy success on the pitch were the U10B team who won/drew 4 of their 5 matches. The U13 3rd and 4th teams both won/drew 4 of their 6 games. Highlights included a flurry of goals from Florence Faulkner and Kitty Jordan against Battle Abbey (we won 5-0). A great partnership between Alice Durtnell and Phoebe Bennie secured plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for the U11As and an 8-1 victory against Rose Hill, and Emily Cooper, Lizzie Wooff and Louisa Hudson scored a hat trick each in the same match! We mustn’t forget those in midfield and defence who do such a sterling job and have been really tested this year by strong opposition. In the U10 teams great displays were seen from Daisy Dent, Maisie Kirby, Maddie McDonald and Sophie O'Reilly in goal. In the U11 teams Isabel Bolton-Ferret, Jade Beeching and Megan Hopper stood out and in defence Ruby Faulkner, Olivia Hancock and Matilda Clarke remained alert and calm under pressure. In the Senior teams Daisy Holden-Craufurd, Sophie Charlesworth, Hannah O'Reilly and keepers Polly Hutton and Lucy Vincendeau all made excellent contributions. The season came to a close with the coveted Inter-House matches. Selden were victorious in both the U13 and U11 competitions.
this term winning 17 of the 28 matches played and scoring 75 goals. The U8A team stood out, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their 6 games. Poppy Barker and Rebecca Redmayne made a formidable pair of shooters, scoring 21 goals. Emily Hues, Bella King and Jemima Spence should also be commended for their contributions down the centre of the court and Georgie Andrews and Ruby Balcombe for their sterling efforts in defence. The U9A team also scored highly, 40 goals in total, winning 6 of their games. Grace Easton made shooting look like an effortless task. Caitlin Milborne should also be congratulated for her tireless efforts all over the court. The B teams also improved enormously. In the U9B team, Evie Tapper, Mia MacLeay and Clementine Clapp stood out. The U8B team won 3 of their 4 matches. Performances from Dulcie Cooper, Phoebe Connell and Hope Rutter were key to the team’s success. Everyone played with great team spirit and enjoyment in the Junior Inter-House competition which
The Under 9 and Under 8 girls enjoyed a successful season
was won by Bicton. Well done to everyone.
Sports Newsletter Don’t forget our weekly Sport Saint Ronan’s Newsletter. Check the Extranet for back issues.
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Sport Saint Ronan’s Fire-breathing Colts Dragons! This season the boys have tried to play a passing, possession style of football, building from the back to create scoring opportunities. This has inevitably put pressure on all the players and especially on their close control, passing technique and movement. Fortunately they have been willing to learn and practice hard, resulting in some exciting passages of play and some great goals. The Colts Dragons were the Team of the Season, playing some very entertaining football, with Zach Johnson their star man in goal. The 2nd XI, Colts A and Colts Eagles all won five matches. To be a successful team you need a good core of
The 1st XI
players. Goalkeepers Edward De Winton (2nd XI), Fred Gotts (Colts A) and Max Laughland (Colts Eagles) certainly fell into that category and all made brave, lightning-quick saves to keep the opposition at bay. The teams’ midfielder dynamos were Felix Ward and Oliver Dent (2nd XI), Barney Hall and Jackson Hamilton (Colts A) and James Lee (Colts Eagles). They closed down in defence and were ambitious going forward. Finally the teams needed goals! The 2nd XI goals were shared around, the Colts A top-scorer was Joe Gotts and the Colts Eagles sharp-shooter was Edward Watson.
The Colts Ds
The 1st XI team were very well-led by William Honychurch, who caused all sorts of problems for the opposing defenders and often got a kick for his trouble! Archie Butler-Gallie and Herbie Wyatt worked tirelessly in the midfield while George Campbell-Wilson was a tenacious defender. Nat Easton and Freddie Campbell-Wilson also impressed and will be pivotal players in the team next year. They played a lot of exciting matches and if they had been a little more clinical in the final third they might have won a few more games. Congratulations to Will Honychurch who has got through to
The Colts As
the 2nd round of trials for the South East IAPS U13 football team, and to Tom Hall who has been selected for the Brighton and Hove U8 Academy.
County Cricket Trials Congratulations to Angus Balfour, Zach Barker and George Jones who were invited to attend Kent County Cricket trials. Wilf Wyatt, Harry Taggart and Sam Holden-Craufurd have been training with the Eastern Eagles and may get selected for a Sussex trial in the New Year. We look forward to hearing news soon.
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The U9 As © Saint Ronan’s School 2014. Editor: Ben Clarke.