NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Headmaster
Dear Stonyhurst Families,
This week I shared with the College a meditation by Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP on the ‘spaces and bonds’ in a net Not the internet, but the nets used by to catch fish!
‘Perhaps our greatest challenge is to embrace what Pope Benedict called 'interculturality’. [This is not the time for a theoretical exploration of what this means, but perhaps think of the thirty-two nationalities represented in St Peter’s Church this morning.] Instead let us imagine a net. A net consists of empty holes linked together by ropes. Spaces and bonds. Without both, there would be no net to haul in the fish.
When cultures meet, there should remain a space between them Neither should devour the other, as is happening with the globalisation of consumerism. We should reverence cultural difference’. Fr Timothy says ‘remember that marvellous German word, zwischenraum, 'the room between'. This is the fertile space between cultures when each retains its identity but is open to the other
St Thomas Aquinas said that when there is love, the two become one, but remain distinct. No single culture could ever bind us together. The net is untorn because every culture is open in its own way to the truth.
Fr Timothy Ratcliffe was the guest speaker at the Stonyhurst Easter Retreat this year. His mother was a member of the Weld family who donated the Stonyhurst estate to the Jesuits in 1794 and this week he was made a Cardinal by Pope Francis
It has been an incredibly busy week. We were delighted to welcome hundreds of primary school pupils for the Crucial Crew workshops with Lancashire Emergency Services. There have been events to highlight World Mental Health Day including a talk to Syntax by former England R international and OS Kyran Bracken MBE. Lower Grammar had a STEM workshop day. Aloys House had a disco. On Friday evening there was a musical theatre showcase called Performa Pudding. At the weekend there was a very successful St Mary’s Hall Open Day, a reunion for of 2014 and lots of sport fixtures
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, staff and pupils at Stonyhurst wore yellow. We also highlighted the importance of outdoor activities in nurturing wellbeing.
Our pupils enjoy peaceful time fly fishing by the ponds in their co-curricular sessions - a wonderful way to unwind, connect with nature, and practice mindfulness.
At Stonyhurst, we believe in the power of co-curricular activities to support mental and emotional health.
World Mental Health Day
We’re excited to welcome Kyran Bracken OS 1990, former England International Rugby player and world cup winner back to Stonyhurst today! Kyran spoke to our Syntax and Poetry pupils, sharing insights from his incredible rugby career, his time at Stonyhurst, and the importance of mental health and well-being
What a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn from his experiences both on and off the field. Thank you, Kyran, for inspiring the next generation!
Welcome Back to Kyran Bracken
Hockey Victory
A fantastic weekend of hockey at Stonyhurst. Our U13 A team secured a 5-1 win against Sedbergh, with five different goal scorers and Rosie named Player of the Match. The B team followed with a 3-2 victory, with Mary taking player of the Match.
Our U12 A/B teams also shined, dominating Manchester High School for Girls with 15-0 and 6-1 wins
Four games, four wins - well done to our ALoysius House girls.
The Crucial Crew
We were delighted to host the Crucial Crew Child Safety Event this week, with over 400 Year 5 and 6 pupils from Ribble Valley primary schools taking part. These interactive workshops, delivered by local safety agencies such as Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (Official), and British Transport Police, focused on essential topics like personal safety, water safety, online safety, and substance misuse. A special highlight of the event was the visit from the Deputy Mayor on the final day, who showed their support for the initiative and engaged with the pupils as they learned these valuable life skills Thank you to all involved, especially our partners at Child Safety Media and the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership, for making this vital event a success
STEM Day
On Friday Lower Grammar took part in a day of learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). They looked at building sustainable homes, building rainwater collection vessels, requiring teamwork, creativity and learning new skills such as soldering and delivering marketing pitches. The most successful teams were able to fabricate systems that automatically detect and control water levels using sensing circuits and pumps.
OS News
We were thrilled to see our former Head Girl, Alicia, featured in the latest issue of School House Magazine. In the article “Class Acts”, Alicia reflects on her journey at Stonyhurst and how it fuelled her passion for journalism. Now studying English Literature at UCL, Alicia's story is inspiring.
Northern Lights
Stonyhurst was illuminated beneath the Aurora on Thursday evening.
The students were delighted that they got to see the breathtaking Northern Lights from the College.
Pupil Success
We are very proud of our Syntax Pupils - Olivia and Imogen, who have both been selected for Lancashire U16 Rugby
Our 1st VII netball captain Grace in Rhetoric has been selected for U19 Leeds Rhinos Well done Grace.
Puddings and Performances
On Friday we hosted puddings and performances A perfect blend of sweet delights and artistic expression, creating a memorable experience for all. Pupils showcased their favourite musical theatre hits on the Academy Room stage while the audience enjoyed pudding and bubbles
Thank you to all who came along to support our young performers.
Chaplaincy Events
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
On Sunday 13th October our pupils will be attending Mass at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Selected pupils will have the pleasure of participating alongside the cathedral choir for St Edwards’ Feast Day. Stonyhurst families are welcome to join us for Mass at 11am until 12:30pm
End of Half Term
Parents are invited to attend Choral Vespers in St Peters at 3pm on Friday 18th October. After the service there will be Tea and Coffee served in the Pieta Gallery
We wish all our pupils a wonderful half term when it comes and we cannot wait to welcome you all back on 4th November ready for a packed half term full of studies, activities and festivities.
After Choral Vespers, day pupils can be picked up from 5pm on Friday and travelling day for boarders is Saturday
Recognition and Awards
Aloysius House Awards
Ryan - for excellent attitude and attainment in German.
Sophia, Talula, Erin, Matilda, Pippa, Rosie - for winning the county round of the national cross country cup The girls will now represent Stonyhurst at the regional competition next half term!
Suha, Faha and Alaina - for getting 100% in the end of unit assessment on Nutrition & Digestion in science
Jasmine - for working consistently hard every lesson in geography and showing a real interest in environmental issues.
Austin - for using his initiative to get ahead on his English Studies.
Lower Line Recognition
Lucas - for playing the piano (Chopin Mazurka in A minor) so beautifully in the assembly for our SMH pupils.
Axel - For participating in IB CAS
Madeleine - For an outstanding booklet on Rio
Josh - For fixing the water fountain for his fellow pupils
Higher Line Recognition
Rodrigo - For his kindness and support of his fellow students.
Hattie - For astonishing progress, incredible linguistic ability and a fantastic attitude
Phyllis - For excellent contributions in class
Leticia - For working hard and helping others
Abi - For writing and presenting to the playroom Elliot, Fanny, Sofia, Philippa, Rosa, and Ted - For helping with the headmasters guests over lunch.
Ruari - For a brilliant homily during core RE.
5th November | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Fireworks Display at 6:30 PM
At St Mary’s Hall’s Rugby Pitches
£5 per person (All proceeds go to the SMH Playground Fund) Entry fee will be added to your bill at the end of term
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with awe and wonder as we light up the sky with a breathtaking firework display! Bring your family for a night of dazzling lights and joyous celebrations.
To book please use the link below and use password Firework24 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-ojynonp
The Stonyhurst Foundation
Cordially Invites Stonyhurst Parents to
The Christmas Ball
On Wednesday 11th December 2024
At 7pm At Stonyhurst College
Purchase Tickets Here
Carriages at 12am Dress Code is Black Tie
