Salesian College Newsletter 15 December 2023

Salesian College News 24 November 2023 Welcome to the Salesian College Newsletter!

24 November 2023 #Issue 25

Salesian College Farnborough Alumni – Coming Home Dear Students and Parents On Friday 26 January 2024, we will be celebrating the Feast Day of our Founder, St John Bosco, with a Mass and a half day for students and staff. That evening, we will be welcoming home former students of the College with an Inaugural Salesian College Farnborough Alumni Dinner. The Dinner will be a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with former friends and teachers and to go down memory lane, rekindling friendships and enjoying time together once more. Not only will this be a great opportunity to return to

the College but also to hear our guest speaker, former England and British and Irish Lions rugby legend, Mr Gareth Chilcot entertain us with stories from his long playing career.

The Alumni organisation has existed for many years; however, the College has now worked hard to move this forward to become the newly named Salesian College Farnborough Alumni (SCFA). The vision is to increase our network of former students and keep them informed and involved in the development of the College, and to continue to bring Salesians together, no matter what age.

I encourage any parents that are indeed former students themselves, or have children that attended the College, to reach out and stay connected with the College and its Community by registering with our Alumni via this link Alumni - Salesian College. Tickets for the Alumni Dinner can be booked using this link.

Mr C Yates - Assistant Headteacher

SCHOOL

Annual Distribution of Prizes and Certificates (Prize Night) On Friday 17 November, we recognised the achievements from the previous academic year of students ranging from Years 7 to 13. They were presented with Advanced level and GCSE certificates as well as special subject prizes and awards for attainment, effort and achievement. The prizes and certificates were presented by College alumnus, Professor George Smith FRS, who gave an excellent and inspiring address drawing upon his many years in academia and his own experiences as a student at the College.

We were pleased to welcome back last year’s Upper Sixth to the College. Last summer saw 70% of our students achieve grades A*-B at full A-level and the majority went on to study at a wide range of different universities across the country, indeed across the world, others are taking a gap year, others are taking degree apprenticeships, and some are already undertaking training in a range of professions.

The Centenary Cup for the Highest Points Achieved at A-Level was presented to a student who attained 4 A* grades and is now reading Mechanical Engineering at Leeds University and who also received the La Pensee Prize for Aspiring Engineer: George G. Last year’s Year 11 attained 70% of their grades in the range 6-9 in the face of a national return to prepandemic grading standards. The student who achieved the best results at GCSE, attaining a nationally outstanding 10 grade 9s this summer, which places him alongside the very best students in the country,

was awarded the Headmaster’s Prize for Excellence & Sixth Form Academic Excellence Scholarship: Dami A. The Alastair Austin Memorial Prize for Overall Effort and Contribution by a First Year Pupil was presented to Jack F. The David Nolan Memorial Prize for Overall Effort and Contribution by a Second Year Pupil was presented to Theo D. The Fr Alfred Pilbeam Prize for the Dux Boy was awarded to one boy in each House who receives the highest number of good marks in the school: St Aidan’s Patrick N. (9A) St Bede’s Harrison F. (8B) St Dunstan’s Harry S. (7D) St Hugh’s Toby T. (9H) We are grateful to the many sponsors whose generosity allows these and many other students to be recognised each year. If any parent or former student would like to consider becoming a Prize Night sponsor, please contact moorea@salesiancollege.com Mr A Moore - Senior Deputy Headteacher

ICT Award Last year, the College introduced the Microsoft Office Specialist course for all of our Year 10s to ensure all students are certified in Microsoft products. Due to the number of Microsoft passes achieved in a short space of time, the College were awarded a Centre of Excellence award from Prodigy Learning (Microsoft Certification UK). We were invited to the London Transport Museum to attend the Certification Matters event and collect the award. The event consisted of various lectures including Microsoft as well as case studies from different schools and universities who also provide Microsoft certification. In the evening we gathered for the award ceremony where we collected a lovely plaque which is now proudly displayed in reception.

Mrs S Batt - Head of Computing

Careers Seven Year 11 and Year 12 students attended the Taste of Frimley event at Frimley Park hospital on Tuesday 14th November 17, 2023. This event presented students interested in careers in medicine with the opportunity to explore various options through a series of lectures and tours in the hospital. The evening began with a talk on opportunities to volunteer in the hospital and the benefits of volunteering for both the hospital and patients and the students. Four mini lectures followed, where students were introduced to a doctor, a nurse, a healthcare scientist, and a surgeon. Each of these presented their experience of progressing through their medical careers and what their positions entailed within the NHS. These talks were informative, and the boys learnt a great deal. After the lectures, students were given guided tours to various departments; our students went to the Radiology department, the Physiotherapy department and nursing. This experience was a great learning opportunity for our students, and we thank Mrs. Cardona and Frimley Park Hospital for organising and facilitating the event.

Mr M Morandi - Year 12 Tutor We were taken to the physiotherapy department, where we were shown the various equipment that is used to treat patients. The staff explained how they treat patients in a pool by helping them balance their weight, and they also help a lot with amputee patients. Another thing that they explained was how they use a machine that is similar to a ventilator which rushes air into your lungs and helps you cough up phlegm which may not be coughed up otherwise, which is often used on more elderly patients.

Sami A - Year 12 We went to Radiology and saw a new X-ray, where we were allowed to X-ray our belongings. We then used an ultrasound to view veins in our forearm and saw a c-arm in action. I had all questions answered with depth and detail. I really enjoyed the experience, especially getting to use an ultrasound machine to look at veins in the arm. We got a worthwhile introduction to radiology.

Amil O - Year 12

Sixth Form CAFOD Young Leaders On 16 November, the CAFOD young leaders went to Farnborough Hill for our first training day. It was an excellent opportunity to meet other young leaders from our diocese as we learnt about the values of CAFOD, and encountered team-building exercises to help us develop as leaders and get to know each other better. To start, we were inspired by some ice-breakers which started communication between us and allowed us to know not only each other better, but also to better understand the values of CAFOD – the official fundraising agency for the Catholic Church in England. Throughout the day, we built on the key themes of the charity – raising awareness, helping others indiscriminately and ultimately ensuring that every person on the planet can live a full and dignified life. An activity where we tried to figure out the number of people on the planet who were facing challenges – whether that be living on less than £1.50 per day, or not having access to running water – enabled us to really comprehend the magnitude of challenges that are faced by others, which in turn inspired us as we thought about strategies we could implement in each of our schools to raise money for CAFOD. The day was a great opportunity to better get to know each other, alongside understanding more fully CAFOD’s values, and has inspired us as we look to the future about ways in which we can raise money for the charity.

Ella M - Year 12

Mock Interviews This week our prospective Medicine and Dentistry students in Year 13 took part in a mock Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) circuit. They had the opportunity to experience an MMI interview to prepare them for forthcoming interviews in December and January. They were tested on a range of areas including role play, teamwork, personal attributes, motivation to study medicine, medical ethics, and insight into the NHS. This was followed up by a feedback session where we discussed their strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement. The students had all prepared well and found the experience very useful.

Thanks to Dom S in Year 13 for helping with the role plays.

Year 13 students who have applied to Oxford and Cambridge have been taking part in mock interviews this week. Students have been questioned about their personal statements, areas of further reading and pushed to think about areas beyond the A-level course. They have been developing skills in ‘thinking out loud’ and verbalizing their thought processes to interviewers. Interviews have taken place in a range of subjects including Politics, Classics, Economics, and Engineering. We wish them the best of luck with the interview process.

Mrs G Grover - Extended Learning Coordinator

HOME

Ceremony of Remembrance On Sunday 12 November, I had the immense privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of all St John Ambulance young people at the national service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. We were a group of 30 Cadets from across the country who paraded alongside 10,000 veterans, family members, and other youth organisations.

Before the handing over the wreath, we were on Whitehall for the Ceremony of Remembrance and watched as HM the King and many other dignitaries lay their own wreaths. We then took a salute from HRH The Princess Royal before falling out onto Horse Guards parade to find we had all been on the BBC! It was an incredibly moving experience and one that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Duncan M-B, Year 12

Nutritionist Visit On Tuesday 28 November 2023, we will be visited by Olivia Booker, a Nutritionist from our new contract catering company, Thomas Franks. Olivia tours schools across the country presenting assemblies on the benefits and importance of eating a healthy diet, along with the positive impact this has on health and wellbeing.

Olivia would like to offer the opportunity to present to parents on the topic of nutrition, with a specific parent focus. There will be an opportunity to ask Olivia general questions on nutrition and healthy eating.

If you have specific questions about your child’s diet, further appointments can be arranged following on from this talk. This presentation will start at 3.00pm and conclude at 3.50pm. If convenient, you may wish to collect your child at the end of the school day from reception.

If you would like to take this opportunity to book a seat for the parent presentation at 3.00pm on Tuesday 28 November 2023, please could you email the office at office@salesiancollege.com to confirm your seat.

Parking at this time will be restricted to Reading Road. Please make your way to Reception and sign in.

If you have any further questions or would like more information about this visit, please feel free to contact me via dalgasp@salesiancollege.com Mr P Dalgas - Assistant Headteacher

Safeguarding Can acts of Kindness help you to live longer?

Students in the Sixth Form listened to a presentation in their assembly last week thinking about the question, can acts of Kindness help you to live longer?

They watched a TedTalk clip which suggested this was true, where the speaker said that by carrying out acts of kindness, not only makes others feel better, but can also help you feel better too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGgnyj8Oyvo

The speaker presented some scientific facts to support this hypothesis, evidence of which can be found here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you

During the Sixth Form assembly, Vincent Q in Year 13 discussed Luke 10:25-37 and how the parable of the Good Samaritan is a story which illustrates how we should “love our neighbours as ourselves.” When other people need our help the most, like the man on the road, is when our love for our neighbours is

truly tested. Jesus tells us to be like the Good Samaritan, helping others in times of need, and not to be like the Priest and Levite who ignored their neighbour.

Vincent went on to quote Pope Francis who said that Jesus…” asks us not to decide who is close enough to be our neighbour, but rather that we ourselves become neighbours to all.” And that, "If we practice charity, every community will be a little heaven.“ (Don Bosco our Founder).

This is further evidence of Catholic Social Teaching in practice as we demonstrate solidarity with our neighbour and ensure the dignity of all is upheld.

We hope that all our students will be inspired to get involved in the many charity initiatives that are taking place this term and throughout the year.

Mr P Dalgas - Assistant Headteacher

Prayer: For a better world

Generous God, we thank you: for the gifts you have given us, the abundance of your Creation and the beauty that surrounds us.

For the people whose lives have touched ours, for the love they show, the burdens they lift, the hopes we share.

Compassionate God, we ask you: to fill us with your love, to place in our hearts a spirit of courage, to move us to reach out to others in need.

And lead us to play our part, so that now and in generations to come all your children may share in our hope for a better world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Anti-Bullying Week To celebrate Anti Bullying week in Year 10, Mr Bunyan delivered an assembly to the year group on the topic of “it’s not Banter”. Mr Bunyan made the point that what one might think is seen as “banter” to some, to others it could be very hurtful and cause distress and upset. We were also told about the possible reasons someone may be bullied, ways one can be bullied, (which ranges from physically to online) and how one can reach out for help. Mr Bunyan told us that the Antibullying Alliance’s campaign this year was called “Make some noise”. Which means that if you see someone who might be the victim of bullying we should all feel empowered to stand up in support of that person. We should take a stand against bullies and speak out by telling a trusted adult straight away so they can support us. I feel this assembly was particularly important because bullying is common in schools across the UK and often, people don’t know how to face up to bullies. This advice will hopefully give courage to students who might be silently suffering to act on it and never again will suffer in silence.

Agnishwar M - 10 St Dunstan's

Oddballs Presentation Years 10 & 11 received an informative presentation from Joel, the local ambassador for Oddballs. The charity aims to raise awareness of testicular cancer, which currently impacts 1:270 men at some point in their lives. Joel explained how effective personal screening and action can be so important in treating the disease successfully.

Mr S Gore - Head of Year 11

CHURCH

Visit of Fr Roman Jachimowicz SDB On Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 November, Fr Roman was with the Salesian community in Farnborough.

His job title is ‘Regional Councillor for Northern and Central Europe’ and his task is to report back to the Salesian headquarters in Rome on Salesian activity in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine and Hungary. His territory runs from the west of Ireland to Siberia!

Fr Roman made a short visit to the College on the Tuesday morning, meeting Mr Owens and the senior student leadership team. He was very impressed with the family spirit in the College and the strength of the Salesian ethos. Later, he enjoyed an evening meal with the Salesian priests and brothers and eleven recently appointed members of the College staff in Saint John Bosco House.

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB

Charity Update In early November, we held our Mass of Remembrance at school. As a college, we raised a lot of money through donations towards the Poppy Appeal. Our Sixth Form and Year 10 charity reps did a fantastic job going around the forms selling poppies and wristbands for this.

We have lots of exciting initiatives within the life of the school coming up before Christmas as well. Many students are running stalls at the Christmas Fayre, raising money for a wide variety of fantastic charities.

All forms are also collecting items for The Vine Centre’s food bank over the next two weeks. The Vine Centre is a local charity, based in Aldershot, which offers a range of support to our area’s most vulnerable people. This is a fantastic opportunity for our College to help ensure people have food on the table this Christmas. Lastly, our Year 12s are sleeping out on the night of the Festival of Readings and Carols in aid of Step by Step, experiencing what life is like for homeless people. A jam-packed term for charity events within the life of the college!

Mr G Littlemore - Charity Coordinator

5 Aside Football On Wednesday 22 November, I ran a football tournament in aid of the Sean Devereux Children's Fund. It was a great event, with over 40 students playing on the evening, and everyone had a lot of fun! Congratulations to the light blue team who won and the black team who came 2nd. Thank you to all of you who have supported this event and all the teachers involved with helping the tournament run!

Jayden - 10 St Aidan's

PLAYGROUND

Salesian Showcase Friday 24 November sees the return of Salesian Showcase! We can promise you an evening of around 20 acts, all offering something different. Acts range from vocal solos, stand-up comedy, bands and some great pieces of Drama. Hosted by Sixth Form students, this evening will promise laughs and some true Salesian festive spirit. The PTA will be there, serving their usual range of delicious treats and drinks to accompany the work of our talented students.

If you enjoyed The 39 Steps, we recommend Salesian Showcase as your next theatrical fix. Get your festive season started with this fun and lighthearted evening. Click here to book your FREE tickets.

Miss C Fleet - Head of Drama

World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 Daniel S, Year 10, competed in the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 held in Oman. He finished joint 3rd with the score 7/9 in the U17 section, winning 6, drawing 2 and losing 1. Due to tie break, he just missed out on receiving a medal. With over 400 players hailing from as many as 64 different countries, the competition was intense, with some matches lasting over 4 hours and showing his dedication to win.

Mr M Bunyan - Head of Year 10

Sport

The basketball season has begun, with teams from all year groups in action in the District League and Area Cup competitions. After a great season last year, we are hoping to build on our successes this season.

Mr G Cousins - Head of PE

PTA News Uniform Shop The shop will be open on Friday 1 December 3-4pm so do pop in if you need anything. If you have anything to donate to the shop, please drop it off at the office or bring it on the day. All proceeds from the shop goes to the PTA and the money is allocated to School Council requests and will help pay for a free activity at the Christmas Fayre and Summer Fayre chosen by the School Council. If you have any questions, you can email Hannah Starling at ptauniformshop@salesian.hants.sch.uk

Donut Sale First sale of the year. Donuts will be available on Thursday 30 November from 10:45am in the Ref. and are £1 each. We take cash and cards. As the Krispy Kreme donuts got more expensive to buy, we will now be getting donuts elsewhere as we want to keep the price at £1, which wouldn’t be possible if we carried on with Krispy Kreme. We asked the School Council for feedback, and they assured us they wanted to continue to have donut sales and were happy with other donuts.

If you are able to help sell, we meet in Reception to sign in at 10:10am, go and set up and then wait for the stampede to begin! We sell for about 15-20 minutes then clear up. We should be done by 11:30am, apart from a few staying on to sell in the Gymnasium. If you are free (and brave enough to face hundreds of sugar craving students) then come and join us.

Christmas Fayre The revamped Christmas Fayre is on Thursday 30th November 6-8:30pm. There will be all the usual stalls like raffles, tombola, bar, food, external shopping stalls and there will be lots of student, staff and charity stalls. Santa is also paying us a visit and there will be lots of games and activities for the whole family. We have a festive photobooth, gaming van and a simulator van from Hampshire Air Ambulance coming, and they are all free to use. Thank you very much for all your donations for the Bottle and Chocolate Tombola.

Once again, you have been very generous. We are still looking for helpers for the bar, particularly the second half of the evening, so, if you are happy to give a hand, please get in touch on ptachair@salesian.hants.sch.uk

Festive Prize Draw Tickets will be on sale soon via ParentPay so keep an eye out for the email with all the details. Thank you so much for all your kind and generous donations for the hampers, prizes and cash prizes. We have some amazing prizes so make sure you get those tickets. We will be selling tickets at the Salesian Showcase and at the Christmas Fayre as well as on ParentPay.

NOTICES

Dates for Your Diary

Follow Us We have introduced a number of Social Media Channels to reflect the wide range of activities offered at the College. Please do follow our STEM Twitter account to gain insight into how we teach these subjects via classroom, enrichment and educational visits. We also have our Instagram Creative Arts channel for updates on the production, musical events and artistic initiatives. Finally, our CAFOD Young Leaders have set up an Instagram account to keep you up to date with their fundraising activities.

Mrs A Phipps - Marketing and Communications Manager We have a number of Social Media accounts where you can keep up-to-date with activities happening in the school on a daily basis.

Main School Accounts: https://www.facebook.com/Salesiancollegefarnborough https://www.instagram.com/salesianfarnborough/ https://twitter.com/SalesianFboro PE https://www.facebook.com/salesianpe https://twitter.com/SalesianFboroPE https://www.instagram.com/salesiancollegepe/ TikTok @teamsalesiancollegesport Creative Arts https://www.instagram.com/salfboroca/ STEM https://twitter.com/SalFboroSTEM Sixth Form Salesian Sixth Form CAFOD Young Leaders PTA https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087107623496

Contact Us

If you have any feedback about this newsletter or if you need to contact a member of staff: Salesian College Farnborough 119 Reading Road Farnborough Hampshire

GU14 6PA 01252 893000 office@salesiancollege.com

"Education is a matter of the heart"