Issue 20 Autumn 2021
The Columban
THE MAGAZINE FOR THE FAMILY OF ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE
ISSUE 18
Issue 20 Autumn 2021
The Columban Editor
Contents
Sophie Skilton
College
Design The Collective Design
Photography
04
Bicentenary Celebrations
06
St Columba’s moves to co-education
08
College Developments
11
The Good Schools Guide Review
Various
Prep School Cover Picture
18
Our Extraordinary Prep School
St Columba’s moves to co-education
22
Prep Sport and Extra-curricular
26
Inspiring Courage, Courtesy and Compassion
Print Senior School
Ushers Print
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Latin and Classics
St Columba’s College
30
Drama
King Harry Lane
36
Clubs & Activities
St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4AW
Old Columbans
T: 01727 855185
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Your Community
48
Backing Biden from Britain
52
OC Tony Perry’s Sweet Caroline effect at Euro 2020
E: collegeadmin@stcolumbascollege.org www.stcolumbascollege.org www.columbannetwork.org A Brothers of the Sacred Heart Foundation Registered Charity No 1088480
Feedback on The Columban We really want to know what you think of The Columban issue 20. When you have finished reading the magazine, we kindly ask you to complete our feedback form on the last page. Many thanks for your help.
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Welcome from the Headmaster
Welcome from the Headmaster
Welcome to this latest edition of The Columban which marks the start of the 2021-22 academic year – and what a significant year it is. Not only have we dispensed with face masks and bubbles, as hopefully we start to live with COVID-19 in more normal ways, we are also marking a number of very significant historical landmarks for the College this year. The 30th September 2021 marks the bicentenary of the formation of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Lyon, France. In this edition you can read about the way in which the Brothers’ work has expanded around the world over the years, along with their lay partners, and how this event is being celebrated in the College and beyond. I know I speak for all of us in expressing how much the presence of the Brothers here in St Albans has been a profound blessing for so many students, families and staff, past and present. The Brothers’ distinctive charism of compassion and availability has provided support and formation to so many young people and you can read about how this is still happening in the College on a daily basis as a result of this inspiration that the current staff and students draw from the Brothers and from Andre Coindre. But there is yet another historic landmark in 2021 to add to the list, perhaps even a Rubicon crossed; that is the
welcoming of our first female students into the College as we move to full co-education. In September, girls joined the Lower Prep School and the Sixth Form and will gradually move through the School, with girls joining Year 7 in September 2022. This edition of The Columban begins to tell the story of the girls settling into the school community; no doubt a story that will continue to be told in future editions. Much work has taken place developing the College facilities recently, some of this work as a result of the move to co-education. You can read about the investment in our new ‘black box’ drama studio, the improved music facilities, including the music practice pods and the whole refurbishment of the Sixth Form area. There are wonderful resources that will help to enhance teaching, learning and pastoral care. With so many new and exciting initiatives going on, I very much hope that the removal of COVID-19 restrictions will now mean that we can welcome you back into the College in order for you to witness this wonderful school community bestowed to us by the Brothers.
David Buxton Headmaster
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College News
Bicentenary Celebrations St Columba’s College has been under the care of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic religious community for men who take vows as Brothers, since 1955. On 30 September 2021, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding. On that date in 1821, Father André Coindre received the professions of vows by ten men in Lyon, France, establishing a religious community that is now a worldwide institute with more than 1,000 Brothers in 33 countries. Father Coindre had envisioned a community of Brothers trained to work with the poor through the establishment of schools; in 1821 that dream became a reality with the formation of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. After Father Coindre’s death in 1826 and at the end of Father Francis Coindre’s administration, Brother Polycarp, our first Brother Superior General, assumed leadership of the struggling community. His tenure was marked by a period of tremendous growth. By the time of his death in 1859, the Institute had grown to more than 400 Brothers in 70 schools. In January of 1847 at the request of Bishop Portier, five missionary Brothers of the Sacred Heart arrived in Mobile, Alabama to begin charitable and educational work. With a presence in the United States, the congregation began its transformation into a worldwide institute, spreading throughout North America in the South, New York and New England areas and into Canada. Today, as well as St Columba’s College, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of the United States Province sponsor or work in ten schools in the United States, one school and college in the Philippines, and two missions – one on the Navajo Nation in Klagetoh, Arizona and the other in Amatongas, Mozambique. Various events are planned throughout the autumn of 2021 for honouring this 200th anniversary on the campus of each of the Brothers’ schools. These included a Eucharistic liturgy which was celebrated by the local Bishop on Foundation Day, 30 September. There will also be a ‘Soirée Bicentenaire’ honouring the French heritage of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, during which members of the global community can come together in celebration online. Because of COVID-related restrictions in the actual anniversary year, the United States Province of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart will be celebrating the Bicentennial with a two-day programme held in late July 2022 on the campus of Saint Stanislaus College in Bay St Louis, Mississippi.
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College News
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St Columba’s College, St Albans
Saint Stanislaus College, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 07
Mount Saint Charles Academy, Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Catholic High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Bishop Guertin High School, Nashua, New Hampshire
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09 sgr. McClancy M Memorial High School, East Elmhurst, New York
Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma, Louisiana
10 rother Martin B High School, New Orleans, Louisiana
04 Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Philippines
05 E. D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux, Louisiana 11 aint Joseph High S School, Metuchen, New Jersey
Follow the celebrations via our social media channels. We will also bring you news, photos and highlights of these events in a special report in The Columban issue 21 in Michaelmas Term 2022.
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College News
St Columba’s moves to co-education September 2021 has marked a new chapter in the College’s history as we welcomed girls into Reception, Prep 1, Prep 2 and the Lower Sixth. We’re delighted to have received our first girls and their families into our Columban community, and we’re excited to continue our phased transition to co-education. Soon, St Columba’s College will become the only co-educational independent school in St Albans for ages 4 to 18.
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College News
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College News
COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTS We are always looking to see how we can improve our campus and facilities to make sure that they are of high calibre and fully support all of our educational goals. New for Academic Year 2021-22 As well as creating girls’ changing rooms and other facilities as part of our move to co-education, we have some big, exciting projects this year.
Collaborative Learning Environment for Sixth Form The completely refurbished Sixth Form Centre allows students to experience university-style learning and working. It includes a central hub with zones for independent and collaborative working, a quiet study area equipped with individual workstations and PCs, and a new café.
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College News
Professional ‘Black Box’ Drama Studio A treat for theatre fans! We introduced A Level Drama in September 2021 and along with it a purpose-built ‘Black Box’ Drama Studio. This gives our students even more opportunities to participate in Drama, from A Levels and LAMDA to school productions and clubs.
Sound-isolating Music Practice Pods Modular, sound-isolating music practice rooms that enable musicians to rehearse in peace, limiting sound from escaping to or from the rehearsal space.
On the Drawing Board Future development plans include: • Complete refurbishment of the Tower building • New Chapel atrium and entrance • Making space for nature
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College News
CLASS OF 2021 DESTINATIONS 1. Aston University 2. Bath Spa University 3. University of Bath 4. University of Birmingham 5. University of Bristol 6. Cardiff University 7. City, University of London
100%
8. Durham University 9. University of East Anglia
of students gained places at their first or insurance choice university
10. University of Exeter 11. University of Gloucestershire 12. University of Hertfordshire 13. King’s College London, University of London 14. Lancaster University 15. University of Leeds 16. Loughborough University
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17. Northumbria University
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18. University of Notre Dame, USA 19. University of Nottingham 20. Nottingham Trent University
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21. Oxford Brookes University
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22. University of Portsmouth 23. University of Southampton
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24. University of Sussex
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25. University of Warwick
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26. University of the West of England 27. University of York Other Destinations
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Fastnet Forwarding Ltd Apprenticeship
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WSP Undergraduate Engineer Apprenticeship 10
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College News
The Good Schools Guide Review We were delighted to welcome The Good Schools Guide to St Columba’s this year. As the UK’s number one school guide, it has been trusted by parents for over 30 years through providing unbiased school reviews. We received a glowing review, that praised our personalised holistic education.
A school that flexes around the needs of the child, that stretches or slows to suit their individual needs.
The full review can now be viewed online.
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College News
Prefect Teams Prep Prefect Team Head Boy Jack Newbury-Beirne
Alban Vice Captain Jaye Braimoh
Fisher House Captain Callan Riches
More Vice Captain Leo Moll
Deputy Head Boy Christopher Knowlson
Becket House Captain Scott Storey
Fisher Vice Captain Joshua Cirmaci
Head Chorister Henry Ormondroyd
Alban House Captain Daniel Taylor-Neale
Becket Vice Captain Cameron McMillan
More House Captain Ollie Byrne
Sacristan Rhys Griffiths
My hopes are that COVID-19 vanishes and that we can once again enjoy a normal school year, where parents can attend school productions and assemblies, we can sing in the Abbey, play competitive sports and enjoy school trips together. Jack Newbury-Beirne, Prep Head Boy
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College News
Senior Prefect Team Head Boy Nathan Snow
Charles House Captain Daragh Murphy
Martin House Captain James Heppenstall
Deputy Head Boy Jack McGowan
Guertin House Captain Samuel Balchin
McClancy House Captain Angus Chisholm
Deputy Head Boy Joseph Ronchetti
Joseph House Captain Harvey Tower
Stanislaus House Captain Sam Watson
Ben Barry
Nika Kardooni
Reece Ogidih
Akshil Sheth
Freddy Glew
Peter Lenahan
Guy Prunty
Tom Simon
Ben Hopkinson
Joshua Lim
Arthur Rees
I am incredibly proud to represent St Columba’s and will continue to serve the college with my complete dedication and commitment. My intentions are to unite the school community after a particularly challenging year and to welcome the introduction of co-education. Nathan Snow, Head Boy
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College News
FIVE MINUTES WITH
Brother Joseph Holthaus
Brother Joseph joined St Columba’s as Dean in September 2020, after Brother Daniel was recalled to a new assignment. Brother Joseph was born into a military family in Syracuse, New York and grew up residing in seven domestic and international cities. He holds a BA in Secondary Education from Spring Hill College in Alabama, and an MA in English from Notre Dame University. We sat down with Brother Joseph to find out more about his role.
You joined St Columba’s last September, what has your experience been like so far? I arrived at St Columba’s on September 24th 2020, and I went straight into a two-week quarantine. After this, I was able to get to know staff and students and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. I have found that the students here are very similar to my previous students in the United States.
What does your role as Dean entail? First and foremost, I am the liaison between the Board of Governors and the Provincial Council in the United States. I also ensure the continuation of the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. For example, I work with the leadership in the United States to teach St Columba’s staff about the charism, through the Coindre Leadership Programme and promoting the ‘Partners in Mission’ document which has been given to all 11 of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart schools. I also support the Bursar, Ministry Team and CAD Department in any way that they would like assistance.
What are you looking forward to, as Dean of St Columba’s? I’m very much looking forward to experiencing the events in a normal school year at St Columba’s, including the Service of Lessons and Carols at St Albans Cathedral.
You have had an esteemed career in education, can you tell us more? I have been in education for 50 or so years, more in admin than teaching. I have been on the Provincial Council in the New York Province, Principle of St Joseph High School for 13 years and President there in the 1990s. I have also been President of McClancy High School and during my time there we moved to co-education which went very smoothly, and I know the same will happen at St Columba’s.
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College News
Thank You Cathy Tominey It was Mother Teresa who once said, “A life not lived for others is not a life”. For the last 15 years, Cathy Tominey has served St Columba’s with the most extraordinary commitment and dedication to making the lives of others better. And, whilst writing this is in some ways easy, this short tribute could never do justice to all that Cathy has done for SCC. Cathy joined the Prep School in September 2006, although her association with the College is over 70 years; her father-in-law attended in the 40s, her brother in the 60s and her wonderful boys – Alex, Rob and Will in the 90s through to 2012. Initially the Prep Secretary, it quickly became clear that Cathy’s talents were extensive. Within a year, Olivia Cumine arrived to help in the office as Tony Smith had asked Cathy to help with marketing – service above self is simply synonymous with Cathy T. Things changed again in 2009 when Cathy became PA to the Head of Prep. It soon became clear that combining this with marketing was not going to work so she swapped this role for office manager. The truth is, her contribution has been immense. Never one to be dictated by titles, Cathy does whatever is necessary to develop a positive culture behind the scenes – she is just as likely to be found cleaning the fridge, moving furniture or mending curtains as she is walking a boy to the nurse, reassuring a parent, visiting a nursery or listening to a member of staff – none of which are on her job description. A fantastic servant who goes above and beyond, always with optimism and positivity without ever seeking the limelight is a real jewel as a member of staff and those that know Cathy see her as this. As my PA for all but my first year as Head of Prep, I can honestly say I could not
have done the job without her; always there as a listening ear, but equally giving wise council and utterly trustworthy, her unflappable nature makes her the rarest of jewels and one I can never thank enough. It would be in her role as Head of Prep PA, where many reading this will be unaware of exactly how integral to the success of the Prep she has been. Cathy has always been motivated not by what is best for her but what is best for the College and most importantly the pupils, resulting in some not always agreeing with her – but those who take the time to be honest when they stop and reflect, always come to the conclusion that she was right. The whole Prep community regard her as most approachable, totally professional and a person of great integrity who will be much missed. When I started, Cathy was a colleague, she soon became my wonderful PA and she leaves SCC as my friend. With every wish for a long, happy, fruitful and fulfilling retirement; you really deserve it.
Ruth Loveman Head of Prep 2009-2019
Tribute to Roger Webster After 19 years of incredible service at St Columba’s, we say goodbye to Roger Webster. During his time in the Prep School he has fulfilled many roles from form tutor to doing the lights for the Prep 6 production. He will be most fondly remembered by the boys for leading the U10 A rugby team to the national title in 2010 and he will be sorely missed by the staff for being a true gentleman. Even after he had started to work part time, he still came in on several his days off to help with a wide variety of school
events and trips. This included volunteering to work five mornings a week with Prep 6 during the second half of the summer term of 2020. In the ten years that I have worked with Roger, I have never seen him presented with anything he couldn’t do or was too much trouble. His caring approach towards getting the best out of all of his pupils has been an inspiration to many teachers that have joined the Prep School during his nineteen years. On behalf of everyone at St Columba’s College, I would like to wish him all the best for his retirement and we hope to see him again soon.
Mr. M. Turpin Head of PE & Games
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College News
TRIBUTE TO SARAH MATHIESON
Sarah Mathieson was the SCC Librarian for 16 years. Brimming with ideas and a passion for reading, she quietly and determinedly made her influence felt. She brought the Library to the forefront of school life and made enormous strides in
promoting reading both in the school and in the local community. Sarah was incredibly proactive in developing initiatives such as the Kids Lit Quiz, the St Albans Schools Book Award and numerous author visits. She introduced generations of students to reading and made the library a welcoming space where many felt at home. Sarah also brought the Library into the digital era, introducing eBooks and the lively Twitter account to name but two examples. She was also very inventive
in finding new ways to create a buzz and attract new people into the library, not least through events such as her invitation to Paradise Wildlife Park to bring some of their animals into the library. Most recently, Sarah was appointed a judge for the Carnegie Book Award, a very prestigious accolade which reflects her incredibly knowledgeable and scholarly character. Sarah is someone with a good heart who always worked with quiet determination and the
utmost professionalism. The impact she made at SCC was considerable and should not be underestimated. She was highly respected and will be a very hard act to follow. All those who worked with her will miss her greatly and we wish her the best of luck in her new role closer to home.
Ms. L. Cronin Assistant Head (Learning, Teaching and Professional Development)
GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT
I have witnessed Alfie develop from a boy to a man at St Columba’s College. He joined us almost 20 years ago as an enthusiastic and caring pupil in the Prep School and since then he has embodied the 3 Cs as much as anyone can. The Jourdan family have been an immense part of the history of this school and there is never anything they would not do to support the community. For many years we would see their smiley faces and dedication at the annual Columban Fayre, barbequing outside in rain, hail or snow! Alfie was a member of the
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Class of 2012 and was well liked by both his peer group and staff. His easy going and friendly nature was evident and his ability to interact with people of all ages came with ease. Alfie was a stalwart of Alban House and then Vandebilt/ Martin House. Alfie loved going on trips and we had splendid adventures in the Canadian Rockies, and this is something he would carry forward later whilst volunteering as a staff member with Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Alfie returned to St Columba’s (after a summer break). He took his hand to maintenance jobs and loved his ‘shed’ on the drive whilst the new build was being worked on. A friendlier face you could not wish to meet as you arrived, but it was clear that Alfie was a very quick learner and wanted to develop his skills sets further.
Alfie worked hard with Jim Lewis and he enjoyed being involved in the alumni side and seeing how events operated. He was like a sponge in terms of digesting information and he wanted to take on new roles and challenges. He was appointed to the role of Events Co-ordinator and was ever present at every single Columban event. Staff appreciated his oversight and hands on style. It was a role he enjoyed but perhaps one that took its toll in terms of hours. Alfie had started building his outside interests with photography and essentially anything that happened locally, hence his title as Mr St Albans! The skill set he developed over the years is phenomenal. He could take his hand to pretty much everything and was often seen as the ‘go-to person’. We were both sad to lose Alfie but happy for him because we know what he
can accomplish. The role of Markets Manager in St Albans City and District Council is a major role and one that will be challenging but equally rewarding for his career. He will most likely miss the community as he is such a sociable person, but he will visit, and he has good reason to. He will continue to go places and thrive. He has set up his own rum business (BUNKUM Rum) with his brother Toby C08 and we wish Alfie and all the Jourdan family the very best. Alfie was like family to several staff and it was great to share so many good experiences throughout the years. His good sense of humour and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed but he has played a big part in the College’s history and we thank him for his service.
Mr. R. McCann Head of Prep
College News
Jim Lewis awarded James Coughlan Award for Long & Dedicated Service This Award bears the name of James Coughlan, who began an illustrious career at St Columba’s in 1948 and gives special recognition to longstanding staff whose commitment to the College has had a significant impact. Jim Lewis served the College for over 25 years, including in the roles of Deputy Head of the Prep School, and the Director of Communications, Admissions and Development.
James Coughlan presented Jim Lewis with the award: It was my pleasure to present my award to James and it was well deserved on both counts. After a successful time as a student at SCC and after graduating from university, James became teacher at the Prep School. After many years of success in the teaching profession, James became Head of Development at SCC. As Head of Development, he had a great influence on SCC, especially where Old Columbans are concerned. His extrovert character and his gentle persuasiveness resulted in great success in many projects. He worked tirelessly organising functions both for Old Columbans and parents. He expanded the Old Columban family, even organising groups to meet in various foreign locations. In all these ventures James was very successful and worked well beyond the call of duty. You can’t keep a good man down. James is still organising charity cycle rides in various parts of Europe, the latest from Venice to Lake Como. These rides are well supported by Old Columbans partly due to James’ tireless energy and drive. I wish James every success and hope he will join us retirees in our periodic convivials at the Harry! We were delighted to honour Jim Lewis with the James Coughlan Award. It would be no exaggeration to say that Jim Lewis, has done more than probably any other person to help to build up and strengthen the wider SCC community. – David Buxton, Headmaster
Jim Lewis was and always will be part of the St Columba’s fabric. From student to Deputy Head in the Prep to Alumni to CAD, Jim was an integral member. He was the heart and soul of many an event and function, and I can still hear his laugh bellowing down the corridors. – Richard McCann, Head of Prep
I have known James Lewis as a student, later as a brilliant member of our Prep staff followed by a most valiant devoted service in multiple important tasks for the Senior School. My aged and faltering memory refuses to forget his key role in multiple important activities when he would burn the midnight oil to reappear the next day bright and cheerful. He was outstanding in reaching and sustaining the Old Columban Association at home and abroad. In my case, I owe him a great gratitude for his constant encouragement and support in the Archives Department. Now in my far-off retirement centre in Rhode Island, we are still in touch to my great joy. In my sincere sentiments of friendship and appreciation I dedicate these few words and good wishes. – Brother Clement, Founding Brother It is without doubt that James Lewis’ love of the school and his infectious positivity are marked characteristics easily recognised by all who come into contact with him. He is a man who brightens up a room by his presence – and that laugh! He is a natural team leader of exacting personal standards that it is easy for others to follow him. His pastorally charged nature led to his appreciation that he could have a wider effect on the school population and promotion over time to Deputy Head of the Prep led to him being able to use his talents more globally. As a school leader he was clear sighted and enthusiastic and was significant in fronting many of the successful aspects of the school’s working life and daily operation but also to wider community events. His departure from the education side of school was quickly recognised as a miss in terms of using his ability. He was quick to respond to the opportunity of taking on a new task in developing the Old Boys Association and bringing greater vitality and range of opportunities for former students to re-engage with the College. His success in widening the membership of this group and its active participation cannot be overstated. The school now has a tremendous legacy of a wide professional support network all proud to assist their Columban compatriots. – David Shannon-Little, Deputy Head 1976-2016
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Prep News
Our Extraordinary Prep School Top ten highlights from the Prep School’s 2020-2021 academic year.
Productions
Racing Car Visit
Experience Days
We’re very proud of all pupils who took part in the Lower and Upper Prep nativity productions and Prep 6’s Star Warts. Outstanding performances!
Prep 6 loved their visit from racing driver Toby Trice whilst current pupil Joshua delivered a fantastic Q&A for his fellow pupils.
Pupils enjoyed many experience days including Prep 2’s Great Fire of London and Prep 5’s Victorian Day! Prep 6 enjoyed a WWII Day, with a full day of activities finished with a lesson from the Senior School’s History Department.
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Panto Visit
Lockdown Learning
Prep 6 Prizegiving
Prep pupils were treated to a Cinderella panto in their bubbles! They had great fun watching the show.
We’re so proud of how our pupils adapted back to our successful remote learning programme. Thank you to our parents for your continued support.
Congratulations to our outgoing Prep 6 pupils on their achievements this year. We were delighted to celebrate their successes at the annual Prep 6 Prizegiving in the Trinity Term.
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Prep News
Residential Trips
Virtual Fireside Chats
It was fantastic to restart our residential trips in the Trinity Term! Prep 3 had a brilliant campout at school, Prep 4 and 5 pupils enjoyed their trips to Milden Hall and Prep 6 had a great expedition to Aldenham Country Park.
The Prep School introduced the ‘Virtual Fireside Chat’ which provided support to parents, including strategies to support mental wellness.
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Mr. R. McCann Head of Prep Twitter: @StColumbasPHead
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Tour de France
Supporting Charity
Lower Prep pupils had a fantastic time participating in SCC’s Tour de France with assistance from Prep 5!
This year, the Columban community has supported charity events in aid of REDS4VEDS, Euro Ball and Open Door.
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Prep News
Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) Curriculum for the Future St Columba’s Prep has become a member school in the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate group. The PSB will augment our excellent initiatives, freedom, expertise and subject specialism by highlighting skills that will serve our pupils well throughout their lives. It is centred on lifelong skills, complementing our holistic education.
There are 7 core skills that we promote and assess: Thinking and learning
Reviewing and improving
Communicating
Independence
Collaboration
Compassion
Leadership
The PSB provides a powerful vehicle for prep schools intent on rigorous, high academic standards coupled with a broad and balanced curriculum. The PSB is a registered charity and is wholly supported by ISI and IAPS.
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Prep News
We believe strongly in an all-round holistic education that places the child at the centre and helps them reach their potential. The PSB has at its heart the development of the values, skills, attitudes and behaviours that we believe children need to flourish in an ever-changing world. – Mr. R. McCann, Head of Prep
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Prep News
PREP SPORT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Some excellent at-home practice of throwing skills from Iris.
Jasper taking his wheels for a spin.
Ted making the best of a rainy day during lockdown learning.
Prep 6 navigating their way through the Hertfordshire countryside.
Anup getting some extra shooting practice in at home.
Prep 6 taking a moment to celebrate after completing a tricky CCF activity.
Prep Sports: Athletics
Cross Country
Hockey
Swimming
Basketball
Fencing
Rugby
Tennis
Cricket
Football
Rugby 7s
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Prep News
.. and another group puzzling over what to do next!
A beautiful sunrise over Aldenham Common on an expedition.
A Prep 6 pupil braving the high ropes at Go Ape.
Pupils enjoy kayaking at Lea Valley White Water Centre. A pupil enjoying the zip line at Go Ape!
ting Becket Monjola represen ep Sports House at Lower Pr Day.
Mr. M. Turpin Head of PE & Games, Extra-Curricular Activities Co-ordinator Twitter: @StColumbasPSpo
-House Prep 5 and 6 Inter t at Radlett Cricket Tournamen Cricket Club.
Prep After School Clubs: Art
Drama
Gymnastics
Music Tech
Brainiac
Fencing
LAMDA
Science
Chess
Football
Lego
Tennis
Computer
French
Mindfulness
Warhammer
Construction
Funky Fingers
Music Bands
Young Enterprise
Cross Country
Golf
Music Groups
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Prep News
PREP MUSIC AND DRAMA
It has been a strange year for music and drama in the Prep School. We have continued to sing and perform, but only in classes and small bubbles. Concerts, Masses and other performances have not been possible, but we have continued to create virtual performances for every event in the calendar.
HYMNS Individual classes have sung hymns, which have been recorded and edited into communal performances and then displayed in online Masses. Solo performances in assemblies have continued via video link directly into form rooms.
CONCERTS Instrumental and small vocal music groups have performed outdoors, or in small groups indoors. These have also been recorded to contribute to virtual concerts. Creative video editing and green screen techniques have been employed to enhance the nature of the recordings for parents.
Michaelmas Concert
NATIVITIES The Lower and Upper Prep Nativities were recorded for families to watch at home, and we now have these as a wonderful keepsake of this unusual festive period.
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Prep News
LOCKDOWN LEARNING Lockdown came again, but this didn’t stop us performing music in the Prep School. Upper Prep instrumental groups continued to practice at home and individual performances were combined to form lockdown performances. Lower Prep performed the musical ‘Croak’ online and Upper Prep performed mini musicals including World War II; Florence Nightingale, William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, The Anglo Saxons, Pirate Versus Mermaids and Eddie the Penguin Saves the World, to name a few.
STAR WARTS Prep 6 learned the songs for their end of year musical Star Warts online. Back in school we continued with intense rehearsals aiming for live performances to parents. Unfortunately, due to extended restrictions, we could only perform to internal bubble audiences and not to parents. The two performances were recorded, and green screen techniques used to capture a precious memory for parents to enjoy many times over.
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Prep News
Inspiring Courage, Courtesy and Compassion Great Fire of London
Viking Day
Our extended curriculum enables our pupils to acquire a range of life skills including team building, problem solving and communication. These activities inspire pupils to enact our 3Cs of courage, courtesy and compassion, as they develop into well-rounded young people.
Egyptian Day
“We learned a whole load of things and I loved it. I felt like a real Viking!” – Prep 2 pupil
Victorian Classroom
World Book Day
Public Speaking
“Even in lockdown, the Prefect Team had the chance to do our jobs by making clips for assemblies.” – Prep 6 pupil
“I was nervous at the start, but we did good singing and everyone clapped, so it was worth all the hard work. We were brave and said our lines well.” – Prep 2 pupil
“Despite lockdown, this year’s World Book Day was brilliant and included the virtual Masked Reader competition. Pupils were given the opportunity to broadcast their own videos which helped to build confidence and a sense of belonging when they were physically apart.” – Prep parent
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Prep News
Science Quiz “I love Science and I was really proud to represent the Prep in the National Quiz. We worked together to answer the questions.” – Prep 6 pupil
Residential Trips
“I’m so grateful that the children had a chance to do this trip. After a difficult year, it was wonderful that the staff made sure they had this opportunity to cement relationships and develop their independence.” – Prep 5 parent
“I loved the banquet, but plucking the pigeons was gross. I’m glad I’m not a Tudor servant.” – Prep 4 pupil
Camp Out
“I had never done camping before and I was a bit worried about it, but the teachers organised good games and singing and I loved sleeping in the hall. It was like camping with my family…only better because it was my school family!” – Prep 3 pupil
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Senior News
Latin and Classics Our Unique Opportunity The ancient world is an amazing place of history, myth and wonder. Most schools do not have the opportunity to teach this extraordinary subject. Here at St Columba’s not only do we bring it gloriously to life, but here we are actually in the Roman town of Verulamium! Metres away from the Latin room are the Roman walls and mosaics – there are 2000-year-old artefacts in our display cabinet, and we can put these into the hands of our students!
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Latin is a subject like no other in the College - there is a great combination of fun and hard work and I couldn’t recommend it more. – Richard Chapman-Boon, Form 5
Achievements Classics students at SCC are tremendously dedicated – notably last year our Head Boy sailed into Oxford to do Classics, having won a prize in a Cambridge essay competition. The vast majority of Latin students at GCSE and A Level get A grades, and we are naturally very proud of our students’ success.
Senior News
Classics Trips Pompeii! We regularly visit the most important archaeological site in the world – on our last trip, we stood literally on the top of Mount Vesuvius and looked down on Pompeii and the stunning views of the Bay of Naples. In that incredible location we distributed Pliny’s eyewitness text and taught a lesson up there. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Added to this, we do trips to Verulamium Museum, Fishbourne Palace, and even an ancient Treasure Hunt round the British Museum in London. Archaeology, as Indiana Jones would confirm, cannot only happen in a classroom.
Classics for All The younger they start the better – currently Latin and Classical History is taught across nine, yes nine, year groups. Columban students now start studying Latin in Prep 5 and can continue all the way through to the Upper Sixth. The advantage that this gives them over every other student in the country is significant. And I can’t deny it, teaching Prep 5 how to describe Minecraft in Latin is tremendous fun.
Classics Events COVID-19 did not stop us, oh no. In fact, we were even busier during lockdown. For example, we arranged a Zoom call with a world expert from Cambridge University on Virgil, and on another evening, we got tickets for our students to attend a series of online-access presentations by University College London on the subject of Chariot Racing. Which was totally epic – please go and watch Ben Hur if you don’t know what I mean.
Latin is an incredibly exciting subject. The teachers bring to life the literature from 2000 years ago – Hannibal crossing the Alps, Pliny governing his province in Bithynia, Aeneas escaping from burning Troy. The grammar is expertly interspersed with stories of great leaders such as Hannibal, Caesar and Horatius. Truly a remarkable subject that every student should strive to study. – Henry Mauldridge, Form 5
Classics Expertise
Ever since my first Latin lesson I have absolutely adored the subject, and I am so glad that I will be able to continue Latin at SCC in Sixth Form next year.
The members of the two-person team teaching Latin & Classics at SCC are both Cambridge trained. This means that as well as having a variety of contacts at the University, we can take the world class expertise from which we benefited and channel it through our individual passions to the students. There may be better qualified Classics departments out there, but not many I don’t think.
– Alec Jones, Form 5
Mr. S. Graves Subject Leader of Latin and Classics Page | 29 of 56
Senior News
DRAMA
Our new Subject Leader of Drama, Mr Dameon Garnett, joined St Columba’s in September 2021. What are you most looking forward to, as Subject Leader of Drama at St Columba’s? There’s already a tradition of outstanding productions and musicals at St Columba’s, and I’m looking forward to developing this further. One of my ambitions is to establish Drama as both a curriculum and examination subject, and it’s exciting to see both GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre emerge on to the timetable, particularly as the College moves to co-education.
What are the benefits of studying Drama? A key benefit is the confidence it can give at interviews and in life generally. Some of my former A Level students have gone on to study at Cambridge, Bristol, Warwick and Imperial, covering a range of subjects from English, Law and Medicine. Their passion for Drama proved to be a huge boost in the interview process and helped them to stand out from other candidates.
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Senior News
How has the Drama Department adapted productions this year? COVID-19 has brought challenges to our extra-curricular programme, as audiences have not been possible. Instead, we made a feature film of Alan Bennett’s version of ‘The Wind in the Willows’, hiring the help of a former BBC cameraman who had worked on established shows such as ‘Grange Hill’. The film production involved up to 25 students, from Forms 1 to 3.
The Drama Department is planning a production of Shakespeare’s Richard III, can you tell us more? With the hope that things return to normal in the Michaelmas Term, we’re planning an abridged version of Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’. I hope it will be fun doing a production where the main character is such a rogue and a villain, and there should be a certain amount of comedy as well.
Acting in our film production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ has been an amazing experience. - Sam Geale, Form 2
The new Drama Studio is a purpose-built, black box space with LED lighting and a smoke machine to give students a taste of how actors work in professional theatre. Twitter: @StColumbasDrama
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Senior News
MUSIC A CHANGING WORLD FOR MUSIC As an independent school, St Columba’s College sees the importance of student performances and is able to offer a wide range of musical experiences. It is astounding, however, when you consider that the last time we were able to present a school music performance for an external audience was when we took the Schola to sing Evensong at St Albans Cathedral. That was mid-March 2020; and then a few days later the world changed. All scheduled, public performances from that point on had to be cancelled. For a music teacher, this is a strange state as a vast part of the department’s work is to encourage all students into exploring their creative abilities through music practice and performance.
A VIRTUAL WORLD FOR MUSIC While at times during the year we engaged in online learning, we carried on with as much performance as possible, all virtually. This included College Recitals, Scholars’ Recitals, an adapted Eisteddfod, the Carol
Service recorded in St Albans Cathedral, finishing up the year with a Summer Concert and the Chamber Orchestra performing at Prizegiving on the Iona lawn.
EXPANDING MUSIC We wished some members of the Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Programme well on their future journeys, with the departure of Katie Seaton (voice), Florian Belbeoch (cello and double bass) and retirements of Birgitta Birchall
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(piano) and Julie Partridge (violin and viola). We were pleased to welcome to the team Oli Cuttriss (piano) and Grace Buttler (violin).
Senior News
GREAT STUDENTS MAKING A MUSICAL IMPACT Those who follow the department’s Twitter feed will frequently see reference to #GreatMusic by #GreatStudents. This is an entirely apt descriptor for some of our most resilient musicians who, with our support, have continued to push their musical boundaries to gather advanced skills. Sam Balchin U6 joined the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music back in September 2020, while another of our students, Cameron Magson L6 was accepted to the Junior Academy of the Royal Academy of Music which commenced in September 2021. Both boys have been given a fantastic opportunity to rapidly advance their musical talents by attending these elite schools each Saturday, showing true dedication to the cause of their musicianship.
Lower Sixth student Cameron has been selected by the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and has started the programme alongside his A Levels at St Columba’s.
DEPARTURES TO FURTHER MUSICAL STUDY Continuing a pattern of musical excellence, we were pleased that two members of our Class of 2020 A Level Music group went off to study music: Luca Ellis to the University of Surrey to study Creative Music Technology and Neel Anand to Royal Holloway, studying joint honours
Maths and Music. In September 2021, Aaron Barai (DJ Barai) of the Class of 2021 GCSE Music group, went to study a Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance, Production and Business at The Rhythm Studio Rock and Pop Academy.
HITTING THE MUSICAL GROUND RUNNING This new academic year will hopefully herald a new beginning and we have been busy preparing for it. For St Columba’s College, it means admitting girls to Sixth Form and Lower Prep, while for the Music Department, we will have made a full move to new facilities in the Xavier Centre, which will allow us to expand and develop the College’s music provision offering even greater opportunities for enhanced musical learning and performance.
Mr. S. McCall Director of Music Twitter: @StColumbasMus Page | 33 of 56
Senior News
SPORT This sporting year has been a unique one. During the Michaelmas Term, at least sport could be conducted in person, on the school field or hall instead of in gardens and front rooms. Whilst the first two terms were devoid of any inter-school sport there was at least an opportunity for students to take part in a range of practices during the week and then the chance to play internal games on a Saturday morning.
INTER-HOUSE SPORT Inter-house sport became the main competitive outlet for the students and the usual determination and passion was not in short supply! House rugby made a welcome return to the inter-house programme. McClancy were the winners of the combined competition. The year ended with the usual summer competitions in tennis and softball with athletics being showcased at Sports Day. Congratulations to Guertin House who were the overall victors at Sports Day.
GOLF
TENNIS
The senior golf team succeeded in reaching the area final of the HMC foursomes. In addition to the inter-school fixtures, many senior boys have played on a Wednesday afternoon at different courses.
Congratulations to the Form 3 and 4 ‘A’ teams who won the Hertfordshire Division 2 LTA Team Tennis competition for the second year running! They will go through to a regional final in autumn 2021. Most pleasing though is the large number of friendlies that have been played against schools such as St Albans, John Lyon and Watford Grammar to enable non-club players the chance to compete for the school during their games’ lessons.
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Senior News
ATHLETICS There was a curtailed athletics programme with a reduced number of meets for all year groups but there was the possibility of some competition. The most notable performance at the County Championships was Benedict Whittle’s win in the senior 1500m steeplechase in an English Schools’ qualifying time. A modified all-day District Championship saw competitions for just Form 3 and 4 this year. Ten medals were won overall with golds for Joe Roberts (U14 100m in a new District Champions record of 11.7), Harry Nicol (U15 Hurdles), Dillion Smith (800m & Triple Jump) and Tom Baker (U15 Shot Putt). The Form 4 team finished at a creditable third place overall.
CRICKET In cricket, there was a sense of almost normality as all junior teams entered a full County and District Cup draw as well as the 1st XI playing a couple of friendly matches. In the County Cup, both the U13s and U14s reached the quarter-final stage. In the District Cup, all teams made the semi-final stage with the U12s progressing to the final. Congratulations to the U13s who were victorious over St George’s by 8 wickets in the final to lift the District Cup.
U13 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS In terms of individual performances, 50s were recorded by Suhaan Shovakar, Nicky Elson (top score of the season with 70 not out), Ayoub Mirza, Dev Vibhakar, Jacob Bowen and Harry Nicol whilst Tom Mercier (11) and Suhaan Shovakar (10) were the leading wicket takers.
MOVING FORWARD Fingers-crossed that the new school year will bring a continued normality to the sports programme which will include senior girls’ netball fixtures for the first time! The Michaelmas Term should see a welcome return to block rugby fixtures alongside national and regional competitions in football, golf and rugby. Senior girls will join the hotly contested Netball District League whilst there is much anticipation about the prospects of success in the swimming pool. These girls will be the forerunners to those who join in Form 1 in September 2022 following a similar programme which will also include the College’s heritage sport of basketball.
Mr. E. Lowe Director of Sport Twitter: @StColumbasSport Page | 35 of 56
Senior News
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES WITH A GREAT RANGE OF CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES, IT IS EASY TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND LEARN NEW SKILLS.
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Senior News
Red Mile
Academic Study
DofE
Jazz Band
ALPHA
Drama
Junior Bell Ensemble Rugby
Amnesty
DT Club
Junior Leadership
Science Clinics
International
Eco-Schools
Programme
Science Crest
Art Club
Economics Clinic
Junior Orchestra
Award
AstroPi
Editing Club (Film/
Kickboxing
Senior Bell
Barbershop
Audio)
LAMDA
Ensemble
Basketball
English Club
Library
Senior Choir
Basketball Shooting
Expressive Portraits
Maths Challenge
Sociology Film Club
Practice
Fitness Suite
Maths Club
String Ensemble
Biology
Football
Maths Surgery
Student Voice
Business
Geography Clinic
MFL Kahoot
Supervised Study
Card & Boardgames
Girls Vocal
MFL Masterclass
Debate
Chamber Orchestra
Ensemble
Mindfulness Club
Volleyball
Chemistry
Golf
Netball
VoxPops
Chess
Grade 5 Theory Club
Philosophy & Ethics
Watling View
Combined Cadet
History Film Club
Physics Support
Wind Band
Force
History Support
Programming Club
Community Mass
Homework Club
Psychology Club
Composition Club
Italian Club
RE Clinic
Computer Science
Japanese Club
RE Intervention
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Senior News
A YEAR IN S
1. Community and Service
2. Legacy
Despite the difficult circumstances, the Sixth Form found ways to raise thousands of pounds for a range of local and national charities this year. From virtual quizzes, teacher top trumps to sleep outs!
A major legacy of this year’s Upper Sixth, has been their work on not only mentoring the lower years, but also carefully crafting a Mental Health Toolkit. It’ll make an impact on the lives of Columbans for years to come.
3. Life beyond St Columba’s
4. High Quality Teaching
Many thanks to Mr Kelly, Mrs Adair and Mr Sheils for organising a range of Zoom talks on higher education this year, providing students with food for thought about their next steps in life.
Whilst we all learnt a great deal from teaching online, nothing beats being back in the classroom. It has been wonderful to see a range of creative and inspiring teachers back in action.
5. Leadership Training We were blessed to have the wisdom of colleagues from STEP run a series of leadership foundations courses with the Lower Sixth. It made a huge impact on their thinking and confidence. Page | 38 of 56
SIXTH FORM
Senior News
Mr. D. Waters Head of Sixth Form Twitter: @StColumbasSixth Instagram: @stcolumbassixth
6. A Year of Change
7. Return of Sixth Form Sport
Whilst not a highlight, it has been a year of changes in the Sixth Form. Many brought about by COVID-19 or the government’s response to it, and brilliantly taken apart in the Upper Sixth’s Leavers’ video.
It has been great to see students out on the golf course and playing cricket again at the end of a long and challenging year.
8. Move to Co-Education A major highlight of the year has been the opportunity to begin welcoming girls into the Sixth Form. With more than 20 girls coming into the Lower Sixth, it’s a great success. It all started with a range of events, including an evening with Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans.
9. Class of 2021 Celebrations
10. Upper Sixth Leavers’ Activities
The U6th put a great deal of time and effort into their leavers’ day celebrations, from purple dinosaurs to crusading knights!
We had a great time on this freshwater lake near Kempston, even if we spent too much time underwater.
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Senior News
New Sixth Form Centre
It’s fantastic to start the year off in a brand-new environment for Sixth Form life and study, bringing a more modern and dynamic feel to the Sixth Form social and study areas. We’re looking forward to facilitating a new approach to study and for the students to use their own laptops more regularly, with a new emphasis on Bring Your Own Device. We’re delighted to be welcoming over 20 external students to the Lower Sixth in September 2021. It has been wonderful to hear of all the positive impressions that they have of St Columba’s and their reasons for wanting to join us. The girls will be a great asset to the College. The change to co-education, and the developments to the fabric of the Sixth Form are exciting and important enhancements to our community. Mr. D. Waters Head of Sixth Form
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Senior News
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Senior News
Careers The September 2020 full reopening of schools, even in separate bubbles, seemed to herald a more normal delivery of careers education. Careers Week 2020 saw the University of Leicester speak to Form 5 students on the importance of selecting the most appropriate A Level subjects for further study. Old Columbans gave further advice on this via Zoom, and the importance of reflecting on your own personality as a guide to future options. Students also benefitted from individual interviews to help them make these significant post-16 decisions. In the meantime, Form 3 were helped in making their GCSE choices by taking the Morrisby Aspirations questionnaire.
EECA Day The Upper Sixth UCAS applications were completed in earnest with assistance from Old Columbans recording their individual university journeys as well as virtual contributions from Loughborough University on drafting personal statements. This was complemented by a very welcome in-person visit from Will of the University of Nottingham who ran a well-received personal statement workshop.
Virtual Events The return to lockdown in January 2021 saw the Careers Department organise a number of early evening Zooms for a wider audience of different year groups and their parents. Petya from the University of Bath gave a very informative talk on student finance and the realities of online provision. To mark National Apprenticeship week, we invited Trisha to return to give a very comprehensive overview of apprenticeship applications to Form 5 and the Sixth Form. She was joined by two apprentices who did take this “leap of faith” - Old Columban Stephen Turner, who is now completing his Defence ES apprenticeship, and Alex who related his experiences on a Google degree apprenticeship.
The October EECA day saw the Upper Sixth experience the demands of a mock employer’s assessment day which was effectively run by Trisha of Amazing Apprenticeships. Students could also avail themselves of the chance to undergo virtual interview practice offered by Oxford Brookes and Dundee Universities. Girls from Thornton College joined potential medics in a Teams workshop by the University of Newcastle on preparation for online Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) that were adopted by medical schools in this application cycle.
The Lower Sixth’s cancelled in-person UCAS exhibition was Sixth Form students participated in a mock assessment day. replaced by an enhanced UCAS Application Zoom which included a number of Old Columbans at Warwick, Edinburgh and King’s College London sharing their university life this year. At an Oxbridge talk there were similar contributions from Somerville College as well as Gonville and Caius College students. Other Zooms included Paul Drinkwater from the University of Southampton considering the value of Russell Group degrees and deconstructing university league tables. Barristers 4pb invited our students to an informative introduction to the Bar. It was heartening to be able to offer all these opportunities to a much wider audience because of lockdown.
We marked National Apprenticeship week with an online talk from Amazing Apprenticeships.
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The University of Southampton gave a virtual talk about the value of Russell Group degrees and deconstructing university league tables.
Senior News
InvestIN The Careers Department expanded its partnerships to include the InvestIN organisation which offers high quality virtual work experience to further help decision making.
Inspiration Day In July, we finally managed to hold the first Inspiration Day since 2019. Fourteen Old Columbans, parents and supporters kindly shared their career experiences and offered advice to Lower Sixth students. The day began with a socially distanced coaching session on positive communication techniques by Karen Witchalls-Plunkett. This was followed by an impressive presentation on the workings of the sustainable energy market by Robert Labinski C03 of Octopus Energy accompanied by Guilherme Castro and a virtual contribution by former ballet dancer, turned zero carbon racing driver, Charlie Fraser.
I was very fortunate to have a practice MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with numerous experienced professionals. This learning experience prepared me for the interview which ultimately earned me an offer to do Medicine. – Ahmad Zargar, Upper Sixth student
Joshua Morris C13, Zooming from his Cyprus military posting, and Patrick Elliott C05 on Teams from Google in Madrid. James Quinn C10 spoke in-person about property, and Tim Keogh C06 described his impressive civil engineering achievements in Dubai. One budding student author particularly benefited from Petra Green’s publishing workshop and Katie Stocks inspired an interest in HR. Whilst Tom Rees C03 and James Brereton C08 enjoyed sharing their legal and political experiences. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part this year and who have offered to help in the past or the future.
After this, students chose from a range of seminars. This included finance from Richard Wooller C06 and Luke Spencer-Wilson C92. Building on one of the positive lockdown changes other virtual contributions included
Navigating the complex world of university applications was made so much easier with the support from school. – Harry Preston-Jones, Upper Sixth student
Mr. P. Kelly Head of Careers & Higher Education Twitter: @StColumbasCaree
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Welcome
Welcome to the Columban Network Welcome to the Columban Network, our global community of more than 11,000 alumni, parents, donors, staff and friends of St Columba’s College.
Columbans Committee for their time and generosity of spirit over the last year. I’m extremely grateful for their friendship and support.
This year has of course been another unusual one for the Columban Network. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, many of our reunions, drinks and dinners were able to shift online, and it’s been wonderful to finally meet so many of you, albeit on Zoom.
My thanks also to our Ambassadors and all their fellow Old Columbans who continue in the fine Columban tradition of service to our community by volunteering their time and resources to our current students and alumni.
I hope our online events have allowed you to still feel connected and supported. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us, and I hope you enjoy reading about them in The Columban.
Now, more than ever, our young people need your advice and support as they make their way in the world. On their behalf, thank you very much.
Next year we’re hoping to run a full programme of in-person events, details of which you can find on the back page. Should COVID-19 interrupt any of our plans we’ll once again move things online where possible and will keep you fully updated. We also have some exciting projects coming up over the next year including a book about the history of St Columba’s College and a project to conserve and digitise our precious Archives. More details to follow in our e-newsletter!
Finally, congratulations to Jim Lewis C86 on receiving The Jim Coughlan Award at Prizegiving this year. It was great to see Jim again, and I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. I hope to meet lots of you over the next 12 months. In the meantime, please do keep in touch with me and our new Alumni Relations Officer, Miss Alex Codrington and let us know all your news!
Catherine Lawson Director of Communications, Admissions and Development
My sincere thanks to the members of the Old
Get Connected with the Columban Network Sign up to the Columban Network online and join thousands of Old Columbans around the world who are networking and connecting. You can mentor current students for St Columba’s or simply re-connect with friends. Our free Business Networking Directory is your gateway to a dynamic online network of guidance and support, whatever stage you’re at in your career.
Sign up today at www.columbannetwork.org
Keep in touch! Don’t forget to log in and update your contact details and communication preferences.
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Welcome
Ways to Support St Columba’s College Volunteering Opportunities You can support St Columba’s College in various ways. Many of our alumni and friends generously volunteer their time. They play a crucial role in helping our students and promoting St Columba’s in the wider community.
Can you spare some time to come and speak to our students? Offer placements in your workplace? Would you like to offer careers advice to current students and alumni? Maybe you’d like to spend a few hours each term helping Brother Nelson in the Archives?
We are so grateful to every single one of our volunteers. Your dedication is a huge part of what makes St Columba’s College such a unique, wonderful place. Every volunteer improves the quality of the Columban community and our students’ experience.
Please let us know how you can help by emailing us at sccnetwork@stcolumbascollege.org
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Old Columbans News
YOUR COMMUNITY
1. Virtual Annual Drinks
2. Columban Requiem Mass
We gathered over Zoom this year to celebrate the decade reunions with a virtual drink. The classes of 1970, 1971, 1981, 1991, 1995 and 2001 caught up virtually. We look forward to being able to hold the Annual Dinner in person soon.
The Columban community gathered virtually this year in November for an online commemorative service and remember friends and family who are sadly no longer with us.
3. Class of 1996, 25th Anniversary Reunion
4. Old Columbans Over 65s Afternoon Tea
We loved catching up with the Class of 1996 over Zoom to celebrate their 25th anniversary reunion!
Columbans from all corners of the world gathered to celebrate a virtual Over 65s Afternoon Tea.
5. Columban Ramblers The Columban Ramblers were excited to able to restart meeting in March 2021. They meet either on a Wednesday or Sunday every month at 10am. All members of the Columban community are welcome! Sign up to the email newsletter by contacting Giles Harrison C69 at gpharrison13@gmail.com.
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Old Columbans News
Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the Columban Network: Facebook: @ColumbanNet
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Twitter: @ColumbanNetwork
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Instagram: @columbannetwork
6. Inspiration Day
7. Welcoming daughters of Old Columbans
We were delighted to welcome Old Columbans, both virtually and in person to our annual Inspiration Day. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of Columbans!
We welcomed our first girls to St Columba’s, some of whom are daughters of our Old Columbans! We look forward to welcoming more sons and daughters of our alumni.
8. Class of 2021 In June 2021, we were delighted to welcome the Class of 2021 into the alumni network. As Old Columbans, they will benefit from our business and networking directories and enjoy a range of social events.
9. Virtual Events with Old Columbans Old Columbans at university have shared their experiences with current Sixth Form students, including their university experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Life After SCC
BACKING BIDEN FROM BRITAIN Two recent Old Columbans worked for the Florida Democrats in the 2020 United States Presidential Election. They share their experiences with the Columban community. Roll back to March 2020. The world was trundling along uninterrupted, with the likelihood of two septuagenarians offering a muchthe-same US presidential election – the mainstream Joe Biden v. the continued collision course of Trump. How wrong we were. Sure, Americans ended up with the much-expected choice of Biden/Trump, but curveball after curveball came their way. And COVID-19 was only the tip of the iceberg. Six months before the election, no-one predicted that Trump would leave the White House. So how does a British guy from Hertfordshire end up being involved in all this? After finishing my degree and sabbatical at Durham University, and before starting a graduate scheme, I was looking for an imaginative way to fill my summer. Some would’ve gone backpacking in Thailand…I wanted to volunteer for the Democrat campaign. A vague idea – and one I had no idea how to achieve. Through a fluke recommendation on the last day of applications, I came across Politrip – a scheme that connected young British, American politics-enthusiasts to Democrat campaigns. It was too good an opportunity to miss.
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From then on, I became a Fellow of the Democrats. I was originally meant to spend six weeks in Arlington, right on the doorstop of Washington DC. But like so much of our lives, COVID-19 turned that on its head. Instead I beamed into Biden’s Miami campaign virtually from Hertfordshire, without quite the same tropical weather. Whilst a completely different experience, it amazed me how you can still engage voters through text and phone banking – making well over one-thousand calls. Virtual campaigning has its pros and cons:
you can connect to more voters, quicker. But it’s easier for voters to ignore you. I certainly had a fair share of expletives and abuse thrown my way. And through those hundreds and hundreds of calls, you only have 15 or so meaningful, persuasive conversations. Though in that allimportant state of Florida, 15 votes really do make the difference. My real highlights (apart from Zoom calls with President Obama, Kamala Harris and Cher!) came from voters’ responses. You leave the campaign thinking you’ve heard it all. From those convinced a British guy must be a Russian spy, to a woman in labour … you can’t make it up. Of course, SCC played a role in all this. Were it not for Mr McKenzie’s top A-level classes, I would never have developed my keen interest for US politics and tried to take this further. US political divisions will take years to heal, but I feel proud to have played a tiny role. It was so easy to get involved – and something I can’t recommend enough to sixth formers and recent leavers. After all, the 2024 race is just around the corner.
Leo Harris C16
Life After SCC
Working for the Florida Democrats between September and November of 2020 was an incredibly insightful experience. I had been accepted to be an intern to work on Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s campaign, who was the member of Congress for Florida’s 26th district between 2019-2021. Whilst I was unfortunately limited in my capacity of what I could do because the internship was remote, it was still incredibly worthwhile. My job revolved around quantitative input for campaign fundraising. More than anything, I had to be fully up to date with all the latest events in Florida’s 26th district at the time. Whilst I would normally be very interested in the congressional election cycle, knowing that I was working for a member of Congress who was seeking re-election really brought the election to life. Getting to know what issues were important to the local Floridians, particularly in the surrounding context of the COVID-19 pandemic was extremely interesting. The internship also highlighted just how much work goes into a congressional campaign, particularly in the most highly contested districts like the one I was working in. The 26th District of Florida is known for flipping from Republican to Democrat election to election. Even though the campaign was not successful, getting that experience and my first taste of American politics was fantastic. The experience also reminded me of my time at St Columba’s, specifically during my A-level politics class. Whilst I have gone on to read
politics at university, the intense and detailed study of American politics that I undertook during my A-levels benefited me in the internship. Going into the internship with an already strong understanding of how the American congressional elections work, the importance of them in the overall picture of American politics and how they can impact the executive branch was very helpful. There were so many smaller, more niche topics that I also studied during A-level politics which were very useful for the internship.
interested in American politics to take the congressional election cycle as an opportunity to potentially get involved if the right opportunity is advertised.
Jack Ridings C19
I would recommend to anyone
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Charity
OLD COLUMBANS COMPLETE 10K FOR SAMARITANS In October 2020, James Boult C17 asked Luke Houghton C17, Nathan Shaw C17 and I to join him running the Bedford 10k for the mental health charity, Samaritans.
recommend everyone in the Columban community to try and do just ten minutes of exercise a day as it has such a positive impact on your health.
Samaritans offer a wide range of support for people struggling with personal issues or who need someone to listen to them without judgement or pressure. They offer advice and encouragement to tens of thousands of people every day. Given the difficulties that everyone in the
country has faced over the last 18 months, we all jumped at the opportunity, (even if secretly I was hoping we could raise the money and that the event would be cancelled so I didn’t actually have to do the running part!). Unlike the other three, I am most certainly not a runner. Jokes aside, the opportunity for the four of us to do this run together was such a blessing, at a difficult time for us all with the pandemic and lockdowns looming. We often did our training together, a particular memory was when Luke, James and I got absolutely drenched in the rain. I think we will plan our next charity run for the summer, although England’s weather this summer hasn’t been much to boast about. The training runs gave us the opportunity to open up to each other about the struggles we were going through, and to support one another during the runs and to deal with our problems. In addition, the mental benefits of physical exercise cannot be underestimated, and I would
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Eventually the day did arrive, and it became clear that we were going to have to run. We made the trip up to the Bedford autodrome and the four of us set off on the track to complete our 10k in very respectable times. I feel as if we added a 4th C of competitiveness to the 3 Columban Cs as having started running together, it quickly became apparent that it would turn into a race eventually. Sadly, that title went to Nathan on the day. The main reason for doing the run was to raise awareness and money for the incredible Samaritans charity. Cases of mental health have sky-rocketed during COVID-19 and their volunteers work tirelessly to help everyone they can. We managed to raise £530 for the charity and we would like to thank everyone who donated to our cause. It is so important that we all talk to one another about any issues we are having and I encourage anyone who is struggling, to take advantage of amazing charities such as Samaritans, as well as family, friends or teachers to help share any burdens you may be facing. Thank you again to the Columban community for the support they have shown us with this fundraiser.
Ben Scott C17
Charity
Lyons Family Complete Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for MND On Saturday 7th August, younger members of the family of Michael Lyons completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. They completed it under 12 hours despite some good old fashioned British rain, and have so far raised an incredible £8400. Mike was a geography teacher at St Columba’s for 34 years, before retiring in 2018. Having been inspired to become a teacher by a wonderful Geography teacher that he had at school, Mike joined St Columba’s in 1984. He handed in his application in person to make sure that the school knew how much he wanted to join. He says that the community feel of the school, his colleagues and the Brothers, including Brother Paul, Brother Normand and Brother Nelson, made it a unique and welcoming place to work. Mike speaks of his love and enjoyment of teaching Geography here and still looks back very fondly on the many students, classes and tutor groups that he came across. Some of his favourite memories from his time at St Columba’s include taking GCSE and A Level groups to field trips in Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Devon, France and Spain. As well as his involvement in music at the school including playing in the school Jazz Band. Mike is an ardent guitar player and music lover, and over the years he also played in a fundraising folk band and the band for school musicals.
He talks about the privilege of being able to play with, as he describes them, ‘phenomenal musicians’.
Mike was sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in May 2021. MND is a rare neurological disease that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. It is a rapidly progressing disease that currently has no cure. If you would like to donate to the Lyons family Just Giving page, please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ mikelyons. Any and all donations will be gratefully received, and Mike’s family would like to thank the many people from the St Columba’s community that have already donated. Mike says that reading so many thoughtful messages from former students and colleagues has really lifted his spirits over these past few months.
Nerea Lyons (Mike Lyons’ daughter)
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Life after SCC
‘GOOD TIMES NEVER SEEMED SO GOOD’
OC Tony Perry’s Sweet Caroline effect at Euro 2020 Old Columban Tony Perry C05 was the Wembley DJ for the UEFA Euro 2020. He tells us about his experience. Tournament football is the greatest festival on Earth. It can unite nations, break barriers and bring happiness to entire countries, even if only for a short while! DJing the eight games at Wembley for the UEFA Euro 2020 was an incredible experience and part of a journey that started a long time ago. I began DJing when I joined Columba’s in 2000. My classmates from back then are now my family and continue to support me to this day. It was incredible to get the stands of the Wembley Stadium bouncing. The Sweet Caroline effect made press across the world, including Le Parisien and The NY Times. Although the tournament did not have the perfect ending, I’m looking forward to my next adventure at the Rugby
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League World Cup, Women’s Euro 2022 and my goal of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. I also DJ for the England rugby team and I’ll be on the lookout for Old Columbans when I’m next at Twickenham. At school, I just about made the subs bench and although I tried, I was terrible! St Columba’s made me, and I’ve finally made them proud of my sporting efforts. I thank them for all their support. In July 2021, I also released my first single Free For Sweet Harmony, produced with my fellow Old Columban Marek Mela C05. We’re hoping the summer of 2021 is the start of a new exciting chapter!
Tony Perry C05
The Columban Network
Announcements Marriages
Congratulations to Denzil Forde C13
Congratulations to Odili Cliffe C04 and
Congratulations to SCC staff member
and Sunita Ghosh on their marriage on
Charline Motha on their marriage on
Charlotte Maton and David Shirley on
22nd October 2020 in Liverpool.
1st May 2021 at the Roman Catholic
their marriage on 13th August 2021
Church of Our Lady Queen of Apostle.
at That Amazing Place, Old Harlow.
Congratulations to Shane Gill C06 and
Congratulations to James Smyth C08
Congratulations to SCC staff member
Laura Gill on their marriage on 27th
and Qiuyu Li on their marriage on 4th
Rachael Harkness and Mark Wilson
August 2021 in Killarney, Kerry, Ireland
June 2021 at Fanham’s Hall in Ware.
on their marriage on 5th September
alongside best men Alex Tominey C06
2021 at The Pear Tree, Purton.
and Matt Gill C11.
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The Columban Network
Births
Congratulations to James McNulty
Congratulations to Tom Evans C99 and
Congratulations to Tim Keogh C06
C08 and his partner Ny on the birth
his partner Claire on the birth of their
and his wife Gemma on the birth of
of their daughter Evie Wren McNulty
daughter Mabel Dolcie Fox Evans born
their daughter Phoebe Margo Keogh
born on 23rd December 2020,
on 14th September 2020, weighing
born on 13th October 2020, weighing
weighing 6lbs 2oz.
7lbs 3oz.
7lbs 1oz.
Congratulations to Jason Duke C05
Congratulations to Denzil Forde C13
Congratulations to James Rose C06
and his wife Olivia on the birth of their
and his wife Sunita on the birth of
and his wife Kelly on the birth of their
daughter Emma Charlotte Duke, born
their daughter Aarya Rosie Alroy
son Henry James Rose, born on 10th
on 29th January 2021, weighing 8lbs
Forde, born on 2nd December 2020,
June 2021, weighing 7lbs 3oz.
2oz.
weighing 6lbs.
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The Columban Network
Congratulations to Stuart Cassidy C97 and his partner Frances
Congratulations to Adam Quinn C00 and his wife Siobhan
on the birth of their son Harrington Mclean Cassidy, born on
on the birth of their son Christian Jordan Kevin Quinn, born
7th April 2021, weighing 7lbs 1oz.
on 11th May 2021, weighing 9lbs.
Congratulations to Richard Cummings
Congratulations to Phil Lopez C09
Congratulations to Nick Saunders C95
C02 and his wife Rebecca on the birth
and his wife Abbie on the birth of their
and his wife Claire on the birth of their
of their son Jack Arthur Cummings, born
son Jack George Lopez, born on 8th
son Flynn James Selby Saunders, born
on 5th January 2021, weighing 6lbs 4oz.
January 2021, weighing 9lbs 4oz.
on 4th August 2021, weighing 7lbs 6oz.
F EEDB ACK ON T HE COLU M B AN Please complete our feedback form to let us know what you think of the issue.
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Dates for your Diary
Thursday 30th September 2021 Bicentennial Celebration Saturday 2nd October Whole College Open Morning Wednesday 13th October Columban City Drinks Friday 15th October Old Columbans Over 65s’ Lunch Friday 5th November Columban Golf Day Saturday 6th November Columban Requiem Mass Tuesday 9th November 2021 Sixth Form Preview Evening Thursday 18th November Whole School Michaelmas Concert Thursday 9th December Service of Carols and Lessons, St Albans Cathedral Friday 21st January Coffee Morning Saturday 22nd January OCs v Students Basketball Tournament Tuesday 1st March Prep Open Afternoon Saturday 19th March Old Columbans Annual Dinner Thursday 24th March Lenten Concert Friday 29th April Coffee Morning Thursday 9th June Feast of St Columba
www.stcolumbascollege.org | www.columbannetwork.org
