NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst
Families
What an amazing week it has been. Monday saw an incredible Campion Day - beginning with a beautiful Mass with St Peter's packed with the entire College, St Mary's Hall, parents and guests. Isaac opened the Mass with Campion's Brag as is tradition, the Schola sang beautifully and we were honoured to hear from the Bishop. He based his homily on St John Henry Newman's reflection which I had read in Assembly the week before:
God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Somehow I am necessary for his purposes.
I have a part in this great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good; I shall do his work.
I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth In my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep his commandments and serve him in my calling.
From now until the end of term, we are doing a donation drive with pupils to collect basic toiletries and warm clothing for refugees arriving in the UK, with our Jesuit charity partner, the Jesuit Refugee Service. It is intended as an opportunity for pupils to grow as men and women for others and to learn more about the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity, The Common Good and Solidarity. The pupils received a pupil-led assembly on this this morning, and have been asked to bring items in/ order them online - if they would like to and are able to. Items requested are shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and warm clothing for teenagers (used in good condition or new): hats, gloves, scarves, coats. Thanks so much for anything you can do to support this drive.
This week we have also had the Rhetoric Fair which raises money for Jesuit Missions, the famous Lip Sync Battle, the Association Carol Service, Christmas formals and two very high profile sporting victories in rugby and netball.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Figures parents this weekend and we hope to se many families at the Carol Service at 3pm on Wednesday in St Peter's.
With all best wishes
A Day in the life of the heads of line
My day usually starts at around 7:30 am, when I get ready for the day. After a quick but delicious breakfast in the refectory, I head straight to singing practice with the rest of the whole school. It’s a very good way to start the morning with the energy some of the hymns are giving.
After Singing Practice, I head to my first lesson. As I am studying for the IB Diploma, my timetable can be quite full. I start the day off with Business Management followed by a German class. The IB keeps us students very busy, but I really enjoy the variety and way each subject links to the others.
During the first morning break, many students and teachers like to attend a short Rosary service in the College Chapel, which seems to be more popular this year than ever. It is a quiet moment to pause before the rest of the day begins and it reminds us of the school’s Jesuit roots, before I headed back for another German lesson followed by a well needed lunch break.
After this, we have CCF (Combined Cadet Force) every Thursday in the afternoon and today we had a special visitor with Brigadier Hayhurst (OS) to inspect the Corps. As a JUO I am responsible for my own platoon consisting of fourteen Year 10 pupils. I was teaching them “Cooking in the Field” and “Two Man Shelters” today and they seemed to have learned something but more importantly they really enjoyed themselves. It was wonderful to see how former pupils still always feel a strong connection to the College and come back to visit the core.
In the evening, after dinner, I spend some time on coursework and revision before heading to Boarding Prayers. It is again a very calm way of ending the day in gratitude with the rest of the boarding community. Life in Higher Line can definitely be very busy, but it is also very rewarding. Between lessons, activities, and responsibilities, there is always something happening- and every day brings something new to learn.
LUDWIG
My mornings typically begin quite early with either swim training or a circuit workout before school. I find this energizing and uplifting— it sets a positive tone for the day and helps me stay on track. A typical Tuesday starts with swimming at 7:15am, followed by breakfast in the Refectory. After that, I head to registration in our playroom and then join my tutor group. As an IB student, my schedule is packed, but I genuinely enjoy the structure. It helps me stay organised and manage my time more effectively.
After tutor group on a Tuesday, I have a double German lesson with Mr Sharples, as a double period this is Mr Sharples preferred time for an exam. This is helpful as we can go over the exam in class as soon as I have finished it. After German comes first rec when, during October, I have been enjoying attending the rosary in the College Chapel. This has been a welcomed few minutes of prayer in our very busy schedules and a time for short reflection. After rec, I have a history lesson and then lunch. Tuesday afternoons involve more History, English and then a Harp lesson before the Examen and Maths. Maths in the last period can be a challenge in some weeks but it’s a challenge IB pupils do not shy away from, an example of the Quant Je Puis we embody. However, the day doesn’t finish here… it is only just beginning. On a Tuesday evening, I always have a dilemma of how to split my time, some weeks it is hockey from 5pm and others it is Spanish clinic or Latin mass. This just shows how wide our range of co-curricular is and the variety of activities in each strand of the Stonyhurst diploma. These activities are always followed by Model United Nations after which it is finally dinner time. After dinner we have studies in the evening, though on Tuesday’s we also have the option to study in the Historic library. This is a great alternative as studying in such a beautiful setting, surrounded by such greatness is so inspiring. While my day is very busy, it is a very productive one as I always try to do as much as I can in all that I do. I end the day with gratitude for what I have achieved that day and prepare myself for the next day.
HATTIE
Campion Day
On Monday 1 December, Stonyhurst marked the Feast Day of St Edmund Campion SJ, a great Jesuit martyr. On this day our pupils participated in a Retreat Day with talks and workshops by internal and external speakers on the theme of, Faith That Dares, encouraging them to consider how they want to become men and women for others, contributing positively to the world in their own unique way.
The day started with Campion Mass, which was celebrated by Rt Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, and ended with Campion Fair which was led by our Rhetoric pupils.
Fundraising Drive: Jesuit Refugee Service
As part of our school celebrations, we are having a major fundraising drive.
We are inviting all pupils to give toiletries and clothing for teenagers, for refugees arriving in the UK without basic supplies.
These items will be distributed to them through the London Jesuit Refugee Service Centre.
You can find out more about this charity here: JRS UK | Jesuit Refugee Service UK
We would be immensely grateful if you would consider supporting this cause by enabling your child to make a donation. Items we are asking for:
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Shower Gel
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Clothing for teenagers (new):
Gloves
Hats
Scarves
Coats
A box will be placed in reception from now until the end of this term, for drop-off donations. If you are unable to drop off in person and so would like to send something by post, please send it to College to your child, for them to donate it in their Playroom.
Should you have any questions about any of the above, please contact the Director of Christian Formation, Catherine Crombie: c.crombie@stonyhurst.ac.uk
Stonyhurst Next Innings –
Fundraising
for the Stonyhurst Cricket Pavilion
The Stonyhurst Cricket Pavilion has been a beacon on the Stonyhurst Estate for over 130 years. It is the focal point for key events; it stands up to the incoming snow from Pendle Hill and provides welcome shelter against the Ribble Valley weather. It continues to play a part in key Stonyhurst moments for pupils, OS and staff.
After generations of cricketers using the Pavilion, suffering the piercing grip of boot spikes, and standing strong against the Ribble Valley weather, we were planning to refurbish the Pavilion. However, last summer, the need became more urgent as it suffered two arson attacks – seeing smoke coming out of its beautiful windows was heart wrenching to say the least. It is thanks to the quick action of the Lancashire Fire Brigade that the building was saved and that we can restore it to its former glory for future generations of cricketers to walk those steps and take to the field.
If you would like to support this fundraising initiative, we would be most grateful. Please contact the Development Office or visit our web page here.
Stonyhurst Sport
"Sport at Stonyhurst continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our students, coaches, and parents. Thank you for your ongoing support! - QJP"
Hockey Match Report
All-round hockey success for Stonyhurst on Saturday! A fantastic set of performances across the board for our hockey girls today.
Senior 1 and Senior 2 travelled away to Giggleswick, showing real determination and teamwork as both sides secured impressive 2–1 victories. Outstanding effort from everyone involved. Back at home, our younger squads continued their winning momentum and continued to add less experienced players into their teams ensuring hockey is for all at our school.
The U15s delivered a dominant 5–0 display, showcasing excellent skill, control and finishing. Meanwhile, the U14s put in a confident performance of their own, earning a strong 4–1 win and demonstrating great promise for the future of Stonyhurst hockey.
Finally our U13A and U13B were also in action this morning and both secured dominant wins. A brilliant day all round, well done to every player, coach, and supporter. The spirit, effort and togetherness shown today truly reflect the strength of our hockey programme.
Rugby Match Report
On Tuesday 25 November our U14s hosted Kirkham in the Lancashire Cup whilst the U15s took on Burnley High School After a string of tough results our U15s fought bravely against Burnley High School in a physical match-up that saw them take their second win of the season 38-17. Across the field, the U14s continued to impress beating Kirkham Grammar School, 22-12, to progress into the next round of the Lancashire Cup.
On Saturday 29 November our annual fixture block against Giggleswick School took place. Our U12s and U13s combined into one team and beat Giggleswick in a convincing 50-10 win showing great camaraderie playing together for the first time. The U14s took a large squad to Giggleswick but showcased how strong they are in large numbers putting Giggleswick away 34-19. The 1 XV, still undefeated on Smithfield, flexed their muscles winning convincingly and without conceding extending their unbeaten run on Smithfield.
The final game of the Autumn Term will take place on Saturday 6 December as our seniors take on Harrogate Army Foundation College at home.
Netball Match Report
Fantastic Result for our U15 Girls!
What a performance today in Round 3 of the Sisters in Sport National Cup! Our girls made the trip across the border to take on Woodhouse Grove and absolutely smashed it.
After a tight battle all the way to the fourth quarter, the team dug deep and pulled away to seal a 19–27 victory and book their spot in the quarter finals!
We couldn’t be prouder of this group their determination, teamwork and spirit were superb. Can’t wait to cheer them on in their next fixture! Well done girls!
Basketball Match Report
Once again, our young Basketball team took to the court this week. This time at home against Winstanley college. Although our Basketball players did not achieve the victory that they wished, promising signs were once again on show. The team posted more points in one game than they have achieved all season and are really starting to understand some of the defensive tactics that Mr Barham (Lead Basketball coach) is trying to install in them. On another day the result could have been different. This weeks fixture sees us travel to Basketball academy college, Cardinal Newman in Preston. Good luck.
Cross Country
The busy event filled half term continued this week for our Higher Line Cross Country team.
10 Higher Line runners completed the Run North West Wilmslow 10k on Sunday with a Number of personal bests and everyone crossing the finishing line in under an hour. It was a great experience as there were over 4600 runners taking part in this regional event.
The following Saturday saw our runners head over to rival school Ampleforth college. However, for once our students worked together with the Ampleforth students to complete the old public-school game of hashing. Our runners worked together with Ampleforth to figure out the 7.9k route through the fells and woods of Yorkshire to complete their run. We were fantastically hosted by Ampleforth and all our students enjoyed the mud and rain.
Upcoming Fixtures
Week Ahead Calendar
The below does not include the sporting fixtures for this week. Please see the Upcoming Fixtures pages for this information
Monday 08 December th
08.30 - 09.00
Awards Assembly
Tuesday 09 December th
17.00 - 22.00
19 00
19.10
Rudiments ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Theatre Trip. The Lowry, Manchester
Farm Street Carol Service
SMH Boarders’ Night Prayers
Wednesday 10 December th
10.45 - 11.05
15.00 - 16.00
19.00 - 23.55
Christmas Carols Around the Tree
Carol Service, St Peter’s Church
Parent Winter Ball
Thursday 04 December th
Travel Day
Lower Grammar and Grammar Ski Trip Departure, Italy
Rhetoric Ski Trip Departure, Panorama, Canada
Key Dates this term
Stonyhurst Family Events:
Figures Parents’ Weekend - Friday 5 December to Saturday 6 December th th
Farm St Carol Concert - Tuesday 9 December th
Carol Service - Wednesday 10 December th
Winter Ball (Parents Only) - Wednesday 10 December th