NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
It has been wonderful to have our first entirely ‘normal’ week with everyone back into the rhythm and routines of school life. It is great to see the enthusiasm for studies and the determination to develop Quant Je Puis spirit in academic endeavours. The number of brags awarded this term is extremely high and reading all of the citations it is so clear that the teachers are impressed by the work ethic on display across the College It is so hard to remember who is ‘new’ as the new pupils have settled in so well and are navigating the campus and the days with admirable ease! We teachers have been hovering in the galleries to assist lost pupils but have found little to do in this regard!
Praise must go to the 1st XV who had a decisive victory against AKS last Saturday. Perhaps just as pleasing was seeing the amount of the College community out to support on a perfect autumnal afternoon. We look forward to a very busy weekend of fixtures this weekend.
We officially celebrated the Committee as a whole school on Monday at Headmaster’s Assembly as they received the highly sought after Committee ties and scarves. Ludwig and Hattie gave their excellent advice to the school community for the coming year We also celebrated outstanding results in Higher Line as members of Poetry and Rhetoric received academic colours. We look forward to further colours being distributed as the year progresses.
Wednesday saw the whole school cross country and it was impressive to see that Stonyhurstians were undeterred by the complete downpour that heralded the beginning of the race.
On Friday we had the first gathering of the Stonyhurst line families. It will be good to see how these progress as we make big steps towards linking the Playrooms for line events and social occasions.
With best wishes for a wonderful weekend,
Academic Colours
This week, our Deputy Head Academic awarded Academic Colours, Stonyhurst’s highest academic honour, to outstanding pupils.
Awarded to Poets with an average GCSE grade 8+, and Rhetoric pupils with 40+ IB points or an average A grade and above in A-level/CTEC, Academic Colours celebrate resilience, discipline, and a true love of learning.
We are so proud of their achievements and the example they set for our community.
Line Families
The Line Families for this year have now been announced Each family brings together pupils from every year group, enabling older pupils to take on leadership roles while providing support and encouragement for those lower down the school. This structure continues to strengthen our community and foster connections across year groups
Sports Captains
We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Sports Captains for the forthcoming academic year at Stonyhurst. These pupils have been selected in recognition of their commitment to their respective sports, their leadership qualities, and the values they consistently demonstrate both on and off the field.
The following pupils will serve as captains:
Maggie - Hockey
Ludwig - Rugby
Rufta - Girls Football
Henry - Tennis
Niklas - Golf
Josh - Football
Hugo - Basketball
Kayden - Badminton
Senior Netball Captain
We are also pleased to share that Isabella (RH) has been named as Senior Netball Captain.
This follows the appointment of our new Director of Netball, Ms Thea Cormack, and we are excited to see Thea and Isabella work together to lead the programme into a successful new season.
Stonyhurst has been crowned UK Champions in the Cadet One K (1100 yards) at the 156 Imperial Meeting, securing the Elizabeth McGuiness Trophy and four gold medals. Individual success followed with 1 2 3 and 5 place finishes for Sgt Tam, Sgt Millard, Cpl Ketchen and JUO Wren. th st, nd, rd th
Other notable results include:
Cadet Gallery Rifle - 4 Place team finish, with Sgt Millard winning the silver medal individually. th
Cadet McQueen - 4 Place pairs (Cdt Mann and Cpl Ketchen) th
Competing against 31 of the UK’s leading schools and 383 individual competitors, these results are a testament to the dedication and talent of our pupils and coaching team.
cCF S
This week we held the first Line Event of the year: Inter-Line Cross Country.
It was a fantastic afternoon of competition, with pupils and staff giving their all for their Lines. The event has set the tone for the year ahead - with early rivalries emerging and plenty of determination on show.
Well done to everyone who took part and made it such a memorable start to the Line calendar. The race for Line glory has begun.
Fishing Society
The Fishing Society enjoyed a wonderful outing this week, making the most of a golden autumn day in our own little corner of Hobbiton. Among the highlights, Max S – on his very first session on the River Hodder –landed a fine Jack Pike while spinning on the flooded waters, executing the catch perfectly
Pre-Season Weekend
Our senior rugby, hockey and football squads kicked off the weekend by blowing away the cobwebs, sharpening their skills and reconnecting as teams. A big thank you to our friends at University of Central Lancashire for hosting us for fitness testing and helping set the tone for a high energy start to the season.
Hockey Match Report
Last week, Stonyhurst proudly hosted a fantastic pre-season hockey tournament The day was a great success, filled with competitive matches, teamwork and plenty of hockey played. A huge thank you to Kirkham Grammar School and Clitheroe and Blackburn Northern Hockey Club for joining us and helping to make the event such an enjoyable occasion. Here’s to an exciting hockey term ahead!
Rugby Match Report
On Saturday the College had six college fixtures against AKS Lytham, winning four of them The U13/14/15A teams travelled to AKS Lytham with the U13 and U14s winning their games by 50 points of more. Unfortunately, the U15s lost to a strong AKS Lytham side. At home the U12As lost to a more experienced AKS side, however the U12B boys managed a good win. The 1st XV played hard and took a great win with a final score of 32-3.
Upcoming Sporting Events and Notices
Cricket
In the coming week, we have a number of cricketers trialing for their respective Lancashire age group squads: Taylor, Seb, Jemima, Finn and Matilda. We wish them the best of luck for their trials!
Rugby
This week the U13/14/15/16 teams play Audenshaw mid-week. The weekend sees our U12/13A teams playing Sedbergh away and our U14A/B, 1st XV and 2nd XV teams travel to St Peter’s York, while the U15A/B and U16 take on St Peter’s York at home.
Golf
On Monday 15th September, the U18 Independent Schools Golf Association National Cup Round 1 versus Birkenhead is taking place. Further on Friday19th September, we look forward to welcoming back OS members to take on our current students at the Stonyhurst Park Golf Club for 18 holes before sitting down for a formal dinner in the evening.
Netball
Next week the U13A netball team will compete in the Sisters ‘n Sport Shield, with a game against Queen Ethelburga’s at home. Good luck girls!
"Sport at Stonyhurst continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our students, coaches, and parents. Thank you for your ongoing support!"
Pupil Only Events:
Key Dates this term
Whole College Photographs - Friday 26 September th
Half Term - Saturday 18 October to Monday 3 November th rd
Slow Down Saturday - Saturday 15 November th
Red Wednesday - Wednesday 19 November th
Campion Day - Monday 1 December st
Stonyhurst Family Events:
Rhetoric Parents’ Weekend - Friday 26 September to Saturday 27 September th th
Higher Line Open Evening - Thursday 9 October th
Puddings and Performances - Friday 10 October th
Choral Vespers - Friday 17 October th
Fireworks Evening - Wednesday 5 November th
Lower Grammar Parents’ Weekend - Friday 21 November to Saturday 22 November st nd
Figures Parents’ Weekend - Friday 5 December to Saturday 6 December th th
Farm St Carol Concert - Monday 8 December th
Carol Service - Wednesday 10 December th
Winter Ball (Parents Only) - Wednesday 10 December - tickets will be released shortly th
