NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
It could not have been a more perfect day for the whole school photograph yesterday. 700 pupils from 2 to 19 years old, perfectly turned out with their teachers and houseparents in the glorious autumn sunshine was an impressive sight. To assemble and dissemble the photograph within one hour was truly impressive and a reminder of what can be achieved in a short space of time
This week in assembly, there was a reflection on the importance of our Jesuit values and how these align so well with the secular values of British society: democracy, the rule of law, tolerance, mutual respect and individual liberty. The point was made that the two are not in opposition but in alignment and therefore, when faced with moral challenges, it is important to go back to the fundamental values one holds to be able to distinguish clearly between right and wrong.
We also heard inspirational advice from our Deputy Heads of the Line who explained how important it is to take all the opportunities that one is presented with at Stonyhurst. This very sentiment had been expressed at the weekend as 60 OS85 came back for their forty year reunion. They expressed how lucky they felt to have been to school here and that, especially in the light of very international lives, they considered Stonyhurst to be home, giving real stability and constancy throughout all the changes that life brings. It is wonderful to think that, for all the 700 pupils in the photograph, Stonyhurst will provide this to them too.
A very warm welcome is extended to all our Rhetoric families joining us this weekend for the first Parents’ Weekend of the new academic year.
Have a wonderful weekend,
With best wishes
Advice from the Deputy Head Boy
My name is Morgan and I am honoured to be Deputy Head of Line for this academic year. This is my seventh year at Stonyhurst, and I would like to share with you three pieces of advice to carry with you into the year ahead.
First, look outwards, not just inwards.
Service has always been deeply rooted in Stonyhurst tradition, using our gifts not just for ourselves, but for the greater good of others. Being men and women for others can be done in many ways, whether helping a friend in need, giving time for charity or simply showing kindness in small moments. Sometimes a smile in the gallery is enough to change someone’s day. What you do for others is often the most meaningful part of your journey here.
Secondly, be resilient.
Not everything in life will be smooth There will be setbacks and disappointments but resilience doesn’t mean you never fall down, it means you always get back up. Every time you face something with determination, you become stronger and wiser and this develops a strong character, preparing you for life beyond Stonyhurst.
Thirdly, aim higher than you think you can.
The school motto, Quant Je Puis, as much as I can, reminds us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and take hold of all the amazing opportunities here at Stonyhurst, in the classroom, on the pitch or on the stage. So take Quant Je Puis as a challenge, and don’t be afraid to take a risk, because you never know when it will pay off As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it is done”
Thank you and have a fantastic week.
There’s a saying you may have heard: “We do not remember remember moments.” When I think about my time so far at Stonyh not the ordinary timetable or routine that comes to mind, but the of laughter with friends, challenges on the sports field, or step something new and unexpected. It is these experiences that s memories and, ultimately, our time here. With that in mind, I want to share three pieces of advice that I be help you create those meaningful moments and truly make the mos time at Stonyhurst.
The first is this, get involved in as much as you can, we are privilege to be at a school that is overflowing with opportunity, whether it sports field, in the theatre or music, through service or in one of clubs and societies, There is always something for you to be part o ‘yes’ to these opportunities allows you to build friendships, disc interests and create memories that will last far beyond your years he own personal experience, the memories that have brought me the have often been those I never originally planned for, moments that because I decided to get involved.
My second piece of advice is to be never afraid to ask for help Stonyhurst is a vibrant place and can definitely become overwhelmi of us at some point, when things become difficult asking for suppo weakness, it is a mark of courage, you are surrounded by a commu wants you to flourish: teachers, tutors, classmates and of course, you No one is expected to do everything alone and seeking help is alway step towards growth and success
Finally, be yourself
In a school as diverse as ours it is easy to compare yourself to othe pressure to fit into certain expectations, but Stonyhurst th individuality, the unique gifts and perspectives each and every o brings, when you allow yourself to be who you truly are ,not only your own experience but strengthens the fabric of this community So to summarize:
Get involved, ask for help, be yourself
If you hold onto these three things your time at Stonyhurst will no successful but also deeply fulfilling and enjoyable
Mathem hme
On Thursday, Stonyhurst College hosted a Mathematics Enrichment Day, welcoming pupils from Corpus Christi, Our Lady’s, and Ribblesdale School to join our Grammar, Syntax and Higher Line mathematicians.
Highlights included a lively quiz in the Top Ref, a fascinating Collections tour, and building models of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in the Physics lab - a brilliant way to showcase our new Design & Technology courses.
The day culminated with an inspiring keynote from Rob Eastaway, bestselling author of Much Ado About Numbers, who explored the mathematics of Shakespeare’s time and his use of number in his writing.
Thank you to our visiting schools and to Rob for making the day such a memorable celebration of mathematics in action
Proud moment as our delivered an inspiring assembly to the Lower their journeys and how their time at Stonyhurs So proud of these girls and all they continue to
The Committee
Our Student Committee brings together perspectives from four key areas o Catholic Boarding Global Academic
By uniting these voices, we ensure every part of our community is represen building a stronger, more inclusive Stonyhurst where every student can thr
Hockey Success
Congratulations to the U13 hockey squad who secured a fantastic victory in the first round of the Independent Schools Cup! The girls played some excellent hockey, with Matilda completing a brilliant hatrick to secure a 4-2 victory. And a further congratulations to Kitty who was voted player of the match by the opposition, a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding performance.
The OS Wan College.
After an afte ef - a much-loved
Boarding Trip - Lancaster Escape Room
Lancaster adventure: puzzles cracked, bags packed, and sun soaked
Who knew escaping could be this fun.
Stonyhurst Sport
Match Report Hockey
On Saturday, we welcomed Westholme to Stonyhurst for fixtures against our U13A,B,C and D teams The U13A and U13B sides secured strong wins, while the U13C and U13D teams battled hard although resulting in narrow defeats
Our senior girls hosted Austin Friar While victory slipped away this time, a special congratulations to four Syntax girls: Olivia, Marianne, Rose and Angelina who proudly made their 1st XI debuts this week
Meanwhile, our U14 and U15 squads travelled to Austin Friars and returned with dominant performances and impressive scorelines wining 12-0 and 13-0
In total, 83 girls represented Stonyhurst Hockey on Saturday showing grit, determination and team spirit despite the miserable and wet conditions
Throughout the rest of the week, there were further hockey fixtures held. The U15A and U15B teams playing Kings Macclesfield, resulting a draw and a loss, however with both players of the matches being awarded to Stonyhurst players, well done to Luisa and Lucy.
On Wednesday the 1st XI hockey team travelled to Manchester High School for the first round of the Independent Schools Cup, while the fixture proved to be a challenging contest, both sides showed great discipline, organization and work ethic. Despite the efforts, the team was unable to convert their performance into a result. Nevertheless, the performance provides a strong foundation as the attention is turned to the Plate Competition.
The 2nd XI faced AKS Lytham during the week, a strongly contested fixture, with Stonyhurst having some excellent runs down the flanks creating a number of opportunities in the final third, however AKS also applied consistent pressure resulting in them securing a 2-1 victory.
During the week Aloysius House hosted Aysgarth’s U12 and U13 hockey teams, and it was a particularly successful day on the hockey pitches for our U13A and U13B teams. The girls played some excellent hockey, showing great teamwork and skill throughout. Both teams were victorious with the U13As winning 7-3 and the U13Bs securing an impressive 10-0 result A big thank you to Aysgarth for making the trip, and well done to all players for their energy, commitment and sportsmanship
On Saturday, Stony es The 1XV played some excellent rugby in torrential conditions with a number of early scores helping them to secure a 24-0 win over Bradford Grammar. While the U16s also played Bradford Grammar and gave great levels of effort and attitude, Bradford Grammar took the 31-5 win. The U13Bs continued their winning form with a win of 30-5 against Bradford Grammar.
While on Thursday the U12s and U13s played Aysgarth. An exciting set of fixtures for both the As and the Bs, with the U13Bs coming out with a great win of 45-30. While the U13As, U12As and Bs took losses, the team spirit did not fade and all teams put in a good fight.
Match Report Netball
While it is not yet out official netball season this term, our squads are still going strong in the National Cup Competitions. The U15s travelled to Wirral Grammar and came away with an impressive 40-15 win to secure their spot in the next round. While the U14s put in a strong performance but were up against a tough MT’s side, falling 17-32 in a hard fought match. Huge congratulations to all the girls who represented us today –we’re incredibly proud of your effort, commitment and sportsmanship.
Match Report Golf
We were delighted to host our OS golfers for a fantastic afternoon on our course, as they took on teams made up of current Syntax and Higher Line students. Eight four-ball matches were played, with each game closely contested. In the end, it was our current students who claimed a narrow victory. The day concluded with a superb three-course dinner – the perfect end to a memorable day of sport and connecting. Thank you to everyone who took part and made the event such a success.
Sport Notices
We are proud to announce that all students attending the Lancashire Development Centre at Stonyhurst will be able to receive a 40% discount per 6 week course. The Development Centre is externally run by Lancashire in our sports hall and has a maximum of 24 students per course. These sessions are aimed at boys and girls of all abilities from 12 years and up. For further information or interest of how to sign up, please see the flyer above or contact the sports department.
Upcoming Fixtures
Date | Wednesday 10 December th Time | 7pm
Venue | Stonyhurst College
Click here to book your tickets
Pupil Only Events:
Key Dates this term
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:
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 th
Week Ahead Calendar
The below does not include the sporting fixtures for this week. Please see the Upcoming Fixtures pages for this information
