NOTES FROM Stonyhurst
From the Senior Deputy Head
Dear Stonyhurst Families
It has been a very poignant week, beginning with the annual walk of the school down the Avenue to go and mark Remembrance Sunday in Hurst Green. On Tuesday as is tradition the entire school lined the Upper Gallery to listen to the Act of Remembrance as the JUOs lowered flags. The school then each laid their poppies on the war memorial.
Rehearsals for Private Peaceful and the Stars and Stripes concert have dominated the week for many. The Stars and Stripes concert, marking the month of Thanksgiving in the US, was hugely successful and played to a standing-room only Top Ref last week.
We will mark Red Wednesday this coming Wednesday which is to raise awareness of persecuted Christians all over the world. The College will be lit up red at night and pupils will wear a red item of clothing and there will be various assemblies and events to mark this. We will celebrate Campion Day on 1st December so if you are in the area, please do come to Mass on that day at 11am.
We are looking forward to welcoming LG Parents' next weekend for Private Peaceful and Parents' Conference and Figures Parents' recital on Friday 5th December followed by their Parents' Conference on 6th December.
With all best wishes
STEAM Day
On Saturday we celebrated STEAM Day, a fantastic opportunity to see creativity and innovation in action across Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths.
Our Head Boy visited each department to hear what pupils think about Stonyhurst’s new STEAM curriculum - from hands-on experiments and coding challenges to design projects that bring ideas to life.
We’re thrilled to have launched new Textiles and Design Technology facilities, with the Art Department opening its brand-new space in January.
An exciting new chapter for STEAM at Stonyhurst has begun.
Remembrance Day
On Tuesday morning, the Stonyhurst community came together in remembrance.
At the College, pupils and staff gathered on the Upper Gallery beside the Cenotaph for a moment of reflection, while at St Mary’s Hall the community assembled around the staircase, where poppies were dropped in commemoration. In both settings, the Last Post was played - a simple yet deeply moving tribute to all those who gave their lives in service.
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, pupils were selling poppies in their break times to support the Royal British Legion
A simple act that reflects our call to be men and women for others as we honour all who have served.
We remember them.
Lower Grammar Playroom Presents Private peaceful
This year we are Celebrating 125 years of CCF at Stonyhurst and so it felt fitting that we also acknowledge and celebrate this in out thriving drama department
Step into the world of Private Peaceful, a moving and unforgettable stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s acclaimed novel. Following the story of young Tommo Peaceful, the play takes audiences on a journey from the innocence of childhood in rural England to the harrowing battlefields of the First World War.
Told with honesty, humour, and heartbreaking poignancy, Private Peaceful is both a powerful coming-of-age story and a searing reminder of the human cost of war.
Get your tickets here.
PSHE Higher Line
On Thursday Higher Line pupils were treated to a drama performance based on the responsibilities of young drivers. The actors took us through the potential consequences of risk-taking behaviour. It covered issues such as distractions, peer pressure, the responsibilities of passengers, the dangers of alcohol and speeding, and the importance of wearing seat belts. They also finished with an interactive pupil quiz, which our pupils thoroughly enjoyed.
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
Hockey Match Report
A challenging away day for our senior girls’ hockey teams at Ampleforth. Our First Team made a slow start and conceded a few early goals, but showed real improvement in the second half, playing with much more confidence and cohesion despite the final result not going their way. The Second Team produced some great hockey throughout, keeping the game level at 1-1 for much of the match. In the closing stages, Ampleforth’s clinical finishing made the difference. Plenty of positive to take and away and lots to build on – well done girls!
Senior Hockey vs Ampleforth
Hockey Match Report
Earlier in the week the Senior First Team played a fantastic game against Rossall School coming away with a 3-0 victory in Round 1 of the plate competition. The girls put on an outstanding performance and we are so proud of you all!
The U14 hockey team played AKS Lytham in Round 3 of the Schools Championship. Stonyhurst made the most of their home advantage, starting strongly and quickly establishing what seemed to be a comfortable 3-0 lead. However, AKS came out determined after the break, applying intense pressure and scoring two goals in quick succession. Stonyhurst remained composed, refocused and began to create some opportunities again. Some powerful play down the right channel helped to break through the defence. It was an impressive display of hockey from both sides, with the match concluding 5-2 in Stonyhurst’s favour. We wish them lots of luck as they progress to round 4 of the National Cup against GSAL.
Netball Match Report
For Round 2 of the U15s Sisters in Sport Netball Shield, Stonyhurst travelled away to take on Kirkham Grammar. It was neck and neck all game with both teams putting on an incredible performance. The full-time score finished 37-37! With everything on the line, the match went to golden goals and Stonyhurst came out on top, clinching the win 39-37! A thrilling match from start to finish and an amazing effort from both teams!
Rugby Match Report
Saturday saw our annual block against Ampleforth, a rivalry going back decades. Our senior teams travelled in number as for the first time in six years we saw three senior sides take on Ampleforth in Yorkshire. A first run out for the 3rd XV saw over 10 players play their first ever game of rugby in a brave 17-5 loss The 2nd XV proved their resilience but unable to strike in a 3-0 loss. The 1st XV was one for the rugby purists going toe-totoe with their biggest rivals. 17-17 as the clock hit 70 minutes, but a late penalty saw Tom kick the winning points in a thriller.
Back at Stonyhurst our U15s and U14s hosted Ampleforth The U14s started the second half of term with a bang, beating Ampleforth 60-5, however, our U15s couldn't replicate the success they saw at the end of last term losing 15-0.
Our U13s & U12s hosted Woodhouse Grove unable to add to their win column. The U13s lost, in a hardfought contest, 15-10. The U12s had a much longer day struggling against a well oiled side, losing 45-0.
Basketball Match Report
Our Basketball team keep battling on in their North West colleges league with first a home game vs Holy Cross followed by a trip to Bury College. Both games unfortunately ended in defeat but once again head coach Mr Barham is seeing much improvement from his young first team. Well done all and stick at it.
Badminton Match Report
On Saturday, Ampleforth travelled to Stonyhurst for a series of badminton fixtures. The afternoon was a great success, with Stonyhurst winning the singles 8-0 and the doubles 3-1, with all players really enjoying the experience.
Cross Country
On Thursday, we welcomed over 500 runners from 25 schools to our annual Invitational Cross Country.
From Year 3 to Year 13, pupils showed determination, teamwork and outstanding spirit across every race.
A fantastic day of competition and camaraderie on the Stonyhurst estate.
Quant Je Puis.
Tennis
Girls A and B Tennis Teams in the National LTA Year 11-13 Event
Girls A won 8-4 against Bolton School and 8-0 against Caldray Grange Grammar, followed by a 12-0 win against out B team. Girls B drew against Caldray Grange Grammar, overall, a great day of tennis. The A team will move onto the knockout stages in January
Upcoming Fixtures
Stonyhurst Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy Round-Up
There are a number of really exciting opportunities for your child to look forward to this half term through Chaplaincy:
On Wednesday, we had a fantastic pupil turnout for the first talk in our Finding Purpose series. The talk was given by OS Fr Toby Lees OP, about his time at the College, Cambridge and Oxford Universities, becoming a lawyer and then finding his calling to the Priesthood. These talks will be happening each half term and will include a variety of speakers with the intention of encouraging pupils to consider how they might put their Faith into action in adult life.
This coming Sunday (16th), our Altar Servers and Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers will be receiving a talk from former teacher at the College and Catholic author, Barbara Mason. She will be speaking to them about the power of Adoration and the central place of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. All pupils have been invited to attend should they wish to.
On Wednesday 19th, we will be joining with other schools and religious institutions around the country to mark Red Wednesday for Persecuted Christians. This is an initiative of the charity, Aid to the Church in Need. All pupils have been asked to attend school in home clothes, wearing an item of red clothing. You can find out more about Red Wednesday here: ACN #RedWednesday
On the following Wednesday 26th, we will have our annual Bethany Mass for Departed Loved Ones at 78pm. This is an opportunity for pupils and staff to remember loved ones they have lost and support those experiencing grief at this time.
On Sunday 30th, the external worship group, One Hope Project, will be coming in to lead a formation day to rehearse music and testimony skills with pupils who will lead their Playroom Worship next term. All pupils are welcome to take part. You can find out more about One Hope here: HOME | onehopeproject
On Monday 1 December, we will have our whole College Campion Day Mass and Retreat. More details on this will follow closer to the time. st
On Thursday 4th, there will be a whole school fundraising event for the Jesuit Refugee Service and we will be asking the Stonyhurst community for donations of toiletries and children's clothing. More details will also follow on this.
If you would like further details on any of these events, then please contact our Director of Christian Formation, Catherine Crombie: c.crombie@stonyhurst.ac.uk
Date | Wednesday 10 December th Time | 7pm
Venue | Stonyhurst College
Click here to book your tickets
Monday 15 December - Wednesday 17 December th th
Week Ahead Calendar
The below does not include the sporting fixtures for this week. Please see the Upcoming Fixtures pages for this information
Pupil Only Events:
Key Dates this term
Slow Down Saturday - Saturday 15 November th
Red Wednesday - Wednesday 19 November th
Campion Day - Monday 1 December st
Fireworks Evening - Wednesday 5 November th
Stonyhurst Family Events:
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 - Tuesday 9 December th
Carol Service - Wednesday 10 December th
Winter Ball (Parents Only) - Wednesday 10 December th