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5th March 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your very kind words of encouragement and good wishes for our Inspection.
The students have, as usual, responded magnificently to welcoming the Inspection Team to the
School, and all appears to be going well. Keep up the prayers and positive thoughts!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Parents’ Association, with whom I had
an excellent meeting last Thursday evening, and who continue to be so supportive of all aspects
of the School. In particular, their on-going financial support of co-curricular projects initiated by
Departments from across the School is greatly appreciated.
We were delighted to hear this week that our new Preparatory School has won a coveted
architectural award in the New Build Section of this year’s Design Awards from Charnwood
Borough Council. The award scheme aims to recognise the excellent work of owners, agents and
contractors on a wide range of development and conservation projects within the Borough,
and are an important part of encouraging and promoting the ever-improving standards of design
in the built environment.
The Sports Department engaged in fixtures with Ockbrook, Kimbolton and Lincoln Minster last
weekend, with some splendid results, as you will read later in this E-Newsletter. Again, thank
you for supporting your daughters and sons in their sporting endeavours. It was good to host,
once again the Lourdes HCPT Pilgrimage Induction Day on Sunday, ahead of 8 of our students
assisting in July.
This week, as well as being dominated by the ‘I’ word, has seen World Book Week celebrated to
the full, throughout the School. Mr Benjamin gave an inspirational reflection at Headmaster’s
Assembly on Monday, while the Preparatory School were dressed in the costumes of their
favourite book characters today, when they explored, under the leadership of Year 6 pupils,
themes from literature.
It was excellent to have such student and parental support at the Higher Education Information
Evening on Monday. Thank you also for your support of the Art and Design Technology
Exhibition on Tuesday evening, with my thanks to the Staff and sincere congratulations to the
students on their beautiful works of art and design. Numerous sports fixtures have taken place
through the week, too, and these will be reported on fully next week.
We wish our Sixth Form Historians all the best as they embark tomorrow to attend the Model
United Nations International Schools’ Conference in Bath; and we look forward to you and your
child’s/children’s support of our Open Morning on Saturday, together with a plethora of sporting
fixtures. No rest for the wicked!
Finally, may I ask all parents to keep a careful eye out for a stand-alone e-mail that Mrs Govan
will send on behalf of Mr Gilchrist, requesting a return to confirm if parents of children who are
in our sports squads are able to attend the Sports Presentation Evening at 7.00pm
on Wednesday 18th March 2015? This e-mail will be sent shortly.
Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and blessed week ahead,
Yours sincerely,
Gareth P. Lloyd
Headmaster.
PARENT NEWS
Lenten Choral Vespers
Thursday 12th March
Vespers is a service which goes back centuries,
traditionally sung at the end of the day.
It is a reflective liturgy where the Readings and Psalms of the day are augmented by
music.
Please join us as we sing music appropriate for Lent
in Ratcliffe College Chapel
on Thursday 12th March at 5:30pm.
The service will finish at approximately 6:15pm and you are welcome to join us for
refreshments afterwards.
SENIOR
RECITAL
We would like to invite you to a very special night of music. Please come to support our
Senior Students in preparation towards their public examinations.
Thursday, 12th March
7.30pm
in the Church
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
Ratcliffe College Netball Festival: Opportunity for spectators
We all know how important living an active and healthy lifestyle is both for the way we look and
feel … but it’s not always easy. That’s why the Ratcliffe College Parents’ Association has
organised a fun boot camp for all parents and other spectators, which will take place at the same
time as the school netball festival on Saturday 21st March.
Not sure what to expect? This is basically a fun, group outdoor exercise session that
incorporates a combination of exercises and team games to give you a full body workout.
The session will cater for all fitness levels and is run by local Personal Trainer, Elaine
Crewe. Boot Camp starts at 1:30pm – 2:30pm on the fields behind the netball court.
Let’s show the younger ones that we too can get fit and have fun. Look forward to seeing you
there (and to the Parents’ Association refreshments following our workout – we will have earned
it!).
Please register your place by contacting Sharon de Caestecker on 07842 775880
or e-mail sdc71@talktalk.net.
Sharon de Caestecker
PA Uniform Shop
The Second Hand Uniform Sale went well in February with most of the items put in being sold,
and monies owing to parents will be sent at the end of term.
The next sale will be on Wednesday 25th March in the Prep School lobby, so please put that in
your diaries. We, of course, now need more items! We had lots of requests especially for girls’
summer dresses, so if you have a few items that your children have grown out of, please forward
them via Senior or Prep School Reception to us. The forms to fill in are at both Receptions or
e-mail me and I will e-mail a form to you. Many thanks.
Jenny Howling
pashop@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk
SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT NEWS
Headmaster’s Assembly, 2nd March 2015 Awards
Merit Badge
Year 7
Yasmina Lock
Year 8
Eve Millward
Merit Shield
Year 7
Owen Lloyd
CCF News
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Public Services (QCF) was awarded to:
Matthew Booth with Grade Distinction*
Annabelle Tomlinson with Grade Merit
Joey Higham, Year 12, placed second in the Catenian Association Public Speaking Contest
held last Sunday in Kegworth. He addressed the question: Do we teach children to pass tests or to
awaken them to the world? The competition featured eight students from the midlands regions,
all Catholic school students; the standard was lofty. Joey was a tour de force, both articulate and
moving in his message. He did not use notes and spoke precisely for four minutes. The senior
adjudicator shared with Mr Benjamin that the difference between first and second was one
mark. As a top finisher, Joey has secured a place in the National Championship to take place
in Manchester on 13th September 2015.
Last week, Elliot Fawdington, Year 9, was presented with two awards from John Gunby,
president of the Leicester Fly Fishers’ Association. The awards were Junior Angler of the Year
2014 and Junior Merit Award 2014. Also, Elliot has been assessed for and accepted onto
the Angling Trust England Talent Pathway programme to train and ultimately fish competitively
for England. This is a significant achievement as the programme is designed for 14-18 year olds
and Elliot is only 13.
At the annual Golf presentation evening last Friday, Emily Dunne, Year 9, was awarded six
trophies for her achievements throughout 2014.
Her handicap is currently 14 , and she is always working hard to reduce it further. She hopes to
have a career in the golf world when she finishes her education.
German Exchange Trip to Koblenz, February 14th – 21st 2015
The party of 19 students and accompanying staff met at 7.30am at Birmingham Airport for the
11.10am flight to Cologne/Bonn. Although the flight was delayed, we caught the train to Koblenz
on schedule. We were met on the platform in Koblenz by host families and teachers, and were
transported away to enjoy a well-earned rest. The rest of the week was packed with various
activities starting with a stroll around the sights of Koblenz on Sunday morning in the beautiful
winter sunshine.
This area of Germany is famous for the ‘Carnival’ celebrations, and students were able to take
part in a number of these. The largest was in Koblenz on ‘Rose Monday’, and thousands gathered
in various costumes to watch the parade. Sweets and chocolates are thrown from the various
floats for the general public to collect.
Tuesday was a day spent with families, and students were treated to a number of activities
including exploring the area, swimming, cycling, visiting castles and lakes and the inevitable
shopping.
Wednesday was a school day, which started with Ash Wednesday Mass for the whole school in a
local church. Just like at Ratcliffe, all students went forward to receive the ash cross on their
foreheads. After this, it was back to school for lessons, albeit only until 1.05pm, which is when
the school day finishes for most.
On Thursday, all exchange students took the train to Cologne. We visited the amazing cathedral,
which dominates the skyline. A tour of the ‘Lindt’ chocolate museum followed. Students found
out all about the history and production of chocolate, and were given the opportunity to sample
a chocolate bean as well as liquid chocolate.
On Friday, the English students were treated to a day in the beautiful historic city of Trier.
Highlights included the cathedral, the basilica and the ‘Rappelkiste’ toyshop. On the final evening,
our German partner school laid on a reception attended by all the students, host families and
staff involved. A delicious buffet was provided by the host families, but the highlights of the
evening were provided by Ratcliffe students. Olivia Armon and Anna Reviakina performed a
beautiful duet with Olivia playing the piano, and the evening ended with Natasha Walsh leading
all the students in a number of renditions of the ‘hokey cokey’.
The next morning, after a number of tearful goodbyes, we boarded the train to Cologne/Bonn
Airport for the flight back to Birmingham.
Mr McCrindell
Art is …
… a full size cardboard tractor by all of Year 7
PREPARATORY SCHOOL NEWS
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT awarded at Preparatory School Assembly
YEAR 6
Annie Rose Reddin
Mickyle Bhojani
YEAR 5
Cameron Gordon
Samuel Gray
Sophia Walker
Harvey Henderson
Year 4
Jessika Bardsley
Harry Carroll
Aarav Kandiyil
YEAR 3
Jonah Walker
Harry Hings
Annabelle Hull
Eva Perry
YEAR 2
Isobel McCall
YEAR 1
Sophia Hull
Ava-Mae Trasler
Amélie Wilson-Knight
Merit shield
2nd certificate
Merit badge
Merit badge
Merit badge
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
Merit badge
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
2nd certificate
Ethan Bruiners, Year 6, has received a trophy for the Division 1 winners of the
Young Elizabethan League Winter 2014.
Amélie Wilson-Knight, Year 1, has received a 2nd place medal for baby ballet, a 4th place for
baby lyrical and 3rd place for baby cabaret duets from the British Theatre Dance Association
Festival.
In RE this term, we are learning about special meals. We started this unit of work by preparing
and enjoying our own special meal.
See them enjoying their dining experience …
Year 1 fine dining!
Old Ratcliffian News
Alice Pulford has been very busy in the last couple of weeks, and was interviewed on
Radio Leicester on 24th February by Ben Jackson (which can be heard on catch up on the
computer). She was also in the Leicester Mercury ‘More’ Magazine, ‘Leicestershire and Rutland
Life’ and she will do an interview in the ‘Leicester Mercury’ either this Saturday or next.
The most moving to me, however, was in the ‘Hiffindon Post’, where she wrote about her battle
to nurse “Mercy” (one of the orphans) last November. I am only really pointing this out, because
each time she was asked about her own education, she always spoke so proudly of attending
Ratcliffe, and said what a wonderful, all encompassed education she had received there, and how
supportive the school have been. If anyone can spare the time to vote for Alice, it would be much
appreciated. Thank you: http://www.markeluk.com/britains-best-volunteer/finalists/alicepulford.aspx#.VPXtgsnZ6k8.hotmail
Mrs Yvonne Pulford
SPIRITUAL NEWS
The term is unbelievably drawing to a close, and the next few weeks are full of activity.
As our Sixth Form and GCSE students prepare for their examinations, the march of
extra-curicular and charitable activities is unabated. This Saturday's Open Morning will be
followed by a three hour stint for a handful of our students in Loughborough, packing bags in
M&S and asking for donations for the Carpenter's Arms. The following Saturday is the
Spring Fair, at which volunteers will bolster parents' efforts to raise money for the Falcon Centre
and the Carpenter's Arms in Loughborough. I urge all of you to come along, enjoy the fair and
support these worthy causes.
It is fitting that we are so busy in and for our local communities. Our school motto: Legis
Plenitudo Charitas (Love is the fulfilment of the Law) reminds us of that which binds us together
– love. As a Christian community, we recognise that in love we find God. Our privilege to study
and work at Ratcliffe College carries with it the imperative to share that which we receive.
We pray that we will always be cogniscent of the graces that come our way, and be ever-ready to
pass them on in due measure. My favourite prayer is that of Ignatius of Loyola:
Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve:
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and ask no reward save that of knowing that I do your holy will.
Mr Michel, Lay Chaplain
SPORTS
Senior School Sports Report
Hockey
U15A
The U15s lost 3 - 1 to a strong Lincoln Minster U16 team. Jack Nightingale opened the scoring
with a strike from the top of the D, but Lincoln’s midfield increasingly took control of the game
and prevented Ratcliffe from playing their normal game. Lincoln scored 3 times, on each
occasion, catching Ratcliffe on the break, and despite a much improved second-half, Ratcliffe
could not pull things back. Player of the Match was Jack Vinall.
U13
The U13s put the disappointment of not progressing in the County Cup behind them, with a
resounding 7 - 0 victory against Lincoln Minster. Right from the first whistle, the boys played
with such commitment and intensity that the Lincoln Minster players struggled to cope,
and crumbled under the constant pressure! Our passing and receiving were excellent,
and allowed us to keep possession of the ball for long periods of time, meaning the Lincoln
players were having to work extremely hard. Goal scorers were Jonah Carroll with a hat-trick,
Matthew Elton, Harry Best and Matthew Elton, along with one own goal which Jonah was very
quick to try and claim! Man of the Match was Dominic McKaig for some excellent defending.
U12
The U12s continued their unbeaten season with an 11 - 1 win over Lincoln Minster. A poor start
by Ratcliffe saw Lincoln score a well taken early goal, the first that the U12s have conceded
all season. After that, it was one-way traffic, with some outstanding Ratcliffe play leading to four
goals before half-time, and seven in the second-half. The whole team played very well,
but Owen Lloyd and Fin Back played outstandingly, and both scored three goals each.
Archie Heaney was Man of the Match for his superb positional play and excellent all-round game.
Rory Thorne, Boys’ Sports Captain
Netball
1st
The depleted 1st team played a strong Kimbolton team and in spite of some positional
reorganisation, led at half-time by 4 goals. Captain, Fran Orton, only missed a couple of shots,
and the whole team gelled well together, while the Kimbolton shooters struggled to get past
the Ratcliffe defence of Megan Vincent and Nima Patel. The third-quarter was the turning point
with Kimbolton only scoring from Ratcliffe errors. An impressive fourth-quarter gave the team
a well-earned 35 – 19 win. Player of the Match was Holly Blount for her impressive aerial play.
2nd
The 2nds faced their 1st home fixture of the season against Kimbolton. Both teams started
strongly converting from their centre passes to end both the first and second-quarters level.
However, the third-quarter saw Ratcliffe's defence turn over Kimbolten's centres,
and successfully convert them to goals, with strong shooting from both Mimi Lallo and
Becky Astill, to end the third-quarter 20 - 15 ahead. Ratcliffe were able to build on this lead in the
final-quarter, with mid-court turnovers from Chloe Flowers and Emma Furlong, and strong
decisive through court drives from Yasmin Gill. Kimbolton's shooting started to tire,
which allowed Imogen Power and Emma Taylor-Clark to gather the rebounds and further extend
Ratcliffe's lead. The girls finished the final-quarter strongly, which resulted in a final score of
26 - 16. Players of the Match went to Mimi Lallo and Becky Astill for their fantastic shooting and
solid strong performance against a very physical defensive opposition.
3rd
The 3rd team played Ockbrook and struggled to find their form on a very small indoor court.
The match was very scrappy with both sides making many errors, but the Ockbrook shooting
accuracy won them the game 27 - 11. Annabelle Tomlinson was the Player of the Match.
U15A
The U15A team had a slow start to their game, but managed to create a lead of one going into the
second-quarter. All the girls significantly increased their work rate and standard of play to go
into the second-half with a 16 - 9 lead. The girls responded well to what was a fairly scrappy
second-half performance by the opposition, keeping their composure and playing some
attractive attacking netball, with Kate Tyszka shooting very well to convert our possession.
Throughout the whole game, the circle defence partnership of Natasha Walsh and Isobel Thomas
was outstanding, denying the opposing goal attack and goal shooter any space, allowing the
centre-court players opportunities to take interceptions. Isobel Thomas was awarded Player of
the Match for her performance. Such a solid performance at both ends of the court meant that
the girls secured a well-deserved 31 – 14 victory.
U15B
The U15B team performed very well, winning 37 - 34 against a weaker Kimbolton team. They
worked hard to maintain their discipline and played controlled, creative and effective netball.
The three centre-court players: Annie Bridgwater, Esme Kelly and Lucie Prusinski, controlled the
game excellently. They showed superb link play between the two-goal thirds, making sure we
capitalised on all turn-overs of possession. Natalie Dawe had an excellent game as a holding
shooter, working the space very effectively. Emily Newberry should be congratulated on an
excellent performance in her first game for Ratcliffe College, as should Georgia Holt who was
awarded Player of the Match.
U14A
Midweek, the U14 girls beat Wellingbrough 18 – 14. It took two-quarters for the girls to settle
into the game; however, they turned over a number of centre passes in the third-quarter.
This had a positive impact on the game, lifting all players’ confidence, consequently resulting in
an increased work rate. Izzy Hose received Player of the Match for her consistent shooting,
movement and feeding around the circle.
On Saturday, the U14A team won 15 – 10 against Kimbolton. Player of the Match was
Olivia Carpenter for not only playing out of position but for her exceptional movement
throughout the game. Olivia made a number of fantastic feeds in and out of the circle, scoring a
number of goals. Molly Edwards was also awarded Player of the Match for her brilliant work rate
and effort. The girls played really well as a team, supporting and complementing each other’s
performance.
U14B
The U14B girls had a tough game against Ockbrook at the weekend, losing 28 - 7. It took the
first-quarter for Ratcliffe to settle into the game. Izzy Coombs continuously worked the ball
down court into attack; unfortunately, the opposition’s strong defence held off our attacks.
Ru Tsatsa and Eve Baxter remained strong in defence, minimising Oakbrook’s opportunities to
score, leading 12 – 3 at half-time. In the final-quarter, Ratcliffe went out strongly, and were able
to turn over three consecutive centre passes which created several scoring opportunities.
Players of the Match are awarded to Ru Tsatsa for making some excellent interceptions, as well
as Eleanor Brambell and Izzy Coombs for creating excellent attacking opportunities throughout.
U13A
The U13A team were up against a very vocal Kimbolton side this week. The girls worked hard to
maintain possession of the ball and use space to create attacking chances. Special mention to
Kate Woodhouse for adapting rapidly to the A team set up and performing admirably. The final
score of 9 – 3 reflects the work ethic the girls displayed. Joint Players of the Match were Sofia
Henderson and Ellie Hollinshead.
U12A
The U12A team continued to maintain their unbeaten season against Kimbolton this week.
The girls started off strongly, feeding the ball well into the circle in order to create good scoring
opportunities. Whole team rotations allowed the girls to work hard in every quarter. The girls
played a very attacking game which showed with a 26 – 7 win. Player of the Match went to Isabel
Burke for her consistent shooting.
U13B & U12B
U13B and U12B teams lost on Saturday, against very strong Ockbrook teams. The U13B team
really came into the game in the third and fourth quarters, but unfortunately it was too late.
Player of the Match went to Hermione Lanyon on her début. The U12B team worked well
and were unlucky not to score. Coach’s Player of the Match went to Rebecca Lindley and Players’
Player to Lucy Antill.
Cross Country
Congratulations to Mia Atkinson and Alice Daniel who came 25th and 22nd respectively in the
National Cross-Country Championships in London last weekend.
Angharad Lloyd, Girls’ Sports Captain.
Sporting Fixtures
Sat 14th
Mar
Princethorpe
9.30 am
1st, 2mds, 3rds,
U15A
H
8.45 am
9.30 am
U14A, U14B
A
8.00 am
10.45 am
U13A, U13B,
U12B
A
8.00 am
County Netball
Tournament
9.30 am
U12
A
7.45 am
Princethorpe
9.45 am
1st
A
TBC
(boys hockey)
10.45 am
U15
A
TBC
11.45 am
U13
A
TBC
12.45 am
U13B
A
TBC
10.45 am
U12
H
10.00 am
11.45 am
U15B
H
11.00 am
12.45 pm
U14A
H
12.00 am
14.00 pm
3rds
H
13.15 pm
16.40 pm
U13A, U12A
H
16.20 pm
16.40 pm
U14B
H
16.20 pm
9.30 am
1st, 2nds, 3rds,
U15A, U15B
H
8.45 am
9.30 am
U14A, U14B,
U13A, U13B,
U12A, U12B
A
8.15 am
(girls netball)
Princethorpe
(girls netball)
Princethorpe
(girls netball)
Uppingham
(boys hockey)
Tues
17th Mar
Rawlins
Thurs
19th Mar
Rawlins
Sat 21st
Mar
Loughborough HS
(girls netball)
(girls netball)
(girls netball)
Loughborough HS
(girls netball)
P.T.O.
Sun 22nd
Mar
ORA
14.00 pm
1st
H
13.15 pm
Mon 23rd
Mar
U12s County
Rugby
Tournament
14.00 pm
U12
LGS
13.00 pm
Tues
24th Mar
Leicester
Grammar
16.40 pm
U13A, U13B,
U12A, U12B
H
16.20 pm
17.00 pm
Senior
A
16.30 pm
(girls netball)
(girls netball)
Wed 25th
March
Welbeck College
(Mixed Volleyball)