We celebrate the feast of our founder, Don Bosco, on 31 Janury, and for the nine days leading to the feast, from Wednesday 22 January, we invite all members of our Salesian Family, and everyone who works with or cares for the wellbeing of young people, to join us in praying a novena asking for DOn Bosco's intercession in asking God to make us better and more compassionate advocates for the young.
Last Friday (17 January), St John Bosco College, Battersea, hosted a Religious Education conference led by Dr Peter Vardy, eminent theologian and philosopher, and former Vice-Principal of Heythrop College.
The conference, attended by Year 11 RE students and teachers from several schools, focused on ethical issues that form part of the GCSE syllabus, including gender, homosexuality, creation, stewardship, abortion and euthanasia.
Rebecca is serving with Bosco Volunteer Action (BOVA), our overseas volunteer project. This is her first letter from Didia, Tanzania.
It has already been nearly 3 months since I was getting on a plane headed to Tanzania, wondering what was ahead of me for the next 9 months - here I would like to share with you some of my experience so far.
Karibu Tanzania
One thing I quickly learned about Tanzania is the incredibly welcoming nature of the people here. Since I arrived every person I have met has welcomed me like a family member, whether it be into their home, shop or school. 'Karibu', ('welcome' in Kiswahili), must be the most common word here and this welcoming nature, from what I can see, is a strong part of the culture here, and is something I am very appreciative of.
The Governors of Thornleigh Salesian College are seeking to appoint a dynamic and exceptional leader to join our wonderful school in the role of Deputy Headteacher.
We are keen to hear from leaders with a wide range of skills who are able to provide strategic leadership of student development, care, guidance and support.
The successful candidate will join a highly focused and driven leadership team who are passionate about achieving academic excellence for all students.
Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 27th January 2020. Full information, an application pack, and information on arranging an informal visit can be found on the school's website.
Year 9 student, Orlando Greene, writes about a recent visit to the Diocese of Westminster's seminary, which occupies part of the site of St Thomas More's house in Chelsea.
The RE Department took us across Battersea Bridge to Allen Hall to visit a seminary, a school for men wanting to become priests. We met a priest in training called Jakub and he explained to us how he made the decision to become a priest. (photo above)
Jakub showed us where all the seminarians studied and also where they ate. We visited the chapel where the seminarians pray to God; and there we asked him questions about what it feels like to be called by God to be a priest. He was very honest and said that it was the hardest decision of his life.
We also saw the oldest tree in Chelsea with a link to St Thomas More. It is a mulberry tree and is about 500 years old. We took a photo of our teachers in front of the tree (below) and after that we headed back to school just in time for the end of the school day.
Orlando Greene
Teachers in front of a mulberry tree, planted by St Thomas More in his former garden
Late last term, Salesian College Farnborough hosted the second joint workshop on Salesian Leadership for our schools in the South. The half-day event was led by Miss Alex Kent, Assistant Head at Salesian College, Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB, Chaplain, and Fr Gerry Briody SDB, Provincial (pictured above).
Salesian College were very welcoming of students from Chertsey and Battersea, and made sure the gathering got off to a great start by very kindly providing everyone with a free lunch. The ice breakers led by Alex Kent were the perfect way to get students from the three schools mingling, so that by the time the real work started they were comfortable enough with each other to have meaningful discussions around leadership.
RE Students at St John Bosco College, Battersea, gained deeper insights into Judaism recently, as Head of Department, Fr Andrew Ebrahim SDB tells us.
It was a privilege to have Ruth Jampel from Judaism for Schools come and work with some of our Year 10 and 11 students again this year.
Singers from SJBC Battersea brought Christmas joy to the residents of St Teresa's care home in Kensington, run for over 80 years by the Sisters Hospitallers of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus. A Year 10 student describes their visit.
It was the second last day of term when we were taken by Mr Dallman and Fr Andrew to sing for the residents of Roland Gardens which is run by the Hospitaller Sisters. It was great! We wore Christmas hats and sang our best for them.
© Chris Sowder/Unsplash
At this special time of celebration, may the new born baby bring you happiness, peace and love.
May you share that love to all that you meet, so that people will know that the Saviour is among us.
Happy Christmas to you all.
Spring 2019
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Salesians of Don Bosco UK 2015
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