Dear parents and carers,

we have now reached the end of November after a momentous week for the College. The Mock Exams are nearly finished and the Under-16 Rugby squad produced a magnificent performance at Chester Rugby Club on Wednesday afternoon to defeat St. Ambrose College 11-5 and win the Cheshire Cup Final. This is our first Cheshire Cup trophy for 29 years! Frazer Hancox kicked 2 penalties and Jamie Arista scored our try in an outstanding squad effort. The 1st XV were unable to defeat the same opponents in the 5th Round of the National Vase, losing 52-34 in an exciting encounter, despite a valiant performance.
Our sporting theme continues this weekend, despite the fact that all rugby fixtures tomorrow are postponed. The Intermediate Cross Country (Y10 & 9) squad departed this morning for Woodbridge in Suffolk to compete in the English Schools Cup Final tomorrow. The Under-14 Rugby squad play in the National Cup Northern section quarter final on Tuesday afternoon after an excellent term.

Advent begins on Sunday and our preparations include our Advent Carol Service on Tuesday at 6pm in the Hall. All parents and families are welcome to join us. The Pop Choir sing at Tranmere Rovers FC’s “Carols on the Kop” on Thursday evening. Years 7 and 8 will attend a Service of Reconciliation in the Hall on Friday afternoon.
Our Advent charities this year are Caritas, save the Children, Claire House and The Friends of The Holy Land. Years 11, 10 and 8 have Non-Uniform Days next week to support these worthy causes. Boys who participate must donate £1 to do so.
Year 13 musicians Tom Jones and Harvey McGrath are performing tonight with students from other Edmund Rice schools in the fundraiser for Asylum Link at St. Anne’s Church in Overbury Street in Liverpool.
One of the highlights of our Christmas preparations is the annual SVP Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party which we hold on Wednesday afternoon next week. If you have a family member(s) who would like to attend, please email Mr. Murray or Miss Long at the College.
On a celebratory note FOSA are holding our Christmas Showcase next Friday, 8th December, from 7pm in the Hall. You are all most welcome to join us!
The weather has turned cold but it amazes me how many boys attend College without a sweater or coat. Hoodies are not allowed and must not be worn under blazers, so the time has come for grey v-neck sweaters!

I wish you and your families an enjoyable weekend.
Wrap up warm!

Yours in Christ,
Simon Duggan
Headmaster