Ratcliffian 2016 (LOWRES)

RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
We celebrated 60 years of HCPT
NEW ZEALAND
EXCHANGE
In October, nine pupils from Ratcliffe went to New Zealand
to visit St Peter’s, Gore, another Rosmini School. The trip
was enjoyed by all pupils, and started with a visit to Sydney,
Australia, where sightseeing, whale watching and a trip to
Tarragona Zoo were on the itinerary. After
a busy few days, the students were looking
forward to meeting their host families.
RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
The students were hosted by New Zealand
families and attended school during their
stay, experiencing New Zealand culture and
customs, enjoying a taste of the laidback way
of life of the Kiwis, as well as enjoying the
spectacular scenery, including visits to Milford
Sound and the action-packed Queenstown.
As part of the Exchange, the pupils from St Peter’s joined us in April for
just under three weeks, where they were hosted by Ratcliffe families,
visiting various parts of England, as well as making trips to Alton Towers
and a visit to Leicester City Football Club, watching them beat Swansea
on their way to winning the title, an unforgettable experience!
Katie Gerighty, Paul Milnes, Tilly Wheeler,
Emily Sellicks
Mr Walsh blending in!
The Exchange was a great success and continues to form a solid link
between both Rosmini schools; we look forward to many more trips
in the future. It truly was a wonderful experience for all involved;
a thank you must go to all the families who hosted the St Peter’s
students and made them feel so welcome.
LOURDES
The Torchlight Procession
Miss A Stafford
In July, 8 Year 12 students, accompanied by Mr Walsh travelled
to Lourdes with Group 512 – The Ratcliffian Collegiate Group.
The students were: Harry Bellamy, Holly Blount, Olivia
Latham, Emily Sellicks, Tilly Wheeler, Christian Waters,
Katie Winston and Katie Wiselka.
The group, which also included many Old
Ratcliffians, was led by Mrs Teresa Gamble,
a former member of the teaching staff and
our group chaplains were Fr Philip Sainter
and Fr Anthony Meredith. The group also
contained of a number of pilgrims with
various disabilities.
Each of the students was responsible for
looking after one of the other members of
the group requiring assistance. All students
carried out their responsibilities admirably,
with great humility and always with a smile
on their faces. At the beginning of our pilgrimage, each
member of the group was given a ‘Secret Sainter’. This was
one member of the group who we were asked to pray for
and do good deeds for during the week. In particular, this
helped capture the caring ethos of the group.
During the week, we followed the instructions of Our Lady
which were given to Bernadette: process; do penance and
bathe. One of the highlights of the week, as always, was the
torchlight procession. The
group joined pilgrims
from all over the world
in processing around
the area in front of the
churches which were
built on the side of the
rock where Our Lady
appeared to Bernadette
in 1858. This place
is now known as the
Grotto. During the
procession, we spoke
and sang the words of the Rosary which was said in many
different languages. On our final evening, we were also able
to watch the torchlight procession.
‘Group 512 Has Got Talent’
Mr N Walsh
Head of Religious Studies
SKI TRIP TO CLAVIERE, ITALY
In February Half Term, the ski trip set off for Claviere in
Italy. The resort was small and charming as promised, and
was blanketed with a fresh dump of snow. The usual first
morning rush to get skis and boots fitted passed without a
hitch, and the
group of 50
students, 5 staff
and 1 priest
were also soon
getting into the
swing of things.
The pistes were
tree-lined and
picturesque,
and the skiing
was excellent.
Rapid progress
was made and some of the beginners were particularly
pleasing, doing so well that they were taking on red runs by
day three. The more advanced skiers crossed the border
to Montgenèvre, in France, on more than one occasion to
enjoy even more variety of skiing.
The resorts were uncrowded for the whole week and the
snow was excellent, with blue skies for the majority of the time.
In the evenings, students enjoyed ice-skating, tobogganing,
a ski show and the annual quiz and presentation evenings.
Our hotelier, Fulva, and her family were delightful, and made
sure everyone had a fantastic stay. Claviere is definitely a
resort we will look at returning to in the future.
Mr E Woodcock
Ski Trip Organiser
102
103