NEWS
Mission Statement for our 2016 Visit to South Africa
St. Mary's Menston pupils have written a Mission Statement for what they aim to achieve and how they will achieve it during the forthcoming visit.
St. Mary's Menston pupils have written a Mission Statement for what they aim to achieve and how they will achieve it during the forthcoming visit.
Photo: Preparations continue for the '10th Anniversary' 2016 Visit to South Africa
““Our work in South Africa will demonstrate our school values: tolerance, dignity and respect.
This will be done through the sharing of knowledge, exchange of kindness and forming of friendships.””
Bambisanani 'Spirit of Ubuntu' Concert 2016
Friday evening (22 April 2016) saw another great night at the annual Bambisanani music concert. There were performances from the St. Mary's & Cardinal Heenan Jazz Band, the St. Mary's Ukulele Orchestra and the Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra.
Friday evening (22 April 2016) saw another great night at the annual Bambisanani music concert. There were performances from the St. Mary's and Cardinal Heenan Jazz Band, the St. Mary's Ukulele Orchestra and the Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra.
The night showcased individual talent from St Mary's students with solos, duets and small group ensembles.
The concert raised much needed funds which will go towards supporting The Bambisanani Partnership and the good work of The Leeds Youth Jazz & Rock Orchestra out in South Africa.
““It was a most enjoyable evening with some fantastic musical performances.””
Many thanks to Roger Livesey for the photographs.
Simphiwe Ndlovu Update April 2016
As a result of our continued fundraising particularly the Fairtrade cake sale at the end of last term, we are still able to provide sponsorship for our South African friend, Simphiwe Ndlovu and help him achieve his ambition to qualify as a teacher.
As a result of our continued fundraising particularly the Fairtrade cake sale at the end of last term, we are still able to provide sponsorship for our South African friend, Simphiwe Ndlovu and help him achieve his ambition to qualify as a teacher.
The Bambisanani Partnership has recently provided Simphiwe with a laptop, textbooks and stationary equipment that he requires in order to complete his studies. Simphiwe has sent us some photographs and asked to pass on the following message:
“Mrs C Chattoe and St. Mary’s team
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for the kind donations towards my dream of becoming an outstanding teacher.
I am deeply humbled by your generosity of supporting me as a needy student, every year. As I want to be an educator, I value education as a way of improving the living standards of those who are not financially covered.
I really appreciate the fact that you always take your time out of your busy schedule in giving me assistance for making my dream come true. I wish God to Shower you with lots of blessings and of course, I hope you will manage to cover all the costs for my equipment.
Once again, thank you and I am looking forward to continue having a working relationship with you.
Many thanks to you all
Simphiwe Sibani Ndlovu”
10 Year Anniversary of Bambisanani Logo Competition
During 2016 we are celebrating 10 years of the Bambisanani Partnership. Jack Lynn's (7 Gwyn) design was chosen.
During 2016 we are celebrating 10 years of The Bambisanani Partnership. Jack Lynn's (7 Gwyn) design was chosen.
Photo: Jack Lynn with his winning design
Before Christmas we asked students to design a logo for us.
We had many great designs which meant it was very difficult to pick a winner. Jack Lynn (7 Gwyn) produced a winning design that will be included on Bambisanani communications during this special year.
The result was announced in assembly when Jack received a framed copy of his winning logo.
Well done Jack!
The Winning Logo
It is a successful logo design because it works well:
At different sizes
In colour and also in black and white
Both with and without a background colour
On screens and when printed out
Bambisanani Quiz Night
The first ever Bambisanani Quiz Night will be held at St. Mary's Menston on Friday 11 March 2016 in the Main Hall from 7pm–9pm
The first ever Bambisanani Quiz Night will be held at St. Mary's Menston on Friday 11 March 2016 in the Main Hall from 7pm–9pm
Photo: Mr Wilkes with pupils from both the 2015 and 2016 Visits to South Africa
- To enter, you will need a team of eight.
- Tickets cost £5 per person and are available from Pupil Reception each lunchtime.
- The ticket price includes cheese and a glass of wine.
New Fundraising Ideas for The Bambisanani Partnership
Marienn Collins (Year 13) and Amy Collins (Year 12) have both taken on the role of fundraising seriously
Marienn Collins (Year 13) and Amy Collins (Year 12) have both taken on the role of fundraising seriously.
Amy Collins, Year 12
Marienn Collins, Year 13
Amy Collins has instigated the design and purchase of collecting tins in order to raise money for The Bambisanani Partnership. Collection tins will be distributed to local businesses as a way for people to donate any spare change to the Partnership.
Moreover, Marienn Collins has also seized upon a fundraising opportunity. Marienn has designed and sold Bambisanani Partnership lanyards. Sixth form students at St. Mary’s now have to wear an identification badge. Marienn is hoping the staff and sixth form students will purchase the lanyards for £3 in order to display their badges.
Marienn worked in South Africa in June 2015 and Amy will be delivering a sports leadership programme to the students of Mnyakanya High School in June 2016.
Anyone wishing to support the Bambisanani Partnership can contact Catherine Chattoe at c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
Karl Verspyck receives the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
St. Mary's Menston's Year 13 Presentation Evening saw the presentation of the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
St. Mary's Menston's Year 13 Presentation Evening saw the presentation of the Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award
Photo: Mr D Beardsley, David Geldart, Mgr Paul Grogan, Karl Verspyck, Mrs C Chattoe, Mr R Lavery
Karl Verspyck visited South Africa In June 2014. From the onset Karl did everything that he could to ensure that he was fully prepared for his work in South Africa. He was adamant that he wanted to get the most out of his visit.
Karl was keen to share his educational experiences with students living in KwaZulu-Natal. He knew that he wanted to share Mr Priestley’s plate tectonic lesson and teach the students of Mnyakanya High School the geography he had so enjoyed learning.
Way in advance of the visit Karl set to work producing lesson plans and resources. He knew that he wanted to bring the students out of the classroom to teach his geography lesson. Karl worked hard to ensure that the students from Mnyakanya High School had the privilege of an all action, dynamic lesson on plate tectonics.
It is without doubt that Karl and his lesson made a massive impact on the students in South Africa. When St. Mary’s returned a year later the students and teachers both asked, “What was Karl was doing now?”
Photo: Karl in South Africa, June 2014
““It is such a privilege to receive such prestigious award for the work I did in South Africa. I had a really fun time working with Mnyakanya and fellow St. Mary’s students. The trip itself was rewarding enough so to be honoured with the Sbenelo Magwaza Award for outstanding leadership its truly humbling. The whole trip has affected my outlook on life and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go out to South Africa.
I look forward to keeping involved with the partnership I am excited to see it grow and become a real force for change both in the UK and internationally.””
In June 2015, the same award was presented in South Africa to a young student called Magwaza Standiwe.
Photo: Mr T Pringle, Magwaza Standiwe, Mr G Wilkes
Magwaza Standiwe was given this award because he had demonstrated that he had a positive attitude, good communication skills, new ideas, was good at listening, great at sharing and making decisions, but above all was someone who is keen and able to help others.
Like Magwaza Standiwe, Karl has all of these qualities and always uses them to good effect. Along with his unforgettable lesson it is without doubt that Karl Verspyck is very deserving of The Sponela Magwaza Outstanding Leader Award.
Well done Karl your work had a massive impact on the people in South Africa!
Sawubona! Report on St. Mary's visit to South Africa June 2015
Read our latest newsletter
Read our latest newsletter
Our Newsletter 'Sawubona' meaning Hello in Zulu is available below:
The report contains moving quotes by St. Mary's and Mnyakanya pupils.
Bambisanani Partnership Christmas Message 2015
Christmas message from the Mnyakanya community in South Africa to the St. Mary's community
Christmas message from the Mnyakanya community in South Africa to the St. Mary's community
“The wonderful time of the year has come, to celebrate our success of partnership with St. Mary’s. Christmas time is that time of the year again when we as Mnyakanya High School think of our best friends of St. Mary’s, High School Christmas time is that time that brings all memories of happy moments that we ever shared with our St. Mary’s friends for the past 9 years of our partnership.
It is the time of love, peace and happiness to embrace our partnership and the spirit of togetherness. It is a great blessing indeed to work with you as our partners. Partnership with you makes us feel so special, honoured and blessed. We wish you all in St. Mary’s a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. We wish you all and your families a wonderful Christmas time. May god prosper you in everything you do. May God’s mercy be in you always. ”
A Christmas Message from Simphiwe Ndlovu
The trainee teacher that the Bambisanani Partnership are supporting through his teacher training programme has sent this message from South Africa.
““I just want to wish you the St. Mary’s teachers and staff a very merry Christmas and a prosperous year in advance. May the rise of Lord help you and your families to kick start your new year with full of blessings and love.
With kind regards”
”
Photo: Mr Wilkes, Simphiwe Ndlovu, Mrs Chattoe, Mr Pringle, Mnyakanya High School, June 2015
Visit to the University of Leeds December 2015
28 St. Mary's students visited the University of Leeds and cemented the partnership between the university and Bambisanani
28 St. Mary's students visited the University of Leeds and cemented the partnership between the university and Bambisanani
Visit to the University of Leeds December 2015 gallery (24 photos)
St. Mary's are grateful to Andy Lockwood, Professional Development Manager at the university for the insight into the university and the opportunity to use their state of the art facilities.
The visit took place on Thursday 10 December 2015.
We look forward to meeting the students from the University of Leeds in South Africa in June 2016.
““The visit to the university campus gave us an insight into all that the University of Leeds has to offer, as well as what it can inspire us to take on our trip to South Africa. Thank you to all involved, a great experience and opportunity.””
Menston school's partnership brings technology training to South African classrooms [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
