Year 7s at St Anselm’s College

Edmund Rice Induction

We were delighted to welcome Ann Nichols from the Edmund Rice Network into school last
week to formally ‘induct’ our new Year 7 students into the global Edmund Rice family!
The Edmund Rice Network is much bigger than our own school community here at St
Anselm’s; it includes over 200,000 students and teachers in schools across Oceania, Europe,
North and South America, Asia and Africa! Although there are many differences between
these schools, there are also a lot of commonalities. We all share the same ethos and
charism and are proud to call ourselves ‘Edmund’s people’.

Ann led us in thinking about Edmund Rice’s life through the Icon of Edmund, and about how
people have continued his work of justice and solidarity through education and outreach.
We also watched a video message from other Year 7 students in places like Zambia,
Australia, Peru, Uruguay, and India welcoming them to the global network.

Central to life in an English Edmund Rice school are the Eight Essentials, which remind us of
what it means to be an Edmund Rice school today. We discussed what the Eight Essentials
mean and how they will inspire our students as they continue their journey at St Anselm’s.
They were challenged to think about how they can change the world by following Edmund
Rice’s example of faith and generosity. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Sometimes it falls
upon a generation to be great; you can be that generation!”

Tom Murray
Lay Chaplain

Welcome Mass

The St. Anselm’s Y7 Welcome Mass, led by Father Louis and Deacon Tony, took place on the
2nd of November. The mass welcomed all of the new students to the College and showed
them what life here is like. The message of it was to not be afraid. Prayers were read, stories
were told, and hymns were sung. It was a very special event, as the warm atmosphere and
our large choir really immersed the audience in the mass, which ended up in it being a very
enjoyable event. Attendance was outstanding; newcomers came, along with siblings,
parents and others. Staff from the College and the Church were accompanying, as well,
although it wasn’t just for Catholics and Christians; anybody of any religion was welcome. I
really liked the mass because I felt very connected with everybody there, like I was part of
the brotherhood, and am now ready to be a new student at the College, and I know a lot of
my peers felt the same. The evening was overall a big success and ended with many students
feeling ready to start a new chapter.
by Harry Roberts Year 7

On the 2nd  November we attended our Welcome Mass. As a new Anselmian to the school, I
was very excited to attend this event which I found to be peaceful, inclusive and respectful.

The soothing piano music allowed us to calmly reflect on our first few weeks at the College.
My father attended and I could see the pride in his face as he watched us standing together
at the start of a new chapter of our lives. When the Headmaster Mr Duggan, and our guests
entered, everyone stood up and the mass began. Later, myself and some other students in
Year 7 said prayers for our families to hear and I felt proud of myself for being brave enough
to do this. I prayed whole-heartedly for all my family, friends and people of the world and
was happy to attend this brilliant event.
by Aarav Lakshman Year 7

The Year 7 Welcome Mass was an introduction to our Anselmian journey over the next 5 – 7
years. These years will be fulfilled with happy and everlasting memories with strong
friendships made. The messages were given with warmth, love and recognition of our own
talents. It was great because my family were invited- nobody was excluded. If we were to
take a leap of faith into Sixth Form, we would know it would be the right thing to do as it
would help us achieve our God-given talents. I think I can speak for all students at the mass,
that our Anselmian journey will be one of happiness and memories that will last forever.
Even though it seems phenomenally far away, when we part ways at our Leaving Mass, St
Anselms College will have shaped us into fine young men and we will live our lives as
Christian people.
by Jack Cleverley Year 7

The students in Year 7 looked beautifully smart in their College uniform and stood proudly as
our guests arrived for the Mass. Father Louis Maggiore from Christ the King spoke about the
magnificent opportunities the students will have during their time at the College and
welcomed them into our community. The students and their families listened intently as
Deacon Tony Hunt gave a wonderful speech linking messages and themes from the Bible to
the students on their journey through the next seven years. His resounding message was "do
not be afraid". He instructed the students to take every opportunity they are given, to be the
best they can and to enjoy every moment. The evening finished with a final blessing as the
mass ended. It was a lovely evening.
Mrs Clare Evans
Head of Year 7

On Wednesday 2 nd  November students, families and staff gathered to celebrate our Year
7 Welcome Mass.  It was a joyous occasion marking the beginning of the Year 7’s Anselmian
journey. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Louis Maggiore and Deacon Tony. It was lovely to
celebrate together again as a College community.
Miss Long
Head of RE