Chavagnes International College
Towards Pentecost
Meditating on the richly coloured medieval art in the windows of Chartres Cathedral, the English poet Geoffrey Hill speaks of the spiritual truths hidden 'Beyond the blue glass'.
 
As some of our boys prepare to make a pilgrimage on foot to Chartres this Pentecost, let us support them with our prayers and ask that we may all be granted a renewed share in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 
Let us also keep our hearts fixed on heavenly things in the midst of all we do over this busy and joyful summer term.
 
Chavagnes International College
Newsletter
Easter 2010
Dear friends,
In a mood of Easter joy, here is a round-up of news from Chavagnes. It has been an active and fruitful term and these days of rest over the holidays have been welcome even if some of the older boys will - I hope - have been giving much of their time to revision for forthcoming exams! We have three boys taking AS and A-level exams this year, three boys taking the French 'Brevet' and ten different candidates for IGCSE and GCSE examinations. Please keep them especially in your prayers.
Robert Burns Night Celebration
Burns Night ChavagnesThe usual pipes and haggis provided the characteristically authentic backdrop to our honouring the memory of Scotland's national poet on 25th January, as we do every year.
 
Mr Sebastian Crawford gave the toast to the Lassies, with Miss Maggie Boyles replying, while Mr Ken Asch proposed the toast to the Immortal Memory of the bard. Master Patrick Adams, bekilted, declaimed the Address to a Haggis in a convincing Scottish brogue.
 
St Patrick's Day
Crawford and McDermottAfter an evening Mass at which we all gave a gusty rendition of 'Hail, glorious St Patrick', Fabrice cooked us a splendid Irish stew for the boys, Masters and about 20 invited guests. No dancing this year, alas, but Messrs McDermott and Crawford provided jigs and reels on the fiddle while Brother Moylan and others led some community singing.
 
For more photos of St Patrick's Night: www.chavagnes.org/news 
Maths and Music
 

Paul and MaxIn this year's Intermediate UK Maths Challenge, aimed at the 13-16 age group, Paul de Guibert (13) achieved a Gold certificate and was invited to participate in the prestigious Pink Kangaroo Challenge, Benjamin Bellec (14) and David Mobberley (14) attained silver certificates. Maximilian Micallef-Eynaud (13) achieved a bronze certificate.  Congratulations especially to youngsters Paul and Max (pictured left). Paul, at 13, is preparing to tackle AS-level Maths next year!

 

The Intermediate UK Maths Challenge is aimed at the top third of pupils in Year 11 or below in England and Wales, Year 12 or below in Northern Ireland and S4 or below in Scotland. The top 40% of students nationally receive a gold, silver or bronze certificate in the ratio 1:2:3 and each institution receives a Best in School certificate.

 

Meanwhile other pupils of all ages enthusiastically participated in World Maths Day on 3rd March against schools from around the globe. In WMD 2010 a total 1,133,246 students and 56,082 schools from 235 countries united to set a new world record by correctly answering 479,732,613 questions online. Chavagnes belongs to the international Mathletics project, which enables pupils to compete online at solving mathematical problems, challenging other young people from English-speaking schools all over the world.

 

 

Chabotterie
Baroque evening at La Chabotterie
On 4th March the boys enjoyed an excursion to the local chateau of 'La Chabotterie' for an evening of baroque musique provided by Hugo Reyne (leader of the Symphonie du Marais) on the recorder and Yannick Varlet on the harpshichord. 
 
 
 
  Axelrod
Pays de la Loire Orchestra experience
On 23rd and 25th March the boys were invited by the local Pays de la Loire Orchestra to attend a rehearsal and then later a concert in Nantes, including Mendelsohn's (4th) Italian Symphony and  Manuel de Falla's El Amor Brujo,under the direction of American conductor John Axelrod. Boys were able to ask the conductor and musicians a number of questions on how they work together as a team.
Looking ahead
Over the coming term we will be preparing for an Open day in mid-June, together with a theatrical production and Summer Ball for Friday 2nd July. A combined Scout trip/Choir trip to Spain is planned  for the latter part of July (during the summer holidays).  We will send further updates nearer the time with full details. We are organising our usual English language summer courses for French and Spanish boys. For more details, visit our website. 
 
A separate email will also be sent to parents regarding the Chartres pilgrimage over the Pentecost weekend.
 
Staff training
At the end of the Easter holidays I have asked our staff to come together for three days of reflection and formation to prepare for the new term. Please keep us teachers in your prayers. We are really very grateful for your support.
 
 
Donations
If you feel able to assist the College and its important work for Catholic youth with a donation, small or large, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit our online donation page.
 
Prayers needed
The boys have been saying a daily rosary for their friend Patrick de la Moriniere, who was diagnosed with cancer in his leg shortly after Christmas. His treatment is going well, but he still needs our prayers.
 
Finally, a few words about a friend who has died. Many boys, parents and supporters will remember Mr Ian Verrrier who is now studying for the priesthood but was music teacher here for two years. Mr Verrier's father was a good friend of the College and visited several times, including last year's Summer Ball. He recently lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully, having been received into the Catholic Church and received the last rites. May he rest in peace.
 
May God bless you and all those you love. 
 
Yours sincerely in the Risen Christ,
Ferdi McDermott
Chavagnes International College
+33 (0)2 51 42 39 82