My name is Christopher Achiampong and I am head boy of St Bonaventure’s School.
St Bonaventure’s is a phenomenal school; I have been at the school for approximately 4 years now, It has been an incredible experience. That saying ‘time flies when you’re having fun’, in my case this is so true. During the course of these past years, I have had much more than fun. Fun learning, Fun making friends, and most importantly fun annoying teachers.
I love this school. I love St Bonaventure’s. Every day, I think of the dawning fact that I’ll be leaving in a couple of months. If I say it would be sad, that would be a complete understatement. Because, this school has served me unbelievably well and it will always have a special place in my heart. I used to despise the idea of speaking in public, it was my worst nightmare, but, St Bonaventure’s invested into a public speaking programme which trains us young people how to speak confidently and provide useful tips to help the essential necessity to not only speak, but to speak properly. Speaking helps with interviews, reading confidently, putting your hand up in class etc; and I hope it is helping me now...
What astounds me most about this school is that even with the limited facilities which we possess, we still manage to excel greatly in everything we do. We haven’t got the biggest of playgrounds, but that doesn’t stop the football and basketball teams from winning countless trophies.
Inspirations. St Bonaventure’s produces role models, there are people who you can aspire to be, role models. If you love Sports, there’s Jermaine Defoe. If you enjoy business, there’s Tim Campbell, the first winner of the ‘Apprentice’, who is now our vice chair of governors, If you’re a fan of music, there’s Kwasi Danquah aka Tinchy Stryder. These people came to our school. Also, a local Catholic which some of you will be familiar with, is the headteacher of St Edward’s Primary school, Mr Christopher Mabey who was also a St Bonaventure’s boy. This gives you the motivation to carry on. You begin to think if these people have achieved, why can’t I? ‘What man has done, you can do better’ so, our dreams and aspirations come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
I play for Arsenal Juniors, and I am so grateful for what this school has done for me. I was put in the St Bonaventure’s football A Team and the school selected me to go to play for my borough, and I got into the Newham team and approximately 2 ½ years ago, I got scouted for Arsenal...and the rest is history.
My primary school was Essex Primary. I remember when I was in Year 7, as if it was yesterday. I came into the school by myself, the only one from my primary school. I was feeling the same feelings that your sons may be feeling. I thought I would be bullied, I thought I would have no friends; I was scared, I was nervous, but this school made me comfortable and I have built friendships that I am sure will last forever.
This school provides opportunities, life-changing opportunities.
Discipline. Yes, discipline is essential within this school. When teachers are moaning, telling you to tuck your shirt in, or getting a detention for just not bringing in your planner, I soon realised that this discipline will definitely help me be a distinguished, mature, responsible person.
In our school you are able to get closer to your faith. We attend mass every term, which unites us together as one; as one faith. This is evident in our school in the way which we behave, the respect which we have for one another, and our generosity in getting involved in helping the less fortunate.
When Ofsted says this school is ‘Outstanding’, St Bonaventure’s truly is. Just having St Bonaventure’s on your CV gives you an advantage, because St Bonaventure’s is nationally recognised as ‘Outstanding’.
Teachers are dedicated; our passionate Headteacher, Mr Halliwell is dedicated, ultimately your son will be dedicated.
A teacher once said to me ‘Christopher, can’t isn’t in a man’s dictionary.’ That will always stay with me the rest of my life forever. As I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My teacher impacted on my life. As of now I have a mentality that I will never give up, and I can do anything; no matter how big the obstacles are.
This is an ‘Outstanding’ school.
This school directs you, matures you, and gives you vital assets for your future.
From coming into the gates as a vulnerable, unconfident, quiet boy, I will leave the gates of St Bonaventure’s as a mature, bold, disciplined man.