College News

We were delighted to host the inaugural Junior Games at the Aldershot Military Stadium, welcoming 15 local junior, primary and preparatory schools for a memorable morning of athletics. 

More than 250 boys and girls from Years 4 and 5 took part in a wide range of track and field events, demonstrating an impressive level of skill, determination and sporting behaviour throughout. Track events included the 80m sprint, 150m race and team relays, while field events featured long jump, vortex throwing and softball throw. 

Despite challenging weather conditions, all athletes performed with exceptional enthusiasm and commitment. The event was well attended, with friends, teachers and families providing unwavering support from the sidelines. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering participants on until the final race concluded.  

Following the completion and calculation of results, Ravenscote Junior School secured the overall title in the girls’ competition, while Velmead Primary School claimed victory in the boys’ competition.

The Salesian Theatre Company was thrilled to present the 2026 production of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, an original musical inspired by Jules Verne’s classic story.

The idea of writing a musical had been simmering for some time, but it was during Shrek rehearsals that the creative process truly began. A chance encounter with a new Audible dramatisation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea sparked the perfect inspiration. Before the final chapter had played, the story’s potential for adaptation was clear. Returning to Verne’s novel, I began to shape a plot that celebrated Verne’s fascination with science, technology and the mysteries of the deep, ideas still echoed by naturalists today.

While the spirit of the original tale remains, several key characters were reimagined to bring fresh energy and diversity to the stage. Professor Arronax now travels with Alfred, a New York orphan created for this adaptation, replacing the outdated servant of the novel. The famed harpooner Ned Land has been reinvented as Nellie, adding new dynamics to the story. Captain Nemo and his crew remain at the heart of the Nautilus, though this version introduces a brother and a touch of romance—essential ingredients for a musical adventure.

From research and writing to orchestrating, arranging, casting and rehearsing, the journey has been immense.

Special thanks go to Mr Webster for his tireless support, the Drama and Music Departments for hours of enthusiasm to achieving this production and to the many staff and students who helped bring this underwater world to life.

 'Beep beep!' went off my alarm at 4 in the morning, hugely excited for what would hopefully be a memorable week. Sunday 6th April 2026. The destination? Lourdes. We set off for Gatwick airport at around 6am with our teachers trying to bring the Lourdes festivity amongst us all, despite the tiredness of dawn. Our stoppage point was at Bilbao, Spain which was great with all the sunshine and heat. As we approached Lourdes, the excitement really began to kick in. Once we reached Hotel Dame de la Sarte, we were allocated rooms and in the blink of an eye set off for the first aspect of our pilgrimage after dinner. Mr Dalgas, our tour guide at this point showed everyone the key locations, some of which were the Basilica, the grotto and key hotels.  

We then visited the grotto after dinner, completing our prayers and most importantly the mass. 

The following day we were immediately assigned our first roles out of many throughout the trip 

Later in the morning, we were busy with a variety of duties such as coach park duty, singing our hearts out – 'Rise and Shine', 'Group... we love you deep down in our hearts' and what not. It was fantastic to get involved with the actions and the singing besides meeting so many groups. Following lunch, we were fortunate to be part of an HCPT welcome liturgy at St Bernadette's Grotto. Some students and staff were also involved in working with families at the FunZone. It was a very different experience yet heartwarming to see the joy amongst the youth despite their unarguably challenging lives. In the evening, we witnessed a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which was a good sighter for what we would be doing the forthcoming days. Furthermore, we visited St Bernadette's chapel to hear the moving story of Bernadette and how she plays a quintessential role for inspiring many Catholics not just in Lourdes but globally as well.  

Following that full, packed day at Lourdes, we attended a welcome Mass of St Bernadette at the grotto in the morning before also taking part in a gathering to commemorate the stations of the cross, mirroring Jesus's excruciating and ultimate suffering. In the afternoon, after completing a well-rounded lunch, we assisted our family groups once again before setting off again to rehearse for the upcoming Trust Mass at the Church of St Bernadette, which we would run in a few hours' time. We gathered together as a group to reflect on how each day went before getting ready for the Torchlight procession to commence where we would either carry a candle or a banner. It was indeed a very unique experience, allowing us pilgrims to realise certain things we wouldn't normally. We were also treated with amazing fireworks at the end of the ceremony. Moreover, I had the pleasure of holding the West Indies banner!  

On the Wednesday we assisted our family groups, some doing coach park duty, once again embracing the beautiful nature of Lourdes and sharing with many passing by. There was an International Mass at the Underground Basilica and a Deep South Regional Mass at St Joseph's Church. Following that, there was an opportunity for us all to sing and dance along at the Underground Basilica which was entertaining. We had our night prayers at the Grotto, a good way to end the day.  

On the final day, we all gathered as a community whilst the HCPT choir led the Gathering Songs, in preparation for the mega event – the Whole Pilgrimage Mass and the Blessed Sacrament Procession at St Pius X Basilica. After the mass, it was our last opportunity to be with our family groups as we all enjoyed this thoroughly throughout the trip. As we approached the twilight of our time at Lourdes, we assembled at St Bernadette's Church to light the Salesian candle and pray for our loved ones and those around the world.  

One highlight out of the whole pilgrimage would be spending time with my family group – shout out to group 3 as I loved entertaining them with my banana costume and with all their activities such as the underwater deep sea party. Pilgrimages like Lourdes really allow us to really open our eyes and ears to the harsh reality of the world and appreciate how not everyone's life is as blessed as ours. It was truly amazing to interact with them, each of them having their own story to tell. C'était incroyable. A bientôt Lourdes! 

Year 8 secured the District Cup with a thrilling 4–2 victory over Amery Hill at the EBB Stadium on Tuesday, retaining the title they won last year in a pulsating cup final.

The match could not have started worse for Salesian, who conceded after just 34 seconds. However, the boys showed tremendous resilience to fight back and take a 2–1 lead before half-time, thanks to a calmly taken penalty from Louie followed by a superb goal from Horatio.

Disaster struck again just 15 seconds into the second half when Amery Hill equalised. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Salesian found it difficult to convert, while Amery Hill looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

With time running out, Zak put Salesian back in front before Horatio sealed the victory in spectacular style with a stunning scorpion kick to make it 4–2 and secure the trophy. The Year 8 side now has another final to look forward to next week in the County Cup.

Year 10 also reached their cup final, going in as underdogs against a very strong Collingwood College team. Despite this, Salesian delivered an outstanding performance and were desperately unlucky to lose 1–0 to a penalty. A remarkable double save from the Collingwood goalkeeper denied both Charlie and Adrian late on, preventing the match from going to penalties. Earlier in the game, Eliase struck the crossbar with a powerful close-range header.

Head of PE, Mr Cousins, commented:
“Both teams were excellent and showed incredible desire and determination. We are very proud of them.”

With Year 10 winning the league championship and Year 8 finishing runners-up in the Premier League, it has been a fantastic year for both teams. Year 7 and Year 9 have competed well throughout the season, and with Year 11 winning the league title for the fifth year in a row, it is clear that football at Salesian continues to thrive.

As part of our 125th Anniversary celebrations, each year group has planted a tree to mark this special milestone. Year 9 chose a snake bark maple, instantly recognisable by its striking green‑and‑white striped bark. This beautiful tree reminds us that every member of our school community is unique, bringing their own talents, ideas and personality to enrich our shared journey.

Year 10 planted a crab apple tree, which will burst into blossom before producing vibrant fruit. It symbolises the idea that growth takes time — blossom first, then fruit. For Year 10, it’s a reminder that hard work and perseverance lead to real achievement.Here’s to growth, individuality, and the next 125 years!