Chavagnes International College updates

British Mathematical Distinction

2012-01-09T20:35:00.000Z

Photo from last summer's play,
Much Ado about Nothing.

Congratulations to Paul de Guibert (15) who has been awarded a Distinction in the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO1) organised by the UK Maths Trust. (More information: http://www.mathcomp.leeds.ac.uk/individual-competitions/british-mathematical-olympiad/)

Maggie Boyles in university stage début

2011-11-28T10:39:00.000Z

Massimo Silvani writes:

Maggie Boyles as Kate in All My Sons.

My travels often take me far from Chavagnes. But never so far that I can't keep up with events in and around that school's historic walls.

I've just now heard something of young Mary ("Maggie") Boyles, for example. (Although Chavagnes is a boys-only school, there are sometimes one or two exceptional daughters of teachers in the A-level class, just to keep the boys on their toes.)

I gather that Maggie enrolled this autumn at the University of Kansas where she is working toward a degree in theatre with a focus on performance.

Her efforts in this direction had been encouraged while she studied at Chavagnes. Because of the university's excellent reputation for developing young talent for the stage, Maggie chose it as the place for furthering her ambitions.

Hardly had she completed auditions for entry into the theatre programme but that her talent was being celebrated, at least so I'm told, far and wide across the campus. Apparently she had so impressed the judges that they wasted no time in casting her in the principal role of Kate in Arthur Miller's play "All My Sons".

Difficult to believe? Yes. But it's true. And there's more to come.

Remarkably she was alone among first-year students to have been awarded a lead. It's said that this unique for a freshman. "My hopes have been given a terrific boost," Maggie told us in telephone conversation from the campus at Lawrence, Kansas, after the curtain came down on the final performance. By the way,” she added with a natural dramatic flourish, “I've registered in Jewish studies as a minor.”

In a barely concealed expression of enthusiasm, the University of Kansas's Head of Theatre John Staniunas, member of the panel that auditioned Maggie, had this to say

"I found her to be incredibly honest and very giving as an actor. She really knew how to share the stage and be very true to her emotions."

Pennsylvania-born Maggie moved with her family in 2008 to a small village near Chavagnes. She participated in a wide variety of the College’s productions including Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and a trio of Shakesperean offerings: Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado about Nothing. This was complemented by a series of poetry recitations and dramatised readings throught the school year.

Her career ambitions took flight during the production of Macbeth staged by the College and Dr. Tom Conlon's direction of her in the role of Lady Macbeth. His comment reflects the general experience of Maggie's qualities:

"A real pleasure to work with; Maggie always gives 100%."

A rigorous schedule of preparation for her Kansas auditions was devised by Ken Asch who is responsible for the College’s programme of recitations and Shakespeare Week, so special thanks to him for his dedication.

“All My Sons” was the University of Kansas's second production this new season. For full information about the theatre department and future productions, please visit:

http://www.kutheatre.com/performances.shtml

Why study the Humanities?

2011-08-06T19:56:00.000+01:00

“We call those studies liberal, then, which are worthy of a free man: they are those through which virtue and wisdom are either practised or sought and by which the body and mind is disposed to the best things. “ Pier Paolo Vergerio,
The Character and Studies Befitting a Free-Born Youth (c. 1402.)

At Chavagnes the study of the humanities is in the great tradition of liberal education. This kind of education is not simply a dry theory, nor is it restricted to those subjects now named humanities, although its principles are mostly clearly seen in our teaching of these disciplines.

Liberal education is the transmission of our great western cultural patrimony to our young. But it is more than that: its aim is to make every student his own man: free and capable of using his reason, fit to take part in the “great conversation” begun in fifth-century Athens and continuing to this day.

More at www.cursus.chavagnes.org

New vision of science ... from our curriculum site

2011-08-03T17:07:00.000+01:00

Science, where the senses and the intellect meet …
Science is about bridging the world of the senses – the tangible, the audible, the visible – with the world of the intellect – the far reaching patterns of abstract concepts which allow us to impose order and system on what we perceive through the senses. The College believes that both piers of the bridge should be buttressed. Through a rich program of practical activities the students are exposed to as much real experience of see, hear and touch scientific phenomena as possible. On the other pier, the College is committed to a careful and scrupulous teaching of scientific concepts, informed both by historical awareness of their genesis and the determination to impart ideas in a clear, rigorous, but accessible way.

See more at www.cursus.chavagnes.org

Bishop Castet celebrates 'Messe de Clôture' for the School Year 2010/2011

2011-07-29T10:06:00.001+01:00

Buckingham CPD for teachers

2011-07-27T19:40:00.000+01:00

Mr McDermott explains the College's relationship with Buckingham University:
http://mcdermottsmiscellany.blogspot.com/2011/07/buckingham-university-and-chavagnes.html

Gareth Usher, new Head of Science at Chavagnes

2011-07-16T09:50:00.000+01:00

Here's a nice little article from yesterday's Derry Journal about our new head of Science.
http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/new_french_role_for_derry_teacher_1_2870553

Chavagnes schemes of work

2011-07-15T09:02:00.000+01:00

We're really getting organised at Chavagnes: check out our schemes of work for September 2011 : www.cursus.chavagnes.org and follow the links.

There are already SOWs for Physics Yr 8, Maths, Yr, 9, Greek and Music year 9, Music Year 8 and 9, English Year 10, plus Religion, History and Latin for most of Yrs 7-9 ...

It's hard work, but most classes and subjects should be available within the next week.

We'd welcome any feedback from parents and friends.

Chavagnes email newsletters now archived

2011-07-11T15:15:00.002+01:00

Chavagnes Email Newsletter Archive

Just back from Chartres

2011-06-16T17:43:00.000+01:00

Come to our Summer Ball 2011

2011-05-26T10:40:00.002+01:00

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6gucr9cab&oeidk=a07e3x9xrt864e65a91

Above link for information about our Summer Ball, Friday 1st July 2011.

Bishop Alain Castet to celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving

2011-05-25T10:49:00.000+01:00

Bishop Alain Castet, our diocesan bishop, will be celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving for the academic year at the College on Monday 20th June at 12 o'clock. All are welcome.

Father Bede Rowe to be new chaplain

2011-05-24T07:16:00.000+01:00

Father Bede Rowe of the Diocese of Clifton is to take up the post of Chaplain at Chavagnes International College from September 2011.

2011-05-18T19:48:00.004+01:00

Scout Weekend

On Saturday the 27 March we woke up to a sunny day- a good omen for the long walk ahead. Leaving soon after midday, the temptation for a little detour prevailed, and we only arrived at our destination, the abbaye de la Grainetière, near Parc soubise, late in the afternoon. We were allowed to pitch our tent in the cloister, and had an abundant dinner of food that we had brought with us. When we woke up on Sunday it had started raining, so we had breakfast in our tent.Soon after, we attended mass in the monastery's chapel. The way back proved a lot harder, because, apart from being longer, we were already tired, and the rain made our bags heavier. However, we all made it back to school safe and sound, and enjoyed our school dinner with great enthousiasm. Ironically, it was those who complained on the walk who stayed up longest. It was a great experience, and we would like to do it again.

Chavagnes and the Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T21:00:00.003+01:00

http://www.tvvendee.fr/video-TVV_le_journal_20110429_07.aspx

Here we are celebrating the Royal Wedding Chavagnes style.

Chavagnes Academic Programme

2011-04-26T22:30:00.002+01:00

Visit our new site outlining our academic courses in detail, including our current timetables.

http://www.cursus.chavagnes.org/

Teaching vacancies

2011-04-01T10:27:00.002+01:00

Check out the College website for information on teaching vacancies for September 2011:
http://www.chavagnes.org/news/Vacancies.shtml

Sunday outing

2011-03-28T17:10:00.002+01:00

Mr McDermott has been recovering more quickly than expected. After making a dramatic return in an ambulance, he only spent a few weeks in a wheelchair and was then able to follow us around on foot. This was met with a natural sense of joy at his returning health mixed with a slight sense of regret from pupils and staff alike that they were once again pursuable.

Sunday afternoons at a boarding school are the only times where it is possible to undertake anything spectacular in our free time. However, most people prefer to wile away the time sitting in boredom in front of a computer. Last Sunday, however, there was an opportunity to go to the opera to enjoy a performance of Falstaff. The performance was in Italian, with surtitles in French. Not being opera aficionados, we waited for the appearance of the fat lady, which would signal the approaching end. In fact the only thespian of imposing stature was Falstaff, the pompous, bigheaded and comical main character. Falstaff is also a tragic person who, due to his appearance, cannot find love. He falls in love with two ladies, who then play tricks on him; such as throwing him into a river with a load of dirty washing.

New Chavagnes Photo book

2010-12-15T13:08:00.000Z

Father Talbot's new table book, containing photos of life at Chavagnes, is now ready. Available for purchase from Amazon (link, left), proceeds go towards school funds.

Contains:

Photos of people in the College
Various activtites: lessons, sports, music and worship
Events such as the 'Boy Bishop', All Saints Party, etc ...

A fascinating and accesible introduction to life at Chavagnes, with a written commentary by Mr McDermott.

«Modernité, mythe et magie: les clefs pour comprendre l'univers de JRR Tolkien et de CS Lewis»

2010-11-30T11:05:00.000Z

Le samedi 4 décembre 2010, conférence de Ferdi McDermott.

La Fondation pour l’école organise un cycle de conférences consacré cette année à une réflexion sur la modernité à la lumière des penseurs dits antimodernes.

La deuxième conférence sera donnée par Monsieur Ferdi McDermott, professeur de littérature, directeur et cofondateur d'une "public school" britannique catholique en France.

Elle aura lieu le samedi 4 décembre 2010 de 18h à 19h30 sur le thème :

«Modernité, mythe et magie: les clefs pour comprendre l'univers de JRR Tolkien et de CS Lewis»

CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien

Les enfants s'impatientent déjà: le 8 décembre, c'est la sortie en salles du prochain chapitre de la saga de Narnia: L'Odyssée du passeur d'aurore. Dans le sillage du Seigneur des Anneaux, cet univers magique où règnent Frodon, Aslan et compagnie a su complètement dominer l'imagination de nos enfants, et même d’un certain nombre d’adultes. Narnia, Terre du Milieu ou encore Poudlard, chacun des ces univers magiques témoigne de la remarquable fertilité de l'imagination britannique et du don anglais pour la Mythopoeia - la création de mythes.

Professeur et littéraire anglais de 39 ans, Ferdi McDermott a créé sa propre école anglaise - un internat catholique pour garçons - au cœur du bocage vendéen. C'est un îlot britannique, quelque peu gothique, excentrique, fidèle à Sa Majesté. Les Français, selon McDermott, ont parfois du mal à vraiment le comprendre, même s'ils sont de plus en plus nombreux à lui confier leurs enfants ... A nous-autres, pauvres cartésiens français, Ferdi McDermott propose une conférence imprégnée de l'esprit festif de la saison, centrée sur l'œuvre des amis Tolkien et Lewis, mais qui proposera des clefs magiques pour comprendre tous les univers parallèles littéraires que l'esprit anglais a générés comme talismans contre les horreurs de la modernité. Venez nombreux: il suffit de prendre le train spécial depuis le Quai 9 3/4 en gare du Nord, ou bien de fermer les yeux et d’entrer dans l'armoire de votre chambre à 6 o'clock PM, le samedi 4 décembre 2010.

L’entrée est libre sur inscription préalable par téléphone (01 42 62 76 94) ou par courriel (contact@fondationpourlecole.org).

Merci de bien prévenir de votre venue en raison du nombre limité des places encore libres dans l’amphithéâtre.
La conférence a lieu au 115-117 rue ND des Champs 75006 PARIS (métro Vavin, RER Port Royal).

Retrouvez les dernières chroniques de la Fondation sur le lien suivant.

FONDATION POUR L'ECOLE

Fondation reconnue d’utilité publique

Bureaux et adresse postale:

25, rue Sainte-Isaure ; 75018 Paris
Tel: 01 42 62 76 94
Siège : 43, rue du Colisée ; 75008 Paris

http://www.fondationpourlecole.org/

Play and Carol Service

2010-11-27T12:05:00.009Z

On Saturday 11th December we are hosting a Medieval Mystery Play presentation, with four short plays on the Christmas story, plus a traditional Carol Service.

4pm: Mystery Plays
5pm: Tea
6pm: Carol Service

followed by 7.30p Buffet Dinner. All welcome, but advance reservation before 5th December, please.

Father Anthony Talbot's photographs will also be on display over the whole weekend. Check out his site for details: http://www.anthonytalbot.com/
(Left)Photo credit: Anthony Talbot.

Spanish site about Catholic boarding schools

2010-11-27T12:01:00.002Z

Mr Lavilla has started a website dedicated to articles about Catholic boarding school issues, in Spanish. In particular, there will be articles on:

- The advantages of boarding
- The arguments for single-sex schooling
- Advice for parents and pupils on issues such as homesickness, examinations, careers, etc ...

If you understand Spanish, check out the site at: http://internados-catolicos.blogspot.com/

Shakespeare Week 2011

2010-11-20T21:59:00.002Z

Plans for Chavagnes Shakespeare Week 2011 are underway. Check out updates at:

http://shakespeare.chavagnes.org/

When schoolboys get to punch their teachers ...

2010-09-28T22:12:00.002+01:00

A fly-on-the-wall film about this evening at Chavagnes. Just an ordinary Tuesday evening, with boxing, chess, piano, detentions, tuck shop ... etc. With a sample of the choir singing Exultate Justi by Ludovico da Viadana.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFTfU567_fM

Father Talbot's photography

2010-08-30T19:53:00.002+01:00

Our chaplain, Father Anthony Talbot, now has a website showing some of his photographic work. Please pay him a visit: http://www.anthonytalbot.com/

Scouts de Chavagnes online

2010-07-31T16:12:00.003+01:00

Mr Crawford is starting to put some interesting material about our independent scout troop online at http://scouts.chavagnes.org/

Going to school in France - blast from the past

2010-07-22T16:47:00.002+01:00

Here's a little documentary film made by BBC Kent about Chavagnes International College a few years ago. Enjoy ...

(If it doesn't work, you can also watch at http://gloria.tv/?media=89445)

The boy featured in this clip was with us for five years (2002-2007) and left us with some great GCSE grades (A*s in French, German and Spanish, B in Latin and As in most of his other subjects, plus a B at AS-level Spanish taken early.) He was one of our founder pupils, so we are especially proud of him.

A truly bilingunal and bicultural education

2010-07-21T15:59:00.005+01:00

At Chavagnes we are really beginning to experience now the originality and creativity that spring from the meeting of two cultures. This year three of our pupils (and this is the fifth year we have been doing this) sat for their French 'brevet' exams, validating the end of their Year 10 studies. We are pleased to tell you that all three passed the exams, one with a commendation : "Mention bien". Two of these boys also sat a number of GCSE subjects and will sit a few more next year.

Two of our young Frenchmen going rather early into our Lower VIth, one at 15 and one at 14 (!) this coming September are both looking into applying for Cambridge, but will hedge their bets by sitting the French Bac as well as the UK A-levels ... A visitor recently described one of these two as 'a perfect English gentleman'.

Meanwhile, of our English pupils, a number of them sat French GCSE early this year (boys from Year 9 or 10) and we expect some good results from them soon.

Another one of those bicultural moments was when our scouts ('Les Scouts de Chavagnes' as they call themselves) distinguished themselves by their gusty singing of "Rule, Britannia" on the Pentecost Chartres Pilgrimage ...

Floreat Chavagnes !

Confirmations at Chavagnes

2010-06-25T18:54:00.009+01:00

On the Feast of St John the Baptist, 24th June 2010, Monseigneur Alain Castet, Bishop of Lucon celebrated confirmations at Chavagnes. Laurent Gibelin, Alexander Dakin-Wilson, Mathieu de Suzannet, Gonzague de Suzannet, Benjamin Bellec, Gerardo Nunez Alarcon and Augustin Ponroy received the sacrament at a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated in the College chapel.

Rugby Chavagnes vs. Esperance

2010-06-25T17:00:00.004+01:00

In an exciting Rugby 7s away game against Esperance (Thursday 17th June), our 11-14-year olds acquitted themselves well, losing 60-40, but with a particularly valiant second half. Well done, boys.

St Patrick's Night film

2010-04-08T13:51:00.004+01:00

A few scenes from our St Patrick's Night party on 17th March 2010.

For more news and information, visit our official website at www.chavagnes.org

Visit to aquarium

2010-03-21T19:49:00.004Z

Today the GCSE photography went on a location shoot at the aquarium of Les Sables d'Olonnes.

Here are some of the photos:

Mathematics success and Baroque music in March ...

2010-03-14T15:26:00.001Z

In this year’s Intermediate 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 Mobbeerley attained silver cerrificates. Maximillian Micallef-Eynaud (13) achieved a bronze certificate.

The Intermediate 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. Visit the official website for more information on the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge.

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.

Baroque evening

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 haprshichord.

Chavagnes on French TV

2010-02-24T11:09:00.001Z

http://www.tmc.tv/programmes-tv-tmc/magazines-tele/90-enquetes/videos/pensionnat-le-retour-des-methodes-strictes/3687521.html
For a documentary about the rise in popularity of boarding schools, featuring Chavagnes ...

Burns Night Pictures

2010-02-10T15:24:00.007Z

Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming to the college friends and old students to celebrate Burns Night. The photographic GCSE class, in an effort to share the evening's festivities, has taken the following photographs.

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B_ttSASknUO2MzM4ZGExNTktZjkwYy00MWVjLWJlYjgtZGYzZTQ3ODcxYTBh&hl=en

Chavagnes Maths news

2010-02-02T15:22:00.004Z

Further to our last post, we just heard that Dominic made such an impression in his new school (Year 10) that they put him in for Maths GCSE, almost 2 years early, just a few weeks after arriving, back in October/November. He walked away with an A, for which our congratulations. And thanks also to his teacher last year, Brother Moylan.

Brother is organising this year's UK Junior and Intermediate Maths Challenge at Chavagnes and we are hoping to follow last year's excellent performance with a few more Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates among our pupils. Watch this space ...

Top of the class ...

2009-12-18T11:46:00.004Z

Although we always miss pupils who move on, we are always delighted to hear their news. Along with their Christmas greetings one family has just sent us these encouraging words:

"We often talk of Chavagnes life and are sorry we are no longer on the scene. Dominic seems now to be star pupil in all his subjects, thanks to his two years at Chavagnes. We hope you are flourishing and remember you all in our prayers."

Buy your Catholic books and films online

2009-12-17T10:55:00.002Z

You can now buy your Catholic books and films online at the new Saint Austin Press Amazon store. This site donates its amazon royalties to Chavagnes and includes a growing selection of books on various Catholic themes, plus a selection of dvds.

Check out the new online store today. Whether you live in the USA or in Europe, the weak dollar and Amazon's reasonable delivery prices mean that this is a great way to buy books for everyone.

Mrs Asch's new poetry book available from Amazon

2009-12-15T16:57:00.000Z

Chavagnes photographers capture crocodiles (on film)

2009-12-15T16:34:00.007Z

Some interesting pictures from a Photographic Society excursion during our October exeat weekend.

Website popularity Chavagnes

2009-12-14T08:45:00.002Z

The Chavagnes International College official website is getting approx 1,000 unique visitors per month. From 1st to 12th December we received 388 new visitors, with 71% of them adding our site to their favourites.

Woodworking Chaplain

2009-12-12T18:45:00.002Z

In addition to being our resident school chaplain Fr Talbot also teaches photography and woodwork. Here he is with a mule chest he has just finished.

Chavagnes' Choir at the Maison du Clerge Le Landreau

2009-12-11T20:41:00.003Z

Today our choir sang for the retired priests in Les Herbiers, a town not far from Chavagnes. We performed in the chapel there and were invited for a snack. We first visited them eight years ago, when the school opened its doors, and they always seem delighted to greet us. We now look forward to revisiting them in concert once again next year.

Boy bishop

2009-12-11T17:59:00.006Z

On Sunday the 6th December, we celebrated the feast of Saint Nicholas with the traditional boy bishop. His Lordship Paul de Guibert having been installed as our bishop, he presided at pontifical Vespers for the feast. After our evening prayer, Bishop Paul was the guest of honour at the feast in the refectory.

The feast commenced with the presentation of the boar's head accompanied by a traditional song: "The Boar's Head in hand, bear I".

At the end of the festivities, Bishop Paul decreed that the teachers should do the washing-up, while the boys could watch a film and go to bed late. For more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/ferdimcdermott/BoyBishop2009Chavagnes#

Macbeth theatre dress rehearsals ...

2009-12-09T20:40:00.012Z

Some previews of our production of Macbeth (scheduled for 13th and 14th December at Chavagnes).

Lady Macbeth (Maggie Boyles) : "Out, damn spot ..."

Lady Macduff (Anna Boyles) and son (Bernard Lloyd.)

Chavagnes' Choir at the old peoples' home.

2009-12-09T20:26:00.006Z

Our choir went this afternoon to the old people's home down the street in Chavagnes. We wished them a merry Christmas and sang in French with them. We were then invited to a small collation. While we were enjoying our snacks, three of the residents sang songs of their own.

Chavagnes' Choir at the Clinic Saint Charles.

2009-12-08T16:32:00.004Z

This afternoon our choir went to sing for the convalescents in La Roche sur Yon. A small audience of twenty people came to listen our music. We were then invited for a small snack with the patients and the staff.

Chavagnes Photographic Society

2009-12-07T14:42:00.008Z

Chavagnes' Photographic Society is comprised of three boys from Chavagnes International College and one girl from the College Notre Dame de la Bonne Nouvelle, meets every week and is currently working for the GCSE in photography.

The above photograph was taken last year, and shows a combination of long shutter speed, flash and a sparkler. All combined to show the magic of photography.

Watch this space for more pictures/news!

Mrs Asch's new poetry collection

2009-12-02T08:07:00.002Z

Mrs Asch's first collection of poems is just about to published but will, alas, probably not be on time for Christmas presents. It could make a good Epiphany offering, however.

She has a blog about her book, Reflections, on which she is posting some of her poems.

Visit Mrs Asch's blog: http://ruthasch.blogspot.com

Group effort

2009-12-02T08:04:00.002Z

I have just invited a few pupils and staff to become contributors to this blog, under my supervision. My hope in doing this is to ensure that it becomes a bit more lively so as to reflect more fully our life at Chavagnes. You can expect contributions from the Photographic Society, the Literary Club, updates about the play, the choir, sports, local visits, etc ...

Watch this space.

Chavagnes promotional links, helping us find Boys Boarding school in France

2009-11-29T16:50:00.002Z

These links promote Chavagnes International College, a Catholic boarding school in western France, for boys, 10 and up. This international boys' Catholic boarding school was established in 2002. For more information, visit www.chavagnes.org

Macbeth (Christmas Play) and Carol Service - dates and times

2009-11-28T13:42:00.005Z

This year's Christmas play (not chosen for any special seasonal relevance!) is Shakespeare's Macbeth. Rehearsals began in September and it looks like it is going to be a landmark for Chavagnes drama so far. In previous years we have staged Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night, Marlowe's Doctor Faustus and a number of other ambitous plays, but this is certainly the most ambitious to date.

Performances: Sunday 13th December 2009 at 7pm
and Monday 14th December 2009 at 4.30pm.

Our Annual Advent Carol Service will take place at 8pm on Monday 14th.
For those who have reserved in advance, a light buffet supper will be available for those attending the production of Macbeth and wishing to stay on for the Carol Service.

In the week prior to the Carol Service, the choir will also be singing carols in a number of old peoples' homes, a local hospital and a prison.

All-night vigil for Chavagnes boys scouts

2009-11-20T19:40:00.004Z

Tonight, 20th November, 2009, the first contingent of Chavagnes scouts make their promise. After a 14km walk this afternoon, they have pitched tent beside our little chapel of St Joseph, in the woods, where the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed all night for veneration. They will be taking turns in the chapel and will make their promise at dawn, like the knights of old. We'll post some photos when we have them.

Chavagnes scouts orienteering

2009-10-09T20:52:00.004+01:00

The most popular sporting activity at Chavagnes this year so far is the weekly 10km orienteering challenge, with a generous reward for the winning house.

Chavagnes boys, pictured here in scout uniform, celebrate a successful trek on 9th October.

The new Chavagnes scouts will be making their promise in early November during a special overnight camp including an all night vigil of prayer modelled on the vigils performed by medieval knights.

Futuroscope: travel to the future for Chavagnes boys

2009-10-09T20:38:00.002+01:00

The Futuriscope near Poitiers was the destination of boys and staff from Chavagnes on 26th September, for a trip into the future ...

Attractions included dancing robots, flight simulators and other similar technical wizardry.

www.chavagnes.org

Puy du Fou

2009-10-09T20:28:00.003+01:00

Boys from Chavagnes enjoyed their annual visit to the Puy du Fou on Saturday 12th September.

The Gladiator show remained the favourite attraction this year.

Photos of Chavagnes Summer 2009 Choir Tour

2009-09-17T16:43:00.002+01:00

For Photos of Chavagnes Summer 2009 Choir Tour, visit:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ferdimcdermott/UKChoirTourOxfordAndWales2009#

Chavagnes Choir Tour, UK 2009

2009-08-02T22:22:00.000+01:00

Please spread the word to any friends you have who may be in the area for these forthcoming engagements of the Chavagnes Choir:

Concert of Sacred Music (Palestrina, Byrd, Tallis, Tye, Allegri ...), 7.30pm, Blackfriars, St Giles, Oxford, on FRIDAY 7th August. Admission Free.

Choir sings at Sunday Mass, 11am, The Oratory, Oxford, Sunday 9th August.

Concert of Sacred Music (Palestrina, Byrd, Tallis, Tye, Allegri ...), 7.45pm, Priory Church of Our Lady and St Michael, Abergavenny on Sunday 9th August. Admission Free.

Photos of the Bishop's Visit

2009-05-01T20:00:00.004+01:00

Choir Tour 2009

2009-04-28T13:35:00.002+01:00

This summer, we are planning a CHOIR TOUR of the south of England and Wales, from 5th to 12th August.

If you are a Chavagnes parent, please let the College know if your son can participate in this. It would mean his being available between those two dates, in London.

For non-UK pupils, they would need to be arrive in London (we will arrange airport collection and stay with Chavagnes families) on 4th August. They would be free to travel hom on 13th August.

Please contact Mr McDermott and let him know what your plans are. We can liase between families to facilitate transport arrangements.

During the week we will be singing in 2 or 3 churches, visiting some interesting places and attending a Shakespeare Play at the London Shakespeare's Globe.

Chavagnes Summer Ball 2009

2009-04-16T15:46:00.002+01:00

For more information on the Chavagnes International College Summer Ball 2009, with dinner and dancing, please visit: http://www.chavagnes.org/news/Chavagnes_Summer_Ball_2009.shtml

Chavagnes Nantes flights back on track with KLM

2009-03-26T18:35:00.001Z

VLM Airlines, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, is to start a service between London City Airport and Nantes on April 27.Flights will operate twice daily on weekdays (departing from London at 8.25am and 5.45pm) and once daily on Saturdays (departing at 8.25am) and Sundays (5.45pm). Flights depart from Nantes at 7.45am and 5.30pm on weekdays, at 7.45am on Saturdays, and 5.30pm on Sundays.

What a relief after Ryanair's shock decision to withdraw flights ...

Catholic High School Study Abroad Programs

2009-03-23T17:42:00.002Z

Information for boys from USA, Canada and other non-European countries, seeking a year or two in Europe. High School Abroad programs individually tailored to the needs of US students; includes study courses and cultural visits throughout Europe during school vacations.

Chavagnes celebrates St Patrick's Day

2009-03-19T16:58:00.002Z

Click here for a press release about our recent St Patrick's Day celebration.

Bishop Alain Castet visits Chavagnes International College

2009-03-12T17:01:00.003Z

We were delighted to received our new diocesan bishop for Mass and a visit on Ash Wednesday.

A few boys were missing that day, but here is the group photograph.

Catholic Internship Programme

2009-03-11T21:19:00.002Z

http://www.chavagnes.org/help/internship.shtml

Information for young Catholic men graduating this summer. Why not consider giving a year or two of your life to the cause of Catholic education. More information on Catholic internships, with teaching abroad in France at Chavagnes International College: here.

Chavagnes: where the real Catholic gentlemen go, instead of Hogwarts ...

2009-03-03T09:16:00.002Z

Here is a little press release I dreamed up in a bid to drive more traffic to our website, you know thone one promoting our Catholic boarding school for boys, one of the most interesting and original private schools in the world ... (you can see I have been reading about how to get your site referenced on search engines, can't you?)

http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200903/1236070715.html

Chavagnes Choir sings Bruckner's Locus Iste

2009-02-02T20:26:00.004Z

Bruckner's Locus Iste: Recorded June 2008. A beautiful rendition.

Translation: This place was made by God; an inestimably holy place. It is without blame.

Singing it in the beautiful College chapel, one can't help thinking it appropriate. Chavagnes IS a holy place, even if it is full of sinners. God bless. FMcD.

Adoramus Te Christe (choir)

2009-01-29T14:42:00.002Z

Photos from Chavagnes 'Chinese New Year'

2009-01-28T14:59:00.004Z

A Chinese dragon, decorations and Chinese food (for Chinese new year), 26the Jan. 2009.

Gabbitas listing, just for information

2009-01-28T14:55:00.002Z

This is our page on Gabbitas. It is not as well linked-to as one would expect, but it is a world-renowned listing for private schools. They also publish the Independent Schools Guide, which we have been in for the last few years.

New sites relating to Chavagnes, Catholic private boarding schools for boys

2009-01-26T13:17:00.002Z

Single-sex Catholic boarding schools for boys and girls; links, articles, comment.

http://www.boardingschools.catholic-education.eu/

http://boardingschools.catholicstudyabroad.com/ A site aimed at potential Chavagnes students from the USA and other long-haul locations. It includes information on a special programme of vacation travel to sites of cultural interest around Europe.

http://www.chavagnes.catholicstudyabroad.com/ Study at Chavagnes: a Guide for non-European students and, in particular, students from the USA.

So in summary Catholic Boarding Schools Information, and two sites offering a fantastic study abroad opportunity for those seeking a Catholic High School Study Abroad Program.

How to get to Chavagnes by air from the UK

2009-01-22T15:34:00.001Z

View Larger Map

Chavagnes team takes to the road

2009-01-20T17:06:00.003Z

Mr McDermott, Father Talbot, Mr Aldridge and Dominic O'Leary (VIth-former) will be taking to the road during February half term, on a special promotional tour (7th-15th Feburary).

Events are lined up in London, Brighton, South Wales, Lancaster and some other locations across the country.

Chavagnes 'Information days' are events at which include a talk on Chavagnes, accompanied by a DVD presentation, plus a chance to meet some of the protagonists ...

Great Books Summer Course at Chavagnes

2009-01-16T07:11:00.002Z

From 26th July to 4th August 2009 : Great Books Summer Course at Chavagnes

- A whistle-stop tour of the great works of western literature
- with a distinguished faculty of lecturers
- A cultural holiday with a difference
- Visits to sites of cultural and historic interest
- Musical and literary entertainment
- Good food and company

Christmas Nativity Play at Chavagnes

2009-01-12T16:27:00.003Z

Some images from our Christmas Nativity Play:

Stages d'Anglais

2009-01-02T16:49:00.002Z

http://stages-d-anglais.chavagnes.info/

Information in French on our languages course for summer 2009.

French website for 'La Chorale de Chavagnes'

2009-01-02T15:34:00.004Z

http://chorale.chavagnes-inter.fr/

A new website featuring information on the Chavagnes International College Choir, linking back to the main College website. (This is a work in progress.)

Photos from the Chavagnes Photography Club

2008-12-22T09:59:00.004Z

Here are some recent photos from our photography club. David holding the sun is my favourite (here scanned at very low res.) These were all taken with a traditional camera on 35mm film.

Boy Bishop celebration 6th December 2008

2008-12-09T10:15:00.002Z

A (rather shaky) film of our Boy Bishop for this year ...

Rugby 7s match: 27th November

2008-11-27T17:36:00.001Z

80-25 victory for Chavagnes against valiant opponents from l'Esperance. (11-14 year-olds Rugby 7s.)

Chavagnes Taster Week for potential pupils: during UK half term

2008-11-26T17:56:00.001Z

Chavagnes Taster Week for potential pupils.

From 16th-20th February 2009, we are inviting boys from 9 to 17 to come and spend a week with us and experience the Chavagnes routine, join in a few classes, meet the other boys in their age group, participate in some fun activities and discover something of our region of France. The cost for this week (from Monday 16th to Friday 20th) is just 75 pounds or 95 euros.

Most boys in the UK should be on half term that week; so go on, sign up and experience Chavvers for a week, no strings attached!

Please contact us at office@chavagnes.org if you would like to book a place.

Catholic High School Study Abroad Program

2008-11-21T16:12:00.003Z

We have recently launched a new site to promote the College in North America. It includes details of academic equivalency between US qualifications and British GCSEs and A-levels.

There is also a proposal to provide excursions around Europe during most of the school holidays, in order to provide a richer cultural experience for students coming from outside Europe.

for more details, visit our Catholic High School Study Abroad Program site, www.catholicstudyabroad.com

Ecoles catholiques

2008-10-16T12:50:00.001+01:00

The url ecolescatholiques.org has been launched today as a joint promotional site for Chavagnes International College and Notre Dame de la Bonne Nouvelle.

Tracks from the latest Chavagnes Choir CD

2008-09-21T16:19:00.002+01:00

Above: Praise to the Holiest in the Height

Above: Vivaldi Gloria (extract) and Widor Toccata.

Ian Verrier plays the Chavagnes organ

2008-09-20T08:59:00.001+01:00

http://www.catastudio.fr/Artistes/Ian%20verrier/Ian%20-%20extrait.mp3

Click on above link to hear an extract. Mr Verrier's new CD will be available soon ...

Chavagnes on Vatican Radio, just in case you missed it

2008-08-31T22:39:00.003+01:00

http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=216419%20

Click on the link above to hear Mr McDermott, Head Boy Jose Senosiain, plus David and Max, interviewed by Vatican Radio.

Chavagnes - Sicily 2008 Choir Visit Photos

2008-08-23T14:52:00.005+01:00

Follow the link below for photos of the Choir's Sicily Visit 2008.

I am loading up more as I receive them.
So keep looking over the next few days.

I will leave them online for a few weeks.
Best wishes,
Mr McDermott

(This photo shows us with the Trapani Match Race Sailing Club - we had a great time sailing in the sea off the Sicilian coast.)

http://picasaweb.google.com/ferdimcdermott/ChavagnesTrapaniSicilia2008

Chavagnes on Vatican Radio

2008-08-21T10:30:00.001+01:00

Just in case you missed it last month:
Chavagnes on Vatican Radio

Info for Sicily

2008-07-09T22:02:00.002+01:00

Please remember to limit baggage to a suitcase of 50cm high and 25-30 cm wide. This will be carried on the plane and not checked in. If your sleeping bah does not fit, don;t bring it with you.

Please also remember that the uniform is navy blue bermuda shorts (2 pairs) and white polo shirt (4 would be sufficient.) 4 changes of underwear and socks, plus the ones you are wearing, will be enough. We can wash clothes in Trapani.

Please make sure you are at the airport in Stansted in plenty of time. (See the details in the email attachement already sent.)

Any questions, please call Mr McDermott

Chavagnes on Vatican Radio

2008-07-06T15:46:00.002+01:00

We have just been on Vatican Radio:

http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=216419

Minutes of EGM held on 19th March

2008-04-19T15:00:00.005+01:00

In French, I'm afraid.

The Minutes:
www.catholic-education.net/EGM_MARCH_2008.htm

New statutes: http://www.chavagnes.org/about_french/statuts.shtml

Reminder - Chartres

2008-04-09T16:06:00.001+01:00

We will be contacting parents very soon regarding the Chartres pilgrimage. (10-12 May, 2008).

Some images from my visit to Trapani

2008-04-09T14:59:00.012+01:00

The view from the Trapani-Erice cable car;
The beautiful Sicilian coastline; Yours tuly with the Bishop of Trapani.

Successful planning visit to Sicily

2008-04-09T14:47:00.002+01:00

I've just a great week in Sicily, making plans for your choir visit in July.

Everyone was very hospitable. I met with the bishop, the mayor and a whole host of other important people who will do their best to make sure we have a wonderful visit this summer.

Here's an outline of the programme so far. There will be a few minor modifications, but this it is how it is looking at present.

Monday 14th July: boys living in France take flight to Stansted and stay the night nearby.
Tuesday: We all fly to Palermo from Stansted. Reception in the evening with some Italian families. Explore the town of Trapani a little. Settle in at the Seminary, where we will be staying.
Wednesday: Visit to Segesta. Dinner with host families.
Thursday: Sightseeing in Trapani; afternoon on the beach. Evening: Concert in a historic church in Trapani. Dinner with host families.
Friday: Morning, reception at Bishop's summer residence, with Italian scouts. Exploration of local countryside with scouts, camp, etc ... Night away from Seminary, camping with scouts.
Saturday: More exploring with the scouts; trek up to mountain to ERICE. Evening; dinner at Erice and concert in a historic church. Come down the mountain in cable car. Back to Seminary at end of evening.
Sunday: Day of sailing on the sea; visit to the Egadi Islands. Evening : dinner and then sing at late evening Mass at San Vito Lo Campo.
Monday: Free time in Trapani, visit to beach. Rest ...
Tuesday: Return to Stansted
Wednesday 23rd: French boys and teachers return to Nantes.

Chavagnes slideshow

2008-03-25T16:59:00.001Z

Choir Tour to Sicily

2008-03-22T14:17:00.000Z

Please feel free to submit comments and suggestions re the forthcoming choir tour to Sicily (14-23 rd July for French boys; 15-22nd July for UK boys). I will try and post some information about Trapani (the town that is hosting us) and the surrounding area.