Page 16 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

16 NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE

LIVING THE FAITH

Our School motto is ‘Legis Plenitudo Charitas’ - ‘Love is the Ratcliffe’s First Holy Communicants of 2015
Fulfilment of the Law’. It is a beautiful reminder that the heart of
our faith is not dogmatic, but active. As St John wrote, ‘No one
has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and
his love is perfected in us.’ (1 John 4:12). Regardless of the culture
or creed of particular members of our Ratcliffe community, we
are bound together by a respect and concern for those around
us. Our Charities Schedule began with the Macmillan Coffee
Morning in September and ran throughout the year, with each
year group organising a major event. In total, over £30,000 was
raised for charity, and our thanks go to our students, staff and
families for their constant and generous support. This thanks is
echoed by the recipients of our funds.

Alongside fundraising, community service provides an The Nativity at Ratcliffe
opportunity for the students to witness good works and become
involved in a ‘hands-on’ way. There are a number of groups in
which students are involved: the St Vincent de Paul Society, the
Mother Teresa Club, the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
visits to the Lingdale Lodge Elderly Care Home, and the Sixth
Form Voluntary Service Unit that visits the Syston Friendship
Group. Community service is a growing aspect of life at Ratcliffe
College, and we are proud of our students’ participation.

THE RATCLIFFE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION 150TH THE FUTURE: RATCLIFFE 2020
ANNIVERSARY: ASTRO APPEAL
The Development Team works hard to find opportunities to
In 1997, as part of the School’s 150th bring in additional funding and support for various projects
throughout the School. We are fortunate that the generosity
Anniversary, the Association arranged an of Old Ratcliffians, as well as parents and friends of Ratcliffe
College, enables us to continuously enhance the provision of
appeal to help build the all-weather pitch. educational and sporting facilities on our magnificent campus.
As we move into 2016, we are looking to share with you our plan
With this year being the 150th Anniversary for the future: Ratcliffe 2020.

for the Ratcliffian Association, we have Ratcliffe 2020 is an ambitious five-year development plan and
fundraising appeal. It aims to invest in three key areas which
been busy leading an appeal, helping to we believe are essential in maintaining Ratcliffe’s burgeoning
success: Sport and Fitness,
raise funds towards the cost of resurfacing The donor badge Bursaries, and new facilities
the all-weather pitch. In order to thank for Science and the Arts. I
hope that Old Ratcliffians
and recognise this year’s donors, we have produced a donor will support us in the
coming years across these
pin badge, which has proved very popular with our supporters. disciplines, as we look to
continuously invest for our
PLAYGROUND APPEAL students, helping them to
fulfil their potential, and
This summer, the Development Office teamed up with the preparing them to make
Preparatory School to raise funds to enhance the outside play their mark in the world after
facilities for our younger pupils. Following a direct mail appeal to Ratcliffe.
parents, a plant sale by pupils, a very well-attended Fun Run, and
with some extra help from the Parents’ Association, a significant Andrew Yell (82)
sum was put towards the costs of a brand new playground, which Development Director
our pupils are now enjoying.
The all-weather hockey pitch
LEGACY PROGRAMME

For the first time in decades, the College is mailing Old
Ratcliffians to spread the word about our Legacy Programme. A
legacy in your Will can significantly enrich the lives of students
at Ratcliffe. We hope that those of you who are touched by your
experiences at Ratcliffe, or who just want to help to give others
the opportunity you had, consider making a gift in your Will to
the Foundation when reviewing your financial arrangements.

Register online at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk