The Georgian Family
THE GEORGIAN FAMILY
St George’s College has a very warm atmosphere generated by the pride that all associated with the College have in “The Georgian Family” – a unique family which extends from the founder of the Josephites, Constant van Crombrugghe, to the newest and youngest pupil in the Lower Nursery.
Other members of the family are pupils and students at the Junior and Senior Schools, the Sixth Form, the Staff including teachers and support staff, volunteers, gap students, governors, parents, former students and friends of the School. Above all the Josephite community without which the school would not exist. It is their founding values including the family ethos that is still such an influence on today’s School community. It is this that makes the College special.
Like any family every individual is different. “The Georgian Family” encourages each individual to develop, progress and contribute to their maximum potential both within the School and wider community. The College cultivates ethical, spiritual and moral values and seeks to inspire a love of learning. Everyone is encouraged to fulfil their aspirations and make the most of their attributes.
Some students enjoy sports and others the arts, drama and music, and everyone is encouraged to excel academically. “The Georgian Family” strives to fulfil every aspect of an individual’s development so that they become rounded and exceptional contributors to the society in which they live and work.
A special contribution is made through the community activities which are so encouraged at the School and extends the family to include many local people who would otherwise have little or no contact with the School. The annual Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes, (in France) is popular amongst the Lower Sixth students, who accompany a group of sick and disabled on holiday. It is a daunting but, at the same time, uplifting and rewarding experience for all involved. Similarly closer to home the activities of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) and the Kennedy Club involving many students bring great benefits to local elderly and disadvantaged people.
A very important part of the family are Old Georgians, living near and far, who remain in close contact with the College through the Reunite and Reunion programmes which was set up in 2003 to keep former students of both St George’s and St Maur’s in touch with the College and each other. There is an Old Georgians association which supports sports clubs. The Old Georgians also organise an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes developing experiences first enjoyed by many in their Sixth Form days. This operates under the acronym W.O.G.L.E (Weybridge Old Georgians Lourdes Experience). A perfect example of our Georgian family is well illustrated by a recent and very successful visit of the College Chapel Choir to California as part of their choir tour and whereby the Development office organised OG reunion events as part of the tour bringing the Georgian family together. Father Martin also hosted a wonderful Georgian lunch in Sydney during the summer.
Of course, as in any family, every individual is different. “The Georgian Family” opens its arms and welcomes people throughout every stage of life’s development. It is truly a brotherhood of all those associated with St George’s College generating an affection and loyalty that is only felt by people who have something in common.
