Over the Labor Day holiday, 6 students; Mr. Greg Rando, Principal; and Ms. Marilyn Meyn, Director of Student Activities, traveled to London to visit St. Columba’s College in St. Albans, England. St. Columba, a Brothers of the Sacred Heart school, uses the ‘house system’ to unite students at all grade levels, from the “Prep School†students to the “College†students. St. Columba traditionally names their ‘houses’ after Brothers of the Sacred Heart schools and chose Brother Martin as the newest addition to their ‘house system’—quite an honor to our school and our community. While there, our Brother Martin students participated in various activities with the St. Columba students and also traveled to different areas of London while abroad. Here’s what the students had to say about the trip:
We arrived and instantly were greeted by Mr. Mark Conner, the man in charge of the Brother Martin House. He took us to St. Columba’s College where we met Nick, the head of the Martin House. Through paintball and meeting more boys the next day, we truly felt the feel of Brother Martin High School through them; that is to say, we felt a sort of fraternity with them. After our fun-filled day, we returned for a lovely dinner with Ashley, the Head Boy at St. Columba’s College, and some of the faculty as well as one of the Brothers.
-Ken Newburger ‘12
As much as we say it, every Brothers of the Sacred Heart school has a similar familial atmosphere about it. We actually attended lessons at the school and met more students in multiple grades. I felt at home in the lessons I attended, just as if I were in class back at Brother Martin. On Thursday we visited Cambridge, my personal favorite sight of the whole trip. Never had I seen so much beautiful and varied architecture in one place. I will remember the Sacred Heart charism I experienced at St. Columba’s and hope to return the favor when our mates come to visit us in April.
-Donald Davis ‘12
When we arrived at St. Columba’s, I was not expecting the warm hospitality we received. It felt like I flew 6 hours just to go to another Brother Martin! If I were by myself, a student would flock to me and ask if I needed help. I guess that is the Sacred Heart way. I didn’t feel like a foreigner when I was there. I felt like a brother.
– Paul Marcello ‘12
These last few days at St. Columba’s have been awesome. We visited their class and went through their daily schedule for two days. We met many kids who were excited to have us there and share our spirit for Brother Martin with them.
– Benton Brown ‘13
The city of St. Alban’s is absolutely beautiful. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart school here, St. Columba’s, was established in the 1950s. I found the students there are not much different than the students back home. Other than the terminology, such as classes being called lessons, they sit and take notes and respect their teachers just as we do. They say “cheers†instead of “thanks.†They do say “thank you†when speaking very politely.
– David Trepagnier ‘14
My time at St Columba’s College has probably been my favorite part about the trip. The kids there are like us in many ways. They like the same type of music as we do, sometimes even the same artists. They laugh at the same jokes we would. The only difference between a St Columba’s student and a Brother Martin student is the accent. At first, I would have to ask them to repeat themselves. After a few hours, I didn’t have any trouble understanding what they said. I was surprised and amazed at the resemblances the two schools shared.
– Nolan Lambert ‘15
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