Challoner House

Introduction from the Housemaster

I have been a tutor in Challoner House since arriving at the College in 2003 and it is now my great privilege to lead Challoner. This is a very international House with students from all over the world, which adds to the supportive nature of the House. Having taught in day and boarding schools on 3 continents, I look forward to bringing this experience to Challoner and carrying on its traditions.

J.R. Hounsell

History of the House and its Patron

In 1922 Cardinal Francis Bourne decided to reorganise the College by introducing the House system. He wanted St Edmund's to have the same internal structure as Catholic schools had had  before the Reformation, and so he founded three Houses: Challoner's, Douglass' and Talbot's, all three of them being names after Bishops who were associated with the history of the College.

Our house is named after Bishop Richard Challoner, who was the head of the Catholic Church in England during the second half of the 18th century. When our school, then situated in Hampshire, had to be shut down in 1745, it was Bishop Challoner who re-opened it in Hertfordshire in 1749. For that reason he has always been remembered in the College, and it was entirely appropriate that Cardinal Bourne should choose him to a Patron of one of the College Houses.

Historians described Challoner as being gentle, cheerful, able to restore confidence in others and generous to the poor. He showed respect for all people, whatever their rank. As a person in authority, he was strict, yet understanding when he had to correct others. He placed great emphasis on courtesy, striving to be a true Catholic gentleman. These are surely the qualities he would expect in those who have him as their patron, and they are certainly the qualities which the staff and students of Challoner House strive to attain.

Prayer for the Beatification of Bishop Richard Challoner

O God, who didst make they servant Richard a true and faithful pastor of thy flock in England. deign to place him among the Blessed in thy Church, so that we who profit by his word and example may beg his help in heaven for the return of this land top the ancient faith and to the fold of the one true shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Each year, we particularly remember Bishop Challoner at the House Dinner on or near the anniversary of Challoner's birth on 29^th September (also College Foundation Day, and the anniversary of the foundation of the House by Cardinal Bourne in 1922). We start the evening with a High Mass in the College Chapel, and then proceed to the College Refectory for the Formal Dinner. This is always a pleasant occasion, and having it so early in the school year helps to emphasise the House spirit, ensuring that newcomers are welcomed and fully integrated.

House Staff

Housemaster

Mr J. Hounsell (Maths)

Assistant Housemaster

Miss M-C. Simon (MFL) - Syntax                   

House Tutors

J. A. Hayes (English) - Tutor Emeritus

S. Mohana (Maths) - Rhetoric 2

Mrs K. Salter-Kay (Director of Music) - Rhetoric 1

Miss P. Bissett (Head of Drama) - Poetry

B. Liddle (Biology and Psychology) - Poetry

Mrs C Taylor (Chemistry) – Syntax

Miss D. Madden (Biology) – Grammar

J. R. Stypinski (Head of History) – Rudiments

Mr C McCauley (Business Studies) – Attached to Challoner with Elements

House Officials

House Captains:

Christina Theoharous

Jamie Leekam

Deputy House Captains in charge of:

Arts

Francesca Long

Michael Gribben

Sports

Sam Thorne

Kristina Tsoma

Music/Drama

Clara Bush

Edward O’Bryan

House Council and Big Brother/Sister Program

Kimberly Bradbury

Milena Bozovic

Doncho Penev

Anthony Graham-Dillon