We have had another busy week at the High School and pupils and staff are very much back into the swing of things. On Monday, we had individual and sibling school photographs, which will be available for you to order soon. Also, this week, our Year 11 Geographers headed to the beautiful Northumberland coastline to carry out some fieldwork, as part of their GCSE Skills Paper. Despite some inclement weather in Blyth, the sun eventually shone as the girls travelled to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, to collect data on the beaches and survey members of the public. This morning, girls in Lower Sixth had the first of many university sessions during their Enrichment period. Today’s presentation was from Newcastle University, who came to speak to the girls about ‘Choosing the right course’.
This week, I also had the pleasure of attending our first Parents and Friends meeting of the new academic year, with many exciting plans discussed, including the Christmas Fayre in November, the Ball in April and some other surprises along the way. Watch this space for more information! The Parents and Friends committee are looking for parent volunteers who can spare an hour or two, to help them with fundraising. If you are interested in helping out, please do get in touch on [email protected] or call the Main Office on 0191 384 3226 and we will put you in touch with the committee. Alternatively, you can just turn up to the next meeting, which is after half term, on Wednesday 8 November at 5.00pm.
Pre-Prep Football
Our first Pre-Prep football session of the year took place last week, with girls across our younger years invited to take part.
It is great to see so many budding footballers at such a young age, showing off their newly acquired football skills. Well done to all the girls involved!
Durham High School send good luck wishes to the Lionesses, as they head to the Stadium of Light this weekend to play their first home game in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Gala Production backstage volunteers
We are delighted to announce that our Gala Production in March 2024 will be Evita, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical. The beautiful sound of “Don’t cry for me Argentina” has been filling the corridors as the girls have begun learning the songs ready for their auditions.
To be able to put the production on at the theatre, we require the support of our parent volunteers. We are looking for parents who would like to help support backstage. Depending on your skillset, interest and availability, this could include:
- general back stage supervision
- helping with hair and makeup
- helping with costume
- helping with the set build and strike (taking down of set)
For any interested parties, Durham High School would carry out, and pay for, any necessary DBS checks needed by volunteers. For further information, please contact Mrs Lonsdale on [email protected].
April’s summer of volunteering
We would like to say a huge well done to April in Year 11, who gave up four weeks of her holiday to volunteer as a Teaching Assistant at a school for pupils with Special Educational Needs. The pupils loved April working with them and we are very proud of her.
Interact Club
Thank you to Esme T, Hannah S, Yasmeen H and Harriet L who delivered a wonderful presentation in assembly this morning about the role of the Interact Club, which is integral to our fundraising efforts at Durham High School. The group have made tremendous efforts this last year to raise money and awareness for many fantastic charities, including St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Children in Need and Feeding Families.
They have been ably supported by David Jackson from Durham Rotary Club, who was in school for the assembly this morning. David was very complimentary of the efforts of the Interact Club, saying “Whenever I come to a meeting at the school, there is an excitement and an intellect amongst the girls. Their enthusiasm and ability is second to none”. We are grateful to David and the Rotary Club for the opportunities they provide for our pupils.
New Parents’ Buffet
This will take place on Friday 6 October, with Pre-supper drinks being served in the Dining Hall at 7.00pm. It is our hope that all parents of girls who were new to the school this year will be able to attend the evening, with all parents in Nursery, Reception, Year 7 and Year 12 also invited. For parents whose children have joined us at any point since October 2022, we would also be delighted if you would be able to join us. On the evening, it will be my pleasure to welcome you and you will also be able to meet teachers and other parents. This is a lovely opportunity to have a child free evening, enjoying each other’s company.
Dates for your diary
We know how busy our parents are, so for those pupils in Senior Department and Sixth Form, we have produced a year ahead for each individual year group, highlighting important dates. There are lots of other things planned throughout the year but the dates included apply to everyone in the specific year groups. Please check School Gateway for a letter sent by your daughter’s Head of Year in relation to this and the Homework Timetable.
Open Mornings
We are very much looking forward to next weekend when we host our first Open Morning of this academic year, which showcases our wonderful school.
If you have not completed the form on School Gateway, identifying which other Open Morning your daughter will be attending, please can we ask that you do this by Friday 22 September 2023.
Medicine in School
A reminder that pupils should not be bringing medicine into school unless authorised, in line with our Administration of Medicines by Staff Policy (also on the school website under Policies). No medication of any sort can be administered without written consent from a parent. A phone call is not sufficient. You must complete the form attached to the policy or you can obtain a printed copy from Main Reception.
In Pre-Prep and Prep Departments, medication should be handed to the Class Teacher who will arrange the safe storage in the designated rooms. In Senior Department, any medication should be handed in at Reception where it will be stored in a locked cupboard that can be accessed by Reception staff.
