End of week bulletin – 26 May

It is unfathomable that we are just five school weeks away from the end of another academic year, and there is still plenty for us to fit in before the summer. It was fantastic to welcome families from Pre-Prep and Prep into school this week for Sports Days and Grandparents’ Afternoon. These are the events that we remember with the greatest fondness, and we know from speaking to parents and grandparents that this feeling is very much shared. Below are just a few of the other events coming up before the end of term:

DHS Live!

On Saturday 10 June we will be hosting DHS Live!, which is our outdoor summer music event to celebrate the talents of our pupils, alumnae and the wider school community. The event will run from 1.00pm – 5.00pm in the ground of Durham High School and the cost is £5 per person for entry. The proceeds from will be donated to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, whose ongoing work is integral to the local community.

You are invited to come down and bring your own picnic and blanket to enjoy the proceedings. There will be an ice cream van and inflatable slide for children throughout the afternoon. Please like and share our event page on Facebook and help us to spread the word.

Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Days

We held two well-contested Sports Days this week, with pupils across Pre-Prep and Prep competing in a variety of sporting events. Everyone who took part did extremely well, but it was Tempest who came out on top in the Prep Sports Day. Pupils in Year 5 and 6 were also able to compete for the Victrix Ludorum trophy, with points awarded for each event that they took part in. Eliana was the overall winner of the trophy, with Evie and Esmee taking 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Anae won the Spirit of Sport Award for supporting others and trying her best.

Erin Swimming Success

Erin in Year 8 competed at the Swim England NER Diving National Skills Qualifier on Sunday and came 2nd place for the North East and Yorkshire region in her age category, and 1st place in Northumberland and Durham. Good luck to Erin for the National Finals, which are in July.

Outdoor Tots

Outdoor Tots is a great way for girls and boys aged 1-4 to have fun by exploring the natural world in a safe and stimulating environment. Our sessions for this half term returned earlier this week and take place in our wonderful outdoor learning environment in the Forest Area of the school grounds. Sessions run every Tuesday morning, from 9.30am – 11.00am, during term-time. Places are limited and booking is essential. Tickets are £5 per child (1-4). Additional siblings (1-4) are £2.50 each and any accompanying under 1s are free. Booking is available online now by clicking here.

Netball Camps

Netball Camps return to Durham High School for Prep pupils this half term. The camp will run for one day from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm on Friday 2nd June. Miss Cartwright will be running the camp for girls aged 8-11. Activities will include games, group drills, individual player development and plenty of match play. For more information and to book, please
email [email protected].

Half Term

A reminder there will be no one monitoring telephone calls in school after 6pm this evening until we return on Monday 5 June. If you have any need to contact the school at all next week, please email [email protected], but be aware that you may not receive an immediate response.

Parents and Friends Summer Celebration

The Parents and Friends would like to say a huge thank you to all parents and staff for their support this year. They will be holding an informal gathering at school on Wednesday 21 June between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. You are invited to come and join us for some nibbles and a glass of prosecco as we mark the end of another academic year. We look forward to seeing you there.

Elf Run Donation

In December, Pre-Prep and Prep children completed a sponsored Elf Run and raised an amazing £1,488 for a very worthwhile local charity, St. Cuthbert’s Hospice. Erin, from St Cuthbert’s Hospice, visited the school earlier this week to talk to the girls about the work the charity does, and to collect the money raised.

Summer Camps at Durham High School

We are delighted to be partnering with Kings Camps to offer activity camps for 5-17-year olds at Durham High School this summer. Since 1991, Kings has offered week-long programmes with a focus on being active and having fun. Kings Camps are here this summer to make school holidays healthy, enjoyable and memorable.

The Multi-Active programme is designed for 5-14-year olds, with activities running 8.15am to 5.30pm. The amazing Red Tops kick off each week with a whole camp warm up, group games and activities. Throughout the week children enjoy core sports sessions, as well as active games and activities that foster friendships and learning. Each week ends with the Kings Games – an opportunity for families to see what their children have been up to and join in the fun.

For 15-17-year olds there is the Rookie Academy, which is a programme that provides practical coaching and work experience as well as participation in sport with like-minded friends. Rookies work alongside the Red Tops, many who go on to work for Kings and is a great addition to Records of Achievement, and a perfect start for a career working with children. The sessions at Durham High School this year will run from 7-11 August, and 14-18 August. For dates, prices and to book, visit the website or call Kings Camps Membership Team on 01142632160.