It is hard to believe that we are already approaching October, and there is still so much to fit in before we break up at the end of half term. Still to come we have our Meet the Tutor Evenings for Years 7 to Sixth Form, Our New Parent Supper next Friday, Durham High’s Whole School Bake Off on Monday 16 October, two evenings of Scholars Concerts and various other trips and visits across the school.
Back to this week, where it was wonderful to have some of our Upper Sixth girls leading assembly on Monday, as they spoke to the Senior Department, sharing the highlights of their three-week adventure in the Philippines over the summer. The girls got so much from their experience and it was great that they were able to inspire others to consider the opportunity in the future. They will be going to visit Pre-Prep and Prep very soon, to tell them all about their trip.
On Tuesday, we celebrated European Day of Languages with girls from Year 6 joining pupils from Shincliffe Primary School in our French market. Students were taught how to change money into Euros and how to go shopping for souvenirs in French. They then put their newly-acquired skills and vocabulary into practice, where they were able to buy a range of items. There was even a French bank, for pupils to change their English pocket money into Euros. Mrs Middleton, Mrs Wildish and I, enjoyed serving chocolat crêpes et jus d’orange from one of the stalls. Thank you to the MFL department for organising such a wonderful event.
Tomorrow, we are excited to be holding our first Open Morning of the year. Thank you in advance to your daughters for showing prospective families around and supporting staff in their departments. They really are our greatest ambassadors! Also this weekend, Maria, Isabella, Ella, Aziza and Emmy in Upper Sixth, will be heading out on their Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Best of luck to them and a huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Priest For supporting the girls on their final adventure.
After School Club collection
There has been a small number of incidents where Senior Department girls have been collecting their younger siblings from Pre-Prep and Prep After School Club and taking them to the car park whilst waiting for parents to arrive. It is essential that Senior girls only collect siblings when they know parents are in the carpark, so we can ensure their safety.
Pupil Illness
Please may we remind you that there are no regulations surrounding Covid-19 related illness. The guidance from the NHS suggests you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature, or do not feel well enough to come to school, or go about your normal activities. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can still come to school. When a pupil is absent from school because they are poorly, we don’t send work home, as they need to rest and get better.
Senior Sport Update
Congratulations to our U15 football team on playing their first competitive game this week. It might not have been a win against Hurworth School but the 70 minute game, on a full-sized pitch, provided the opportunity to use the skills they have been developing and increase their tactical awareness, whilst having lots of fun. We wish them luck for future matches.
Congratulations also to our U16 and U19 Netball teams on their performance in the U19 Durham and District tournament. The U16’s played as a guest team and used the court time to prepare for the upcoming season, whilst the U19’s played very competitive and tight games. Despite finishing in joint first position, on points, they didn’t claim the winner’s trophy due to being placed second on goal difference.
OG meets The Princess Royal
Old Girl, Charlotte Coulls, met Princess Anne as part of a restoration project with her dad on the National Transport Trust awards. They talked apprenticeships, young people and heritage skills. Charlotte and her Dad won a restoration award for their work on the Marshall steam roller.
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. If you wish to attend, please complete the form on School Gateway by this evening (Friday 29 September).
