What a wonderful week it has been once again. It has been fantastic to welcome pupils into my office to sign the Excellence Book this week, as we celebrate their many outstanding contributions to school life and academic achievements. I look forward to many more of these opportunities over the coming year. The celebrations have highlighted the diversity of talent and accomplishments of our girls.
Last weekend, it was wonderful to welcome so many families to our first Open Morning of the year. Thank you to staff and pupils for all their efforts in showing prospective families around and showcasing all our facilities. The feedback we received from families, confirms what we already knew: that your daughters are our greatest ambassadors! We are delighted to welcome Year 6 pupils to our next Open Morning on 18 November, to look around Senior Department. Watch this space for more information.
Our Sixth Form Open Evening is coming up straight after half term, on Tuesday 7 November. This will be an opportunity for pupils in Year 11 to speak with teachers and Sixth Form students about the course content and life in Sixth Form.
Huge congratulations to Maria, Isabella, Ella, Aziza and Emmy in Upper Sixth for completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition earlier this week. Despite the poor weather, the girls remained in good spirits throughout their adventure. Special thanks go to Mr and Mrs Priest for supporting the girls.
Tonight we are looking forward to hosting our New Parents’ Supper, where the newest members of our High School community are invited to join us to get to know one another and the how they can become more involved in school life. We are grateful to Mr McNair for attending this evening to share how new parents can become part of the Parents and Friends Association.
West End Performance
Kate, in Year 7, performed at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Saturday evening in Waiting in the Wings, as part of a North East Choir. It was a tremendous experience for her, sharing the stage and singing with stars from the West End. Well done Kate.
Swimming Success
Last weekend Poppy, in Year 8, competed in the Durham City Aquatics Gala. She received four gold medals and achieved Personal Bests in three of her four races. Well done on a
remarkable achievement.
Megan, in Year 8, also competed in the pool recently, as she took part in the Gateshead Aquatics Gala. She achieved gold and silver medals for her performances in the 100m and 200m breaststroke. Congratulations Megan on this wonderful effort.
Charity Boat Race
Congratulations to Isla, in Year 11, who last weekend took part in a Charity Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Teenage Cancer Trust. Isla had a really important role in the race and played the drum which kept her boat in time. Isla also completed the ‘Ice Bath Challenge’, to raise additional money and spent two minutes in the ice bath at minus two degrees. Well done Isla.
Sport Update
Our U15 Hockey team were fantastic in their friendly game against Barnard Castle on Tuesday. Goals from Charlotte and Aleeza secured the 2-1 win. Well done girls and congratulations to Aleeza, who was awarded Player of the Match.
At the U16 Area Netball Tournament, the team finished in second place following a win against St. Leonard’s School and a close defeat to Park View School. A great effort and congratulations to Rhianne who was Player of the Tournament.
In Football, our U13s played their first ever competitive football match earlier this week. This hardworking team were narrowly beaten in the Cup competition, but the progression and confidence throughout was amazing. Well done to them all, including Player of the Match Amelia.
Author Visit
Author Dan Smith came into school earlier this week to talk to Year 7 and 8 students about his new book, ‘The Wall Between Us’. Dan gave a fascinating insight into his childhood; from living in Sumatra, to jungle trekking in Brazil. Pupils were able to ask questions and have their copy of the book signed afterwards.
Prep Science Centre Visit
Year 3 and 4 visited the Centre for Life, in Newcastle, on Tuesday, as part of their study of space and the planets. The workshop was lots of fun, with the girls repairing the Space Station and designing a maximum absorbency garment.
Pupil Illness
Last week we reminded you about our procedures should your daughter be poorly with COVID.
There are some nasty sickness bugs around at the moment so we thought it best to remind you of what to do if your daughter has sickness and/or diarrhoea. They should stay off school until they’ve not been sick or had diarrhoea for 48 hours. 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.
Durham Youth Council
Durham Youth Council are recruiting from schools across the county.
The Youth Council provides the opportunity for young people to represent their peers regionally and nationally. There are many benefits to joining them, including opportunities to travel, build skills and take part in training as well as attending prestigious events and partaking in decision making.
We already have high numbers of pupils representing the High School on the Youth Council and have done for many years. We actively encourage students to apply from Years Seven to Upper Sixth if they are interested in making changes to our society and want to voice their opinions. Consent from a parent is required and can be given at https://forms.office.com/r/GeC4MtPAGa.
An information booklet was sent to parents earlier this week, but if you have any questions, please contact the participation officer (and Youth Council Leader), Cat Harwood, directly on [email protected].
