News from Mrs Davies, Head of Boarding
What a wonderful first half term it has been. I've loved every minute as the new head of boarding and have so enjoyed spending time with all our boarders.
In the evenings, it has been lovely to see fun, friendship and laughter around the school. From new friendships being formed to established ones growing stronger, the boarding houses are buzzing.
We have been particularly delighted to welcome three new full-time Spanish pupils to our boarding family. It has been wonderful to see how quickly they have settled in and we have been so impressed by the way they've been made to feel at home by the other boarders.
We were also delighted to welcome new immersion programme pupils. Having overseas pupils in our boarding community broadens cultural perspectives. It was wonderful to hear more about the Mid-Autumn Festival from our Chinese pupils.
Boarding activities
Our first two Open House events have been a huge success. It has been wonderful to see so many children trying boarding for the first time alongside their friends. The first two events, the Wild West evening for Years 6 and 8 and Halloween fun for Years 5 and 7 were a great success. They featured an inflatable obstacle course, themed activities and a fantastic banquet, spooky fun, games and an overnight stay.
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The Mussons' Year 8 BBQ night
"All we could hear was laughter, giggling and shrieks of joy," said one parent waiting to pick up her son from the Year 8 BBQ hosted by Mr Musson and his wife Milly, at their new Westbourne House home.
“We had a lovely evening and the Year 8s were great company,” said Mr Musson. “I wanted all our ‘top of the school’ pupils to feel the privilege and respect of being senior pupils. I wanted to get to know them better and am working with them to make sure it’s a happy, memorable and successful year. Hosting them all at our house was a great place to start that journey.”
Exeat weekends
Our new Leave Out In weekends have transformed the experience of our full-time boarders. Our boarders now have the choice to stay at school during exeats with Mr and Mrs Falconer, who organise fantastic weekends with trips, eating out and time to relax.
Whether they were meeting the Beefeaters outside the Tower of London or looking through a periscope at the Submarine Museum, the weekends have an exciting feel, like a family adventure.
During November's exeat, the boarders will return to London to see the smash hit musical Wicked and will kickoff the festive season with a trip to 'Alice's Christmas Wonderland' at Palace House in beautiful Beaulieu.
Weekend adventures
From taking in the sights and sounds during a walk up the South Downs to jumping around on the inflatables at the waterpark, the weekends so far have been a great mixture of fun and relaxation. Here, boarding house parents, Mr and Mrs Pitman, share what they got up to:
"On Friday night, we wanted to have a relaxed evening but one that was great fun for the boarders. So we had pizza as a treat, followed by marshmallows and s'mores on the firepit at Dower House.
"Our visit to Arundel Castle was incredible - it is such a magnificent medieval castle filled with interesting artifacts and incredible paintings. It is always magical to see the castle on the hill above the historic village as you arrive.
"Before we left Arundel, we did a beautiful walk to nearby Swanborne Lake for an ice cream.
"The children still had lots of energy so we voted to go to Flip Out before the weekend was out, where they bounced to their hearts' delight!
"Thank you to all of our boarders for being such great company."
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Looking ahead
Next half term brings the Whole School Bonfire Night, another Open House for Years 4 and 7, and, of course, all the excitement and magic of Christmas.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and for all the lovely good wishes and positive feedback we have received this term.
