West House News Michaelmas 2011
Housemistress’ comments It seems hard to imagine but in early September, 29 new girls joined West House…along with 3 new tutors (Mrs Jenkins, Doc Young, Mr Neill), our new deputy Mrs Burns and me! Everyone has settled down so well and the new IV form, Lexi in the LV and the 6 new LVI have become thoroughly ensconced into life in West, to the point that you would never be able to notice who the new girls are anymore...so I have promised to never again refer to them as “the new girls”! Academically it’s been a strong term across all year groups. West girls consistently perform extremely well and this term has been no exception. More on their individual achievements later... The top three year groups have had an incredibly important term, where a huge amount of preparation for exams has taken place. The UV are well aware of the upcoming mocks and I’m sure that they will approach them with the correct attitude. Giving time over to revision during the holidays will ensure that they make the most of the experience, both in terms of consolidating their knowledge and gaining essential examination practice. The sixth form will have the sometimes challenging task of balancing modules whilst still attending lessons. Planning their work carefully will be essential during those first few weeks of the Lent Term. For all girls it is a matter of making the most of priority time and prep slots. Outside of the classroom West has been superbly represented in numerous ways in the School, be it on the hockey or lacrosse pitches, in riding, drama, art, music or dance. In drama we witnessed an incredible performance in “Ghosts” by Mara Waters and Midsummer Night’s Dream showcased the talents of Izzie Simpkin, Scarlett Rudd, Grace Lent, Rosie Barton, Sophie Kinally, Issi Rennocks and Olivia Al Marzook. It was a wonderfully entertaining evening and for the actors themselves, a truly enjoyable process. The House Performance Competition is always a very popular school event and this year was no exception. Our sixth form in particular played a huge role in both the choreography of the IV form dance and the Part Songs for North and Loveday. West girls continue to be a very important presence musically, whether it be in one of the various ensembles or in the Chapel Choir. The Dance Show was an enormous success this year, in no small part to Sophie Butterfield and the crack team of West girls. They put in hours of work which certainly paid off on the night. We are extremely lucky to have Emma Wallis as our House Captain, Georgia Watson as our Deputy and Mara Waters as Senior Prefect in West. They have been an enormous help to me this term and have helped to make West a positive place in which to live and work. Their task is not always an enviable one, but I think that the girls will agree that they do an extremely good job! I have a few thankyous to make...I want to thank the UVI for everything they have done in the house this term. Being in the UVI is a big responsibility and they have willingly helped with duties or tours, even though I know at times they have had to manage their own work and commitments alongside. What is also very pleasing to see is that the LVI have started to play a greater role in the West and again, are more than willing to help out. West has always had a high quality team of tutors and matrons and I would like to formally thank them for all their hard work. They care enormously about the girls’ welfare and frequently impress me by how willing they are to go the extra mile. Carol and Isabel do an excellent job as matrons and I certainly have appreciated their input and help in what has been a period of considerable change. Lastly I must also say thank you to Helen Burns and Sophie Diamond as my Deputy Housemistress and Day Warden respectively. They have both had to learn the ropes in their new roles and have done a fantastic job. I am very grateful to them for their hard work, advice and commitment to the girls. All that remains for me to do is to wish you all a happy and restful Christmas. I look forward to seeing all again in 2012!
CN