West House Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2012
Dr Saxel Well, what a term this has been! It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I greeted 104 girls at the first callover in September and I am pretty sure I was more nervous than the most apprehensive fourth former, but I can honestly say I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it! The prefects have been fantastic and I am so grateful to them, Mrs Burns and the Matrons’ for steering me patiently through the term! The girls have packed such a lot in. One highlight was definitely the hilarious West House Play which was put together with utter professionalism by Sop Ambrose and Milly Black. This was an amazing achievement pulled together in a very short time. Music continued to dominate and this was evident in the West Concert which was held to thank the Townsends for the loan of the beautiful Steinway piano, that is played every day, without fail ,in West! Sport is huge for very many of the girls in West and it was with utter pride that I watched them in every house competition this term. We lost a couple but everything was played in great spirit with utter commitment. Hearing the supporters at every event and hearing the way the girls cheered for each other in the end of term assembly showed me just how much house spirit there is in West but to be honest, it is evident every day anyway, particularly in Matron’s room. I could go on and on about all the individual achievements of the girls in the house, but for me the most important thing is that we have a happy house. The sense of community is evident every day, even when I am nagging the girls about leaving lights on and not singing loudly enough in chapel! I cannot thank the girls enough for welcoming me and my family into West. With water issues, fire alarms galore and two thieving Labradors, it has certainly been a baptism of fire.
A Sad Farewell to Isabel Parker We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Isabel after nearly nine years as a matron in West. In her time she has cared for hundreds of girls, dealing with problems from homesickness to broken limbs with equal professionalism and care. We thank her so much for all she has done, and wish her all the best in her new home in Frimley Green.