Lent Term 2013 MRS FRETT’S COLUMN I’ve just come back from the Dance Show and am sitting down at my desk trying to write for the newsletter when for once in my life I am fairly speechless (it didn’t last long!). It was brilliant and I cannot believe how professional you all were. As I reflect on this short but action-packed term it is incredible to think that in eleven weeks we have accomplished so much. The first half, of course, was dominated by the South Play, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace,’ and I have to admit that, although the cast certainly added to the growing strands of my grey hairs, I had an awful lot of fun. There were some moments of sheer quality, such as Gabi Hill in her ever-changing Somerset accent in the role of the outrageous Bessie telling our respected Headmaster, “Move over, my lover!” As for the totally eccentric three Brewster sisters, played by Bea Stephenson, Cecile Zoet and Jess Morley, one never knew what they were going to say next or indeed if it was going to bear any relation to the script at all. Anna Forrester and I did sit in the dark in sheer panic as on one night we went from p3 to p8 and back to p6. Goodness knows if the audience had a clue what was going on! There was glamour, slap-stick, the law, the church, zombies and corpses dotted around a few boys for good measure, and lots of cross-dressing! However, if I now reel off the list of what else has happened, then you will understand that the phrase ‘action-packed’ is an understatement. We have had hockey Nationals (congratulations to the U14s who came 4th and the U16th who came 1st in the entire country!), modules and mocks - the most important thing we do here no matter what the girls say, house debating (we WERE robbed!), house chess (we won 4-1), house netball (where we won the juniors), Helen Wareham Music Competitions strings, voice and brass, house cross country (Christi Radkiewicz won the juniors), Junior Schools challenge (we almost could smell victory), DW canoe race training (lot of falling in freezing dirty Thames water!), Silver D of E training expedition (in arctic conditions), riding, South Chapel service (ably led by Imara with a special guest appearance from Bessie!), swimming and more work.
Southies are without doubt amazingly talented and shine in all aspects of school life. Their motto is to have a go, and rarely do I have to motivate them. They constantly surprise me and exceed my expectations, which is why I repeatedly say I have the best job in the world. I am so proud of each and every one of you - all 109. Thank you for making South so special. Before I get too mushy I do want to thank the other very important people in my life. What makes this house tick, you might ask? Well there are my dedicated team of cleaners - Val, Mollie, Lana and Mel who go beyond the call of duty and make this house look spectacular. My matrons, whose job description doesn’t even come close to describing what they pack into their day! Claire and Kim, you are both incredible and a joy to work with. My tutor team are superb and long-suffering (wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall in our tutor meetings?). I think it has to be said that working closely with me must be a challenge, and Miss Greenwood and Miss Sturdee do it with panache. There are many moments of laughter, strong cups of tea we have had, not to mention the times they have to finish my sentences, watch me try to ring the bell for Callover using the light switch and discuss at length how we can make this the happiest, warmest, kindest strongest house in the world! Have a great Easter. God bless, see you next term. Mrs Frett x P.S. Please see the school website for my Lent Term rap!
HEAD OF HOUSE Imara Gluning Although this term has gone at a ridiculous pace, it’s fair to say that everyone looks shattered. And honestly, who can blame us? We have had such a filled term what with South House Play, chess (shouts out to our captain Ella G), house cross-country, Nationals for hockey, DofE, DW, South House chapel and so much more. Us Southies know how to play hard, but most importantly stick to our infamous house spirit. Mr Griffiths said it himself how brilliant the atmosphere in our house is and that’s thanks to everyone who lives here. So, I hope that all of you enjoy the Easter break! You deserve it! Ok fair enough some of you may be working, but what I always say is that you are much better off doing 2 hours of hard, concentrated revision and then sleeping the rest of the day, then 5 solid hours of average revision whilst you are tired. One last thing, South eat more biscuits then all of the boys houses put together. Fact.