West News Lent 2013 Dear West Parents
Well, I thought last term had been a baptism of fire, but it was nothing compared with the start of this term when, on day three, I was hit with flu and a chest infection that left me bed-ridden for the best part of a week and then took down Mrs Burns and my House Captain too! The illness (along with a few variants of it) then took hold of the rest of the house one by one, with a few unlucky people suffering twice. There was a point, in week 2, when I can honestly say that the house was pretty much being run by Nancy Newberry! To be honest, I am not sure any visitor would have particularly noticed the difference, which makes me feel a little redundant. All I can say is that if Nancy ever wants a job in the future then... I do feel this term though that, despite a new matron, and me only being in the role for two terms, the team now feels very settled and routines are much more in place. Tam, our new matron, has gone down very well with the girls and she and Carol are a very solid team already! This term has been a time of highs and lows; for the Upper Sixth in particular, it has been such a mixed term and they have coped admirably but it has been very tough at times. The stress of university application has combined elation for many of them with despair for others, but I have stressed to them that if they really want something and it is meant to be, then hard work, and most importantly perseverance, will bring its rewards. Many girls have received some very impressive offers, notably Hebe Westcott to read English at Oxford and Rachel Hurst, who has gained a place at the Royal College of Music (and all the other colleges that she applied to). Both of these girls worked very hard indeed and fully deserve their success. As tough as it has been at times, they have, as usual supported each other throughout and continue to be fantastic role models to the younger girls. The Lower Sixth are really starting to emerge as a strong group too, with a numbers of girls stepping up to do tours and duties when needed and I know they are going to continue to develop next term into a strong leadership team. The Upper Fifth have really felt the pressure, with mocks and coursework deadlines coming thick and fast. The fact that four of them were (along with five of our Lower Fifth), on top of all this, part of the U16 National Champions side is an outstanding achievement, one which we celebrated in style on the night they returned. They all have a lot of revision ahead of them this term and should be getting started as soon as they can. If they leave it until next term, it will be too late! The Lower Fifth, despite their occasional silliness at times (until I removed their mobile phones for a week), have emerged as a delightful year group who are really learning to support and look after one another. They have been great fun this term and I particularly enjoyed Nell and Tessa’s hilarious dance at ‘Westcott’s Talent’ on the final night of term, where they emerged as the victors. The fourth form have had a great term again and have had outstanding sporting success in once more, most notably coming fourth in the U14 National Championships. They have had their niggles but are really beginning to understand the need to be tolerant and supportive of each other as being the best way to have harmony and happiness in the house. I continue to love this mad, mad job and feel that it is one big family in West; it certainly felt like that on the last two nights of term with our talent night and House Prayers. Seeing how all the girls have competed in all the House Matches, regardless of their ability, has made me very, very proud indeed! A final word: HEADS – it would be really nice to see less ridiculous head injuries next term. Girls, you know who I am talking about! I wish you all a very Happy Easter! Andrea
Congratulations to this term’s award winners! House Brooch: Nancy Newberry, Emily Wolley, Rachel Lubbock and Scarlett Rudd Full colours: Alex Adams, Cathy Hobbs, Tilda Martin, Hannah Wallis, Ellie Connor, Amy Sansom, Kate Seymour and Imi Thomas Half colours: Megan Batchelor, Grace Walker, Charlotte Calnan, Olivia Camsey, Sophie Miller, Millie McKee, Tara Kohler, Georgie Heinrich, Steph Cooper and Kasia Sowa. House Plate: Emily Thorpe Academic prize: Betsy Marshall, Olivia Charman and Chloe Nicholls Effort prize : Hetty Packenham-Walsh, Ellie McAleese and Zoe Dixon Progress prize: Brianna Longson, Ella Hampson and Poppy Heaver