Edited by Maddie Lock and Phoebe Rayner
Lent Term 2015
SOUTH HOUSE NEWSLETTER Mrs Frett’s Corner As I reflect on this crazy action-packed term, there is a word for me that sums up what I hope the South girls embody: resilience. It is the educational world's buzz word, but to me it is about staying power; stamina. It is about the ability to keep going no matter what the challenges and obstacles. It is about being strong enough emotionally, physically and spiritually to cope with whatever life throws at them. This was certainly in evidence watching my 6th Form cope with some tough rehearsal exams and walking out of one exam, feeling drained and walking straight into another. This was certainly in evidence when I had the privilege of being able to go to the hockey Nationals and watch the U18 team pull off some of the most phenomenal teamwork against fierce opposition, and celebrating with them and the U14s their successes as silver medallists out of the whole country. This was certainly in evidence when I have watched my bone-weary Silver D of E Upper 5th trudge wearily into South hardly able to put one foot in front of another and yet not too tired to check in with how their mates have been coping without them! It is attending various lunchtime concerts, musical concerts and the school play, 'Romeo and Juliet', and knowing that hours upon hours of gruelling rehearsals and practicing have gone into that polished performance. I suspect resilience is what South girls have been embodying for a very long time. It is what makes this house so special. The ability to keep going and push through. We are in the middle of house netball matches and hot off the press is the wonderful news that the U15s and seniors won all their matches. However, what struck me as I wandered around in between the quarters was not the drive to win (although their housemistress left them in no doubt that this was the preferred outcome!) but their camaraderie and team spirit. They were simply there for each other; looking out for each other; complementing each other on their ball skills and passing; cheering each other on - to keep going until the last whistle blew. I walked away not only proud of their victories but more importantly proud of their team work and their support for each other. On paper, South is a strong house, full of powerful young women who are ready to take on the world. Case in point was the second year running when we won the house debating - this year South were clear winners after a unanimous decision by the judges. The house cross country also demonstrated that the Southies are willing to step outside their comfort zone and enter into any competition if it means helping out the house. I am proud of each and every South girl and would keep encouraging them to realise that happiness is not found in looking inward but in having a world vision, having the ability to look to the needs of others before themselves. I have many precious snap shots of this term, but this term's nugget is summed up by a question I was asked in one of my tea-in-the-snug moments - what I loved about South. Simple answer: you - the South girls - every one of you. Get some rest this holiday. God bless and have a happy Easter. Mrs Frett x