South newsletter lent 2016

Edited by Gabriella Hodge and Amy

SOUTH HOUSE NEWSLETTER Lent term 2016

MRS FRETT’S CORNER Just a few minutes ago, South House Prayers Lent 2016 ended and once again I am left in awe at the incredible group of teenage girls that make up this vibrant and whacky house. As always, it is hard to sum up in a few sentences just what a unique event it is to those who have no idea what it means. I was once asked if we pray all night!!! In reality, we celebrate each and every girl’s achievements across so many fields amidst much screaming, laughter and applause. For me it is the most special time when the whole house comes together - we are squished into the Middle Common Room of South with bodies everywhere and an atmosphere that is expectant and electric. Who will get their colours this term? Who embodies the house spirit? Lots of awards and prizes to be won. However, for me it is the unsung heroes. Olivia Chesser, my incredible Head of House, summed up beautifully for me what makes my job of leading this unique house so special. It is the girls who keep trying without necessarily getting the awards and accolades.

Olivia mentioned the girls for whom life is not always about success and achievements. For them it is a hard slog. I have one girl in my house who has faced incredible disappointment with such courage and fortitude that she was mentioned tonight and rightly so. She has earned all our respect and admiration. Another is a girl who has a huge heart and is always there for her friends. She knows exactly what to say when someone is sad, yet she does not find the academic side of school life easy. It is girls such as her that I want to pay tribute to. There are many more like her - I call them the glue of the house and without them we would be the poorer. Tonight when I addressed the house, I talked about being part of a family. We squabble at times, we can be hormonal, but we always have each other’s backs. Today at house netball, my seniors were out in force cheering on the juniors, talking tactics with them, but more importantly making them feel a valued and important part of South House. I have no doubt each and every one of my 6th Form had something more important to do, particularly with exams looming, but for just a few moments they made a younger South girl feel special.

The last two weeks have been fairly insane with ‘Les Mis’ rehearsals and the subsequent performances; the hockey and netball nationals; music competitions and a memorable concert at the Royal Albert Hall by Fayruz Megdiche; the Bath Cup; House Squash and House Netball—to name but a few! (By the way, we also manage to do to the highest standard what we are really here at school to do - work!!!) The Southies have given their all this term and have made me so proud of them. I am in awe of the diverse talents within South. I am also extremely grateful for the fun, laughter, professionalism and commitment of my tutors, matrons, cleaners and of course the wonderful Miss Merry and Miss Sturdee (soon to be married!).

Have a wonderful time this holiday. Something to ponder- in the warmth and safety of your homes, please be mindful of those parts of the world where people’s lives have been torn apart by conflict and grief.

God bless and a very happy Easter. Mrs Frett x

Olivia’s and Matrons’ corner OLIVIA CHESSER I can't believe I'm 2/3rds of my way through being head of South. This term has gone even more quickly than the last one. Everyone here in South has accomplished so much between them, it's amazing how many different interests and achievements there are in just one house. My personal highlight for the term was Les Miserables, in which most of the house seemed to have a part, whether in tech or on stage or front of house or just enjoying watching. The Fourth Form seem to have fully become a part of the house and are possibly even louder in the mornings than usual.

The Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth are equally spirited and have taken GCSE mocks in their stride. In the Sixth Form it's full steam ahead with revision, but we're all staying positive! It's a strange time for South with so much changing at the end of this year, with a completely new Big Three replacing our Mrs Frett, Miss Sturdee and Miss Merry. Next term we'll be making the most of the last of this era (and for the U6 the end of South and Cranleigh completely!) and so hopefully looking forwards to an even crazier term than this one, filled with just as much laughing. I hope you all have a brilliant Easter, and DONT WORK TOO HARD xxx Lots of Love Olivia xxx MATRON’S CORNER Since the very first day of term Matron’s room has been a hub of activity. From the happy sound of girls’ laughter as they play Dobble or Charades, to the familiar pleas after sport for hot chocolate and …‘Matron, are there any biscuits?”

We just love our South girls and the vibrancy of life in the boarding house. Though many have had some tough times this term, the happier moments always redress the balance.

One evening L5th girls serenaded Kim with their singing and guitar playing. Another night Matron’s room had a ‘nail bar’ running as Miss Merry treated some Southies to a manicure!

The favourite MNM this term seems to have been cupcake icing. Matrons thought it was most appropriate for the younger years, but no! Soon we had requests from U5th and 6 th form for their turn too.

Easter falls as soon as we break up – for those of you who gave up chocolate for Lent (Miss Merry) – enjoy your Easter eggs! Relax during the holidays and we’ll look forward to seeing you all again at the beginning of the Summer Term.

KIM, ANNIE and CLAIRE

THANK YOU

Firstly a massive Thank You to our gorgeous cleaners: Mel, Mollie, Val, Jan and Lynne. Thank you so much for all you do for us. We can be terribly messy at times but all your continuous hard work and help does not go without notice. You are always so cheery and brighten up our days and South would be nothing without you. Have a lovely Easter and a well deserved break :) We would also like to say a big thank you to all the tutors of South. They are forever on our case and always there for us when we need them. They often go unrecognised but they do so much for us all behind the scenes and we are so grateful for that.

Thank You Tutors x

Kim, Claire and Annie. Our beautiful Matrons, now where would we be without you? You are always there as a shoulder to lean on. We would not be South without your bright smiles and helping hands. Thank Yous are often left unsaid and now is the opportunity for us to say a massive Thank You for all you do for us, especially our MNM’s. You beat all the other houses and we are so grateful to have you three. Have a lovely break and we look forward to seeing you in the Summer Term with some sunshine.

Now to Mrs Frett, Miss Sturdee and Miss Merry, the Mothers of South House. We are so appreciative for all they do. When talking about House Spirit, this is where you come. They always go the extra mile and we are all going to miss your unedifying support so much. Mrs Frett’s deep love for South is something very special and you’re always there when you need us, your warm hugs and kind heart is something very special to us all.

Miss Sturdee, your passion and enthusiasm lights up everyone’s day and is a true asset to the house. Miss Merry, your wit, charm and zest is a real quality to South and you are always there for any guidance. We are so Thankful for all you do and We hope you have a Lovely Easter.

Finally a thank you also to our lovely Sixth Form. Despite the constant battle of work and the general business of Cranleigh, they strive to make South a better place and they do such a good job at the top of the school. Thank you all for all you do behind the scenes and being someone to look up to.

SOUTH SOCIALS

4th Form PJ Party with West The Fourth Form ravers had a social with West at the beginning of this term, including PJs, hot chocolate and marshmallows and lots of laughs.

Followed by competitive games, which of course all the Southies took in their stride. It is hard for the girls if they are not in teams with West girls or classes to be able to socialise with them, so organising socials is a really nice way to get to know the West girls better and in a nice relaxed environment.

UVI Social with East It was a Friday night when South and East met in the dining hall to have a pub style quiz. Written and presented by Mr Verdon, the quiz contained something for everyone, ranging from football to art. Split in to mixed teams, competitive rivalry ran high as we battled for first place. After 3 rounds of questions the winner was decided and, despite a few disputes over cheating as Mr Witcombe and Mr Verdon were definitely choosing favourites from the girls, we all left having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Junior Schools Challenge In the Junior School's Challenge, South managed to get through to the semi final. The team comprised of Sophie Dixon, Millie Glaister, Iola Andrew and Aimee Williamson, who all had a range of general knowledge. In the first round, South beat East with a score of 530 to their 250. Unfortunately, we did not do so well in the semi final against Cubitt, but to get to that stage was an achievement. Well done to all involved and thank you to all the South girls that came to support.

MUSIC AND DRAMA

Helen Wareham The Helen Wareham competitions kicked off this year with the senior and junior piano competition. The

South representatives were Lina and Millie Mazzone, Katherine Carr, Alice Simmonds, Fayruz Megdiche and Olivia Chesser. In the juniors, Millie came second, Lina came third, and in the seniors both Alice and Fay went through to the final. The next competition was the woodwind, and the South players were Lizzy Paton, Emma Grainger, Ellen Talbot and Fay. Emma came second in the juniors, and Ellen and Fay went through to the final, where Fay won her category. In the Brass Category, we only had Eva Solt, who was excellent and beat the others in securing a win in the final on the French Horn. We were once again represented very well in the strings, with both Lina and Millie once again, Katherine, Lizzy, Olivia and Soo Choi. Well done to Millie for winning the junior section and to Katherine for coming second, and congratulations to Olivia who made it into the final. Finally the singing competition took place in February, and once more the South girls dominated the programme, with Caitlin York, Imo Shepherd and Imo representing the juniors, and Victoria Parker, Ellen, Fay, Alice and Olivia singing in the senior category.

Well done to Victoria and Fay who made it into the final, but more importantly well done to all the girls for doing so well in all of the various competitions and concerts this year.

South House Play: “One girl, Two Nightmares”!!

The cast of South House was such an amazing cast to work with. All of them committed so much of their time and didn’t grumble and groan (most of the time!). Their amusement and laughter in rehearsals made the process so much more enjoyable. We all had so much fun putting the play together with East. The Directors were Libby Richards, Maddy Lock and Jemima Stephenson. Well done to all those involved; it was such an enjoyable play.

LES MISERABLES

Les Miserables took place in the week of the 14th March. The cast of Southies consisted of Eva Solt, Olivia Chesser, Alice Simmonds, Victoria Parker, Maddie Lock, Libby Richards, Lottie Godber, Laura Clark, Gaby Gerrard, Christi Radkiewicz, Ella Batham-Reed, Abi Lord, Ellen Talbot, Rosie Forster, Ellie Willamson, Amy Slade and Gabriella Hodge. As you can see, this is a considerable amount of Southies, showing our incredible dedication and variety of talent. It was a truly amazing performance and something all of us will remember forever. Special thanks go to Mr Allison, Miss Wallis, Mr Jenkins, Mr Pashley, all the behind the scenes helpers, including out own Miss Merry and soon to be a Southie Miss Leach, and of course all the tech team especially Soo Choi, Willow Senior, Georgina Le-Seux and Charlotte Dagones. We are all so thankful to all the hard work put into the performance and hope it was something everyone who watched it will also never forget.

"The singing gave me goose bumps, and the whole production was so good that I had to had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't a West End show!"

“It was the best production of a musical done by a school that I have ever seen and you must be so pleased to have been such a great part of it all “

Words cannot describe the atmosphere as the audience waited for the curtain to rise and the music to start. There has been so much hype about this musical and this is surely one of the best loved musicals of all time. From the very opening number with the convicts to the whole cast on stage for the finale, I was mesmerised and forgot I was watching teenagers in a school production. I laughed, cried, gasped and was totally immersed for three hours.

Without doubt one of the best school productions I have ever seen - and I have seen a lot. Special mention must go to my talented Southies, in particular Abi Lord and Libby Richards for their heart-wrenching performance as Eponine and Fantine respectively. I was also bowled over by the vivacious performances of Ella Batham-Read and Rosie Forster for their hilarious caricature of Mme Thernadier. Finally the chorus was dominated by the multi-talented Southies who made fabulous prostitutes (now there's a line I never thought I'd write!!!) workers and barricade supporters. A truly unforgettable experience. Thank you. Mrs Frett x

SPORTS HOUSE FIVES

HOUSE SQUASH

It was a cold, crisp, February afternoon, the sun was setting on the courts and tensions were running high... It was time for house fives. This was the most intense experience of our Cranleigh careers; we saw West coming over the horizon and the nerves immediately set in. Maddy Pollard and Bella Hazell valiantly represented the Fourth Form, taking on West’s team of national fives players, giving them a tough time, but eventually losing the match. Poppy Wilks and Ally Frost were ambassadors for the 5th Form in their battle against West; unfortunately, even after rigorous training, West slipped away with the win. Finally, the senior team of the dynamic duo of Clemmie Ryder-Smith and Phoebe Rayner gave West’s best, Megan Batchelor and Olivia Camsey, the game of their life. The score was tight throughout, but at the last minute South pulled it out the bag and won! Overall it was a loss for South, but a brilliant effort from all!

South competed in house squash in the last week of term. The team included Olivia Chesser, Izzy Petter, Amy Thompson, Amy Mitchell and Clemmie Ryder-Smith. We did very well winning all our matches vs West!

Well done to everyone who took part.

HOUSE NETBALL We are a very competitive house when it comes to house sport, all of us full of energy and team spirit. We tackled the house netball with such positivity. The senior won the competition sweep the floor to win all five matches! All were tense but had a great outcome. Then it was the turn of the juniors who, although playing very well, had to give the win to West who won 3 out of 4 matches. Well done to all involved: a tough competition and we never gave up.

HOUSE CHESS The South House Chess team of 2016 consisted of Zoë Bickenson, Annie Norton, Emma Grainger, Eva Solt and Jemima Young. Despite all of our best efforts, we were denied victory, although we gave West a true run for their money. The team spirit was incredible and everyone made their full effort, and we all managed to stay focused on the game despite the tension and being under the watchful eye of Mr Leeke! Well done to all those involved :)

SPORTING SUCCESS

U16 NATIONALS OUTDOOR HOCKEY The U16 Southies consisted of Izzy Peter, Amy Thompson, Claire Abrahamson, Caroline Zoet, Becca Taylor, Katie Hauger, Katherine Karr, Fifi Robinson, Zoe Allchurch, Flora Phillips and Ella Bounous.

The National Outdoor Hockey Finals took place at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. On Thursday 10th March, the U16s were crowned Champions, the third time in four years that the school has held this title.

The competitions started on Wednesday 9th with the group phase matches. The U16s recorded comfortable victories against Blundell’s 5-0, Framlingham 5-1, and Wellingborough 14-0 to top their group; amongst the goal scorers was Izzy Petter with eight. They faced a very good Repton side in the Final: in what was quite an absorbing match, Cranleigh held onto a 1-0 lead (courtesy of Fifi Robinson) until the last two minutes of the match when Repton scored an equaliser from a penalty corner.

Katherine Carr was confident and decisive in goal during the tense volley of five penalty flicks for each side: she saved the first three attempts from Repton, whilst Autumn Brown, Fifi Robinson and Zoe Allchurch ensured that Cranleigh won the contest 3-1 to deservedly gain the title of National Champions.

SPORTING SUCCESS

U18 NATIONALS OUTDOOR The South U18 consist of Eva Solt, Clemmie Rider-Smith, Gaby Gerrard, Amy Mitchell, Ellen Talbot, Poppy Watkinson, Abi Lord and Rosie Forster.

The U18s had an interesting run of group matches. We put ourselves on the back foot in the opening fixture against GSA Leeds, and found ourselves 0-3 down at half time.

Against Culford we managed to pull away in the closing two minutes to become 3-1 victors, before facing Queen’s Taunton in a nail-biting encounter: we needed to keep watch of the score on the other pitch to ensure that our goal difference in the table was better than that of Leeds, and in the end it was, as Cranleigh won 2-1.

In the final, we faced on paper a very strong Repton side: nevertheless, the Cranleigh team gave a very good account of themselves. The match was a close contest in midfield, and despite going 0-1 down in the twelfth minute we worked tremendously hard: we were close to equalising with seven minutes left, but it was not quite meant to be, and the dividing margin remained the same at the final whistle. Cranleigh were very worthy National Runners up. The girls should be should be so proud of themselves, and what an amazing achievement to get as far as they did. Very Well Done. X

UPCOMING EVENTS

SOUTH CHARITY EVENING Just a quick reminder about the South House Charity Evening and Auction on Saturday 23rd of April 2016 at 7.00pm. It is black tie with a hint of South blue. As this date is approaching, we need to finalise numbers.

Therefore, could you please make sure, if you are planning on attending the event, that you let us know by either e-mailing Helen Merry (hkm@cranleigh.org) or Phoebe Osborn (osboph2011@cranleigh.org). In addition to this, please can you send a cheque to cover the cost of the tickets (made payable to Cranleigh School) to Helen Merry / Phoebe Osborn at Cranleigh School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8QQ, or ask your daughter to pass onto us in House.

If you, or any of your guests have allergies / dietary requirements could you also please let us know so that we provide alternatives. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

DW Devises to Westminster training has been hectic as ever this term with races or training every weekend in preparation for our 125 mile 4 day race over Easter weekend. The team has really enjoyed the training and have all continued to improve and show signs of promise for Easter. With records being broken over the waterside and Thameside races we look forward to see the results! Good luck to everyone competing this Easter X GOLD DofE The Gold DofE group meet every Monday to learn about tents, navigation, camp craft and survival in the outdoors in preparation for expeditions in Easter and Summer.

From South there is Nadine Reeves, Amy Slade, Emily Thornton-Wood and Charlotte Harris. Just before half term they all set out on a Saturday night for a navigation exercise in the dark to prepare for our practice expeditions to Wales in the Easter holidays. Despite being wet and windy, everyone made it back to the bus having ticked off various numbers of checkpoints. Good Luck to all.

WALL OF FAME

SOUTHIE SWIMMERS

RIDING

Our very own include PJ Cunningham, Tash Gerrard, Annie Norton and Emma Grainger and Lottie Cunningham…

Riding this term has been very successful for lots of South girls, the main highlights have been winning Bradfield’s ‘Fine gold cup’ for the best overall school as well as maintaining the Surrey Dressage Champions which Charlotte Livingstone and Charlie Johnson won, while Amy Scheijde’s team came a close second. Freya Hough has also been busy winning classes as well as Phoebe Osborn who has been selected to represent the Southern dressage team. Other South riders such as Flora Philips, Amy Slade, Poppy Watkinson, Daisy Roberts and Liv Lord have also been successfully competing for the school. We are all look forward to riding next term and hopefully better weather!

The London Aquatics Centre, a 2012 Olympic venue, played host to the annual Bath Cup Swimming Championships last Friday and 12 of Cranleigh’s finest swimmers competed in this biggest swimming event of the year. All 12 members of the squad, led by captains Tom Berry and our very own PJ Cunningham, took part in the team’s training camp in October in preparation for this event. The afternoon saw the Medley Relay events being contested and a change in personnel saw the team of PJ Cunningham, Annie Norton, Lulu Fulton and Emma Grainger seeded second for the final after breaking the school record by just under 2 seconds.

Every member of the team swam faster in the final, and after a nail-biting final leg where Emma had to fight to the death, she passed her opponent in the final 2 meters to hold on to the silver medal. The team broke the school record again by a further 1 ½ seconds, and 3 of the team swam lifetime best times in that race. Well done to all and keep up the good work.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS STRUDEE We are very excited to announce the news of Miss Sturdee’s engagement! She and her fiancé Matt will be married in the School Chapel in July before moving to Brussels together for the start of her new job.

MRS FRETT’S POEM — EASTER TERM — 2016

‘Twas

the last night of term when all through South House

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The cases were packed and strewn on the floor In the hope to be gone and be first out the door.

The girls were all nestled, their duvets wrapped round, While visions of prizes and chocolate abound.

Kim, Claire and Annie are rushed off their feet The house became settled for Lent House Prayers treat.

At the end of the day, there’s been so much to praise, Coping with mocks and the dark winter days.

It seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, No time to breathe, no word of a lie.

Highlights for me have to start with ‘Les Mis’, Endless rehearsals, but that is show biz.

Iconic songs, banter and killing, Memorable scenes and sets that were thrilling.

The South play was bonkers and totally brill, Directed by Southies who showcased such skill.

Mistaken identity, slapstick and wit; We Southies aren’t shy- not one little bit!

Sport figures highly - it’s what South girls do, Squash, netball, swimming, to cite but a few.

The battles with West so many to mention The blood of angry girls creates quite a tension.

The Lee Valley nationals drew the best from each school.

Our girls gave their all and were top in their pool.

A winner and second place what could be greater?

I was so proud to be a spectator.

We’re known for our musical talents world-wide, We strum, puff and trill with the greatest of pride.

We’re the envy of all when South starts to sing.

Everything stops when we do our thing.

Rehearsal exams caused great angst and pain.

I tried to encourage - but t’was all in vain!

Make-up forgotten, nails bitten to the quick, The majority were happy though a few felt quite sick.

Now a South day starts early - at quarter to 7, The 6th Form can dream on and think they’re in Heaven We power through our lessons - there’s no other way, And crash on the sofas at the end of the day.

We’re really all night owls with socials galore, Once prep has finished, we’re straight out the door.

Boys are a nuisance; we keep them in check, They only can see us if we don’t look a wreck!

Drama abounds in South, it is clear, We let it all out and have nothing to fear!

Tissues are plenty and hugs are on tap; We’re highly emotional but don’t take no C---p!

So thanks to the tutors who keep us in line.

Each one of you’s special- in fact you’re divine; Thanks to my matrons whose halos are bright, Without you we’d crumble - you’re all a delight!

Miss Merry is feisty and keeps us on track, She’s so supportive and watches our back.

Miss Sturdee’s amazing and loyal and true.

Her baking is awesome- true cordon bleu.

So ladies it’s time to end this Lent Term, There’s been lots of dramas but we have stayed firm.

Have a good hol, there’s fun times ahead.

But now I am done and it’s soon time for bed!

Good night and God bless.

Mrs Frett Finished at 6pm before House Prayers at 7pm!