Edited by Rosie Mundy, Immie Terry and Lucy Yeeles
Mrs Frett’s corner At the start of this term I set the Southies two challenges: (1) to work on making their language age appropriate, and (2) to ensure that they focus on developing and deepening friendships, and not allowing technology to dominate their lives to the extent that work and relationships go out of the window. We even had a whole house experiment where for two weeks no music of any kind was allowed to be played during the key times such as preps. Most managed this with success and a few admitted that their work was more productive. I am not in any way against technology and can see all of its many benefits; however, I AM concerned that the art of conversation and engaging with each other is being replaced by the use of text, Twitter and Snapchat. Thank you so much for the many emails of support I have received. I do feel that the Southies are beginning to get the gist of what I am trying to do. This has been an action-packed term with the usual curve balls - to coin an American expression! There have been some unforeseen incidents, such as flooding in the middle of the night in one of the dorms which then spread, and I had long suffering workmen clambering in the loft through my house whilst we were trying to stem the tide!!! Of course work is the most important thing we do and I am so proud of the way the 4th Form and L5 have handled the progress tests. The Upper 5th have worked consistently this term and I am trying to encourage them to take breathing exercises and not panic about the forthcoming mocks!!! (I have bought lots of lavender bags in preparation.) My mantra of ‘work hard, play hard’ continues to make South the envy of all of Cranleigh. The list of socials we have had this term will make your head spin, thanks to the incredible 4th Form prefects, the tireless and unique Miss Sturdee and our fabulous matrons, Kim and Claire (who incidentally bought South a chocolate fountain, which made its debut last week. We used fruit as, after all, we are into healthy eating!) Bacon butties, speed dating, ice cream evenings, cupcakes, games, wine and cheese, Cubitt v South in netball, pedicures, hand massages… and that’s only a few! Of course, the biggest achievement of this term would have to be our success in winning both House Hockey, and also the Stonesett cup! Massive well done to all of my amazing girls who took part!!! As I contemplate this term there is only one thing left for me to do and that is to say thank you. Thank you to you parents who have been so supportive and have entrusted your daughters into my care. Thank you to the 4th Form prefects who have set a high benchmark with their tireless care of the 4th Form. They have proved to be an outstanding prefect team. Thank you to my Head of House Jess Worpole, and Deputy, Cecile. I cannot tell you how many cups of tea it takes for them to help me set the world to rights but I don’t know what I would do without them. South is blessed to have such leadership. Thank you to my wonderful tutor team who never cease to amaze me with their pastoral care. Thank you to my fabulous matrons who do a thousand jobs with love and smiles and always have tissues and biscuits to hand. Thank you to the cleaning team, who help turn this house into a home for all those who live here. Finally, thank you to Miss Greenwood and Miss Sturdee. If only you could be a fly on the wall in our daily morning meetings - actually I am very glad you can’t! They make me laugh, keep me sane and remind me why I love this job so much - it is because it gives me the opportunity to work with such dedicated colleagues. This has to be one of the most rewarding, emotional, exciting, frustrating, roller-coasting jobs ever created and I have to honestly say I LOVE it! Very finally, a huge thank you to all you amazing Southies whom I couldn’t do without. Have a wonderful Christmas. God bless. Mrs Frett x