South House M I C H A EL M A S N EWSL ET T ER
2015
MRS FRETT’S COLUMN How on earth do I possibly encapsulate nearly 15 frenetic, jam-packed weeks into a few short paragraphs? Or more importantly how do I do justice in describing the wonderfully eccentric, infectious South family? Perhaps if I were Shakespeare I might resort to rhyming couplet, but I am merely a weary housemistress looking at the clock and thinking in a few hours it will be time to wake those adorably sleepy 4 th form who can just about raise their heads to mutter an unintelligible greeting! At the risk of sounding corny, I think Christina Rossetti sums up what South is perfectly: “For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands” That is what South has been about in my life-time as a Housemistress. We are quite simply a family of 115 hormonal, angst-driven, passionate, eclectic teenage girls who care about each other and will be there in the storms and the sunshine. We squabble, we strop and slam doors, but woe betide anyone who tries to cross a South girl! It has been a privilege to watch these young ladies mature and blossom this term. I do have to pay special mention to my fabulous group of Upper 6 th prefects lead by Olivia and Eva who have been so outstanding in their care for this house, in particular for our lovely new 4 th Form. They have not only gone the extra mile for our newbies but I would have to say have a run a marathon to ensure they feel well and truly established and valued members of our community. Of course I could not even begin to do this job without the superb teamwork of Miss Sturdee, Miss Merry, the tutors, Claire, Kim, Annie and our five longsuffering cleaners, Val, Mollie, Mel, Jan and Lynne - from the bottom of all our hearts, we salute you and thank you. This is by far the craziest term in the academic year. I watch the Southies tear in and out through the blue doors as they fulfill yet another commitment. The list of all we are involved with is endless and quite frankly alarming! We have had two plays (Alice being the most brilliantly bonkers production I have ever witnessed), national indoor and outdoor hockey tournaments (we are through to the final), music concerts and competitions, charity days and an unforgettable music evening where even Bertie played a starring role (totally traumatized, he has now taken to watching African nature programs and has been in dog therapy ever since!). We have had the house performance, a 35K charity walk, made shoe boxes, had socials, and of course laughed and cried our way through every challenge and drama. Oh, and we had a minor interruption called an inspection (one of the Southies kept calling it an interrogation!). On a personal note I do want to thank you for your unwavering support as I made my decision to step down at the end of this academic year. It was not easy, but South is strong and I am delighted that Claire Lock is going to take on this unique job. I am so sad to be leaving Cranleigh, but as you have heard I am becoming Head of St Johns on the Hill, Chepstow - so if you are ever passing, do pop in. We have famous locations on our doorstep being near Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley. In the meantime I wish you all a very joyous and peaceful Christmas and pray that you will enjoy quality family time with your amazing and precious daughters. God bless. Mrs Frett x