to those of you who were able to attend, and I hope you enjoyed your strawberries and cream.
Tuesday also saw us saying goodbye, for now, to our Year 11 girls who are heading off on Study Leave in preparation for their GCSE exams, which began this week. Good luck, girls, and remember how hard you have worked to prepare for these exams!
It was a privilege to lead the Senior Department in an assembly on Thursday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It is important that younger generations learn of the sacrifices made for peace and their freedom, and why it’s vital to honour and remember those who served, fought and died during the war. After the assembly, it was lovely to talk to some of our Year 8 girls about Winston Churchill’s famous speech declaring the end of the war in Europe, and how it made them feel listening to it 80 years later.
It was a joy to see the girls coming into school on Friday with their crazy hairstyles to fundraise for the charity ‘Reach’, which helps children with upper limb differences. Interact chose to support this cause following last year’s Diversity Week, where Stuart Myers gave an inspirational speech about how life without arms has not prevented him from achieving his dreams. From Nursery to Sixth Form, it was wonderful to see the artistic creations the girls (and parents) had achieved. Thank you for your support.
I’d like to congratulate Carola Elin, who finished 2nd in the Junior Javelin; Megan, who finished 2nd in the Junior 200m; Annabelle, who won the Inter Shot Put; and Linnea, who won the Inter Triple Jump and also broke the event record at the Durham Central Schools' Intermediate and Junior Track and Field Championships on Thursday. Fingers crossed this results in selection for the County Athletics Championships in June. Well done to everyone who took part!
Finally, I am very excited to share that on Wednesday 14 May, I have been invited to Buckingham Palace to attend a special Garden Party hosted by the King in recognition of Service to Education and Training. I feel very privileged and honoured to have been invited. I shall report back in next week’s newsletter. I have my fascinator and glad rags at the ready!
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill Headmistress
Parent Forum Feedback
We have collated the themes from the Co-Education Parent Forum Meetings held before Easter and have included a document in the end of week communications. As ever, Galaxy Global Education Group intends the document to be representative and is written as a sign of good faith, but does reserve the right to adapt based on rapidly changing markets.
Senior Department Summer Uniform
Next week is supposed to be very warm. Please make sure your daughter has her water bottle with her.
The girls in Senior Department must carry their blazers with them but will be able to remove them in their lessons and when playing at break and lunch times.
Please note that summer socks should be plain white ankle socks, not sports or trainer socks and must not have logos on them
Thank you for your continued support with uniform.
Year 11 Muck Up Day
On a glorious Tuesday, after the Bank Holiday we celebrated our amazing Year 11’s as they headed off on study leave ahead of their GCSE exams. Amongst all of the usual frivolities was a mixture of tears and smiles as we celebrated the memories made and looked forward to the move to Sixth Form. We admired the creative adaptions of the school uniform and the girls captured messages on their school shirts from their peers and DHS staff. A special lunch was prepared to mark the occasion.
In the afternoon a “Dress to Impress” really did impress and colleagues have described it a lively affair and a space to forget about up coming exams and celebrate the lifelong friendships made at the High School.
We wish them the absolute best of luck and are very proud of each of them. The girls have access to a photo library from the day on Teams and we will send the link to parents in the communications, so you can all enjoy too.
Senior Sports Update
Prep Sports Update
In their first matches of the season, our U13 teams enjoyed a lovely evening of friendly softball pairs games against Newcastle High School. Despite some superb bowling the A team lost their match. Congratulations to Cate who was awarded Player of the Match. The B team, which included some of our U12 players, won their match by 6 runs thanks to some excellent communication and quick thinking. Congratulations to their Player of the Match, Tilly.
Well done to all the Year 4 pupils who took part in the cricket festival at Mowden Hall on Wednesday. The teams showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the afternoon, putting their batting and bowling skills into action during the matches. It was fantastic to see their progress and positive attitude on display. A brilliant effort from everyone involved!
Farewell to our Upper Sixth
Although Upper Sixth don’t officially start Study Leave until next Friday, they have several A Level exams early next week, so we had an impromptu Farewell on Friday. As always, what better way to mark the occasion than with cakes! It was great to be joined by many of the teachers and Lower Sixth, to say goodbye and good luck. We look forward to celebrating their time at the High School in their Leavers’ Service and Leavers’ Dinner after the exams have finished.
Fair Trade Assembly
On Friday Form 8H hosted our Senior assembly to shine a spotlight on the importance of Fair Trade. It was also Crazy Hair Day hence some of the girls sporting their crazy hair styles. The gloves were off as we were challenged to identify what everyday household items are Fair Trade certified and how we could support Fair Trade whilst shopping.
Crazy Hair Day
Friday was all about colour, creativity, and a great cause! Pupils took part in a wacky hair and accessories day to support Reach, a brilliant charity that helps children with upper limb differences.
For a £1 donation, girls came to school sporting wild hairstyles, bold accessories, and fun wigs – the more imaginative, the better!
It was a fantastic way to celebrate individuality, spread joy, and raise money for an important cause.
Thanks to Miss Shoulder and the Interact team. Credit to Nada in Year 10 for her poster design.
Hollywood Glamour Ball 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Hollywood Glamour Ball on Saturday 3 May. It was a fantastic evening and lovely to see so many members of our community coming together in celebration.
The room looked stunning, every detail beautifully thought through, and it was wonderful to see guests dressed up and enjoying the occasion. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity helped make the evening possible:
Keys Dates for the rest of this half term
For further details please check our website – Thank you.
Date Event Time (if relevant)
Monday 12 May-
Friday 16 May
Revision Week in Senior Dept
Tuesday 13 May Nursery Stay and Play Event 13.30pm –3.30pm
Friday 16 May
Upper Sixth Study Leave
Saturday 17 May Pre-Prep and Prep Open Morning 9.30pm –12.30pm
Monday 19 – 23 May
Senior Department Exam Week
Friday 23 May Grandparents Day Pre-Prep and Prep 13.30pm –15.30pm
