Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 34 – 30 June 2025
Dear Parents
Where to begin? Immense pride does not seem enough to express the emotions of this past week. I am writing this newsletter from my garden, following what has truly been the most wonderful day. A day that perfectly captured everything that makes Durham High School so special. A community filled with joy, pride, and a deep sense of care for one another and for our school.
This morning we held our final Open Morning of the academic year, and as ever, your daughters were the most exceptional ambassadors. Whether supporting in classrooms, showcasing their talents or guiding prospective families, they did us proud. Our classrooms were alive with energy and learning, and we were delighted to welcome over thirty families, from Nursery to Sixth Form, to see all that we offer. Thank you also to Thomas Franks for providing delicious refreshments for our guests.
Later in the day, I had the privilege of joining some of our Old Girls and staff for a poignant memorial for Poppy Eagle. We began in the Art Department, where a dedicated gallery space and plaque have been created to display Poppy’s final A Level Textiles work. We then moved outside for the unveiling of her memorial bench. It now sits in a peaceful, green spot behind Sixth Form, looking towards the Textiles room, one of Poppy’s favourite places in school. I shared a few words about the lasting impression Poppy left on our community, particularly in her role as Deputy Head Girl. Frances led us in prayer, and we scattered poppy seeds, gifted to us at her funeral, in a special planting bed. It was a fitting and moving tribute.
From there, we moved into a vibrant celebration at DHS Live, fundraising for Poppy’s Light Foundation, the charity set up by her family when she passed away. What a spectacular afternoon it was! The sun was shining, and the atmosphere was electric. Confidence and talent radiated from the stage as we welcomed Old Girls, parents, staff and current pupils to perform. It was an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and community spirit.
There were picnics, ice creams, face painting (thank you, Mrs Ashcroft), a bouncy castle slide, and even I was persuaded to have a go twice, in fact. The first time was filled with nervous anticipation, but the second, encouraged by the girls' cheers, was pure fun. My Ceilidh dance with Mrs Wildish, though slightly ill-timed following an ice cream, was a joyful moment nonetheless.
Big thanks go to the facilities team for preparing the site, to Mrs Sneddon Brown for organising the event so wonderfully, and to Mr Bell, Miss Hardy, and Darcie for their invaluable contributions. Thanks also to Mr and Mrs Sneddon for managing admissions and mastering the card machine. It was lovely to hear so many first-time attendees say they cannot wait to return next year.
DHS Live also served as a fundraising event in support of Poppy’s Light Foundation, along with our recent colour run. Thank you to the Foundation for our t-shirts and the gifts provided on the day, and to every family who supported through donations and merchandise purchases. The family deeply appreciates your kindness and generosity.
As if our packed Saturday were not enough, we have had a truly remarkable week of activity and enrichment across the school. There have been numerous trips and visits. Year 9 enjoyed their residential in the Lake District, supported by Mrs O’Neill, Ms Brook and Miss Shoulder. Year 10 and Lower Sixth visited Flamingo Land in recognition of their hard work throughout the year. Meanwhile, Years 1 and 2 had a wonderful day exploring Tynemouth Aquarium.
On Tuesday, with A Level examinations complete, we held a very special Upper Sixth Leavers’ Service at St Oswald’s Church. The girls chose ‘Memories’ as their theme, and the service featured heartfelt readings, favourite hymns and beautifully written intercessions. Miss Blair, President of the Old Girls’ Association, presented each leaver with a St Cuthbert Cross, a symbol of their lasting place in our school community. The Senior Choir sang with great feeling, and the service concluded with the girls’ rendition of ‘Thank You for the Music’, which moved many of us to tears.
My sincere thanks to Mrs Wheeler and Reverend Kashouris for making the occasion so memorable.
On Thursday evening, staff, parents and students came together for the Upper Sixth Leavers’ Meal. It was a time of laughter, reflection and shared memories. Afterwards, the girls took part in the longstanding tradition of transforming Main Corridor for ‘Muck Up Day’. This year’s theme was Movies, and the classrooms were creatively reimagined as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Hunger Games, Wicked, Narnia, Mamma Mia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and High School Musical. On Friday morning, pupils from across the school walked the red carpet with popcorn in hand, taking in the brilliant efforts of the leavers. The Pre-Prep and Prep girls especially enjoyed the music and decorations.
Senior Department gathered for a light-hearted assembly in which the leavers, with warmth and humour, mimicked staff and reenacted their favourite school moments. There was much laughter, and they set a fantastic example for younger pupils, showing how to celebrate their time here with creativity and affection.
Wednesday saw an outstanding Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Day delivered by our dedicated PE Department. It was wonderful to see so many of you there, cheering the girls on. The camaraderie and House spirit on display were especially uplifting. Well done to every pupil who took part with such enthusiasm.
Later that same evening, our Year 11 girls marked the end of their GCSEs with a stunning Prom at Bowburn Hall. Dressed in their finest, they celebrated with joy, dancing, laughter and moments of reflection. Thank you to Mrs Wildish and Mr Johnson for making the event so special and memorable.
No sooner had the celebrations ended, than several of our Year 11 girls set off on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award assessed expedition. We hope the weekend went well for them and that they all return with a sense of accomplishment.
On Friday evening, we had the pleasure of watching Year 6 perform ‘Scheherazade’. Each girl brought her role to life with confidence and flair. The production was a colourful celebration of storytelling, bravery and imagination. From lines and lyrics to dance and direction, their commitment to rehearsals shone through. Mrs Lonsdale is already looking forward to welcoming them into Senior Department in September. With such talent emerging, our future productions are sure to be a delight. Our thanks go to Mrs Hopper, Mrs Tipple and all the staff who supported the girls so wonderfully.
As we now head into our final week of the academic year, there is still much to look forward to. We are excited to showcase our GCSE and A Level artwork in the Art Show on Monday and our Year 6 Celebration Assembly. We also have our Senior Sports Day at Maiden Castle on Tuesday, Year 8’s trip to Barnard Castle Hub trip on Wednesday, and the much-anticipated Projects Abroad and Sports Tour to Sri Lanka for Year 10 and Lower Sixth.
We understand how difficult it can be for families to attend daytime events, so we will continue to take as many photographs as possible. During the summer holidays, we will be sharing links to photo galleries of our concerts and major events, so that you can enjoy them at your leisure.
With warm wishes as we look ahead to our final celebrations of the year.
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill Headmistress
Galaxy Global Education Group - Update
Thank you to all who attended Mrs Gao’s presentation, either in person or online, where she kindly introduced herself and the company. We were very grateful for the opportunity to hear from her. For those who were unable to join us on Friday, a recording of the session will be shared with our forthcoming communications.
We were also delighted to welcome Dr Yu, CEO of Galaxy Global Education UK, and Duncan Murphey, external consultant, to our Open Morning. Some of you may remember meeting Duncan during the Parent Forums earlier this year. Both guests were deeply impressed by what they saw.
Dr Yu and Duncan also thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet a number of parents during the early part of DHS Live, and they look forward to returning soon.
Summer Holiday Camps at Durham High
We are delighted to have secured several providers for our Summer Camps at DHS during the Summer Holidays. We are hoping these will grow in popularity and number, so they can be offered during the Easter Holidays too. Spaces are limited so book your place asap. Further information was sent out with last Friday’s communications.
Woodland Holiday Club for girls and boys in Year 1 – 6 attending Durham High and other primaries –Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 July, 10 – 2pm. To book a place complete the booking form on your communication page and send it back to: carolineleeoutdoors@gmail.com
Lingotots Spanish Camp – For girls and Boys aged 5-11.
Places can be booked here by typing Durham in the search bar: Find a Lingotot Class Near You
Upper Sixth Leavers' Dinner
Netball camps - Each day will include fun games, group drills, individual player development, and plenty of match play.
To book a place for your daughter, click here or email NetballCoachingCamps@gmail.com for further information.
Our Upper Sixth girls came together later in the week for a very special Leavers’ Dinner. It was a chance to celebrate their journeys, friendships and memories at Durham High School. For some, those memories stretch all the way back to Nursery, making this farewell especially poignant.
The evening was filled with laughter, shared stories, heartfelt reflections and an entertaining Oscars Ceremony. As each girl looked back on her time at the High School, one thing was clear: the bonds they have formed will last a lifetime.
While it is always bittersweet to say goodbye, we are immensely proud of the confident, compassionate and capable young women they have become. Their futures are full of promise, and we look forward to seeing all they will go on to achieve.
Though they may now leave the classrooms and corridors of Durham High, they will always remain part of our community. Their contribution to school life has been significant, and they will forever be welcomed back as valued members of our Old Girls’ Association.
Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Day: A Celebration of Team Spirit and Fun
Our annual Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Day was once again a joyful celebration of energy, encouragement and enthusiasm. Blessed with perfect weather and an even brighter atmosphere, the girls took to the field with beaming smiles and plenty of determination. From traditional races to fun team activities, every pupil gave her all, showing outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.
It was heart-warming to see the girls cheering one another on, celebrating every effort and embracing the spirit of friendly competition. Events such as this are a wonderful opportunity for pupils to build confidence, support one another and enjoy being active together. They certainly rose to the occasion.
A huge thank you to all the parents and families who came along to show their support. Your cheers from the sidelines added so much to the atmosphere and meant a great deal to the girls.
A big well done to Tempest, the overall winners of the event, scoring an impressive 82 points.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Victrix Ludorum finalists:
• 3rd place: Zaria
• 2nd place: India
• And many congratulations to Mariam, this year’s Victrix Ludorum winner – an outstanding accomplishment.
• We also applaud Emelia, who set a new school record in the Year 4 Triple Jump with a remarkable leap of 4.69 metres.
The Spirit of Sport Award was presented to Charlotte, in recognition of her unwavering tenacity and resilience throughout the morning. Well done, Charlotte.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Mrs Cartwright and the entire Sports Department, along with all staff who worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure the day ran so smoothly. It is days like these that create lasting memories and nurture the strong sense of community that is so special at Durham High.
Senior Department Art Show
You are warmly invited to our Art Show on Monday 30 June at 4.30 pm, celebrating the tremendous work of our Senior Department pupils this year.
Everyone is welcome. Please come to Main Reception, where you will be guided to the Art Department.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Year 9 Lakeside Adventure
This week, our Year 9 girls embarked on their exciting residential trip to Lakeside, arriving full of energy and ready for adventure. From the moment they settled in and explored the site, they wasted no time embracing the action-packed itinerary ahead. Team-building challenges were first on the agenda, followed by a lively raft-building time trial, where teamwork and determination were on full display.
After a hearty dinner, the girls took part in a search and rescue mission to find ‘Bob’ a fun and imaginative navigational challenge filled with problem-solving, laughter and learning. The enthusiasm was infectious, and everyone was eager for more the next day.
The following morning began with a warming breakfast to prepare them for the adventures ahead. Group 1 tackled the obstacle course with gusto, showcasing impressive balance and brilliant collaboration to avoid the bog. Later, they tried their hand at archery, enjoying playful games such as “pizza making”, where a bullseye meant a burnt pizza, and an imaginative holiday planning challenge brought smiles all round.
Despite a night of heavy rain, the skies cleared to reveal a glorious afternoon of sunshine. After lunch, spirits were high as the girls faced the high ropes course. With harnesses fastened and helmets in place, they scaled rope bridges and braved the iconic leap of faith, cheered on by their encouraging teammates.
The Lakeside Trip has been a fantastic blend of challenge, camaraderie and fun. It has provided the girls with opportunities to grow in confidence, support one another and create memories they will treasure long after they return.
Exploring the Coast and Sea Life, Years 1 and 2 Trip
Years 1 and 2 enjoyed a fantastic day out this week with a visit to Tynemouth Aquarium, making a stop at Souter Lighthouse along the way. At the lighthouse, the girls explored the grounds, admired the towering structure and foghorn, and observed some of the seabirds native to the area.
The highlight of the day was the interactive rockpool workshop at the aquarium. The girls had the opportunity to handle crustacean shells, sea urchins and starfish, while learning fascinating facts about marine life found along our coastlines. They were thoroughly engaged and eager to discover more.
They also loved watching the seal show, which was a great hit, before exploring the rest of the aquarium and discovering sea creatures from around the world. It was a wonderful and enriching experience, full of excitement, learning and lasting memories.
Prep - Prep and Prep Star of The Week
This week’s Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep were:
Nursery: Verity for an excellent level of interest in our topic and super answers in discussions.
Reception: for having a positive attitude towards all her learning.
Y1&2: Georgia for super effort in listening and presentation, and great group work with her classmates.
Y3&4: Penny for throwing herself into Sports Day with such enthusiasm.
Y5: for a clear explanation of how a mountain forms using the model she had made. Charlotte also displayed incredible resilience at Sport Day.
Y6: Sofia for growing in perseverance and resilience throughout the year which was particularly apparent at this week’s Sports Day.
Arada was the Lingotot’s Star of the Week.
Rose was presented with badges and a trophy she was awarded at her recent Brownie camp. We are delighted to hear she was recognised as the most helpful Brownie!
Seren M has won a lovely rabbit for taking part in a reading competition.
Emelia took part in a Warrior challenge.
Amiya is this month’s Cheerleader of the month.
Well done, everyone!
Nearly New Uniform Sale
Key Dates
The Parents and Friends Association will be holding a Nearly New Uniform Sale on Thursday 3 July, from 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the Main Hall.
Please note that this is a cash-only event.
Donations of washed uniform items are very welcome and can be handed in to Main Reception by Friday 20 June 2025.
Please check the list below for activities/ events that may involve your daughter.
Date Event
Time (if relevant)
Monday 30 June Y6 Celebration 2.00pm-3.30pm
Monday 30 June Art Show 4.30pm-6.00pm
Tuesday 1 July
Wednesday 2 July
Senior Sports Day
Y8 Activities Trip to Barnard Castle
Wednesday 2- 24 July Sri Lanka Projects Abroad and Sports Tour
Thursday 3 July
Friday 4 July
Welcome Day
Final Day of Term Normal time