Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 10 – November 16 2024
Dear Parents
Every week when I sit down to write this newsletter, I often find myself thinking, “Wow! What a brilliant week we have had at the High School.” It may sound a bit clichéd, but it truly feels that way by the time Friday arrives. Our school is filled with so many enriching opportunities and events, and I’m continually grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and gratitude that our girls bring to every day. This week has been no exception.
On Monday, we marked Remembrance Day with moving assemblies for the Senior, Pre-Prep, and Prep Departments. In the Senior Department, the focus was on service, reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day and its relevance to us all. We took time to reflect on the far-reaching implications of conflict, both past and present, and the enduring legacy of those who have served in our armed forces. It was an honour to hear from members of the British Army, as well as civilians, about the personal meaning Remembrance Day holds for them.
After the assemblies, the whole school gathered on the Pre-Prep and Prep Playground for a two-minute silence, which was impeccably observed by all. Rosalind, in Year 11, played The Last Post and Reveille with great dignity. Following the silence, wreaths were laid by various members of our school community: our Head Girl, Grace represented Senior Department, and Lucy from Year 6 represented the Pre-Prep and Prep Department, Mrs. Barker (one of our Governors) and Mrs. Gellately (representing staff, past and present), and Katie and Ana, who represented our Uniformed Services. Crosses were planted by Form Representatives from Nursery to Upper Sixth in our remembrance pots.
It was incredibly emotional to see such a wide range of youth organisations represented on the day, including Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Girls' Brigade, Sea, Air, and Police Cadets, as well as St. John Ambulance. I am always so proud to see our girls participating in and contributing to these organisations, which are aligned with our own values of personal growth, teamwork, and community service. These groups help foster leadership, responsibility, and resilience qualities we seek to nurture here at Durham High School.
On behalf of the entire Durham High School community, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving to protect our freedoms and promote global peace. To those who gave their today for our tomorrow, we will remember them, at the going down of the sun and in the morning.
As the week continued, excitement grew as we looked forward to two wonderful events: the Bin Bag Fashion Show in aid of Children in Need, and the Parents and Friends, PrePrep and Prep Neon Disco. These events exemplify the creativity and compassion of our girls, as they work together to support important causes and have fun while doing so.
Last night, I had the privilege of accompanying Miss Casey, Miss Morales Salum, and Mrs. Lonsdale, along with 51 of our girls, to see War Horse at the Sunderland Empire. It was an unforgettable experience. The performance was simply magnificent, and it was heartening to hear the girls sharing their favourite parts of the show as we left the theatre. As always, I was moved to tears (true to Mrs Hill style!), and I highly recommend seeing the show if you get the chance.
I am away at the Girls’ Schools Association Annual Headteachers Conference in Manchester from Sunday to Tuesday, so unfortunately will miss seeing those parents attending the Year 11 and Pre-Prep and Prep Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. I hope they go well. Mrs Middleton will be steering the ship in my absence
With best wishes
On Thursday, our Y3 girls participated in the U8 Hockey Festival hosted by Dame Allan’s They were fortunate to play lots of matches in the lovely sunshine giving them the opportunity to experience match play whilst developing their skills. The girls showed great enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed their morning. Congratulations to Amiya who
Netball
In league netball matches on Monday against Durham Johnston, the U14’s lost against challenging opposition, whilst the U15’s won 19-8. The U15's demonstrated skill and flair delivering a strong performance. Congratulations to our players of the match Anna B and Millie.
Hockey
Our U13 and U14 hockey players joined forces against Durham’s U14’s on Tuesday. This was a fantastic opportunity to experience 11-a-side match play on a full-sized pitch. The girls played with determination and focus. Well done to all players. Congratulations also
goes to our player of the match, Mia.
They U13's were in action again on Thursday in a 7-a-side game against Barnard Castle and drew 1-1. The team gave a fantastic performance, and their work rate was excellent throughout. Player of the match was awarded to Mia.
Football
The U12 Football team embraced the challenge of playing against teams a year older in the U13 Tyne and Wear Tournament this week. For many players this was their first 7-aside tournament, and it was wonderful to see the girls working so hard and demonstrating excellent teamwork. Congratulations to our player of the tournament, Cara.
The U16 and U18 Hockey teams also played in friendlies against Newcastle High School this week. The U18’s narrowly lost by one goal and the U16’s won 2-0. It was wonderful to see our senior girls working so collaboratively on the pitch to deliver strong performances. Congratulations to all girls and to our players of the match, Aleeza and Izzy.
Pre-Prep and Prep Stars of the Week
Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep were:
Nursery: Harriet for developing friendships and beginning to settle.
Reception: Amelia for good progress in numberwork.
Year 1&2: Thora for super participation in lessons.
Year 3&4: Harriet for producing a fantastic piece of homework all about the solar system.
Year 5: Keeva for having a positive attitude and for being very helpful.
Year 6: Laura for increased confidence in Maths and for thinking carefully during problem solving activities.
Sama was this week’s Lingotot’s Star of the Week and Lucy and Wren were presented with medals and certificates for success in the swimming pool.
Well done, everyone!
Children in Need Assembly
Well done to Form 11H for their Children in Need assembly. A special mention to Head of Year, Mr Johnson, who kindly stepped in for Miss Morales Salum and got a face splat of cream for his efforts.
Future Business Magnets- Round One
This month, our Year 8 learners embarked on an exciting journey through the FBM Business Competition, celebrating its 20th anniversary. On November 7th, we attended the launch event at Ramside Hall, where students engaged in teambuilding activities, met their local business partner, and began crafting their team agreements and roles. This year's challenge, Reimagining the High Street, inspires learners to develop ideas that invite people back into these spaces, making them vibrant, welcoming, and family-oriented once again.
On November 14th, we visited Beamish Museum for a hands-on workshop blending history, science and business. Students conducted market research with shop attendants from recreated 1900s and 1950s High Streets and explored product development by studying historical and modern bestsellers. Through these activities, pupils learned about pricing strategies, marketing techniques and seasonal demand, sparking creative ideas for their own business proposals. We are thrilled to see their enthusiasm grow as they prepare to tackle the challenges ahead!
Upcoming Senior Musical Production: Chicago
We are thrilled to announce that our Year 9–13 students will be performing the iconic musical Chicago from 26th–29th November. Set in our school’s Studio theatre, this Senior Musical production promises an unforgettable experience with limited seating of just 65 seats per performance. Ticket sales are now open click the link below and secure your seats today!
Rehearsals have been well underway, and we will be holding a full-day rehearsal followed by a dress rehearsal with costumes very shortly.
Tickets are available here
Tickets: Adults £10, Concessions £8. Don’t miss out join us in celebrating the hard work of our talented students and an evening of dazzling musical theatre!
Senior Department Celebrations
We are delighted to hear more of Rana’s acting debut success. Rana takes on a supporting artist role in an upcoming movie on Prime, due to be released early in 2025.
Staff Congratulations
Congratulations to Ann one of our school mini Bus drivers, whose family have gone down in Durham’s history She is one of four members of her family who are Freemen of Durham.
“To have living relatives from four successive generations at the same swearing in ceremony is, we believe, a record in Durham. It made it a very special day for us, something we will long be proud of,” said Ann. You can read the article by clicking here.
Carol Service
A reminder that our annual Carol Service is planned for 11 December within the beautiful setting of Durham Cathedral. This year, we warmly invite you to join us. Doors will open for visitors at 1:30 pm with the service starting at 2:15pm.
A collection will be taken during the service in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity, a vital organisation dedicated to funding groundbreaking research, providing support for those affected by brain tumours, and raising awareness about this condition. Further information can be found by clicking the link www.thebraintumourcharity.org. You can donate on the day or can donate in advance by scanning the QR code.
Last Shout out for Year 6 - Science Sparks! Book your places now!
If any of our Year 6 girls would like to take part, part, please book your place now, or email with any questions! https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EBDW
Parents and Friends Events
Parents & Friends has a full calendar of events this academic year, and we would love for you to get involved! For information on purchasing tickets or volunteering, please visit the Classlist app. If you are not yet on Classlist, simply email us at dhsparentsandfriends@outlook.com and we will help you get set up.
