Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 13 – December 9, 2024
Dear Parents
What a wonderful and magical week it has been at the High School! Each day, I have had the pleasure of witnessing our Pre-Prep and Prep girls shine in their Nativities and Christmas Concerts, performing with such confidence and assurance. From memorising lines and lyrics to perfecting their actions, the girls showed incredible poise and even when the music momentarily paused, the Year 1 and 2 girls kept the show going seamlessly, proving just how well-prepared and composed they are. It was a delight to watch, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the performances were nothing short of enchanting.
On Wednesday evening we celebrated the remarkable talents of our Senior Department girls in their breathtaking Christmas Concert. From traditional carols to contemporary arrangements, the performance was a fantastic showcase of the girls’ growth and confidence. A special thank you to Mrs Lawrence-Wills and Mrs Crinson, our incredible Heads of Music, whose dedication made the evening such a success. The performance was truly a testament to the girls’ hard work, and I must say, the audience’s participation in the Twelve Days of Christmas was a highlight!
I also want to extend my gratitude to all the parents who have joined us this week to support their daughters. For those who weren’t able to attend in person, we’ve included links to photo galleries in the main body of this newsletter, so you can still enjoy some of the highlights.
And, of course, on Friday, I had the great pleasure of sharing some truly exciting news with the Durham High Community. We have been awarded the Sunday Times Parent Power Independent Secondary School of the Year for the North East 2025! This incredible achievement recognises not just our academic excellence, but also the nurturing environment we provide for our girls to flourish. It’s a credit to our exceptional staff, supportive parents, and of course, our amazing girls. I couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve accomplished together this year. We shared the news in a special assembly, and you can watch the video montage of our achievements on our social media pages.
On Friday, our Pre-Prep and Prep girls took part in a festive Reindeer Run on Friday to raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Their energy, determination, and festive spirit were truly heartwarming, and I want to congratulate them all for their fantastic efforts.
This week, we were also thrilled to welcome back two of our talented alumni, Josie Hammond (Broome) and Caitlin Whittaker (Class of 2018), who ran inspiring art workshops with our Year 7 students. Both Josie and Caitlin are now thriving in their artistic careers, and it was wonderful for the girls to hear about their journeys and gain valuable insights into the world of art. We are so proud of their achievements and grateful for the time they spent with us.
Senior Department students had an exciting opportunity to hear from BHP Law during an engaging and informative careers talk. Legal apprentices shared their unique journeys, offering insights into how they balance hands-on legal experience with studying for a degree. The session provided our students with a valuable understanding of alternative pathways into the legal profession, inspiring them to explore diverse career options in law.
As we approach the end of term, I can hardly believe how quickly time has flown by. It's been a fantastic term, filled with joy, learning, and achievement. I look forward to seeing many of you at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday for our annual Carol Service, a beautiful celebration of the season. And don’t forget the Parents and Friends Carols Round the Tree event on Thursday at 3pm in Prep Hall, where we will enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, all while listening to our angelic Prep Choir and joining in with some much-loved carols.
With best wishes
Our girls and their teachers have not disappointed this week with their nativities and It’s a lovely time of year and this year we had it all, including fabulous comic brought their own uniqueness to the for this edition of the newsleter but will a page of links in the Wednesday communications.
Tuesday December 3: Year 5 & Year 6
Wednesday 4 December: Yr1 & Yr 2
Thursday December 5: Nursery & Reception
Senior Department Christmas Concert
The annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, 6 December, was a resounding success, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of senior girls. The concert featured an impressive variety of musical genres, showcasing the diversity and skill of the performers. From traditional carols to contemporary pieces with our girls performing intricate instrumental arrangements and others displaying outstanding vocal talent.
Pre Prep and Prep Reindeer Charity Christmas Run For St Cuthberts Hospice.
Our Pre-Prep and Prep pupils took part in a delightful Reindeer Run on the astro turf, all in support of St Cuthbert’s Hospice. The girls enthusiastically donned their festive antlers and embraced the chilly weather with big smiles and boundless energy. Their determination and spirit were inspiring, with every girl giving their all to complete the run. It was a wonderful sight to see the youngest girls coming together to support such a worthy cause, and their efforts were a credit to them all. Well done girls! Thank you for all your sponsorships.
