Boarding Life | Spring Term 2024

BOARDING LIFE SPRING TERM | 2024

@lewestonboarding @lewestonboard

www.leweston.co.uk 01963 210691

Eleanor House Mrs Simkins-Smith & Miss Robinson

The Spring Term in boarding has been extremely busy and fun with the girls getting involved in an array of extra-curricular and boarding activities. It has been such a delight to see the Eleanor girls excel in sporting, musical, academic and drama performances, showcasing the level of dedication and talent our boarders contribute to the wider school community. From the International Public Speaking competition at Sherborne School to the incredible Les Mis production and the Boarder’s Reading Week, our boarders from every House have stepped up to the challenges of this term and I am extremely proud of them all.

We were pleased to welcome our new Gap Assistants Miss Baker and Miss Roberts at the start of the term. The boarders have been extremely warm and welcoming and have helped them to settle into the boarding family very quickly.

We were delighted to take our Year 13 girls out for dinner at Tamburino’s this term. It was so lovely to get all the girls together in one place to socialise before the exam period next term. I am incredibly proud of these young women as their kind and caring nature, hard work and incredible sense of fun has not only set an excellent example to other boarders but has truly encouraged a great sense of community, not only for students in Eleanor House but for the entire boarding community.

It was wonderful to welcome Amalia back to Eleanor House for the last week of term. Amalia was one of our short stay students who missed Leweston and boarding so much she wished to return for a short visit. It was lovely to see the boarders welcome her back with open arms, it was as if she had never left!

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter and a well-deserved break! We are looking forward to welcoming our boarders back to school in April.

ANTONY HOUSE Mr Cannon & Mr Purchase

Greetings, esteemed Antony House followers! It's time to celebrate the remarkable achievements and exciting endeavours of our fellow boarders. Hold onto your hats (or hockey sticks), because this edition is packed with triumphs and talents that are sure to inspire.

Over this past term, Antony House has introduced an exciting new way to celebrate our triumphs. Each week, we take a moment to reflect on our achievements, big or small, and then share them with the entire House. It's a chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into our endeavours.

But that's not all, our Heads of Houses have taken it up a gear by selecting the highest achievement of the week, with the lucky winner taking a prize! It's all about recognising, reflecting, and broadcasting the excellence that defines Antony House.

Some our commendable achievements this term have been: Freddie, Tom, James and Archie have conquered the roads by passing their driving tests. Watch out, world, the boys are on the move!

Charlie: Hats off to Charlie, who's now got the backing of not one, but two hockey stick companies.

Keep slinging those hockey balls to the back of the net, Charlie!

Harry: deserves a round of applause, he's not just fashion-forward but also tech-savvy, having designed his own clothing website and products to sell. Keep strutting your stuff, Harry!

Federico, Alife AB, Jonas, and Henry: Bravo to this talented quartet for their stellar performances in the school's Les Misérables play. Your dedication to the arts shines bright!

Henry: Henry has secured his post-school plans and they're nothing short of spectacular. He's set to embark on a thrilling gap year adventure in Australia, working with a company called Letz Live. Henry's bound for excitement, growth, and new experiences down under. Antony House wishes him all the best on this incredible journey—go forth and conquer, Henry!

Alfonso: Last but certainly not least, let's give it up for Alfonso, who's revolutionising our boarding experience with his app design aimed at streamlining sign-ins and outs. Boarding is due to get a digital upgrade, thanks to you, Alfonso!

Academic Excellence and Sporting Triumphs: In addition to these individual achievements, Antony House boys have been making waves academically and athletically. From acing mock exams to showcasing their skills on the hockey field, our boys have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and teamwork. We're immensely proud of their commitment to both their studies and their sports, supported by the exceptional academic resources and coaching staff here at Antony House. Let's keep up the fantastic work on and off the field!

That's all for this Term’s edition of the Antony House Boarding News. Keep shining bright, Antony House, and remember: the sky's the limit for what we can achieve together!

MARTHA AND CECLIA MRS OVEY

The lighter evenings and eruption of daffodils can only mean one thing - the end of the Spring Term is upon us and we have the delights of Summer Term to look forward to.

This term, as always, has been action packed, with the Martha and Cecilia girls enjoying the vast array of extra-curricular activities on offer to them, both in the afternoon and over the weekends. The girls thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Bath, combining a little retail therapy with some culture at the Roman Baths. I can’t say I ever thought I would see them line dancing in the Drawing Room, but everyone participated with aplomb.

The girls have demonstrated their sporting prowess over a number of different sports, be that on the Netball court, on the Hockey pitch, in the pool or during Pentathlon competitions. There have been numerous Personal Bests achieved, and inevitably some minor injuries sustained - thankfully nothing more than scrapes and astro burns! Representing the school at sport is an opportunity the girls never pass up.

Many of Martha and Cecilia boarders have also represented the school in the arts. The Fashion Show was a great success and it was amazing to see people’s hard work come to life, modelled by some of our own.

Similarly, some of our international pupils represented Leweston at the Public Speaking Competition held at Sherborne Boys, with topics including why having the opportunity to study aboard is important. Our Year 6 boarders also had to prepare and present in front of the prep school - a daunting task, well executed by all.

With the end of the Spring Term comes the end of my time as Housemistress of Martha and Cecilia Houses, and my time at Leweston. I have immensely enjoyed my time here and have loved getting to know each and every one of the girls who have spent some time in Martha and Cecilia House, and of course, all the other boarders in Eleanor and Antony House. I will miss this place enormously but am looking forward to my new chapter of Head of Boarding at Perrott Hill which is basically just up the road, so I’m sure I ‘ll be back to visit soon. I will be leaving Martha and Cecilia Houses in the very capable hands of Miss Robinson who will be taking over as Housemistress.

W E E K E N D A C T I V I T I E S

This term the boarders have enjoyed a variety of weekend activities including: Flip Out, Roman Baths, Bowling, Line Dancing, Golfing and Paddle Boarding.

This page is just a snapshot of our weekends in boarding.

House Meals

Year 13 were spoilt by Mrs SimkinsSmith and Miss Robinson this term with a house dinner at Tamburinos.

Cecilia House boarders also enjoyed a meal with Mrs Ovey and Miss Roberts. House Meals are an activity enjoyed by all boarders, they are an opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate and enjoy each others company.

Reading Week

AN EXCITING TERM

National Book Day is celebrated within boarding through Reading Week. Miss Robinson organised many fun activities both in person and on our social media accounts.

‘Blind Date With a Book’ is a gift from the boarders to the entire school which allows everyone to find a book they may not have considered before.

Chinese New Year

During half term, the world celebrated Chinese New Year.

Before the break, our younger boarders were given the opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year as well. They decorated, made lanterns and enjoyed some dragon-shaped cookies to represent the year of the Dragon.

Just Dance

A Trip to the Rugby

Just Dance was a favourite weekend activity for many of the boarders. An opportunity to let out some energy and enjoy each others company.

Boarding staff even got involved too!!

Friday nights in boarding are always a hoot! This particular Friday evening Mr Cannon and Miss Roberts took some of our younger boarders to watch a charity rugby match at our local club. Many Leweston teachers, as well as Mr Cannon himself, made an appearance on the field.

Movie Nights

Movie Nights are a firm favourite amongst our weekend boarders. An opportunity to lay back, relax and unwind from the week while boarders enjoy some popcorn, snacks or even a nap!

A Spotlight on the Boarders The Spring Term was full of achievements for the boarding community.

Whether these be in sports, academics, or the arts, Leweston Boarders have been participating and achieving in a wide range of activities.

Musical: Les Misérables In the final weeks of Term, many of the boarders were working tirelessly in rehearsals for the annual school musical. The boarders had the privilege to watch the Musical before the shows officially began at the dress rehearsal. Everyone greatly enjoyed this and we congratulate all members of the cast and support team.

Sport Throughout the Term training and fixtures were in full swing. Many of the boarders braved the cold and rainy weather to take to the courts and do Leweston proud. Netball, Hockey, Swimming and Pentathlon are just a few of the fixtures that went ahead. We are very proud of the commitment and sportsmanship our boarders continue to show on and off the sporting fields.

The Arts

The Spring Term was very busy in all aspects of the arts. The beginning of the term saw the return of the Leweston Fashion Show. The Fashion Show is a fabulous opportunity for boarders of all ages to show off their hard work to the wider school community. A Level and GSCE works were a highlight and showcased the commitment our boarders have to all aspects of school life. The music department was busy this term with many boarders getting the opportunity to showcase their hard work.

Many performed at school concerts as well as events within the local community.

With the Spring Term drawing to What are you a close our boarders are looking looking forward towards summer so we asked to in the them “What are you most looking summer term? forward to in the Summer Term?”

"Different sports available"

"Not having to wear blazers"

"Speech Day" "The feeling of the Summer Sun and Ice-Cream"

"The social aspects of sitting in the sun" "Track Season"

"Sports day"

"Leavers Ball" "Exams Being over"

"Netty's Milshakes!"

"Lighter Evenings!"

Staff Changes for Summer Term Sadly as the Spring Term draws to a close we say goodbye to Mrs Ovey. Mrs Ovey has been a valued and cherished member of the boarding team at Leweston since 2020. We know the boarders will miss her greatly as will the boarding team. We wish Mrs Ovey the best of luck for her and her family's newest adventure at Perrot Hill where Mrs Ovey will take over as Head of Boarding.

With Mrs Ovey leaving, Miss Robinson will be taking over as Houseparent to Martha and Cecilia House. We welcome Miss Robinson into her new position and we look forward to her contributions to Martha and Cecilia.

We are delighted to announce that Miss Bailey will be joining the boarding team in April as our new Assistant Housemistress. She will replace Miss Robinson who moves to Martha and Cecilia Houses.

The Boarding Team would like to wish all Leweston Families a

HAPPY EASTER!!

Important dates for Summer Term 2024 International Travelling Day (from 12pm)

Monday 15 April

Start of Term

Tuesday 16 April

Exeat (from 16:20)

Friday 3 to Sunday 5 May

Half Term (from 16:20) Returning Sunday from 18:00

Friday 24 May to Sunday 2 June

End of Term

Friday 28 June

International Travelling Day

Saturday 29 June

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the Summer Term! @lewestonboarding @lewestonboard

www.leweston.co.uk 01963 210691