Boarding Life | Summer Term 2023

MRSSIMKINS-SMITH&MISSROBINSON

What a busy Summer Term we have had in boarding! The boarders in Years 11 and 13 sat their exams and those in Year 12 stepped up to take over Prefect responsibilities Our new Prefects have done an outstanding job so far and I have great confidence in their leadership for next year. We wish all those who have taken exams this term the best of luck with their results and trust that they are enjoying a much deserved rest.

We thoroughly enjoyed the longer evenings and warmer weather with the boarders taking full advantage of the beautiful grounds and school facilities for a number of evening activities from gentle evening walks to tennis and swimming. We also enjoyed taking part in National Boarding Week which was hosted by the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) and saw boarders completing a number of set activities from a 2k relay to the boarder's concert featuring the newly formed boarding choir!

In true Eleanor House spirit the girls made their home a warm and welcoming environment for all, including our summer short stay students and those who took advantage of the Sixth Form boarding taster at the end of term. Although we were sad to say goodbye to our short stay students we are grateful for their contribution to boarding life over the summer term and we wish them all the best as they return home

The term whizzed by but when I look back on all the activities, weekend trips, Year 12 house meal and the annual Boarding House Dinner, I realise just how much we have managed to fit into the term and how many memories have been made. I would like to thank all the Eleanor girls for being so involved in boarding life and making every day in House a joy with your great sense of humour and fun I am incredibly proud of the community spirit in Eleanor House and this comes from the kind and generous nature of our girls who always look out for each other and enjoy being an active part of boarding life. The sound of laughter in the corridors of Eleanor House will be missed over the summer but we cannot wait to welcome our boarders back at the start of September. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

It's been an exciting few weeks here at Antony House - Boys Boarding, filled with memorable experiences and remarkable achievements

We were delighted to welcome our new short-stay starters from France and Spain The cultural exchange has been fantastic, as our boys forge new friendships and embrace diverse perspectives It's heart-warming to witness the unity and camaraderie among our international community

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, we were honoured to witness the grandeur of the King's Coronation, a regal affair that showcased the rich history and traditions of our country. The boys took part with great enthusiasm, and the event served as a reminder of the significance of honour and integrity. We also had a thrilling visit to Bristol, where our boys had the chance to explore the vibrant city and indulge in some retail therapy.

Adventure has been at the forefront of our activities, with exhilarating expeditions into the depths of caving and the challenging obstacles of the Ninja Warrior course. Our boys displayed remarkable courage, resilience, and teamwork, proving that they are capable of achieving great things when they put their minds to it.

Of course, the summer wouldn't be complete without some fun in the sun. Our boys have enjoyed spending time at the beach, making the most of the glorious weather, and engaging in various water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. The laughter and smiles were infectious as they rode the waves and tried their hand at new adventures.

Back at the boarding house, our pool has transformed into a hub of excitement, thanks to the introduction of inflatable obstacles. The boys have been competing against one another, testing their agility and determination, and creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come.

On a more personal note, we are proud to announce that our senior boys have been passing their driving tests and embracing the responsibilities that come with independence. Witnessing their growth and maturity has been truly heartening, and we are confident that they will continue to thrive as they navigate their journey towards adulthood. It’s hard to believe that when we started, our youngest boarder is now learning to drive!

In the realm of sport, we have witnessed some remarkable achievements. Our boys have participated in pentathlon events, showcasing their skills across various disciplines. We are particularly thrilled to announce that two of our students have made it to the prestigious European Biathle, Triathle, and Laser Run competitions in Germany, representing Team GB. Their dedication, hard work, and determination have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments.

MARTHAANDCE MRSOVEY

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Miss Robinson for covering me as Housemistress whilstIwasawayonMaternityLeave.Iamsurethatyouwouldallagreethatshedidafantasticjobofcaringfor eachandeveryoneoftheMarthaandCeciliagirlsandshecontinuestodosoovertheweekendsandonmynights off. I would also like to thank all of the pupils for welcoming me back so graciously and baring with me whilst I remindedmyselfoftheboardingroutines.

This term has been another fantastic term in boarding for Martha and Cecilia girls. As ever, our numbers are growing, and we have been over subscribed with boarders, which is a fantastic position to be in. With this it's brought a little more noise, but as ever, it is a delight to hear friends chatting animatedly through the corridors on their way to prep. After half term we welcomed 15 new faces to Martha and Cecilia House from France, Italy andSpain,includingsomereturningstudentsfromlastyear.It’sbeensolovelyreconnectingandgettingtoknow all of the new international short stays and this has given everyone ample opportunity to embrace new friendshipsandforgerelationshipswithintheirdormroomsandthewiderboardingcommunity.

The Martha girls had their End of Year exams prior to the half term break, with the Cecilia girls returning for their exam week. There have been a number of fantastic results in these and the girls should be proud of the maturewayinwhichtheyapproachedtheseandconductedthemselvesduringtherevisionandexamperiods.

Our weekend programme as ever has been packed to the rafters with engaging, exciting and exhilarating activities. It has been heart warming to witness some of our boarders try new things and challenge themselves to the ‘advanced group’ in our caving activity, and also for just attempting the cave, despite being scared beforehand. Ninja Warrior was another popular activity, with the girls pushing themselves to complete the coursewithoutfalling.Theweathertowardstheendofthistermhasbeenglorious,unfortunatelythisdidn’thold out for the one day that we went to visit the beach but at least the International Students had a more accurate picture of what a British Beach holiday might look like. The sun came back out for Paddle Boarding and Kayaking,anactivitythattrulywasenjoyedbyall.

The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy. It started with the BSA National Boarding Week which saw our Martha and Cecilia girls take part in the 2K relay around the school grounds (my dog, Guinness, was a particular fan of this event), inter-house bake off, and the inaugural Boarder’s Concert. I was mesmerised by the talentthatwehavewithinourHouse,especiallywhilstwatchingaperformanceofamusicalinstrumentthatI’ve never seen or even heard of before. This was followed by our annual Boarder’s Dinner at The Rose and Crown in Longburton.Itwasfantastictoseealltheboarderscometogethertocelebratetheendofanotherexceptionalyear in Boarding. The last weekend was a busy one, with Roller Skating in Bournemouth on Saturday, followed by Afternoon Tea and Lawn Games in the Italian Gardens on Sunday. The atmosphere around site on Sunday was delightful, with our girls sunbathing, playing volleyball, attempting to fly kites and generally being present in themoment.Itwasoneofthosepictureperfectdays,thatIwillrememberforalongtime.

As with every year, it is time for us to say goodbye to a number of students as they move on to pastures new, or just up the corridor to Eleanor House. They will be dearly missed from Martha and/or Cecilia House and our doors will always be open for you to return to us for a catch up. As we come to the end of a jam packed year in boarding, I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy Summer Holiday - please take a well-earnt rest andcomebackinSeptember,readytodoitallagain.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

MiniGolf

For our first weekend back the boarders enjoyed some lighthearted competition at Mulligans Boarders took to the course and played some high stakes golf, putting their way through the challenging terrain After they enjoyed pizza and chips before jumping back on the bus and enjoying a sing along back to school

Inflatables

The boarders had a ball at the inflatables session at Leweston’s own pool Mr Cannon even joined in the fun; racing them through the obstacle course, against the clock!

Some of our older boarders opted for an enjoyable, relaxing swim, followed by snacks and drinks in the afternoon sun

Caving

were encouraged to ste omfort zone and take o ge of the Mendip Hills ca oarders crawled, slid, sc ezed their way through ers and tight passages bravely took on the ‘Dra narrow 9 metre passage

Weymouth Beach &Shopping

Whilst the rain wouldn’t stay away for the trip to Weymouth, the boarders didn't let the weather dampen their day and made the most of it by browsing the shopfronts, playing in the arcade or going for a stroll along the beachfront.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Ninja Warrior & Bristol Shopping

h on the Ninja Warrior course, as they ‘raced for onourable prize of beating Mr Cannon! Boarders then enjoyed some retail therapy at the Cribbs Causeway shopping ce y.

WaterSports Adventure

The overcast and drizzly weather didn’t stop the boarders from having an enjoyable afternoon on the water participating in kayaking and paddle boarding in Portland harbour. Many pupils challenged themselves by standing up on a paddle board for the first time, whilst others just enjoyed the freedom of swimming and playing around in the water (luckily we had wetsuits to keep us warm!).

King'sCoronationWeekend

Saturday 6 May saw boarders enjoy watching the coronation of Charles III, they were all encouraged to partake in this British cultural event.

The boarders enjoyed a welcome lie in and relaxing Sunday amidst the busy coronation weekend celebrations Monday was "Wellbeing Day" where boarders were encouraged to step away from their devices and focus on their physical and emotional well-being. Activities included reading, meditation, yoga, swimming, a walk and a spa and movie night; all of which were thoroughly enjoyed Lunch was a ‘build your own buddha bowl bar’ with delicious and healthy options that went down a treat. The buddah bowls were so popular they will now be a regular feature on the boarder's weekend lunch menu! It was so lovely to see all the Boarders engaging in new experiences and community spirit

EurovisionNight

NationalBoardingWeek

The Boarders participated in the "BSA National Boarding Week" to show their appreciation of boarding at Leweston and they enjoyed a fun-filled week of activities

At lunchtime on Monday, boarders from across the four houses participated in the 2km relay, alongside some very special guests; the boarding house dogs Levi, Rocket and Guinness Boarders passed the Leweston teddy as they progressed through the relay across the school grounds, and finished by the Italian Garden

On Wednesday night, boarders enjoyed a cosy evening by the campfire, They enjoyed s’mores and hot chocolate as the sun set over the Belvedere; before, Eleanor House member, Lio pulled her guitar out and performed some catchy campfire tunes

On Thursday afternoon Julia (International Eleanor boarder) had her last night in boarding and took the lead on cupcake decorating, showcasing varying icing techniques before the 'Great British Bake Off' began Some incredible cupcakes were created and enjoyed by all the boarders after supper

On Friday evening, boarders had the opportunity to demonstrate their musical talent, and the newly established boarding choir performed their first public performance at the concert. We even had some boarding staff appearances which were particularly entertaining! Congratulations to Hazel (International Prefect) for organising the concert

Leweston boarders are community-minded and regularly participate in charitable activities within and outside of the Leweston community These include: writing letters to our sister school in Nepal; charity bake sales & fundraisers; writing Christmas cards, visiting & performing musical pieces for residents in Sherborne’s Care Homes This week showcased their efforts

FinalWeekendinBoarding!

The last weekend in boarding, albeit a very warm one, was spent in Bournemouth for a Roller Disco Mrs Simkins-Smith impressed everyone with her surprise roller skating skills! Mrs Ovey and Miss Robinson were hot on her heels but Sonia definitely gave Mrs SimkinsSmith a run for her money! Afterwards, boarders really enjoyed the opportunity for ice cream and some time in the shade to cool down. The tired group of boarders enjoyed a relaxing evening before movie night with some snacks.

On Sunday the boarding community enjoyed a traditional English afternoon tea and lawn games. A delicious spread of savoury and sweet treats were appreciated by boarders as they had the benefit of the afternoon sun whilst playing croquet, lawn bowls, badminton, volleyball, and football

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

FunWeeklyActivities

Every Friday morning, Miss Hamilton takes our keen boarders for a run around the Leweston grounds before breakfast Alice, a weekly Martha House boarder said that "it's the best way to start my Friday morning; feeling super energised and motivated for the day ahead".

The Boarding Choir has been newly established this term, by our new International perfect, Hazel Every Monday evening Mr Purchase, Miss Robinson and Hazel meet with boarders who are keen to get involved with the choir and practise musical pieces. It has been a great success and will continue next term.

As the weather has warmed up over the Summer Term and the daylight hours have become longer the boarders have been enjoying various Leweston facilities in the evening after Prep. Wednesday night swims have been very popular amongst boarders and any opportunity to be out on the tennis courts to play a friendly match is always utilised

Mr Cannon’s Crazy Sports Hall Games has had a revamp this term, and moved to the athletics track in order to enjoy the beautiful evening weather Mr Cannon, Miss Hamilton, and James organised weekly touch football matches for all the boarders to join in on. This has become very popular and it has been great to see some light-hearted competition between boarding houses.

ANZACDayCommemoration

On 25 April, the boarders enjoyed a small commemoration with our Aussie Gap Assistants observing the Australian and New Zealand day of remembrance Eating ANZAC biscuits made by the Gap Assistants, boarders learnt about those 'who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations' and 'the contribution and suffering of all those who served'.

West Bay Day Trip

On the first May bank holiday, boarders enjoyed a day by the seaside. They had a relaxing stroll along the headlands and pier, before heading back into town for some ice cream.

The boarding team and community of boarders were very excited to welcome 21 new and returning short stay pupils after half-term. We hope they have had a very enjoyable stay at Leweston and hopefully, we will see them again next year!

ROSE&CROWN DINNER

On 22 June, all the boarders enjoyed the annual evening meal at Longburton’s Rose and Crown. Boarders appreciated the opportunity to dress up and enjoy a lovely hog roast with drinks and dessert They had a great time and the evening concluded with the community celebrating our boarders' achievements.

Congratulations to all boarders who received a ‘Leweston Boarding Award’ for 2023 Thank you to Mrs Ovey for organising another lovely event, it was a very enjoyable evening!

FINALWEEKINBOARDING FORTHETERM...

The boarding staff are all going to miss our boarders greatly over the summer holidays. But we are sure they will all have action-packed summer breaks between continuing academic work, music recitals, sports fixtures, family holidays, having fun and socialising We hope they all have a lovely time and look forward to hearing all their stories when they return in September!

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Miss Bailey. She has been with us for the past 12 months and has been a much loved and highly valued member of the boarding team. Miss Bailey joined the team whilst Mrs Ovey was on maternity leave and has been such a valued member of staff working in boarding, the Art Department and the Prep School. We know that the boarders will miss her greatly, as will the boarding staff. We wish Miss Bailey all the best in her new adventure and we are pleased to report that she will continue to work in boarding as her new role will be Assistant Housemistress at LVS school in Ascot. We hope that she will come back and visit us soon!