2nd February 2018 - Issue 5
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Aerial View of the pitches taken by JWS during a flying lesson
Strings Masterclass
Head’s Introduction
On Monday, the Roedean String players took part in a fantastic Masterclass with BBC Violinist, Mr Matthew Elston. He had the pleasure of listening to our students performing on the cello, violin, and harp. Mr Elston’s extensive knowledge helped develop various techniques, and the focus was very much on how to communicate their sound and phrasing to an audience. He put everyone at ease and the girls found the classes extremely enjoyable.
With only one week to go before half-term, the first 5 weeks of term have passed quickly, but together we have achieved a great deal – congratulations!
The students performed in a teatime recital at the end of the day, and they are to be congratulated on playing to such a remarkably high standard. The concert concluded with a superb rendition of Bach’s Gigue for solo violin by Mr Elston. A special thank you must be given to the accompanist for the day, Mr Maulkin, who did a sterling job throughout. SOB
The Chinese New Year celebrations begin during half-term on 16 February, so we intend to start the festivities early at Roedean, so that we can all share in them together. On Wednesday evening at 5:30, weather permitting, we will have a firework display at School to kick things off. If last year’s was anything to go by, it will be brilliant! The Catering Department will prepare traditional food for us all on that day, and parts of the School will be decorated with Chinese lanterns. There will also be a calligraphy club on that evening, as well as a number of activities in the first week back after half-term. Thank you in advance to Mrs Wu, Dr Gong, and Melanie (Yr13) for their help with these preparations. In the third week back after half-term, in the middle of Academic Week, we will be marking International Women’s Day with our own Festival Celebrating Women. We will be joined by a range of excellent female speakers, and I am sure that you will all find something to suit your interests. It will be a great day! I hope that the Parents’ Evening for Year 9 goes well this evening, and that you are able to find out all the information you need to make your GCSE option choices with confidence. I say ‘break a leg’ to Sorcha and her fellow actors for their play performance next Wednesday, and I hope that you enjoy our Chinese New Year festivities! Good luck to you all for next week!
Name the Roedean Bear – 61 entries so far! Following on from the Christmas Fair, we are holding a competition to name the Roedean Bear. Poor Roedean Bear has gone far too long without a name, so, for 50p, we are asking you to suggest a name for him. We will then ask Mr Blond and Miss Keller to choose their favourite from the suggestions – whichever name is chosen will become his official name and the winner will receive their own giant version of Roedean Bear. All of the money collected will go to the Lumos charity.