18 March 2022 – Issue 10
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Gold Medal for Hettie
Head’s Introduction
The war in Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis continues, and I am proud that the Roedean community has been proactive in responding to it. This week, our students have made paper sunflowers to create a living and growing installation in Chapel – this symbol of our support for those suffering is also a tangible indication of the community’s desire to help. In addition to everyone’s personal charitable activities beyond School, students and staff have made donations to make sunflowers, the School wore blue and yellow on Tuesday, and our parents have also made very generous donations. So far, these donations have reached £1905, but this figure continues to grow – these funds will be directed through Plan UK to help those arriving in Moldova from Ukraine. Thank you for your generosity and support! I am delighted to hear that a second Netball team has successfully reached the National Plate Finals – the U15As’ victory this week means that they will join the U13As in the Finals next week. Both teams have shown great promise, but they have also worked incredibly hard to improve their play, resilience and focus on the court. Reaching the National Plate Finals is an outstanding achievement, both for the teams themselves and Netball at Roedean – congratulations, and good luck next week! Following last week’s Chapel service by Dr Staniford introducing British Science Week, there have been a whole range of scientific activities going on around the School. These have taken place in lessons, in the co-curricular activities, and in the Fireplace at other times of day – the aim nationally is to raise the profile of science and to make sure it is accessible to all, and that aim has certainly been realised at Roedean this week. Well done to everyone involved. Next week’s performances of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in our refurbished Theatre will be the perfect foil to the wonderful Romance and Tragedy performance last week. If the extracts from the play which were included last week are any indication of the final performance, I am sure that it will be fantastic. The play has been double-cast, giving many more the opportunity to take to the stage and share their talents. Break a leg! The end of next week will also see an Art Exhibition in the Old Ref, showcasing the remarkably diverse and creative work which is produced in the Art Department – the work will be on display for a number of days, so I hope that students and the wider Roedean community can enjoy it. The formal showing begins on Friday – if you are going to the play, I encourage you to visit the Exhibition beforehand. On Friday, we also commemorate Founders’ Day with a special service for our students and invited guests – we remember those former members of the School who have passed away in recent years, and a candle is lit for each. It is a beautiful and poignant service which underlines the strong connection linking the current community through previous generations of Roedeanians to our Founding Lawrence sisters. Well done to all those in Years 13 and 11 who have been sitting assessments this week – I hope that the experience has been a positive and productive one. The Prefect selection process for next year has begun, and I wish all of the applicants the best of luck for the hustings next week. I wish you all a relaxing and restful weekend.
Romeo & Juliet
U15 Netballers in the National Plate Finals
Sunflower Installation for Ukraine
£1905