eNews Issue 90 - 13 june 2014

eNews Issue 90, Friday 13 June 2014

Race for Life 2014

On Saturday 7 June, a team of students, parents, friends and staff from St George’s entered the Race for Life event at Windsor Race Course. It was a very rainy day to start with, but this didn’t dampen our spirits!

We did a fun aerobics warm-up in the rain which got everyone excited to run. It is a 5k event which you can either walk, jog or run so there were lots of people competing.

Emily Dominey and Klara Barasic had come to support and were keen to volunteer. They ended up with the exciting job of holding the finishing tape!

We had some amazing results, with Suzanne Pritchard coming 5th (beating her time from last year), Maud Koper coming 7th and Miss Shannon 8th! Well done to all of the girls and Mums that took part. It was a fantastic day and all for a great cause!

NORMANDY 2014 Written by 3X

It was still dark when the Third Year set off, bound for Normandy at 4.45am on Monday 2 June. When we arrived at Portsmouth, we all boarded the huge ferry that would take us into Caen. On the ferry some of us went to the cinema while others caught up on sleep in the lounge. We docked in Caen at 2pm and made our way to our first destination, Pegasus’ Bridge.

Pegasus’ Bridge was the first bridge taken by the British from the Germans as part of the D-Day landings. Gliders, filled with approximately 30 men, each flew silently down towards the bridge at exactly midnight on the 6 June 1944. The German troops were not prepared for the invasion and the British successfully took hold of Pegasus Bridge and several others. We saw the original bridge outside the museum and drove back over a replica on our way to the PGL centre where we stayed for our trip.

On the Tuesday of our Normandy trip, we visited Pointe du Hoc and the American cemetery. Pointe du Hoc was the landing site of the American troops on Omaha beach. It is famous for the big craters made by the American ships. On our visit, we were able to walk into the craters and so develop an insight into the damage that these shells would have caused to the Germans. We also visited the surviving German bunkers on the site. You could see the destruction, and could imagine the terrible chaos that would have occurred there.

We then went on to the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches, via some German guns at a placement at Longues-sur-Mer. During the war, the guns were used to shoot at British ships and planes.

The guns were on top of a cliff which was useful for them because they had a great vantage point. The guns were huge and we got to see in them and behind them, where German soldiers would hide and sometimes live. It was really amazing that we got to walk around the guns and down the escape paths used by the Germans.

We also visited the American cemetery near to Omaha beach.

It was heart-breaking to see how many lives were lost in the regaining of France. The graves were extremely well maintained showing great respect to the soldiers. We later found out that President Obama and Prince Charles visited the same cemetery on D-Day itself.

We then went to Mulberry Harbour, which is part of Gold Beach.

We learnt how the harbour was very important as it was used to get vital supplies to the British and French soldiers. The harbour was made in England, sunk and then towed to France by boat because the Germans had taken all the ports. We all found it amazing that we could still see the remains of the port in the sea.

After seeing the Mulberry Harbour, we went into the museum that told us all about it and showed us a film. Then we had half an hour free time to practise our French; buying yummy crĂŞpes, ice creams and souvenirs.

On Wednesday morning, we travelled to an outdoor market in a town called Flers. At the market there were stalls selling lots of clothes and accessories, French food including crĂŞpes, lots of fruit and smelly cheese and lots of different meats. At the end of the road there were tiny cages with ducklings, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chickens and pigeons that people could buy to take home to cook and eat. The main reason we went to the market was so everyone could practise their French conversational skills with real French people. We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the market.

On the Wednesday afternoon, we spent some time doing activities on the PGL site. We got to have a go at abseiling and trapezing.

Both of these included climbing to the top of tall structures and trying to get to the bottom. The trapeze platform wobbled A LOT and most people were pretty scared as we had to then stand up and jump for the trapeze. Everyone got over their nerves for both activities though, and we all had a lot of fun, and did a lot of squealing.

We did other activities while were at the centre, and we got entertained by the PGL staff in the evenings. On Tuesday night, we took part in a ‘Have a Go Show’ which involved being in teams and having each member compete in a different game.

The games were ‘fluffy bunnies’ (putting as many marshmallows in your mouth as you can!) doing the splits and picking up a box with your mouth, feeding a teammate yoghurt from behind them and opening and eating an orange without using your hands.

Both watching and taking part in the games was hilarious. On Wednesday night, one of the PGL staff made a campfire for us and we toasted marshmallows, sang songs and told stories. Then on Thursday we all got to go to a disco with the rest of the groups at the camp. The next morning we couldn’t talk from singing so loudly the night before!

On Thursday, we went to Bayeux to see the famous tapestry.

It was amazing to think that the monks and nuns hand-sewed the story of how William the Conqueror became King in 1066, and that it has survived until today. The 70m tapestry was made in honour of William’s victory over Harold at the Battle of Hastings. It was fascinating to see all the colours and descriptive pictures telling the story. We also saw the town itself which had a beautiful cathedral, restaurants, shops and one particularly amazing bakery. We had lunch in some of the restaurants and had another round of ice creams and crêpes! We were all feeling much more confident at this point about using our French to ask for what we wanted.

For our final experience in Normandy, we travelled to the town of Port en Bessin to meet some of the veterans of the 47th Commandos. We climbed up an exhausting hill, but found some amazing views and heard from a man at the top about how he and the other veterans had done the same thing nearly 70 years ago to the day. We were then able to appreciate their struggle much more, especially as we didn’t have guns and other army equipment with us! We then went back down the hill and met the rest of the Veterans. It was hard to believe that the people standing in front of us had stormed onto that same beach only 70 years ago. It brought tears to quite a few of our eyes. The Veterans were lovely people with very interesting stories, and it was an honour to be able to meet them and ask them questions.

We laid a wreath in memory of the soldiers who died, while the Veterans recited the famous words “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”. We then had a minute silence to think about what we had learnt on our trip and how lucky we are.

DARWIN TRIUMPH

ON SPORTS DAY! Friday 13 June 2014

Box Hill Field Trip

On Tuesday 10 June, the Third Year went on an exciting trip to Box Hill. The weather was clear and warm with a lovely breeze. We arrived at the car park at the foot of Box Hill about 10.30am and then followed Mrs Johnson to the bottom of the hill itself. We climbed up a chalky uneven track for about 20 minutes, through overhanging trees and along a cliff edge at one point! By the time we reached the top we were very hot and the breeze was very welcome!

We sat by the cafĂŠ and went through the aims of our data collection, which was to assess the impact of tourism on Box Hill. We were split into three groups, and worked with our friends to carry out environmental quality surveys, a noise survey, pedestrian counts, traffic counts and soil degradation surveys in different sites on Box Hill. We also asked visitors questions to find out what they thought of the area and if there was anything they thought could be improved.

For lunch, we had a picnic by the cafÊ, and had lots of ice cream to keep us cool! We completed our fieldwork in the afternoon, and then spent 20 minutes drawing a field sketch of the beautiful view across the valley to Leith Hill. We then took a different route back down Box Hill, and some of us couldn’t resist the urge to run down the grassy slope, or even roll down it! We had a great time, and the weather made it even better. Now to get started on the project we collected the data for!

First Year Windsor Field Trip The First Year also went on a Geography Field trip this week, looking at shopping and settlements in Windsor. Tasks included looking at the nature of the shops, questioning shoppers, walking from the central business district to the suburbs and observing changes in the land use and housing.

The girls behaved impeccably, the weather was perfect and we had lots of positive feedback from the general public.

Winchester Cathedral

The Fourth Year Religious Studies students embarked on a day of history, religious art, illuminated scripture and exploration at Winchester Cathedral.

The day was tailored to the exam syllabus that we have been studying and it was a highly informative enrichment trip. Upon arrival at the Cathedral, we had a guided tour that explained the imagery in the stained glass, the famous story of the diver and we also delved into the depths of the flooded Crypt.

Following our guided tour, Canon Sue met us to discuss the significance and distinctive features of the Gospel of Mark. The girls had a unique opportunity to ask questions to Canon Sue, who is a scholar of the Greek text with an unparalleled knowledge of the topics that we are studying.

Lunch provided the girls with time to relax with a picnic and ice cream at leisure in the Cathedral grounds and we were fortunate to have the sunshine.

The afternoon involved a viewing of the illuminated Winchester Bible, and a discussion of the history and reasons behind illuminated texts. The girls also saw Jane Austen's notebook in her handwriting.

The fantastic Education Department at the Cathedral ensured that it was a highly worthwhile, relevant and informative day; most enjoyable and insightful.

Boarding Life

Markham House Sleeping under the Stars!

English Trip to Jane Austen's House The Fourth Years proved excellent ambassadors for the school during their recent trip to Jane Austen's house in Alton, Hampshire. The English Department has made this visit for the last four years to support the girls' work on "Pride and Prejudice", one of their IGCSE set texts. This year, the girls not only behaved in an exemplary manner but 4X also received the accolade of being the very best dancers that Sarah Parry (the education officer who always teaches us a typical Regency dance at Chawton House) had ever encountered in a school party. The girls also enjoyed seeing the desk where Jane Austen wrote and revised her novels, the topaz cross that was given to Jane by her brother, and the pianoforte of the sort that Jane herself played. With warm sunshine, a beautiful village setting and strawberries and cream for tea, it was the perfect English trip.

The Second Year Present

Mobile Phone Show

by Jim Cartwright

The Queen’s Six Lay Clerks from Windsor Castle

Why should the devil get the best tunes?

At 7.00pm on Monday 23 June 2014 @ 7.00pm

Tuesday 24 June 2014 7.30pm in the Cormack Hall St George’s School, Ascot

All are welcome, no Tickets Required

entry is free | there will be refreshments & a retiring collection

www.thequeenssix.com

Upper Sixth Fancy Dress Day

Staff Successes

To mark their final day of school before Examination Leave, the Upper Sixth held a Fancy Dress day to raise funds for charity and to bring a smile to everyone's face! As ever, the girls really entered into the spirit of it and there were penguins, Bananas and even a minion. It was a lovely way to celebrate their last day.

Congratulations to Mrs Smith, who after 8 years of running Young Enterprise here at St George's, has been asked to join the area Board to advise on future planning. Congratulations also to Mrs Ratcliffe, who attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this week, in recognition of her volunteer work with Horse Rangers.

Second Year Social

with St John’s Beaumont

Thursday 26 June 2014, 5.30-8.00pm

Indian Cuisine Cookery Workshop & Owl Demonstration RSVP to the School Office or Your Housemistress

5 Minutes with …

Name & Qualifications: Mrs Dourountakis BA (Hons) History, PG Higher Dip in Education, ESL Job Title: Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form) What did you do before St George’s?

In South Africa, I held the role of Head of History and helped found an independent school. In 2001 I travelled to the UK to experience teaching internationally. My adventure took me to a Middle School and then to two co-educational secondary schools as Head of Department. I visited St George’s, loved it and was fortunate enough to be asked to teach here - the rest is history.

What is your greatest achievement?

Undoubtedly being blessed with my two boys. I feel so fortunate that I am in a position to teach them about the world and am in awe of their innocence, trust in humanity and their enthusiasm to learn. They are my little miracles.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Motivated, organised & fair.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?

I have had the privilege of learning from some incredibly wise and accomplished women early on in my career; however, it is my father who has influenced me the most. He instilled values that are integral to my life and in the famous words of Socrates he encouraged me to ”Know Thyself”. He instilled the notion that self-respect is paramount and sparked my curiosity to learn about the world. He helped me believe that nothing was beyond my grasp and combined with hard work, most things in life are possible. He and my mum encouraged me to take hold of opportunities and when there were lessons to be learned, guided and supported me. My parents put a high store on education, but equally they taught me that respecting the views of others was fundamental, healthy scepticism essential and that being honest and dignified in your relationships with people, always key.

If money was no object where would you travel to?

Latin America. I would love to be in a position to help children who show true academic potential; establish schools so that they too could enjoy the benefits of a public school education.

What is your ultimate Desert Island Disc?

Oh dear, this is revealing; it would have to be ABBA- The Winner Takes It All and Dancing Queen a close second. I just love it!

Which person alive or dead would you most like to spend a day with?

American suffragist and free thinker, Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to ever run for President of the US on the Equal Rights Party ticket in 1872. She was one of the first women to open a Wall Street brokerage firm. She stands as an example of a woman who chose to speak out for what she believed in.

What makes St George’s so special?

We believe in our girls; each one has the potential to flourish here.

There is something incredibly powerful about being Georgian.

Our community is positive, caring and immensely committed colleagues are always willing to go the extra mile to further a girl’s learning experience. St George’s supports girls to discover the things that inspire them. In the Sixth Form we prepare our young women for life after St George’s, and as a community we are united in our aim that girls who leave St George’s should take their place in society as confident women who are leaders in their chosen fields, be it medicine, engineering or the arts.

There are no limits to what can be achieved here- St George’s is truly a special and wonderful place.

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

Music for a

Summer Evening

What was the last book you read?

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel.

This book explored a unique set of behaviours that women learn in childhood that impedes their journey as adults. Once recognized and changed, a leader may emerge. Pragmatic, funny and an excellent read!

at 7.00pm on Tuesday 1 July 2014 in the Sue Cormack Hall

What would you do if you won £2m in the Lottery?

Invest it in my children’s education fund and travel.

Refreshments served at 6.00pm. Please RSVP to the School Office on creader@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk or by telephone on 01344 629903.

Looking Forward...

Monday 23 June 2014 Second Year Drama Performance of 'Mobile Phone Show' 7.30pm, Sue Cormack Hall Tuesday 24 June 2014 Concert by 'The Queen's Six' 7.30pm, Sue Cormack Hall Thursday 26 June 2014 Second Year Social with St John's Beaumont 6.00pm, Sue Cormack Hall Friday 27 June 2014 Sport Awards Evening with Olympic Silver Medallist Gail Emms MBE 7.00pm, Sue Cormack Hall Saturday 28 June 2014 Mother Daughter Tennis Competition 10.00am, Tennis Courts Tuesday 1 July 2014 Music for a Summer Evening Drinks on the South Lawn at 6.00pm, Concert at 7.00pm, Sue Cormack Hall Thursday 3 July 2014 Prizegiving 11.15am, Sports Hall Scan the QR codes below using your smart phone to go directly to the web page you need.

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