Gloucester

Houses

Gloucester

From the Housemistress

At the start of this academic year I did not realise how similar it would be to the last. We arrived in September full of optimism that the coronavirus pandemic was behind us and we would re-enter school life as normal. However, for the House the girls have had to go above and beyond to maintain that famous Gloucester House spirit.

Despite operating in year group bubbles, the girls seem as proud as ever to be part of the House. As I have rushed round each tutor group every morning, I have managed to reach my 10,000 daily steps with ease, and the enthusiasm that has greeted me each morning reinforces the importance of what it means to be in Gloucester House. The Intra-House Singing Competition was a case in point. For the first few weeks of the year, there was much hilarity as each year group produced their video, with the Upper Fifth coming out as a year of much talent. Mrs Parker had definitely not kept her eye on the ball as this left the House only one week to rehearse for the actual Inter-House Singing Competition, and although this year Haslewood may say they were robbed, we came away with the trophy – I’m Still Standing was an inspired choice.

During the Autumn Term, we ran a House Logo Competition, and this is very much where pupil’s artistic talents came to the fore. The winning entry by Hattie Coughlan will adorn the work room for years to come.

The second half of term saw all year groups battle hard in the House Debating Competitions. The Lower Sixth were robbed, and the Fourth Form had their first introduction to the fire-pit. Well done to the Lower Fifth for reaching the semi-final stages, with the Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth managing to go one step further. Alas the Upper Sixth could not quite overcome Surrey but in the final competition with the Upper Fifth, the girls were triumphant – debaters extra-ordinnaire. The efforts of Amica van Strien were recognized as the first outside of the Sixth Form to receive full house colours for her contributions to debating over the past three years.

As is tradition, House Hockey Competitions dominated the final weeks of the term and the Fourth Form picture encapsulates the house pride that is still being maintained – a year group that have yet to step across the threshold; but when that day comes…

In the Spring Term we were all shocked with the return to lockdown teaching but house spirit was maintained by matron and Miss Ball who kept the intra-house competitions going by introducing the Easter Bonnet Competition; and Josie Keey led the way with her entry. At this point, I would like to say an enormous thank you for all the hard work that Lisa Monroe has put in over the past seven years to look after the needs of the Gloucester Girls, and it is with great sadness that she has had to leave St John’s. Her end of term themes will be remembered as will her sense of good fun, and kindness that she showed to staff and pupils alike.

The arrival of the Summer Term saw CAGs become TAGs and it was certainly a process that had to be endured by the Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth and is probably all that we can remember from the first half of term. The stoic manner in which they just got on with it will live in the memory. Their drive and determination, despite all the obstacles that were put in their way over the last eighteen months shows their strength of character. I cannot quite believe how much was packed into the last half of term. Zoe Donaldson and Daisy Murray giving amazing performances as Ellen and Georgie Philpott as Gigi, in Miss Saigon The Musical, with so many others within Gloucester in supporting roles. And then we ended with a glorious day at the David Weir Stadium for the inaugural Sports Day. In my final house assembly, I asked the girls to be involved, support and just give of their best. And in doing that we came away with the Lower Sixth winning their age group and Gloucester winning the overall athletics competition.

To the outgoing House Captain Josie and Deputy Georgie I say an enormous thank you and we all look forward to a more normal 2021-22 year under the helm of Joint Captains Francesca Beech and Eleanor Wilson. Will they be able to lead us to yet another House Shield!?

Lise Parker, Housemistress

HOUSE COLOURS

We have made lifelong friendships and memories

From the House Captain

This year has been far from normal. The girls have had to adapt to a range of extremely demanding situations including online schooling, social distancing and coronavirus lateral flow testing - none of which anybody could have expected. However, no matter the challenges Covid 19 created, the Gloucester girl’s resilience and enthusiasm never faltered.

Unfortunately, this year we haven’t been able to mix with other year groups within the School as we all hoped. It has been especially taxing on the new Fourth Formers who will have to wait to experience what it is truly like to belong to Gloucester House. Through these testing times, Mrs Parker, Miss Ball and Matron have gone above and beyond to ensure the morale of the House never dropped and elements of togetherness were sustained.

Throughout lockdown we did many competitive bake-off challenges with Tati the standout performer throughout; it was great to see so many people participating. We also did an Intra-House Dance Competition, which was without doubt a highlight of this year. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but no one saw the funny side quite as much as Head Judge, Mrs Parker.

Thanks to the efforts of many, we were able to change the formats of house events to ensure they still went ahead. House hockey was the first event in the calendar, and the girls headed off to the pitches with painted faces and high hopes. The Upper Fifth were victorious and all other years came close to the trophy. Next came the popular House Singing Competition. Our virtual performance of Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, was nothing short of impressive. Emily Winterbottom edited the song carefully, allowing all year groups to perform a different dance whilst singing. This was enjoyed by all that took part, and our efforts were rewarded with another first-place finish.

The House Netball Competition came next and was another performance that the girls should be proud of. The Lower Fifth powered past all their competition and the Upper Sixth managed to beat their fierce rivals. Despite what happened on the court, the support on the side-lines was more impressive; the House flag was raised by many who came down to support even in the cold conditions, encapsulating the Gloucester House spirit.

Despite the disruption of the year, the Parker Challenge still went ahead enthusiastically. We managed to reach a very impressive 1150km with participants cycling, running, walking and swimming to contribute. We raised an amazing amount of money to support our charity CPS Nepal. A special mention to Francesca Beech, who went above and beyond to create house merchandise, including hoodies, which helped to raise more money for our charity as well as allowing the House spirit to be felt around the School. We would really like to thank Mrs Parker, Miss Ball and Matron as well as all the tutors for their efforts. They have given every girl so much support and made the year as engaging as possible despite the circumstances. Without their efforts, this year just wouldn’t have been half of what it turned out to be!

I have absolutely loved my time at St John’s; it has been a pleasure to be House Captain of such an amazing group of girls and I am truly sad to be leaving. Throughout our time in Gloucester, we have made lifelong friendships and we will all look back at our time at St John’s with happy memories.

Beatrice Hewetson, House Captain 2019-20