HOUSE REPORTS DRONFIELD At the start of the year we welcomed five new third years, two fourth years and five lower sixth. With twentyeight boarders the House seemed very quiet at first, but the extra space was quickly appreciated after the crowded conditions of the previous year. Mrs. J. Bainbridge very quickly established herself as Tutor and Assistant, her linguistic skills proving to be much in demand. As in previous years members of Dronfield contributed to a wide range of activities. The main sporting success of the Christmas Term was victory in the Inter-House Hockey Competition. Connelee Morris captained the team through a series of exciting matches, some of them played in atrocious conditions. Connelee had the additional distinction of being selected to play netball for North Yorkshire. The badminton team, captained by Heidi Clark, finished a respectable fourth. At the end of term House Colours were awarded to Emma Page, Alison Blair, Laura Clark, Emma Limbert and Sarah Brayshaw for their strong contributions to the House. The House Dinner was a particularly enjoyable occasion this year, with some very interesting awards to members of the House and imaginative gifts kindly presented to the staff. The Easter Term featured a very full programme of events in which the House enjoyed considerable success. The squash team, captained by Linda Elliott, did very well indeed to reach the final and win the competition. Similar success was achieved in netball, with both senior and junior teams, captained by Connelee Morris and Danielle Powley respectively, winning their events. Although viewed with some apprehension, the cross-country event witnessed a spirited contribution from the senior team, with Olivia Cameron finishing sixth overall; the juniors won their event, with Caroline Davies and Danielle Powley gaining fourth and fifth places. In spite of the daunting prospect of competing in a largely boys event, the House was well represented in the swimming heats, and Lindsay Daniel, Pru Bundy and Danielle Powley reached the final. Caroline Lawson, who captained the team in difficult circumstances, is to be particularly congratulated. The House was very well represented in the Music Competition, with Alison Blair, Lissa Beckitt, Jane Mindenhall and Sophie Pearson-Hill reaching the final stage. Alison and Jane are to be congratulated on winning their sections. Perhaps slightly less accomplished was the House team's version of 'Twinkle, twinkle little star' in the Great Egg Race! It was, nevertheless, a robust performance led by Connelee Morris. The quiz team, captained by Laura Clark, put up a valiant fight before going down to The Grove. At the close of this busy and successful term, senior House colours were awarded to Caroline Lawson and
Lindsay Daniel; Danielle Powley received junior colours for a particularly strong contribution in a number of events. Our congratulations go to all of them. Sporting success continued through the Summer Term. Third place was obtained in the Inter-House Rowing, with Lindsay Daniel captaining the crew. Danielle Powley led the rounders team to victory, a success matched by the tennis team, captained by Emma Page, in a very close 5-4 victory over The Grove. The athletic sports produced a catalogue of successes. Connelee Morris led the team and she herself won the 100m and long jump. Lissa Beckitt ran a fine race to win the 200m; Olivia Cameron came first in the senior 1,500m. In the intermediate section, Emma Woolley achieved first place in the 100m and 200m; Danielle Powley won the Javelin Competition and ran a very creditable 3,000m. In the junior section, Olivia Anderson won the 100m. The successes of this and the previous terms was recognised by the Cambridge Cup, presented at final assembly. House colours were awarded to Lissa Beckitt, Jane Mindenhall, Melissa Marlow, Lucy Sampson and Heidi Clark, with junior colours to Caroline Davies and Emma Woolley. Our congratulations go to them all. Best wishes and congratulations also go to Heidi Clark as the new Head of House and to Tol Osho as School Monitor. The upper sixth leavers' dinner was an occasion much enjoyed by all, as was the end of term barbecue. On this occasion the whole House had the opportunity to say goodbye to two of its most valued members of staff. Presentations were made to Mrs. Jean Pulleyn and Mrs. Nona Blenkin for their six years close involvement in the House. Mrs. Pulleyn's care and understanding went far beyond the role of a matron, both here in Dronfield and earlier in School House, a period of twelve years overall. We wish her every happiness in her retirement. Although Mrs. Blenkin leaves her position as resident assistant, we are fortunate in being able to keep her as a tutor next year. Many thanks to her for all her support and understanding. At the final House meeting generous presentations were made by both: Mrs. Pulleyn gave us a silver plate to be awarded to the person making a particularly significant contribution to the spirit of the House, while Mrs. Blenkin presented a Renoir picture, beautifully framed, and suggested it be renamed 'Esprit de Dronfield'! Finally, our very best wishes to all our leavers at the end of what has been a very successful and happy year.
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