The Beech Tree 2016 17

St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9LP +44 (0)1747 852416

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THE

Beech Tree 2016-17

ST MARY’S, SHAFTESBURY

Featuring...

Zambia The trip of a lifetime for a group of girls and staff volunteering, and exploring, in Zambia

Health & Happiness Our inaugural Health and Wellbeing Days were a wholeschool success!

The Great Estate Surrounded by stunning countryside, the St Mary’s estate is a perfect English gem

Mary Ward Values Reflecting on the wisdom and inspiration of the work of Mary Ward

Walled Garden Festival Live music, food and fun, and not a drop of mud in sight!

Also in this issue...

NEWS • WELCOMES • ACADEMIC • TRIPS • DofE • DRAMA • MUSIC • DANCE • CREATIVE ARTS • SPORT • COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • CHAPLAINCY • HOUSE REPORTS • ALUMNAE NEWS • FAREWELLS

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

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arents’ ay

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Girls, staff, parents and guests came together for Parents’ Day on Saturday 24th June; a fitting end to our academic year with the opportunity to celebrate the success of all our students and wish a fond farewell to the Upper VI.

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P

The diligence and talent of our girls is

Celebrating our Upper VI leavers is always a significant part of

evident throughout the year, but applauding

our prize-giving ceremony and, as ever, we were overwhelmed

their achievements at the end of the

by everything the girls have contributed to the school during their

summer term is always a special occasion.

time here. Head Girls Ellie Lawson and Lucy Titley spoke with humour and confidence about how they and their cohort had been

We were privileged to have the

free to grow with encouragement and guidance at St Mary’s, while

internationally renowned war

stretching themselves in ways they didn’t know they could.

correspondent and author Kate Adie with us for the day to deliver the keynote

Other highlights of the day included a thank you to our outgoing

address. She spoke with passion about

Chair of Governors Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts, and a

the opportunities the girls have before

tribute to Jean Walker.

them to make a difference and be whoever they wish to be, urging them to simply

This prestigious event concluded in the perfect way with our VIPs

“Have fun. Do good;” the strength of the

being piped out of the marquee by Major Ewen Stuart. A lovely

sentiment echoing our Mary Ward ethos.

touch to round off our marking the end of a year of achievement.

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We were privileged to have the internationally renowned war correspondent and author Kate Adie with us for the

�

day to deliver the keynote address.

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There is such fullness to life in a boarding school, with its non-stop round of clattering into the refectory for meals, early morning Chapel Choir practices, assemblies, lessons, lunchtime activities, matches, practices, rehearsals, trips and excursions, house meetings, and bedtime routines.

It can be hard to find the ‘still points’ in the

Meanwhile our non-academic

the world, and furthering their

day where one can make time to reflect and

departments are also dedicated

spiritual understanding, they

digest. We are lucky to have twin pillars of such

to empowering our girls. The

are absorbed in the hectic, full

reflection at the heart of St Mary’s: the classroom

world beyond St Mary’s will

life of school which flies past in

and the chapel. These are the places where

demand that they make a

a flash, but leaves them with a

we can carve out time for deep thinking and

multitude of decisions and

lifetime of benefits.

profound reflection; which result in intellectual

choices; in order to do this

and personal growth.

successfully they need self-

I, and all members of the St

confidence, resilience, humility,

Mary’s community, are so

Our modern lives can leave us all a bit

good judgement and,

grateful for all that we have and

breathless; adults and young people alike. It

indeed, humour.

all that we are given through being a part of this rich and

is a new challenge for parents and teachers to help children understand and make the most of

Reading through this

technology, without letting it disrupt their attention

magazine, summarising all

spans or diminish their interest in the hard graft

that we have packed into ten

of learning. More than ever, it is incumbent on

months of the year, it is clear

us as teachers to make consistently high-quality

that these essential forms of

teaching and learning the absolute priority of the

empowerment are exactly what

school day. The buzzword is about ‘empowering’

our girls learn from the moment

our girls as learners; creative, new approaches

they arrive in LIII, to the time

increase students’ independence and enable

they leave in UVI. Gradually

them to apply, as well as acquire, knowledge in

increasing their independence,

the classroom…and in the exam hall.

deepening their knowledge of

rewarding school environment.

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NEWS Celebrating Chisom’s Life In the spring we celebrated the life of Chisom Dike when Fr Andrew blessed the beautiful bench which girls, families and friends had bought to remember Chisom.

The bench sits under the willow arbour at the foot of the Head’s lawn; a lovely spot for girls to congregate and chat.

Chisom joined St Mary’s in Upper III and had just concluded her third year at St Mary’s last summer; she was suddenly taken gravely ill in Nigeria. At Parents’ Day in 2016 Chisom was awarded the Harding Prize for her all round contribution to the life of the Middle School, as well as a prize for academic achievement. She was a wonderful character, was true to her faith and a shining example of how to live life to the full with joy and enthusiasm. Her talents ranged from being a superb sportswoman, to musical ability, to dramatic flair. In addition to having represented St Mary’s in all sports teams throughout her time at the school, she was a 100m Dorset County Champion as well as a member of the Chapel Choir.

Chisom’s faith was very important to her; she served at Mass throughout her time in Hewarth with great dignity and serenity and was a confirmand in UIV. Chisom contributed in every area of school life; she laughed often and delighted in the company of her friends. She was reliable, responsible and a leader but, most importantly, she was true to her beliefs. She would challenge and question what she perceived as injustice and she was not afraid to stand up for what she believed was right. She was a very special girl who is remembered with fondness and joy and who left her mark, both in faith and personality, on St Mary’s.

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ABOVE: Chidinma and Chisom

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A New Logo Our new St Mary’s logo is gradually

The name Beaufoy itself translates as fine

being phased in, first appearing in our

or noble beech tree, and the symbol is

most recent advertising campaign and

seen throughout the original architectural

now being used in all new stationery,

features of the building – from the stone

branded items and published materials.

carving above the front door to the tiles

We’re delighted with how it’s been

behind the fire places and the wooden

received within the school and beyond.

mantelpiece in the Hall.

The concept behind the logo is to reflect

The Victorian avenue of trees became

several strands of St Mary’s history and

diseased and was felled in July 1996

ethos. The beech trees of course echo

due to concerns about its safety. The

our iconic school drive; they also reflect

current trees were planted in December

the strong-rooted growth of our girls

1996 and will soon be celebrating their

while they are at the school, and the

21st birthday! The last tree was planted

three together are reminiscent of the Holy

by Sister Gregory Kirkus (Headmistress

Trinity.

1953-64 and 1970-72) on Friday 28th February 1997 and there is a plaque to

The original beech avenue to the school

commemorate this on the driveway.

was planted by Mark Beaufoy in 1886.

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ST MARY’S SHAFTESBURY ELITE DANCE ACADEMY We will continue to further develop the Dance offering at St Mary’s in September 2017 with a new and exciting collaboration with Shaftesbury’s renowned TLW Dance. As well as continuing to offer dance for pleasure as a co-curricular option, which is currently enjoyed by a great number of girls, the collaboration will enable us to build on our existing reputation as a school for elite dancers.

Acting. Meanwhile Izzy Evans will move into LVI at St Mary’s next September while continuing her classes at TLW which have twice now enabled her to qualify for demanding summer courses at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Company in New York.

TLW has a 100% pass rate for Royal Academy of Dance exams, frequently achieving 50% Distinction marks. Several of their current and past pupils also successfully audition for the Royal Ballet Junior Associate programme (training which they

In recent years we have already had very talented dancers

undertake alongside their TLW classes).

at St Mary’s who were able to combine their life and studies here at the school with the intensive training offered at TLW.

We are looking forward to attracting some of the brightest,

Tina Jupp who left last summer after taking her A Levels was

most talented dancers from the UK and abroad to live and

one of the 18 successful candidates of 3000 applicants to

study at St Mary’s while training to the highest standards in

the prestigious Musical Theatre course at Guildford School of

dance at TLW.

Exchange Opportunities Having always attracted international boarders, many

there and visit this wonderful capital

of whom stay for many more terms, or years, than they

city, whilst the Spanish girls come here

had originally intended at St Mary’s, we have long been

with their bilingual staff and we teach

a school where cultures blend, and our ties with Spain

and showcase Dorset and St Mary’s.

are particularly strong. The latest development in our relationship with Spain is a new exchange programme

Mater Salvatoris is a school with which we have much in

with the Mater Salvatoris school in Madrid.

common; though it is a city school, it sits on a site chosen for its greenery and fresh air with a collegiate feel. Like

The programme will allow students and staff the

St Mary’s it is a school which unites tradition, openness

opportunity to live and study at Mater Salvatoris on a

and academic excellence.

short exchange trip to Madrid, follow the curriculum

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Welcome - NEW FACES

We have been fortunate to recruit a cohort of highly talented teachers who all come with a passion for their subjects as well as imaginative, rigourous teaching styles, and who share our compassionate ethos.

Sarah Matthews BA (Hons) PGCE

Dominic Simmons BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE

DEPUTY HEAD

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM AND

Sarah is an experienced Philosophy

CAREERS

and Religious Studies teacher who was

Dominic is an experienced Head of Sixth

previously a Senior Day Housemistress and

Form and Careers teacher who holds an

teacher of Philosophy and Religious Studies at

MSc in Leadership and Policy in Education. He

Harrow International School in Hong Kong, where strategic

be guiding girls in subject choices from the end of the Fourth

leadership has been central to her role and where she has

Form upwards, and working with our Director of Development

lead whole-school pastoral development. Before that she

to tap in to alumnae networks, thereby raising aspirations and

worked for 12 years at Stamford High School for Girls and

widening opportunities.

will

shares St Mary’s ethos that single sex education empowers our girls for life.

Martin Lawrence BSc (Hons) PGCE PHYSICS AND HEAD OF SCIENCE An Associate Member of the Institute of Physics (AMInstP), Martin has spent

Richard Taylor BA (Hons), PCGE HEAD OF FINE ART Richard completed his PCGE in 2016 and trained at Marden High School. He is an excellent artist with a strong portfolio of his own work.

most of his career at South Wilts Grammar School for Girls in Salisbury where he was Head of Physics. He brings with him the skills to encourage students to be enthusiastic and inquisitive about Science while empowering them to achieve the highest exam grades.

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Nicole Raymond BSc (Hons), PGCE SPORT Nicole completed her PGCE this year. She is world aquathlon champion and in her most recent position has been Acting Head of Swimming, Assistant Boarding Housemistress, Boarding Physical Activities Coordinator and Head of Triathlon at St Teresa’s School in Effingham, Surrey.

Lawrence Dalton BA (Hons), PGCE SPORT Lawrence comes to us from Queen Elizabeth School and was previously Head of Sport at Sherborne International. He is looking forward to inspiring the girls of St Mary’s to enjoy a life-long love of sport by broadening their opportunities at school.

Lydia Chmielewski BA (Hons), PGCE SPANISH As well as being a very experienced Spanish teacher, Lydia has been responsible for organising overseas trips and cultural experiences to engender a love of languages in students. She has also been an Assistant Housemistress and has experience in other areas of school life including coaching sport and running clubs.

Michael Forrester BA (Hons), MA, PGCE PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS, RE Michael studied at Thomas Aquinas College, California, and obtained his MA from Heythrop College, University of London. He began his teaching career at the all-boys Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in London and subsequently taught at Truro School in Cornwall. Michael joins us as Teacher of Religious Education, Philosophy, Classical Civilisation and Latin; he will also run an Astronomy Club with a view to it leading to a full GCSE qualification in 2019. He has two girls at St Mary’s, Sofia and Georgiana.

Fiona Rowland BA (Hons), PGCE LANGUAGES Fiona is returning to the St Mary’s Languages Department! She has taught French for many years at both prep and senior school level and is well known to St Mary’s as a teacher and housemistress, and for setting up the School Council. She is a graduate of London and Southampton Universities and has a passion for teaching and travel.

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Academic Achievements

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For quite a few years now, we have been told that the world is a rapidly changing place to both live and work in.

Perhaps we should not be too

careers and we are always extremely

surprised to see the world of

proud of the excellent results the girls

politics changing rapidly as

achieve year-on-year at St Mary’s

well. Traditionally, young people

which is testament to the hard work

have been disinterested in the

and determination of both teachers

democratic process. However, the

and girls.

recent independence referendum in Scotland and the General Election

However, resilience, determination

have completely dispelled these

and risk-taking are almost equally

ideas. With 72% of 18-24 year olds

important. I want our girls to believe

voting in the recent election, it is

anything is possible and that they

clear that young people do have a

have the confidence to try things,

voice and are prepared to actively

even though (and perhaps because)

participate in shaping their future.

success is not guaranteed. I believe these are the skills our girls have in

I see the role of schools as providing

abundance and are the ones that

the girls with the qualifications, skills

will allow them to be successful in

and experience to make choices

whatever they do once the door of

as they go through life. Clearly

opportunity has been unlocked by

public exams are an essential key to

their academic qualifications.

opening doors both to university and

Dr Chris Enos

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The winning Enterprise Team, G@ther

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ACADEMIC We have enjoyed a year of some tremendous successes throughout all of our subject areas. We were extremely pleased (yet not surprised), that our 2016 GCSE and A Level results placed us in the top 25 girls boarding schools in the country, reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence and rigour here at St Mary’s.

In the Autumn Term, our Sixth Form mathematicians performed brilliantly in the Senior UK Maths Challenge. Julia Zhang and Beth Mewett, won Gold and went on to represent the school in the next round of the competition. In January they came away with a merit each, the highest accolade they could receive. In February and April other year groups also took part in the challenge with equal success. Heidi

Academic

ARTiculation, The Roche Court Educational Trust

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HIGHLIGHTS He and Iris Zhang also walked away with gold while the LIV and UIII team came away with five certificates.

For those girls who were starting to consider their A Level and degree course choices, our careers fair in January provided some excellent food for thought. Local, national and international companies representing a variety of businesses and professions attended the event to inspire the girls and help them make informed decisions about their futures.

In January, History of Art student Jessica Gregory (UVI) represented the school in the regional heat of the ARTiculation competition run by the Roche Court Educational Trust. Our classicists took part in the Regional Classics Reading Competition in March.

Schools from across Wiltshire and Dorset gathered at St Mary’s to perform a selection of classical literature, mainly Latin poetry but also some Greek and some Latin prose. As ever, St Mary’s ended up with a pleasing haul of medals with wins in the Senior Latin Verse, Junior Latin Verse and Latin Verse B categories. Our LIII team also scooped a prize in the Junior Latin Play Competition.

This academic year finished with our annual LVI Enterprise Event. Eight teams of girls spent ten days designing their own restaurant concept with the final challenge to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges made up of industry professionals. It was a close competition but the winning team, G@ther, projected a wellresearched, brilliantly branded organic, eco-friendly style eatery combining solid ethics with great food.

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DURDLE DOOR GEOGRAPHY

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Trips

ROUNDUP Over the last year, St Mary’s girls have been travelling extensively both nationally and internationally to extend their educational, cultural and spiritual development.

During the autumn term the

The reported lack of snow didn’t

academic year started with the

faze this year’s skiers who had an

excitement of Textiles and Art

excellent start to the Christmas

students heading to London and

holidays in Austria.

Oxford to enjoy galleries, the V&A and a talk from British fashion

The delight of theatre continued

designer, Hussein Chalayan. While

in the New Year with our LV Latin

the UIII absorbed some local history

and UV Classics students heading

at Shaftesbury Abbey, 30 of the UV

to London to see the annual UCL

and LV ventured across the channel

Greek Play whilst the Sixth Form

for a powerful trip to see the First

English students saw the RSC’s

World War Battlefields.

ground breaking performance of The Tempest in Stratford.

During half term, our Chapel Choir

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had an unforgettable visit to Rome

Science dominated the Spring

while the thespians among us

Term with trips to Bath and

enjoyed theatre trips to Billy Elliot

Bristol Universities as part of the

and J B Priestley’s, An Inspector

tremendously successful British

Calls.

Science Week. Our Spanish

16 students did, however, manage to salsa their way to Salamanca in half term.

It wasn’t just the Spanish linguists who enjoyed some time away, our French speakers also absorbed the cultural diversity of Paris during the Easter Break.

Although short, this summer term has been filled with some amazing experiences. Our LIII had a lovely historical visit to Shaftesbury Abbey whilst our older historians had a great day at STEAM in Swindon.

Biologists and Geographers made the most of the fact that we are close to the incredible Jurassic Coast and visited Studland and Durdle Door as part of their studies. St Mary’s girls have enjoyed some of the UK’s most spectacular cities over the last few months visiting York, Bristol, Bath and London, whilst musicians and RE students went to Bournemouth to hear the BSO and visit a Synagogue.

The year finished with two local trip gems: Roche Court Sculpture Park and The Chalke Valley History Festival, making us remember just how lucky we are to have such amazing experiences available right on our doorstep.

BATTLEFIELDS TOUR

PARIS

STOURHEAD

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D of E

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2016-17

Gold:

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

care homes, helped at charity

has a significant place in school

shops, supported staff working

life here at St Mary’s with 78

with the pre-schoolers at our

girls currently part of our DofE

on-site Montessori and bravely

programme. This year, the team

assisted Calvin Bent with some

have worked hard to provide

beekeeping.

Silver:

expeditions as qualifiers and

Congratulations to all involved in

Chidinma Dike, Julia Aggett, Anna Baxter,

practices. Our Bronze Award

DofE as this continued dedication

participants stayed reasonably

to the scheme has seen a

local, enjoying the dramatic

fantastic 34 girls complete awards

scenery of the Purbeck Coast and

this academic year. 19 girls

Bronze:

Cranborne Chase, while the Silver

completed their Bronze Award, 8

Cecily Perry-Robinson, Amelia Atkins,

and Gold Award participants

their Silver and 7 their Gold.

Cicely Willis, Lucy Blyth, Laila Ellis,

the girls with some excellent

Lily Mitchell, Eleanor Whitaker, Jemima Mitchell, Sophie Lison, Eleanor Lawson, Marta Gavin, Freya Prigent

Giorgia Gaggero, Venetia Flint, Ayana Sakai, Isabella Vaughan-Edwards, Sofia Baglietto

Mei Xuan Cheng, Amelia Jardine-Paterson,

ventured further afield to complete expeditions in the Black Mountain

We are excited to announce that

Georgia Freely, Olivia Willis, Poppy Wakefield,

Foothills, the New Forest and the

we have just become a Duke of

Lourdes Hornung, Georgia Brand,

Brecon Beacons.

Edinburgh’s Award Licensed

Camilla Pryke, Cressida Black,

Centre which means that the

Elizabeth Anderson, Cecilia Oliver, Ngi Wai Lan,

Volunteering activities continue to

Awards are set to become an

Tabitha Elwell, Luisa Ortuzar

be something that we take very

even bigger part of life at St

seriously as part of the award and

Mary’s.

this year girls have visited local

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An

African Adventure At the start of the summer holidays a group of girls and staff left Dorset to embark on their African Adventure to Zambia and Zimbabwe.

They had the opportunity

Livingstone population living

to experience the cultural

with HIV it is unsurprising

diversity of these beautiful

that the majority of

African countries whilst also

children are AIDS orphans.

having the chance to visit

Spending time with the

some inspiring and life-

children and doing some

changing projects.

great activities with them was an amazing experience

The girls spent six days with

for everyone involved.

the children at the Lubasi Home in Livingstone. This

Getting to see the awesome

is a home that provides

Victoria Falls first hand is

residential care for orphans

something that our African

aged between five and

adventurers will never forget

eighteen years old. With

but seeing the ‘Moonbows’

a staggering 30% of the

really was a once-in-a-

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lifetime experience. The phenomenon known as ‘Moonbows’ happens for just three days in the month and is a spectacular show of lunar rainbows produced by moon light rather than sunlight. No wonder Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

There was never a dull moment during the trip with a cycle tour of the Livingstone townships one day and then swapping a bicycle for an elephant as the preferred method of transport the next! One of the many highlights was a terrific three-day camping safari where the girls saw most, if not all, of Africa’s stunning wildlife.

The girls were popular visitors at the Tukongote Preschool, one of their many school visits during the two weeks. They are sure to be sharing their countless stories with everyone else at St Mary’s for many months to come and we are all very much looking forward to hearing them.

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Generously Donated…

A grand total of nearly £7000 was

remainder. One of our youngest

raised for Lubasi Home since our

pupils, Beatrice Carrell donated her

last visit in 2015. A big chunk of this

prize money, £50, from the Catholic

(£2,471) was generated during two

Independent Schools Conference

years of fundraising by Newby house

Poetry Competition.

and we thank all Newby families for

The funds raised will be spent

their energy and generosity.

on projects Lubasi Home have prioritised, including improvements

Caro Borton and Mrs Bramble raised

to the laundry dining room. Those

a whopping £2,320 when they took

travelling to Zambia were able to take

part in their charity skydive in the

with them newly purchased bedlinen

spring- their bravery paid huge

and outdoor toys for the children as

dividends for all!

well as 12 boxes and 3 suitcases

Our Charity lunches at school

packed with the useful donations

also generated £1000, and further

sent in to school by parents.

fundraising by girls, families and friends of the school formed the

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Thank you!

DRAMA The Stage is Set…

by Chris Sykes, HEAD OF DRAMA AND PERFORMING ARTS

Beautiful singing and

to great acclaim. The first

The second end-of-year show

emotionally believable

of these was the Hewarth

was the UIV Production, The

performances combined to

House Production, The Road

House of Dreams. Written by

create an uplifting experience

to Glastonbury, written by

Mr Sykes, the show featured

for the audiences over the

Mrs Key, designed by Mrs

a surreal fairground attraction

three sell-out performances

Holman, and directed by

where dreams and reality

of The Sound of Music in

both. The stage of St Mary’s

mixed with comic teenage

the autumn. The Senior

School was transformed into

tensions and more serious

School production was

a Somerset field as pupils of

issues. Because many of

directed by Mr Sykes with

Hewarth House recreated the

those in the cast this year had

musical direction by Mr

first ever Glastonbury pop

an interest in Musical Theatre,

Harris; choreography was by

festival. As the iconic Tor was

Mr Sykes wrote seven songs

Francesca Morrissey (UVI),

illuminated, the cast showed

into the script, showcasing

and costumes by Rosie

a range of talents from

some great voices amongst

Wakefield (UVI), recycling

comic acting to the rousing

these rising stars of the future.

some old St Mary’s kilts as the

rendition of the classic hits

Great character acting and

Von Trapp children’s play-

of The Summer of Love,

comic naturalism mixed with

clothes!

accompanied by Mr Harris,

knock-about physical comedy

and impressed both staff and

from two quirky clowns,

On Parents’ Day, two original

parents with their commitment

producing a show with

productions were performed

and enthusiasm.

something for everyone.

The Speech and Drama Department, led by Mrs Holman, teaches nearly half the girls in school. This year we held 5 examination sessions,

LAMDA Sucess

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entering 92 girls for exams.

We continue to have a very good relationship with LAMDA, with whom we have an excellent reputation.

Results: Of the results already received from 2 exam sessions the girls achieved: Merit: (65%-79%)

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Distinction: (80% - 100%)

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18 girls achieved their Grade 8 - Gold Medal, 10 with Distinction 32 were Medal exams and worthy of UCAS points.

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC

DRAMA

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UIV PRODUCTION

THE HOUSE OF DREAMS

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DRAMA

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DRAMA

THE ROAD TO GLASTONBURY HEWARTH PRODUCTION

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MUSIC Striking a Chord

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There have been a number of musical highlights this year. The department is always busy, with ensembles and choirs rehearsing and performing nearly every week. The autumn term saw the

a ‘Mini Messiah’: the Chapel Choir were supported by Sandroyd and Knighton House Schools and a professional orchestra.

introduction of Live Lounge,

A concert involving pianists, poets

which gave Sixth Form pupils

variation to the usual canon of

and painters was a welcome

the opportunity to play to their

concerts. The House Music

colleagues in the comfort and

concerts and St Cecilia concert,

relaxed atmosphere of the

the breadth of talent the school

Mary Ward Common Room.

all arranged by the pupils, showed possesses in so many musical areas.

After an amazing choir trip to Rome in October, where singing

The May Concert is a chance

Mass at St Peter’s will become a

for the UVI pupils to sing and

memory that many will treasure,

play for the final time as well

the department geared itself

as for the ensembles to show

towards the Christmas period with

just what they had all been

a large-scale concert as well as

rehearsing throughout the year

carol services.

and there were some splendid performances.

The spring term was crowned with a wonderful performance of

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Derek Harris, Director of Music

SHOWCASING

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DANCE The phenomenal dance opportunities offered to the girls at St Mary’s came to fruition in March with the wonderful Dance Showcase. Our many talented dancers joined forces to produce a performance worthy of the admiration it received. Nearly 40 students took part, some beginners and some who have been dancing for years, and threw themselves into rigorous rehearsal schedules to ensure the very highest standards were achieved.

Many of the dances on show

impeccable behaviour. They were

were disciplines taught here

the perfect ambassadors for St

at school including ballet, tap,

Mary’s, congratulations to all

jazz, Flamenco and Irish and we

involved.

enjoyed a lovely performance from our Musical Theatre Club.

We extend our thanks to our dance teachers who enable

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In the summer term a group of

the girls to try all these different

our dancers went to Bournemouth

styles and welcome all ages and

to take exams. Not only did

abilities to their classes, ensuring

they dance to an extraordinarily

that enjoyment is the top priority

high standard but there was a

while getting the girls to work to

special mention made about their

extremely high standards.

CREATIVE ARTS

By Maxine Bridger, Head of Art

We had an outstanding start to the year, sweeping up

During the autumn term our UIII students participated

the top prizes from the Dorset Arts Awards - the largest

in the Young Gallery ‘Library of Ideas’ competition

competition prizes outside of London.

and exhibition in Salisbury, open to all schools in the South West. We were overjoyed to win First Prize for

First Prize for individuals in her age category went to

overall Best Work in Show. Well done to everyone who

India Tuersley for her photography film, she received

contributed for your hard work producing fantastic 3D

a prize of £1000! Second Prize went to Charlotte

book illustrations, which have since been on display in

Whiteside for her stunning documentary photography,

our own library.

she walked away with £500 of prize money. And last, but by no means least, First Prize for Overall

We have had both LV and UV Photography and Textiles

Outstanding Work Across All Disciplines went to

exhibitions at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, which were

St Mary’s Shaftesbury. We received £500 to be put

extremely well received by the public. The LV Autumn

to good use within our Art Department. We were

in Colour photography exhibition, now in its fifth year,

all extremely proud to attend the wonderful private

has begun to gather a substantial following amongst

view and exhibition of the winners’ work held in

local photography and art enthusiasts.

Bournemouth.

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

ISABEL GIBB UVI

MANDY TAN LV

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32

VENETIA FARTHING UVI

The girls have had the

have raised £300 for their

opportunity to go on some

charity through a series of

inspiring Art, Photography

initiatives, whilst successfully

and Textiles trips this year

developing their business skills.

JESSICA GREGORY UVI

with visits to Hauser & Wirth, Lacock Museum and London

At the end of term, we held a

- Tate Modern and Tate Britain,

fantastic and much admired

to name a few. During the

Art and Photography Exhibition

Easter break we took the Sixth

showcasing the students’ final

Form to Paris where students

A Level pieces and highlighting

experienced some wonderful

the exceptionally high standard

exhibitions at the Pompidou,

of work achieved here at St

Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and

Mary’s.

Jeu de Paume.

We have been pleased to be Students have relished

able to offer Art Scholarships

the chance to learn new

this year to some artistically

techniques in a series of

talented students both

workshops delivered this year.

internally and externally and

From Life Drawing to Studio

so look forward to seeing even

Pet Portraits, the girls have had

more inspiring work over the

the opportunity to develop their

coming year.

THEODORA COMPTON

portfolios with their new-found skills.

In spring 2018 we are looking forward to a new and exciting

Shutterbabes, our St Mary’s

Fashion Show; more details to

photography enterprise group,

follow!

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33

www.stmarys.eu

ABIGAIL LIM L6

Sport

36

ATHLETICS

With some fantastic athletes

competitors with Alexa coming

at St Mary’s this year the girls

4th and Munashe placed

have been consistently beating

2nd in Junior Discus. Poppy’s

personal bests, proving that

potential was spotted by one

there has been a noticeable

of the county coaches when

difference in form as the term

taking part in the Long Jump

has progressed.

and we are looking forward to seeing how these young athletes

We were very proud of the

develop next year.

five girls selected to attend the Dorset Schools County

As part of this development

Championships in Bournemouth

our Elite Athlete Group is now

in June. Having earned their

providing all-round support to

places to be there after

our girls, looking at nutrition,

competing in the North Dorset

psychology and goal-setting as

Schools Athletics meet earlier in

well as working with the girls on

the term, Alexa Gibb, Munashe

their strength and conditioning.

Ingram, Olivia Owen, Poppy Lewis and Georgie Annett all proved themselves as worthy

“Never Set Limits, Go after your Dreams”

37

Paula Radcliffe

CROSS COUNTRY This was a really successful year for the Cross Country girls.

St Mary’s teams placed as follows:

The girls train hard throughout the winter and reap the reward

Junior (UIII & LIV) – 12th, 14th, 15th.

of improved places and times, both individually and within

Inters (UIV & LV) – 4th, 9th, 10th.

their teams, taking part in a variety of different events which maintains motivation in these tough competitions.

County Cross Country Event: In the Juniors, Theo Compton and Fleur Harvey

We again hosted our own relay event in October, which saw

put in two great runs, finishing in the top 40.

great turnout from schools around the Dorset. 37 teams and over 150 runners took part; there were some excellent team

In the Inters, Ella Potts and Georgina Annett also put in

performances, personal best times and fast individual laps.

great runs, Ella finished inside the top 30 with great self-

Evident above the running pace, endurance and skill of the

determination and Georgina finished strongly in the top 40

participants was some great camaraderie, sportswoman-ship

in the County.

and pride.

Riding Excellence Amelia Hayes, one of our equestrian stars, was one of just 22 children between the ages of 10 – 14 to qualify for the final at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham. She did incredibly well to be placed in the top nine at the event, testament to her hard work and dedication.

In November, four of our St Mary’s girls competed in the South West Wilts Pony Club Show Jumping Event. Fleur, Tallulah, Oria and Lara represented the school and rode beautifully in their classes with Oria and Lara finishing 2nd in Class 4.

We are very grateful to Lisa Hayes for continuing to train our St Mary’s riders.

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Amelia Hayes

38

HOCKEY Our pre-season Hockey weekend is a fantastic way to start

The senior teams have continued to train under the expertise

the season, enabling fitness, skills, team-building, nutrition,

of both Matt Haskett and Mrs Webb and all teams performed

strategies and tactics are all worked on in the weekend before

competitively in their respective tournaments.

the girls start the autumn term, helping them be match-fit when the first matches begin.

Seniors captain Cheski Morrissey said, “Our success would not have been possible without our excellent goal keeper Hetta

We had a very busy season with hockey fixtures; there are

Long, her persistence and dedication to diving all over the

great participation rates at the school meaning many Saturdays

place was faultless and did not go un-noticed especially in

saw up to ten St Mary’s teams playing hockey both at home

our tough game against Monkton Combe. This defence was

and away. Younger teams developed quickly throughout the

supported by Felicity White who not only consistently cleared

first term, with some U12 team-members playing up for the

the attacking balls away from the D, but took all of our short

U13s from an early stage.

corners with accuracy and speed.”

“

Zara Whiteside, Games Captain also notes,:

The 1st XI was captained this season by Cheski, who worked tirelessly in the right wing position, performing with constant drive and determination whatever the opposition, despite being a leading role in the play this term. She was an inspiration to the

”

younger girls, always motivating with her constructive team talks, and a true asset to hockey at St Mary’s.

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39

NETBALL Yet again, the U14 squad had a great

throughout the winter and committed

positions and working together as a

start to their season, heading off to

to frequent evening training sessions,

team.

Condover Hall in Shropshire for the

this culminated in an inter-academy

GSA Netball tournament weekend in

tournament at the David English centre

Our U14 & U15 girls have fielded nearly

September. This is a super experience,

in Bournemouth and both girls were

three teams, and if the girls have not

not only for the girls to play other

asked to attend U16 trials at the end of

started in the B team, they have had

fantastic netball teams from around the

the summer term; we await to hear the

the opportunity at one point or other

country, but it also enables them to really

news!

to represent their school in a B team

gel as a team, (particularly with new girls

fixture. We were able to field four teams

starting at St Mary’s in UIV) over high-

St Mary’s hosted the U15 County Netball

ropes courses, netball warm ups and

tournament which showcased a high

meeting England Netball players.

level of netball from around Dorset

The 1st team won eight of their 11

at senior level.

with our team competing against QE,

matches which is a real achievement

The U16s had to cope with a change

Woodroffe, Highcliffe, Bryanston and

and overall we have had a very balanced

of team members this season and

Canford.

season against a range of netball

so worked incredibly hard in difficult

schools, with all teams building their

circumstances. The U19s were

Meanwhile the U13 team played

strength through the season to win their

phenomenal at County level, up against

brilliantly in their North Dorset

last few matches.

much bigger schools and teams

tournament, reaching the semi-finals.

which included many club players.

We also hosted the Shaftesbury Area

To round off a superb season, there

They held their own and just missed

High 5 tournament, with our LV girls

were two trips to watch Superleague

out on qualifying for the South West

umpiring the matches, as they work

matches at Bath University, which

championship. They went on to have a

through their England Netball ‘Into

showed the power, dynamism and

fantastic season, only losing one match!

Officiating’ course. Now that we have

expert skill level at elite netball.

LIII girls back at school, we were able Two U14 girls, Alexa Gibb and Anna

to enter our own U11 team, which was

Preston were selected to train in

fantastic and the girls who played learnt

the Blandford Satellite Academy

a great deal about all the different

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40

SWIMMING The swimming squad girls have shown continued enthusiasm and determination this year and those swimmers who have been able to dedicate to two or three training sessions a week have seen improvements in their technique and speed. We have had one school record broken this year; the U14 50m Backstroke by Rosanna Webb (39.24).

Alongside the inter-school fixtures we have had throughout the year, we continue to organise the North Dorset Swimming gala for girls in Years 7-10. We were pleased with both of the teams we entered with U14s coming 3rd and U15s coming 5th.

SPORTS LEADERS Early in the autumn term, our 17 Sports Leaders in UV worked in collaboration with the North Dorset School Games Co-ordinator, enabling our girls to lead and guide workshops for local primary students throughout the day. The Primary Leadership Academy Day involved 15 Primary Schools, with over 70 Year 5 and Year 6 pupils joining us for the day. The Sports Leaders were well prepared for the event and encouraged the young pupils to stretch their skills and work as teams.

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41

TENNIS

What a fantastic Tennis season we have had!

The wonderful work by our tennis

We entered the LTA Team Tennis event

coaches throughout the winter months

again this year and await the final results,

certainly ensures girls are prepared

but the girls have won all bar one match,

for the start of a summer term and

so things are looking good!

as fixtures began we were extremely pleased with the results. We are regularly able to field additional pairs in matches and occasionally supplement players for our opposing teams. St Mary’s girls love their tennis and we go from strength to strength!

In the North Dorset Team events, we achieved the ‘Triple Crown’ – champions in three age groups and a 3rd place for the fourth. The U12, U13 & U14 teams were unstoppable and the U15 team came a very commendable 3rd against some very strong competitors.

www.stmarys.eu

Parent-Daughter Tennis Tournament We had some superb weather for the annual Parent-Daughter tennis and the Astro was filled with a very high standard of tennis, laughter among players and a little bit of competitiveness too! Thank you to all who took part and well done to this year’s winners:

2017 Tournament Winners

Junior 1st place Munashe & Comfort Ingram

Senior Anna & Richard Preston

2nd place

Lourdes & Anthony Hornung

Maria Perez & Roz Vita

3rd place

Mollie & David Young

Pia Gonzalez & Michael Hill

&

42

Health Happiness

Celebrating the success of our first Health and Wellbeing Festival We’re all accustomed to

girls, alongside the academic

including healthy relationships,

students enjoying activity

curriculum, the essential skills

managing change, positive use

days in their academic

they will need to succeed in

of social media and goals

subjects; trips to take part in

the world beyond St Mary’s.

and aims.

seminars, field trips, and visits

With increasing numbers of

to museums and art galleries

university students needing to

As well as enjoying fun

are all an essential part of

access mental health support

activities in the pool, music

a well-rounded education.

services on campus, our aim

department and on the sports

Such days off-timetable give

is to give girls the ability to

pitch (Day Two of the Festival

the girls a chance to really

achieve balance in their lives

concluded with Sports Day),

immerse themselves in a topic

and understand how to make

girls and staff learned about

and deepen their learning and

sure they’re keeping body, mind

good eating habits, the science

understanding. This year we

and soul in the best condition.

of well-being and how to

also introduced a Health and

sleep well. Staff also had

Wellbeing activity day for all

This year’s Health and

the opportunity to take part

students, where girls took part

Wellbeing Festival involved

in streching and movement

in a full day of sessions on

St Mary’s staff and visiting

classes or enjoy a massage or

nutrition, relaxation techniques,

experts delivering a timetable

acupuncture session.

physical activity and mental

of different activities for girls,

health awareness, all aimed

all appropriate to their different

Our whole-school commitment

at highlighting the need for a

age groups. St Mary’s Old

to the welfare of staff and

balanced lifestyle.

Girl Susie Bennett, who

pupils is an ongoing, integral

now runs Origin Wellbeing,

part of the St Mary’s community

The pastoral care for which

came in to deliver workshops

and will have a positive impact

St Mary’s is so well known is

throughout the day. Susie has

on our engagement with each

about more than the personal

over 20 years’ experience in

other, as well as on the girls as

attention our girls receive from

the industry, working privately

learners; this summer’s Festival

teaching and house staff. It’s

and in the NHS, and worked

was a brilliant celebration

also about actively teaching

with different groups on topics

of that!

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

Nourishing Mind, Body and Soul There’s been nothing but praise for the new catering arrangements we’re enjoying under Thomas Franks. A keystone to the health and wellbeing of all the girls, the meals in the refectory have always been prepared with love and care.

Chef Simon Owens ensures there are now even more tempting salad options, freshly made bread and homemade soups on offer each day. The fruit salad bar has been a particular success, making it easier than ever to make balanced choices in the breakfast, lunch or supper queue.

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44

The

Great

Estate

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

45

From the moment you turn into the

St Mary’s driveway there is no denying that this 50-acre estate nestling on the Wiltshire/Dorset boarder is nothing less than spectacular.

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46

We all know it so well that we maybe sometimes take for granted the stunning buildings set amongst the towering beech trees. The pristine flowerbeds and perfectly pruned shrubbery that offset the impressive architecture. Not all our visitors have the pleasure of seeing the carefully tended grass on the Head’s Lawn and do we ever take a moment to think about the piles and piles of leaves that drop in the autumn and how they miraculously disappear before turning to slimy mulch?

These beautiful surroundings that

that animals offer. Some of our girls

we all get the opportunity to enjoy,

have learned the skill of beekeeping

and that our girls are growing up in,

through helping with the school hives

are maintained to the very highest

and earlier this year they also had

level by our dedicated grounds staff:

the rare pleasure of helping to weigh

Calvin Bent, our Head Groundsman

and ring our resident Tawny owlet.

and Caretaker, and his right-handman, Jason Eyres.

Mr Bent looks for every opportunity to involve the girls in learning nature

They devote their time not only to

studies through the estate. In

ensuring that the St Mary’s grounds

November the girls helped plant over

are as visually pleasing as possible,

1000 snowdrop bulbs that had been

but also to guaranteeing that the

kindly donated to the school.

girls benefit from everything the estate has to offer.

Thanks to the continued hard-work and passion of the estate team

Our rare breed sheep have brought

we have a school that exceeds all

much joy to girls through the years,

preconceived ideas of traditional

even stepping into the spotlight at

English country beauty. We must

the local Shaftesbury and Gillingham

walk as often as we can, absorb our

and Ringwood and Ellingham

surroundings, delight in the fact that

Agricultural Shows. Our pets corner

we can be part of this little, glorious

gives the girls the opportunity to

part of the country and give thanks

have the enjoyment of keeping a

for the commitment it takes to keep it

pet and the comfort and distraction

looking so wonderful.

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

As well as other school news, estate news often features on our school social media channels.

Groundsman Jason Eyres enjoys using his Twitter account to showcase the St Mary’s grounds. Follow him on @jceyres for a different perspective of our lovely estate.

www.stmarys.eu

“

learned the skill of beekeeping through helping with the school hives and

St Mary’s on Social Media

For latest updates please do follow us on Facebook (/stmshaftesbury), Twitter (@STMShaftesbury) and our new Instagram page (@StMarysShaftesbury), which will be dedicated to the estate and our extracurricular activities.

Some of our girls have

earlier this year they also had the rare pleasure of helping to weigh and ring

”

our resident Tawny owlet.

48

TAKING HAVING

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

RISKS, FUN

49

Novices and experts alike have enjoyed the broad Co Curricular offering this year. At St Mary’s everyone is encouraged to ‘have a go’ whatever their level of ability; from building in Minecraft to performing in a rock band, debating current affairs to playing football; education is broader than the confines of a classroom. www.stmarys.eu

50

A lot of the activities girls take part in

cultural understanding. Weekends are

during the term are covered in other

enjoyed by boarders and day girls alike,

parts of this magazine; music and

with memorable trips to the New Forest

drama, dance and sport form the natural

Water Park, and the fabulous colour run

backbone of what girls do in their spare

highlights of the summer term. Sixth

time, but there are also opportunities to

Formers have got stuck (if you’ll pardon

take part in societies and clubs, outdoor

the pun) in to beekeeping, as well as

education, forging community links,

learning the essentials of car mechanics

charity fundraising and a plethora of

and how to rustle up a decent meal on

weekend activites.

a student budget alongside their busy academic commitments.

Library and book clubs, Musical Theatre Club, Shutterbabes photography,

Trying new things with friends and girls

self-defence, textiles, creative writing,

from different year-groups, building

fencing and Oxbridge discussion group

resilience, learning about themselves

have all been enjoyed by girls this year.

and how to work in teams, developing

Culture Club continues to grow, our

interests and discovering new talents;

Hispanic society thrives and welcomed

the activities programme offers a variety

a visiting speaker and our International

of enrichment for all. of enrichment for

Food Festival developed palates and

all.

BOOK CLUBS MUSICAL THEATRE C TEXTILES CREATIVE WRITING FEN CLUB HISPANIC SOCIETY VISITING

51

VISITING SPEAKERS Girls enjoy lectures and seminars throughout the year from distinguished guests on a variety of cultural, social, political, ethical and economic subjects. These talks broaden horizons and extend their knowledge outside of the classroom. Pupils also benefit from the opportunity to network with influential people (including Old Girls) from a variety of industries.

This year we welcomed a huge range of speakers.

Early in the year Ann Widdecombe came for a repeat visit – her talks are always popular and her direct style is well received by an audience of discerning teenagers. A taster of others we hosted during 20162017 are: Bill Dare Radio 4 comedy writer, author Ali Sparks, parent and director of the TUSK charity Charles Mayhew (in advance of the trip to Zambia), students who have taken part in the OMV Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Old Girl Nicola Turner Inman Assistant to the Deputy Surveyor of The Queen’s Works of Art for Royal Collection Trust and the parents of Jimmy Mizen. During Science Week we hosted Fr Andrew Pinsent who spent part of his career at CERN, Katherine Wright from Nuffield Council for Bioethics

CLUB SHUTTERBABES PHOTOGR NCING OXBRIDGE DISCUSSION G G SPEAKERS INTERNATIONAL FO who spoke on the subject of ethics and cosmetic surgery and GP Dr Emms.

52

A Year in

Chaplaincy

By Angela Eddy

The spiritual year at St Mary’s began with our wonderful Rite of Welcome service; it offers the perfect start to every year, opening our arms to all of our new students and staff.

Other significant services throughout the school year were equally as splendid and treasured by the girls, staff, parents and visitors. The All Saints’ Whole School Mass was a tremendous student led service, as was the Ash Wednesday Liturgy. The special Boarders’ Liturgies are well received by the girls and form an important part of the school calendar. This year we all enjoyed our All Souls’, Advent and Lent Reconciliation Services and the Corpus Christi Procession. The end of year Leavers Mass gave us the opportunity to wish the girls and staff leaving St Mary’s the very best for the future. They go with our prayers in their hearts to support them along their chosen paths.

Opportunities are offered during the afternoons each term for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

A highlight of the chaplaincy year is the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Confirmations held at Salisbury Cathedral and here at St Mary’s. Many thanks for the support and help given to the girls by Fr Robert Miller, Fr John Rice and Fr Richard Warhurst.

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53

Throughout the school year,

opportunities to the DofE girls as

all the girls experience our

well as starting the Mini Vinnies

regular retreats. These enriching

who have been an inspiration

days are organised by myself,

to all by putting their faith into

together with Paul Andrewartha

action.

and the Catholic Bible School in Chichester, and offer an

Thank you to the tremendous

opportunity for girls to take time

Chaplaincy Team, made up of

out with God, reflect and pray.

girls from UIV-UVI, who have led whole school Masses,

Within school we constantly look

organised Rosary Rallies in the

to expand the faith experiences

evenings and have brought so

of the girls. This year, Mrs Arnal,

much joy and vibrancy to our

Mrs Hill and I, took the girls on

faith community. Also thanks go

a fantastic trip to York to follow

to the House Mistresses who,

in the footsteps of Mary Ward

with their Liturgy Prefects, liaise

and for the girls to have a true

with me for Sunday Mass and

Monastic Experience. This is a

provide refreshments afterwards.

wonderful opportunity for our LIV girls and we were very pleased

Finally, thank you to Mr Harris

to be able to re-introduce it to

and the Chapel Choir, we are

the curriculum.

truly blessed with their heavenly voices under superb direction.

The St Vincent de Paul Society have given volunteering

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54

Mary Ward

Values At the beginning of the year, our Director of Mission and Ethos Jacintha Bowe worked on a unique project with resident Religious Education teacher Caroline Watson and the textiles department, putting framed quotes by Mary Ward up around the school. Miss Watson describes the purpose and spirit of the project.

Mary Gonzaga Barry was an Irish nun who led the

followed Mary Ward’s values, as well as that of

first Loreto Sisters to Australia in 1875 where they

the girls and women who have walked the halls of

set up Catholic schools for girls. As an Australian,

St Mary’s Shaftesbury. Bringing the words of our

the work of Mother Gonzaga Barry featured

foundress into our daily lives is a key part of being

prominently in my education and she memorably

in the St Mary’s community.

said, “We should stand in a place where God can be seen.” God can be seen all around St Mary’s

When I was on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Shaftesbury in the way the girls live out the Mary

expedition right at the end of the summer term this

Ward values of freedom, justice, sincerity, verity

year, I had the chance to reflect on how I’d seen

and felicity.

Mary Ward values lived out at the school. Mary Ward taught the ‘freedom to refer all to God’, and

Having the Mary Ward quotes around the school

at school we practice that in the rhythm and hum

makes her very present. We benefit from 400

of the place, with the chapel at its centre. Similarly,

years’ worth of wisdom of the women who have

Mary Ward prized the value of sincerity and there is

SERVE GOD WITH GREAT LOVE AND LIBERTY OF MIND THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

55

I LISTENED TO GOD’S DEEP DREAM FOR ME AND FELT A LONGING TO RESPOND

no greater display of sincerity than the

experienced suppression historically;

bonds between the girls as well as the

we are fortunate to have the freedom

respect deep friendship and support

in the twenty first century to celebrate

between girls and staff.

the legacy Mary Ward has left. It is said that she was considered by

The girls themselves live the values

the Protestant church to be ‘more

instinctively and the staff create an

trouble than seven Jesuits’ (her male

environment where that is possible.

Catholic counterparts who ministered

Without realising they are doing so, the

to the English Catholics during the

girls are genuine and truthful, living

Reformation), and we’re inspired by this

a life of verity. They also embrace the

spiritedness.

idea of felicity; they are good at making their own fun and being joyful about the

Another of Mary Ward’s sayings was

world.

“No half measures, no half women,” and we certainly try to live up to that.

The Congregation of Jesus (CJ) and

She was brave and courageous, and

the Institute of the Blessed Virgin

we encourage St Mary’s girls to be the

Mary (IVBM) are orders which have

same today.

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD AND ALL GOOD COMES FROM HIM www.stmarys.eu

56

HOUSE Harewell

by Felicity Whyte

We’ve had a happy, busy and

Our House Assistants, Mrs Sandra

girls performed as our very special

successful year in Harewell House.

Shutler and Mrs Jacky Watts have

guests enjoyed a beautiful vintage tea

The girls thrived under the leadership

nurtured, humoured, cajoled,

party.

of a Prefect Team who have proved

reassured, and advised the girls

outstanding role models for the

throughout the year. This year

It wouldn’t be right to close without

younger girls. Harewell boasts some

Harewell supported the Salisbury

mentioning wonderful Mrs Sue

of the most senior Prefect positions

Hospital STARS Appeal as our house

Holman who was at the Harewell helm

for next year - Head Girl (Kirsty

charity. Not only is the charity local

for so many years. It is a terrific bonus

Stage), Deputy Head Girl (Mary

but it meant a lot to the late Mrs Eileen

to have Sue remain as a member of

Potts), Sports Captain (Izzy Northcott)

Samoluk (a previous and dearly loved

the Harewell academic team and I

as well as Overseas Prefect (Janice

House Assistant). A lovely and fitting

thank her for her unstinting love and

Chan) and Art Prefect (Laura

tribute.

support.

The spring term saw the girls come

We look forward with excitement to

together to celebrate Mother’s Day

another fantastic year led by our new

with a special concert, showcasing

prefect team under the leadership of

the plethora of Harewell talent. The

Cicely Willis.

Williamson). Well done to all of them.

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

REPORTS Hewarth

by Susannah Hill

We have enjoyed a wonderful year in

The LIV had a great experience in

As always it has been fantastic to

Hewarth House which has been full of

York and it was a highlight of the year

watch girls discover and develop their

fun, laughter and friendship. As ever,

to spend time together, away from

talents through the year and seeing

the boarders have made the most

school, deepening our knowledge

Hewarth perform on the sports field,

of living with their peers; learning to

of St Mary’s heritage and continuing

in concerts, dance shows and in their

become independent and reliable

ethos.

production has been a real pleasure.

individuals whilst forming strong

We shall miss our lovely LIV as they

friendships that will last a lifetime.

It has been a joy to welcome back

move on to the main houses and

The UIII in particular have thrived

girls in LIII and we are so proud of all

senior school but wish them every

in this environment and quickly put

they have achieved this year. They are

success in the future.

their own stamp on cubie life. We

such a big part of our school now that

have loved welcoming so many day

it is hard to remember a time without

girls overnight and at weekends too,

them!

strengthening bonds between all in Hewarth.

“

We have enjoyed a wonderful year in Hewarth House which has been full of fun, laughter and friendship.

www.stmarys.eu

”

HOUSE

58

York

by Beverley Roberts Safely ensconced in our new house

We won the book quiz, jigsaw puzzle

their own traditional food; our cultures

with the beautiful rolling hills and

competition, and the inter-house

coming together through food, music

panoramic view of the Head’s lawn,

hockey. The LVI, led by Caro and

and laughter.

York girls have had a fantastic year.

Giorgia organised a great Christmas

We began our fund raising with the

party where we all dressed up as

We have had Happy Hours in the

Dog show and Fun Run - many York

fairies, dragons and elves.

common room, pool parties and

families attended and the event was

pancakes and enjoyed activities with

a great success. On Amakuru Apple

In the spring term we performed at our

the house assistants on the Head’s

Day parents, girls and staff baked

beautiful York House Music Concert

Lawn. Our first year together is coming

apply produce and we sold toffee

- such talented girls - the event was a

to an end, the joining of two houses

apples, pies and cakes to raises

triumph and we raised around £300 for

was seamless and we are all now York

money for the House charity Amakuru

our House Charity. The international

girls living in the heart of the school.

trust.

food festival was fantastic, all girls

My thanks as ever to Mrs Bent and

having the opportunity to show off

Mrs Bull for their continued support.

“

Our first year together is coming to an end, the joining of two houses was seamless and we are all now York girls living in the heart of the school.

”

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REPORTS Newby

by Debbie Whitehead Newby has had a fantastic year. The

The girls have been busy fund-raising

Our LVI Prefect Team leave Newby

girls displayed loyalty, enthusiasm,

for our house charity, Lubasi Home,

with lots of love and thanks as they

team work and generosity of spirit at

in Zambia. They made candles and

move on and up to Mary Ward House,

all our house events. We have won the

crafts for the Christmas Fair, walked

or Australia in Samantha’s case! We

coveted House Shield three times in a

a ten mile sponsored walk, made

are also saying a sad farewell to some

row and the whole house has enjoyed

music, danced and acted in our

of our Newby Staff as they move on

a special House Treat each term

successful Show and much more,

to the next phase of their life and a

this year!

always being generous with their time.

special mention must go to Mrs Pugh

We have raised an amazing amount,

who has unfailingly supported Newby

The house has been ably led by Chid

nearly £2,500 and, together, with Mrs

girls for the last fourteen years! You

and the VI Form Team with unending

Bramble and Caro’s Sky Dive fund

will be missed very much.

support from Mrs Healey and Mrs

raiser and generous donations from

Sanger, the much loved House

individuals and the Charities Prefects

Assistants and the wonderful

we will be taking over £6,500 to

House Staff.

Zambia on our visit to Lubasi Home this summer.

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60

MARY WARD This year will be long remembered as the first one with the short kilts!

We had fantastic input into the Sound of Music with girls practising late into the evening singing in the showers and keeping Miss Watson awake in the flat upstairs. This was an awesome production, and all credit to the girls who took part.

The autumn term ended with the ski trip; a definite high point of the year, as 20 of us set off for the Austrian slopes. Sadly, Lucinda ended up with her leg in a space boot on the second day but she was so brave for the rest of the week.

The spring term brought the hilarious Sixth Form entertainment which these days consists of a film made in the weeks leading up to the event plus some skits to keep the girls and staff amused. Both Bethan and Cheski were brilliant as Mrs Arnal and Mr Daley, and Lucy Titley performed as Miss Walker in this, her last year.

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61

HOUSE 2016-17 We had a beautiful retreat to finish the year, followed

by Mass, supper and a wonderful evening of entertainment for parents, girls and staff. This year group is immensely talented and many parents commented that it was the best concert that they had been to at St Mary’s.

The exam season has not been without its stresses but the work ethic, particularly over the final months of the A level courses, was tremendous. Mrs Boote, Mrs Richards and I really love working in Mary Ward House; it is a joy to be part of the rounds of 18th birthdays, driving tests and university offers, to support the girls in their hard work and watch them flourish and succeed.

Dee Webb

www.stmarys.eu

In May we held our first ever Walled Garden Festival. After a day of drizzle, there was a break in the clouds and as the rain stopped, the music started.

The school band, Holy Smokes, took to the stage alongside Old St Mary’s Girl, Emma Croggan.

Talented South Dorset band, Galaxy Thief, were the headline act and later in the evening girls, parents, staff and guests danced the night away to Glastonbury and Bestival regulars, DJ’s WBBL. There wasn’t just music to entertain the revellers; hoop artists, body artists, food stands and boho clothing stalls completed the festival feel. We can’t wait until next year!

64

St Mary’s

Old Girls As Development Director my role is to cultivate all of the remarkably strong networks which continue to emanate from St Mary’s.

Since joining in January I have been positively overwhelmed by the outpouring of loyalty and affection expressed by St Mary’s current and ex pupils.

My aim is to help draw these diverse strands into focus in support of all those concerned and also the school itself.

I am currently organising old girls into occupational groups, whose members will benefit from their own new networks, but also be able to offer work experience, internships and career advice to our current and other ex-pupils.

We held a drinks party at the Lansdowne Club in London this June, where 150 Old Girls met with staff past and present for a slightly raucous and very enjoyable few hours. We were

thrilled to see so many people reconnecting and sharing their news and are looking forward to expanding our number of old girls events over the coming year.

Please do keep in touch with us with your news, and let as many of your St Mary’s friends as possible know that we would love to hear from them.

Jim Massey jmassey@stmarys.eu

Lansdowne Event

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NEWSFROMALUMNAE

65

Briony Venn has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $25,000 to continue the work of ‘Enable Medellín’ she established as an NGO in Colombia. The organisation 3D prints prosthetic upper limbs for children and victims of the long running Colombian conflict.

Annie Bennett completed the 2017 London Marathon in April, running for Children with Cancer UK and raising well over £3,000. Annie finished in 3 hours and 33 minutes which she is sure her old games teachers Ms Jean Walker and Mrs Katy Booth would never be able to believe.

Liz Killick received the prestigious National Award of Apprentice Groom of the Year in January 2017.

Sarah Burnford became engaged to Major Edward Dalrymple Hamilton, Scots Guards.

Judith Micklem has published a book by her father about his life and hymnwriting, which she has illustrated: ‘Looking for a Voice, a Hymnological Autobiography’ by Caryl and Alison Micklem. www.stmarys.eu

Alexia Doherty (née Barrett 1990) has been living in Dubai since November 2015 with her husband and two children, Sophie, 5 and Johnny, 2.

NEWSFROMALUMNAE Constance Dyson (2005) sent a photograph of the four babies born to St Mary’s girls within 8 weeks of eachother, all of whom live nearby in London. From left to right: Edmund Cuffe (son of Elizabeth Shields), Mungo Sepp (son of Izzy Arundell), Rosie Rees (daughter of Milly Powell) and Frank Dyson (son of Connie Hawker).

Harriet Mellotte has been working for the NHS as part of her doctoral training to become a Clinical Psychologist. She is due to qualify in September.

Harriet got married in the St Mary’s chapel in 2015 to a Downside boy - Ollie Mellotte who she met at a school social in UVI and whose sisters were also at St Mary’s.

Sarah Reynolds (nee Knox, 1992) relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore in 2015 where she works part time at Expat Kitchen, a cooking school, and raises two girls Jemima (9) and Olivia (6) who attend Dulwich College Singapore. She is still playing tennis twice a week in a ladies’ doubles team!

Nancy Hollendonder, is the youngest of three girls (Bronwen, Myfanwy and Nancy Davies) who attended St Mary’s. Her sisters are now retired but she continues to be active in the world of corporate finance, working as a Senior Advisor to an independent advisory firm, Smith Square Partners having cut her teeth in investment management and then, in the 1990s, as an equities’ analyst at UBS (European healthcare sector analyst).

67

OBITUARIES Sister Miriam (Mary Farmer) 1926 – 2016 Director of Music at St Mary’s, Shaftesbury 1970 – 1975 Mary Cecilia Therese Farmer was born on September 8th, 1926 in Bagshot, Surrey. Mary’s love of music, her inspirational teaching and her spiritual journey dominate the life of this charismatic figure.

At 13, Mary attended St Mary’s Convent at Ascot where she thrived. Professionally, Mary became and remained a musician, teaching first at St Mary’s, Ascot and then at St Mary’s, Shaftesbury. I remember vividly how music simply radiated from Sr Miriam. The music department at Shaftesbury was created under her watch and her day-to-day kindness and love that she showed her pupils will always be treasured.

Sr Miriam was a legend. We, who knew and worked with her, have been inspired by her immense musical talents and her genuine interest in getting the best out of everyone. Thank you so much for having touched our lives and sharing your great passions with us. Now may you rest in peace.

Deborah Radford (Director of Music 1975 – 2015)

Sr Cecilia Goodman CJ Sr Cecilia was an alumna and former teacher of St Mary’s and the niece of Sr Clare Goodman, who died last year and was a former head of St Mary’s. Cecilia was an extraordinarily gifted professional photographer who began the teaching of photography in the school.

After leaving St Mary’s Cecilia worked in a drug rehabilitation centre but her unparalleled skills in spiritual accompaniment led to her being appointed novice director. She held this office until she was appointed provincial superior, after which she moved to York to run the St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, which she made a focal point for Ignatian spirituality in the North East. At the time of her death she was also once more working as Sr. Cecilia (l) with Canon Ryan and Sr. Josie

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the novice director in response to the arrival of several women entering the congregation.

68

Jean Walker

Farewell to our Retirees...

Jean joined St Mary’s in September

The thing that I’ve enjoyed most

1989 as a PE teacher, having

at St Mary’s is the sense of

been a head of department, head

community; we take great joy in

of house and house mistress

every child’s success. Thousands

in previous schools. Within a

of children have gone through the

year she had taken on the role

school during my time here and

of Head of Middle School and

they’ve all individually mattered. We

was subsequently Registrar and

encourage girls to be independent

Assistant Deputy Head before being

and forge their own way in life and

promoted to Deputy Head. During

I’ve loved watching girls go from

that time she continued to teach PE,

timid little people arriving through

mainly hockey and tennis.

the front door to confident, articulate young women who leave and go on

In her 28 years at St Mary’s, Jean

to have phenomenal careers and

worked for five different heads and

families.

was part of the transition when the nuns left the school and the first lay

As I retire, I’m looking forward to a

head, Sue Pennington, joined the

bit of travel, some time to rest and

school.

reflect and then enjoying the new direction that my life is going to

“When Sr Campion left, we

take me in. It’s been an absolute

promised them that we would

privilege and a joy to have worked

continue the nuns’ legacy and I

at St Mary’s.”

believe we have done that for them.

Jim O’Hare

Denise Clark

Jim joined the school as Deputy Head in 1988 when

Denise joined St Mary’s in 2002 as Head of Classics, sadly

Sr Campion was Head. He retired as Deputy Head in

left in 2004 for personal reasons, but came back to support

2005 but was asked to return 3 months later to cover

Patrick Daley as the new Head of Department in 2005,

in the Maths department and has worked in support

teaching Latin and Classical Civilisation from LIII through to

there, and teaching the younger girls, ever since.

UVI. She was a Sixth Form tutor for several years and held the role of Examination Secretary for 3 years.

“When I joined the school, there were over 20 nuns, teaching and doing various domestic jobs. This was a

“I have loved my time at St Mary’s, promoting my love of

wonderful time to be part of the community - the nuns

Latin and Classics in a number of ways: joining Mr Daley on

were so welcoming and inspirational. Gradually, they

Classics trips abroad to Greece and Pompeii, revelling in

reduced in number until only 2 remained. I am sure

Roman picnics with UIII, and preparing students for Classics

they left a legacy of the vision of Mary Ward and this

courses at university, including Oxbridge. It’s time now to

is still apparent in the character of the school now. St

hang up my toga, sadly, as I leave to enjoy my retirement. I will

Mary’s is a very special place both for staff and girls

be keeping my hand in, though, by teaching Latin online, as

and I shall miss it very much. I wish it every continued

well as pursuing other challenges.”

sucess in its exciting future.”

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

Featuring...

Zambia The trip of a lifetime for a group of girls and staff volunteering, and exploring, in Zambia

Health & Happiness Our inaugural Health and Wellbeing Days were a wholeschool success!

The Great Estate Surrounded by stunning countryside, the St Mary’s estate is a perfect English gem

Mary Ward Values Reflecting on the wisdom and inspiration of the work of Mary Ward

Walled Garden Festival Live music, food and fun, and not a drop of mud in sight!

Also in this issue...

NEWS • WELCOMES • ACADEMIC • TRIPS • DofE • DRAMA • MUSIC • DANCE • CREATIVE ARTS • SPORT • COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • CHAPLAINCY • HOUSE REPORTS • ALUMNAE NEWS • FAREWELLS

THE BEECH TREE 2016/17

St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9LP +44 (0)1747 852416

www.stmarys.eu enquiries@stmarys.eu

THE

Beech Tree 2016-17

ST MARY’S, SHAFTESBURY