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
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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.
THE BEECH TREE 2016/17
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.
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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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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.
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”
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.
”
THE BEECH TREE 2016/17
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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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.
THE BEECH TREE 2016/17
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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
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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!
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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).
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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.
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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
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