Founder's Day 2023

FOUNDER’S DAY FRIDAY, 26 MAY 2023

GUEST SPEAKER BONITA NORRIS

It is our pleasure to welcome Bonita Norris

as our Guest Speaker for Founder’s Day 2023

From a life-changing phone call to an indoor climbing wall to the tallest summit above sea level... Bonita’s journey translates to the highs and lows we experience in our everyday lives.

Bonita was inspired to invest in some mountaineering boots at the age of 20 following a university lecture. As she listened to two men describe their own experiences, she decided to set off on her own adventure. Decision made, there was now just the minor issue of never having climbed before. And needing exceptionally high fitness levels to survive unforgiving environmental conditions. Oh, and £50,000 to secure her place on an expedition.

Right in the midst of a Media Arts degree, the young woman from Wokingham set about to train and raise funds for her dream. Overnight, she had to become an entrepreneur and an athlete with no resources or skills. Bonita drew on the deepest reserves of her courage and willpower to persevere until, incredibly, she found a sponsor and completed her training.

On the 17th of May 2010, at the age of 22, Bonita took a record-breaking step onto the top of Everest. And she did not stop there. Since then, this humble and passionate individual has skied to the North Pole, led charity teams, and climbed a total of five Himalayan peaks—three of which are over 8000m high.

An icon for British adventurers, a youth ambassador for numerous education institutions, a motivational speaker, and previously nominated Cosmopolitan Woman of The Year, Bonita is a beacon of what it is possible to achieve with enough determination.

We are so thrilled that Bonita is with us today as part of our Founder’s Day celebrations.

Programme

Time What’s On

12.00pm Senior School Parents ArriveParking on Flying Field*

12.00 - 13.00pm Senior School Music ConcertReading Room

13.00pm Barbecue on the terraces

14.15pm Founders Day Speeches in the Griffin Theatre

• Welcome from Chairman of The Governors

Nicholas Ford

• Head of School

Ruairi Elliott-Jones

• Head of School

Charlotte O’Reilly Burge

• Head of College

Mr Rob Jones

• Head of School

Bas Hossle

• Head of School

Emilia Mason

• Guest Speaker

Bonita Norris

• Chairman of The Governors

Nicholas Ford

15.30pm Drinks outside the Griffin

Centre

Half Term Commences

Mission Statement

Our mission is to develop thoughtful, adventurous and ambitious life-long learners with the confidence, character and skills to succeed in the ever-changing world after school. Our pupils have the freedom to experience, explore and enquire about the world around them. We aim to encourage independence and inclusivity in a safe, caring community and magnificent natural environment.

*Limited parking places for parents with mobility difficulties are available on the forecourt directly in front of the Griffin Centre, if required please contact reception prior to arrival to arrange: frontdesk@rendcombcollege.org.uk