1st July 2016 - Issue 11
HEAD’S
WEEKLY REVIEW
Head’s Introduction
In Final Chapel today, we marked the 100th anniversary of Battle of the Somme in World War I, and also remembered the founding Lawrence sisters in the Head Girl’s prayers. Our founders would have been so proud to see the girls this week, throwing themselves into so many different activities as part of the Roedean Festival, from Music to Bollywood, and huge murals to sea-swimming. The showcase event on Wednesday evening was great, and the Bollywood dancing definitely captured the girls’ imaginations – it was great that staff and girls joined in the encore! The week’s finale saw a convoy of six coaches take over 250 girls and 35 staff to Thorpe Park yesterday, a huge undertaking, but the rain held off and everyone had a great time. Thank you to Miss Boobis for masterminding the week, and I am grateful to my colleagues for getting involved in the activities, for leading them, and for enriching the girls’ experiences.
We say farewell to a number of girls today; some have been at Roedean for just year to perfect their English and return to schools in Europe, and others go further afield – good luck, definitely keep in touch, and come back to see us soon. Thank you too to Louise Lawrence, who is stepping down as Chair of the Parents’ Guild, which supports the school in many ways, but in particular raises funds at events to purchase things for the girls’ benefit and enjoyment, such as the benches in the Cloisters and the outdoor games for the Houses – I am sure that the Guild will continue its excellent work. We are also saying goodbye to some of our colleagues, and I would like to thank them all for their wonderful contributions to the school. Two, however, deserve a special mention and what they have given to Roedean is immeasurable: Miss Alison Fraser and Mrs Sue Stanway. Miss Fraser has taught Biology here for 33 years, and has, no doubt, inspired many budding
Biologists and made a strong impression on many current and former Roedeanians. Mrs Stanway has dedicated even more years to Roedean, having begun working here in 1970, 46 years ago. It is impossible to quantify her contribution over that period; it is testament to her passion for Art and her compassion for the girls that so many current students will miss her teaching and support, and returning ORs always make certain to catch up with her to share fond memories. Thank you both, and good luck in your retirement. This has been a wonderful year at Roedean, with many, many highlights – thank you all for the part you play in the life of the school, because what we have achieved has been the result of a combined effort from girls, staff, and the entire Roedean community. Good luck to those going to Florida and Nepal. It only remains for me to wish you all a wonderful summer holiday.
Tea for war veterans at Roedean The community action tea went beautifully this week – it was a privilege to do it. The girls were superb, every single one and the veterans were charming! One of them was stationed at Roedean during the war, 80 years ago. A few fun facts from him: the school was dilapidated when they arrived and they spent a lot of time doing it up! They never used the tunnel, never ever! The seagulls were still a menace then and the highlight of his stay was sneaking out into Brighton!!!! He was stationed in House 1.
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
1st July 2016 - Issue 11
Roedean Festival Week
The final week of term has seen such an amazing variety of activities that it is almost impossible to cover them all, and all this on the back of a very successful Roedean Day on Saturday, including Key Stage 3 Prize Giving, the last performance of the summer production, and Sports Day, which was won by House 3. On Monday, there was a trip to Hever Castle, rock-climbing and sailing, and the Sixth Form girls took to the Musikscool Challenge with gusto. They had to write and record a five-track album from scratch in a day, to raise money
for DEBRA, a charity which supports so-called ‘butterfly children’ who have a genetic skin condition which means their skin simply tears and blisters, leaving it incredibly painful – this is certainly a worthwhile cause and donations are still coming in. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the list of activities available was almost too long to mention, so there is definitely something for everyone. There was a ‘bake-off’, a treasure hunt over the South Downs, a sporting activity including sea-swimming, Science challenges, an Apprentice-style activity making and selling
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jewellery, preparing a musical in a day, a largescale art project with a Far Eastern theme, a full-day Bollywood Dance workshop, and an Afternoon Tea with music for the residents of St Dunstan’s, the blind veterans’ home. The two days were rounded off with an evening event allowing the girls to showcase what they had done over the previous days, while also enjoying a barbecue. Tuesday evening also saw the Year 10 Celebration Evening, with prizes and awards, and a few performances too – it was a wonderful event, celebrating the year-group
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
1st July 2016 - Issue 11
Roedean girls Go-Ape The girls showed enthusiasm and some significant bravery when faced with the daunting task of completing the aerial courses – great laughter was heard and many felt a great sense of pride when they faced and overcame their initial fears.
JJ THE
SUMMER PRODUCTION
I Could Always Find Tears by Robert Rigby and all the girls have achieved over the year. The girls were joined by some parents, and it was great to see how supportive the girls are of each other, reminding everyone of the strong bonds the girls form with each other at Roedean. The grand finale of the Roedean Festival was a whole-school trip to Thorpe Park on Thursday, where everyone had a brilliant time on the rides and probably ate too much candyfloss. What a fantastic way to round off the school year, with the girls working together on activities beyond the curriculum, and having a great time doing it. All that’s left to say is, ‘have a wonderfully restful summer break!’
Thursday June 23rd saw the opening night of ‘I Could Always Find Tears’ directed by Carolyn Rigby and presented by a fifty- strong cast of girls from U3- L5. Every single one of the cast stayed on stage for the entire show and created a marvellous photographic image of
Brighton Scavenger Hunt Despite the wind and drizzle, teams of intrepid year 12 and Pre-A girls set off for the bus stop for the start of their journey. Many interesting and surprising facts later, with the scavenger hunt completed quite a number of girls treated themselves to a noodle lunch. Congratulations to the two teams who draw as winners of the scavenger hunt: Bella M, Tasha S, Harriet C, Phoebe B, Lili B, Honor P, Vivian L, Sophie D, Tara M and Amelia D. Page 3
life in the great houses of the 1920s. As various parts of the photograph came to life, we were introduced to a wealth of characters, all played with engaging warmth and vitality, and drawn into the many stories which gradually unfolded. The focus for the storytelling was the six main protagonists, a group of elderly women who had met to share their memories of when they had been ‘in service’ and these wonderful characters were played with great humour and convincing skill by Sorcha H, Aisha D, Tallula R, Eva B, Hannah L and Lucy B. There were many memorable cameo performances, but above all, the girls created a truly strong ensemble and the company singing of the wonderful songs was truly fabulous. The cast gave another sterling performance on Friday evening and again on Roedean Day and certainly deserved the high praise they received from the audiences. Many people commented on the girls’ impressive discipline, energy and sheer talent and several parents found the performance so moving, that they could not help but find their own tears!
1st July 2016 - Issue 11
HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW
Musikscool
Behind the Scenes
The Year 12 & Pre-A level girls worked together with a team of music and business professionals to meet the challenge of creating and recording 5 original music tracks whilst also fundraising for 2 nominated charities, DEBRA and the Roedean Mission. The business teams worked together to develop their fundraising, marketing and video production skills whilst the musicians overcame their inhibitions to create original tracks. The results all round were fabulous. Just over £2,000 has been raised so far and the Justgiving page is still receiving donations.
We are lucky not only to have wonderful grounds at Roedean, but also that we have an amazing team to look after them – they have been particularly wonderful this term, so we wanted to present you with some facts about the machinery that helps the team tend to our fields:
The dropbox link below contains the video of the day that the girls made and the songs that they created and recorded: https://www.dropbox.com/ sh/sghqu1drmux972u/ AAA0Km71ntzPAaW69BiL947ga?dl=0
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4 ride-on mowers 7 pedestrian mowers 3 strimmers 2 hedge cutters 1 tractor 4 tractor mounted turfcare contraptions 1 industrial sweeper
Head of Grounds, Ali Polawski, started adding up how many plants are planted each year, but the number is way into the thousands, so she gave up… so that she could keep looking after the grounds!! However, not only do we buy some plants in, but many are also grown from seed here in school. I’m sure you’ll all agree that being surrounded by such wonderful plants and lawns makes Roedean a special place – do thank the Grounds Staff next time you pass them.
DofE expeditions! Wet and devoured by midges – but not too lost, nor air-lifted out of the Beacons – our girls successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. The Silvers’ route was gruelling enough to silence Hannah T, nearly. The Golds walked solidly for 10 hours a day, and got so wet by the third night that a hard concrete floor in a draughty barn was preferable to wet tents. They all loved the views
and are looking forward to annual holidays in Brecon weather. As the girls themselves said: ■■
“I miss Dartmoor in March. No, Madam, don’t say anything...”
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“It’s easy for you to say, Madam. You don’t have to do anything.”
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KRH at 6.30am: “Look at the lovely view!” Grace: “It was better at 5, Madam.”
Hickstead Derby We all enjoyed Hickstead so much – getting seats in the front row, we had a perfect view of the arena. First of all, the hounds appeared followed by the Huntsmen. Most of the dogs were well behaved, but one dog kept running into the crowds making us all laugh. Next was the pony pairs pulling a light carriage and racing round the course nearly tipped out the driver and the person who had to lean from side to side to keep the cart on its wheels. Then a brief appearance of the band and finally The Hickstead Derby started. The course was scary to say the least, we decided most jumps must have been 5-6 feet tall, and the jump on the hill was a sight we won’t forget! The commentator told us the rider was judged by clearing the jump and continuing down the side of this very
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“Unfortunately, I cried as we went up that hill. Fortunately, it was raining, so no one noticed.”
Thanks to Miss Beynon for organising it all (better luck with weather-weaving next time), and Miss Cook, Miss Hawks and Mr Woodhouse for chips and good cheer KRH
If the Hill wasn’t bad enough, the Dyke certainly was, most refused and it was declared the most difficult jump of all.
Summer Holiday Photo Competition “Culture” sheer drop, if the horses hind leg goes back a pace it is classed a no jump, the horse must then carry on down this very steep hill, most of them slithered down then jumped the last bit causing our hearts to flutter. After achieving this they had to jump The Devil’s Dyke.
We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Headmaster’s Weekly Review, please email: news@roedean.co.uk Page 4
Submit your entries to RB at the start of next term. Happy snapping!
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