eNews issue 78 21 6 2013

eNews Issue 78, Friday 21 June 2013

Royal Ascot

The First to Third Years made the most of Royal Ascot this week and walked to Cheapside on Ladies’ Day to wave the Royal Carriages onto the track. HRH Princess Beatrice was delighted to see members of her old school lining the route and was thrilled to spot some of her old teachers too!

Normandy 2013

On Tuesday 4 June, the Third Year left to travel to Normandy.

After settling in at our hotel we explored the town and visited a D-Day memorial. That evening, after unpacking we all got an early night.

The next day, we visited museums and learnt a lot about D-Day. We had some time to walk around the town practising our French skills by buying postcards and coffee for the teachers. We visited both the American and German cemeteries where we were all stunned at how many graves we saw. However, we all found it interesting to see the contrast of these two very different cemeteries. We were extremely lucky as that evening, we were able to hear some stories and talk to four veterans who had landed in, and liberated, Port- au –Bessin, the town we were in, 69 years ago. As they spoke many people found it very emotional and we all learnt a lot from the stories we had been told.

On Thursday, we visited the Bayeux Tapestry, as it would be such a shame to miss it as we were so near. It was very interesting to see it, as we had learnt about it in History in the First Year. Then we went to Caen Museum outlining the history of the war, both the causes and effects.

Next we went to the beach where we all played a game of rounders together in the sun. We also visited the British cemetery where on each of the graves, families had written a personal message. When reading these they definitely touched our hearts.

This particularly made us think about how much we owe to all the men who died for us. That evening we walked in the sun up to another memorial, which gave us a stunning view of the town and sea.

The next morning after packing our things, the veterans had asked if they could come with us to lay a poppy wreath at their regiments memorial near the hotel. Of course we accepted gratefully and all felt privileged to be doing this with such amazing men.

After the memorial, we visited the market, where again our French skills came in good use. Finally, we visited a museum about the Pegasus Bridge.

After an amazing week we all got on the ferry and arrived safely in Portsmouth. We all had a fantastic week and everyone gives thanks to Miss Jackson for organising it. Also to Mrs Potter, Mrs Dourountakis, Mrs Burrows and Mr Calvocoressi for taking us on this trip.

Emily Hughes 3XD

Jane Austen’s House The Fourth Year visited Jane Austen's house on Monday 10 June to provide them with some useful background information to "Pride and Prejudice" which is their set novel for IGCSE. They were given a talk about Jane Austen's life, explored the house itself (some girls were allowed to play the pianoforte), handled original artefacts from the period, and walked to Chawton House where her brother, Edward, lived. It was at Chawton that the recent BBC2 programme, "’Pride and Prejudice’ having a ball", which attempted to recreate the Netherfield ball from the novel, was filmed. Here the girls were shown the library and had the chance to learn the steps to a Regency dance.

Geography Trip to Windsor

The First Year explored Windsor last week as part of their Geography course. Some of the girls were lucky to meet the Town Crier who did a shout out to St George’s!

Second Year Latin Trip On Wednesday 19 June, the Second Year journeyed to Cirencester to learn more about life in Roman Britain. After visiting the Corinium Musuem in the morning, they spend the afternoon at Chedworth Roman villa; one of the most famous of its kind to be found in Britain. Here the girls were given a guided tour and shown some of the recent conservation work that has been undertaken at this heritage site.

GALA Reunion

Don’t miss the Second Year

Charity Trivia Quiz

on Thursday 27 June at 4.15pm in the Dining Room Top Prize: £100 Top Shop Vouchers!

Amongst the alumnae who attended our GALA reunion lunch in May were 13 leavers from 1981, pictured here with Laura Beaumont, from the First Year.

Many were returning to the school - and indeed seeing each other - for the first time since they left the Upper Sixth. Laura gave them a guided tour of the school, though in fact we have the impression that they were leading her around most of the time, showing her their favourite haunts and regaling her with stories of all their escapades. During lunch the school Jazz Group, under the leadership of Mr Ray Smith, entertained the visitors and several former members of the Jazz Group joined in for the final nostalgic numbers.

Instrumentally Summerfest The Instrumentally Music Studio in Ascot is hosting a Summerfest, an inspiring week of music-making during the summer holidays including pop, rock, broadway and ensemble. Please visit www.instrumentally.co.uk/summerfest for more information.

The Canterbury Tales Our Second Years are hard at work preparing for their production of ‘The Canterbury Tales’, which will be performed on Tuesday 25 June at 7.30pm in the Sue Cormack Hall.

Entry is £1 per pair in advance or £2 on the door.

Raising money for Alexander Devine & Rosie’s Rainbow Fund

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

The Second Year St George’s Players present

The Canterbury Tales

This adaptation, by Martin Riley, of Geoffrey Chaucer’s medieval masterpiece, is bursting with vitality and true to the original storylines and atmosphere of the ‘Tales’. The girls have also studied ‘The Canterbury Tales’ in their English lessons.

Let us take you back to the village green in merry old England, where we will wait in anticipation for the mummers to arrive.

The St George’s Players will entertain you with stories reflecting the nature of humanity with all its strengths, weaknesses and humour. We think you will agree that surprisingly little has changed in the last six hundred years.

Entry is free and tickets are not required. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

on Tuesday 25 June 2013 7.30pm in the Sue Cormack Hall Entry is free.

GCSE Art & Textiles Exhibition

C House Champions

of Sports Day 2013

Race for Life

Athletics Training with GB’s Cyle Carty On Saturday 15 June, GB Athlete Cyle Carty visited St George’s to run an Athletics training session. We had 23 girls attend this session, with all of them beating a number of their Personal Bests (PBs) on both the track and field. The girls initially all undertook a thorough warm-up that was closely followed by a sprints session.

This ensured that all girls, no matter what their event, had a greater understanding of the importance of speed irrespective of whether they are a sprinter, endurance runner, jumper or thrower.

On Saturday 1 June, 38 girls, their parents and siblings took part in the Windsor Cancer Research UK ‘Race for Life’. Parents and girls alike were very enthusiastic to raise money for a good cause.

With over 4000 entries to this competition the girls and parents were keen to record a good time. Sports Captain Jenny Tilley finished 3rd, Zoe Scott 5th, Mrs Scott 8th and Suzanne Pritchard finished 7th. This is fantastic considering the number of entries.

The majority of St George’s parents and students completed the course in under 30 minutes; an excellent achievement by all.

After the initial sprint session, all girls participated in a field event; choices included shot, discus, javelin and long jump. This saw many girls make excellent progress in both technique and distance and therefore beat their PB’s by a substantial amount. The final part of the session saw students practice their relay change-overs.

Here the girls gained a better understanding of the 4x100m and the importance of acceleration zones and change techniques; unfortunately both the time and the weather eventually got the better of us.

At the end of the session over 40 PB’s were broken; an incredibly successful and productive session. Well done to all girls that attended.

The estimated total for funds raised currently stands at just over £450. If you would still like to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/stgeorgesascot. Thank you to all that came out to support us on the day and hopefully we will get even more entries next year.

District Athletics at Bracknell Stadium A number of First Year girls were chosen to take part in the District Athletics Competition held at Bracknell Sports Stadium on Thursday 13 June. Any girl who finished 1st or 2nd in their event would be selected to become part of the Bracknell District Team who will compete on Thursday 27 June at the County Track and Field Championships in Reading.

All our girls performed to the best of their ability on the day.

Special mentions go to Ruby Winter who qualified for the final of the 75m Hurdles and finished fourth overall and Fiona Allen who came second in the Discus with a new personal best of 17.18m.

We would like to congratulate Fiona on her fantastic achievement and wish her good luck for the next stage of the competition.

Knight Frank Tennis Tournament

5 Minutes with …

Name: Mrs Dianne Macro Job Title: School Secretary What did you do before St George’s?

I worked in advertising for many years and after I had my children, I became a school secretary. Before working at St George’s, I was a secretary at a state primary school for 11 years.

The annual Knight Frank Tennis Tournament took place last weekend at St George’s. Congratulations to the following Second Year girls who finished in third place overall: Anastasia Dmitryuk, Chloe Horswell, Anna-Lily Kenworthy and Iona Williamson.

They played some great tennis and were excellent ambassadors for St George’s.

What is your greatest achievement?

Producing ‘8 out of 10’ Whiskas cat adverts during the 1980’s whilst being severely allergic to cats!!!

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Loyal, fun, emotional.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?

My father was naturally a great influence in my life giving me confidence and teaching me to work hard and never give up.

What was the last book you read?

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald which I read as a teenager and recently reread for my book club. I enjoyed it even more the second time for the simple prose and evocation of the jazz age.

What would you do if you won £2m in the Lottery?

In the following order – have a huge party, help family and close friends, pay off the mortgage and give the remainder to Shelterbox whose work I admire and support.

If money was no object where would you travel to?

I have not travelled very far afield and so I would love to drive around Australia and New Zealand for a few months.

What is your ultimate Desert Island Disc?

I love music so this is such a difficult question. I thought I was allowed 8 discs! I love ‘Layla’ by Eric Clapton but my musical hero is David Bowie and so I would have to pick ‘Changes’.

Which person alive or dead would you most like to spend a day with?

I found this the hardest question. I would like to spend a day with Hillary Clinton who has worked centre stage in American politics for so long now.

What makes St George’s so special?

It is quite unique to work in a school where you know every pupil and member of staff by name. Also I enjoy working with such a close-knit and supportive group of colleagues.

Looking Forward...

Monday 24 June Careers Supper for all Lower Sixth 6.30pm, South Lawn Marquee

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Tuesday 25 June Second Year Production of The Canterbury Tales 7.30pm, Sue Cormack Hall

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Wednesday 26 June Fourth Year Assessed Drama Performance 7.00pm, Studio

Music for a

Thursday 27 June Lower Sixth BBQ 6.00pm, Garden House

Summer Evening

Saturday 29 June Mother & Daughter Tennis 9.00am, Tennis Courts Tuesday 2 July Music for a Summer Evening 6.00pm drinks, South Lawn Marquee Thursday 4 July Valedictory Service for Upper Sixth 9.30am, Chapel PRIZEGIVING FOR ALL 11.15am, Sports Hall

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on Tuesday 2 July 2013

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in the Sue Cormack Hall Refreshments served at 6.00pm. Please RSVP to the School Office on creader@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk or by telephone on 01344 629903.

Champagne Reception for Upper Sixth 1.00pm, South Lawn Marquee Scan the QR codes below using your smart phone to go directly to the web page you need.

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