eNews @stgeorgesascot
Issue 98, Winter 2015
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Christmas Carol Service
The wonderful setting of Windsor Parish Church was once again the backdrop which brought a Christmas sparkle to our traditional end of term festive Carol Service, held this year on Friday 11 December. Friends and visitors were warmly welcomed to the church for an enchanting morning of candle-lit carols sung by the Chapel Choir and First Year Choir. This festive occasion encompassed an atmospheric performance of carols, old and new, traditional and modern, interspersed with readings from Reverend Sistig, the girls and Mrs Owens. The Retiring Collection this year raised over £500 for the Church of England Children’s Society which helps children and young people when they are at their most vulnerable and have nowhere left to turn. We would like to thank Mr Hillier and Miss Mason for organising the music, Mr Carroll for preparing the readers, and Reverend Sistig for leading the readings on the day. Of course special thanks to the girls for entertaining us with their lovely voices!
Dear Parents
Headmistress's Letter
The end of term was the usual whirlwind of fun and frolics. From Advent Carols onwards, it seemed to be one long celebration, with the famed St George’s food showcased at every turn. Girls and staff alike tucked into a fantastic Christmas meal, laughed their way through the First Year pantomime, the boarders enjoyed trips to Forbury Gardens in Reading and the ‘Clothes Show’ in Birmingham, and the staff charity Christmas jumper competition with girls voting for their favourite, went down very well indeed. The girls have achieved so much in so many areas of school life this term – they certainly deserve a restful and enjoyable break. Of course, I hope the older girls will also make time for some revision in preparation for the January mocks; I am sure that they will balance the two sensibly. I look forward to seeing all the girls bright-eyed in January; meanwhile I wish them, and you, a very ‘Happy Christmas’. With best wishes
Mrs R C F Owens Headmistress
Christmas
Christmas 2015 Christmas Carols at Coworth Park On Wednesday 3 December, guests at Coworth Park Hotel were treated to Christmas Carols performed by the Chapel Choir during Afternoon Tea. All of the guests greatly enjoyed the singing and festive atmosphere, and congratulations to Mr Hillier and the girls for a stunning performance. To view more photographs of the carols, please visit our website at www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk. Chapel Choir at Coworth Park Hotel Christmas Awards On Friday 11 December, the whole school celebrated students who have achieved awards for the Autumn term. Mrs Owens presented students with trophies and certificates for awards including new Chapel Choir members, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Public Speaking Awards, Sixth Form Scholarships, Prefect Badges and Effort, House Merits and Achievement Cups. Congratulations to all of the girls, and we wish you well with your future achievements.
Mrs Dourountakis accepting an engraved vase from St George's. She has moved on to pastures new, having been with us for 11 years.
All of the winners with their super achievements
Head Girl Lottie gave an inspirational speech at the start of the awards
New members of the Chapel Choir are announced
The girls voted for the best staff jumper; congratulations to Miss McCann, Director in Residence, for winning the competition.
Staff raise money for charity by wearing Christmas jumpers and a Christmas suit! Christmas Hampers The school Parent Association raffled four superb family hampers full of the most wonderful Christmas goodies.
Christmas
Staff Christmas Jumper Day On Monday 7 December, staff celebrated the festive season with a 'wear your Christmas jumper' day. There were many colourful and outrageous festive knits on show. Mr Carroll got into the spirit of the occassion, wearing a very wacky Christmas suit! All staff and girls donated ÂŁ1 each to the 'Save the Children' charity.
The girls join in the festive spirit by wearing their jumpers
Father Christmas Father Christmas and his elves delivered Christmas cards to the girls on Monday 7 December!
Raffle tickets went on sale in November and the winners were drawn at the Christmas Awards on Friday 11 December. Congratulations to the winners, Ms Townsend, Mrs Dourountakis and Mrs Hopkins! Enjoy! Christmas Dinner and Party On Monday 7 December the whole school enjoyed a superb Christmas Dinner, followed by a party, to mark the end of term and to celebrate Christmas. Thank you Mr Cornish and the entire catering team for their hard work and also to Mr Pearn for his superb DJ'ing at the party.
Academic
Religious Studies On Tuesday 10 November, Second Year Religious Studies students visited the Reading Synagogue, to learn about the Jewish faith. Student Sadhvi Subramaniam commented on the trip "We all had a very interesting time and learnt so much. We have sent thank you letters to give to Rabbi Solomons for his kind hospitality. We would like to thank Mrs Magill and Dr Tieanu for taking us. We all had a fantastic time!"
Mathematics On Monday 16 November, Sixth Form Mathematicians made their way to Logan Hall at UCL in London for a day of ‘Maths in Action.’ They saw a range of lectures exploring and illuminating Mathematics beyond the classroom. The girls’ first lecture was on Fermat’s Last Theorem, given by Dr Simon Singh, who has previously given talks at St George’s. The girls then heard a talk on the very relevant field of data science, followed by talks on ‘p-adic numbers’, ‘the joy of stats’ and patterns and time in space. The girls enjoyed exploring outside their normal understanding of what ‘maths’ is, and a huge thank you goes to Mr Wilson for taking them on such an inspiring trip.
Science On Thursday 12 November St Georges’ Sixth Form Physicists made their way to Logan Hall at UCL in London to attend a series of exciting lectures on ‘Physics in Action.’ They covered a diverse range of topics, from the use of Physics in Medicine, to its role in natural disasters. There was also a lecture called ‘Stuff Matters’ and information on Smart Cities, thermometers, and exam success. The girls found this a stimulating excursion outside the classroom, adding a new dimension to what they have already learnt. They are very grateful to Miss Schmidt for organising this trip.
Logan Hall, University College London
On Monday 23 November, the Second Year travelled with Mrs Kratt, Miss Jackson, Dr Tieanu and Emily Dominey to Hampton Court Palace for a day of historical exploration. The girls are studying the Tudors and have already covered the reign of King Henry VIII, and the trip really brought this period of history to life for them. In the morning the girls were able to tour the grounds of the Royal Palace, taking in the beautiful Tudor and Baroque architecture and then the magnificent interiors where monarchs from Henry up to George III resided and held court. The girls attended a workshop which explored the different ways historians can learn about the past, and the girls handled some historical items to see what we can gain from studying artefacts. One of the artefacts they looked at was 4,000 years old! This was a very interesting insight into how History is created and studied outside the classroom, which the girls enjoyed very much. In the afternoon, the girls were able to explore the Palace grounds more, learning about the stunning additions made by Christopher Wren to the Palace during the reign of William and Mary. Then the girls had the chance to take to the ice rink in front of the great gatehouse of the Palace. Despite a few falls, everyone had a brilliant time ice-skating before making their way to the coach for the journey back to school. Thank you to the staff who accompanied the girls on this excellent trip. The girls left Hampton Court Palace inspired and excited about the Tudors.
Classics
On Thursday 10 December, St George’s Fourth to Upper Sixth Classics, Latin and Drama students were accompanied by staff to see a performance of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ at the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Art Studio in London. 'Splendid Productions' presented an epic adventure across the dark sea. In a brand new creative theatrical adaptation, the story of Odysseus was retold. Packing a decade of adventures into one hour, Splendid’s cast of three created a mythical world of hungry monsters, devious sorceresses and frequent shipwrecks as the resourceful Odysseus battled to return to his family. After the visit to the theatre, everyone enjoyed dinner at Pizza Express in Charlotte Street. Everyone very much enjoyed the visit and thank you to Miss Fontes for organising the excursion.
Academic
History
Lectures
Lectures and Talks Headmistress' Lecture - James Shone
Author workshops and talk - Natasha Farrant
We were fortunate to have a sensational lecture by James Shone this term, who has endured immense health drawbacks whilst foregoing a career as a Headmaster and teacher. James spoke to a packed audience about his experiences and what he has overcome since his surgery.
On Tuesday 3 November St George’s was treated to a visit by author Natasha Farrant. Natasha is the author of six books, including a trilogy of children’s novels and a novel set in the newly-liberated France of 1944, and she is also a literary agent.
James Shone, 42, began his teaching career in 1996. A decade later, he went to work at Monkton Senior School, an independent school located two miles outside Bath. In 2012, he was appointed headmaster of Monkton Prep School. Just two weeks later, doctors found that James had an extensive, life-threatening brain tumour, which led to him losing his sight, his ability to walk, and his ideal job at Monkton.
First-Third Year pupils were introduced to her in talks throughout the day, where she spoke about things as diverse as pregnant rats, throwing cats and her own hectic childhood. She also read extracts from some of her books and discussed their ‘unifying theme’ of accepting yourself for who you are, which the girls realised is also something which we should think about in our daily lives.
While James Shone's life has been turned upside down over the last few years, he has refused to give up. Now he works as a motivational speaker, delivering a positive message to schools, businesses and charities.
For older girls, Natasha led some creative writing workshops which allowed them to explore the processes behind creating a story: in just twenty minutes one group came up with a bizarre tale of a famous athlete with a terrible secret who meets a little girl with healing powers.
James explained that instead of giving in to your disadvantages, you can always try to overcome them. In his work today as a motivational speaker, that is the exact message that he tries give to young people, and the one that he lives out himself.
Thank you to Natasha for such a fun and interesting visit, and to Miss Kennedy for organising such an enriching event. For more information about Natasha's books, please visit www. natashafarrant.com.
After taking questions from girls and parents, Mr Shone received a very warm round of applause. Everyone was very moved by James’ positive attitude and thought-provoking, inspirational message. For more information about James, please visit his website www.icanandiam.com.
Upper Sixth Form Safe Driving Talk On Monday 16 November, girls in the Upper Sixth attended The Hexagon, Reading, for a talk given by the organisation 'Safe Drive Stay Alive'.
The talk was very informative and gave the girls an insight into safety on the roads; particularly important as many are currently learning how to drive.
Lower Sixth girls stepped into the joy of Advent from 4 – 6 December when they visited the truly beautiful city of Vienna. There could be no better place to get into the seasonal spirit than this picturesque city and its magical Christmas Markets! The aroma of Glßhwein, roasting chestnuts and other mouth-watering seasonal treats lured the girls into several Christmas markets selling handcrafted goods. The girls had a ball ice skating at the Eislaufverin Centre followed by a ride on the Riesenrad ferris wheel at the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt. An excursion to the Museum of Fine Arts which boasts an unrivalled collection of old masters, including a vast selection of works by Pieter Bruegel was a must! The magnificent architecture of the museum creates a fitting setting for such artistic treasures. No trip to Vienna would have been complete without sampling a Wiener schnitzel and the chance to make some Mozartkugel. These genuine Salzburger chocolates are an Austrian speciality and the bittersweet chocolate proved very popular with the girls! Thank you to the staff who organised and attended the trip – it was a resounding success.
Visits
Vienna
Arts
Arts Life at St George's Drama First Year Pantomime Talented First Year pupils enjoyed an exciting start to the festive season, as they ventured into the thrilling world of 1001 Arabian Nights and performed their much anticipated production of Aladdin to children from local primary schools. Pupils from Windlesham Primary School and Connaught Junior School were invited to a matinee showing of Aladdin, directed by St George’s Director in Residence, Miss McCann and performed by our youngest girls in the 300-seat Sue Cormack Theatre on Thursday 3 December. The ambitious production, based on the classic tale, was the culmination of many weeks of rehearsals, featuring the wellknown characters such as beautiful Princess Jasmine, the wicked Abanazar, the hilarious Widow Twankey and the fabulous Genie! The audience booed, hissed and laughed through this brilliant modern take on the original script. St George’s Director of Drama, Mr Carroll said “This has been a fantastic experience for the cast involved with the pantomime. We were delighted to welcome students from our partner schools who were very responsive. Their interactions with the performers created a really fun and enjoyable atmosphere”. Headmistress, Rachel Owens said: “I am immensely proud of each and every cast member. The girls, have delighted the audience with their interpretation of the characters which was delivered with humour and imagination. This professional looking production showcased what a talented year group they are”.
Arts Well done to all the girls who starred in the production, and thanks to Miss McCann and Mr Carroll for supporting the girls. Please see the school website for more photographs at www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk.
‘The Woman in Black’ On Thursday 12 November, Drama students from Fourth, Fifth Year and Lower Sixth travelled to the Fortune Theatre in London to see a matinee performance of ‘The Woman in Black’. Based on Susan Hill’s ghost story, the play by Stephen Mallatratt had girls jumping, gasping and shrieking as the horrible tale of the Woman in Black revealed itself. As well as being slightly scared, the girls were very impressed by the performance, which features only two actors (plus the Woman in Black) but which nevertheless had them hooked from start to finish. The girls were very grateful to Mr Carroll and Miss McCann for taking them on this trip- even if some of them had a little difficulty getting to sleep later that night!
Arts
Arts Life at St George's Music Junior Concert On Friday 20 November, First, Second and Third Year girls performed a concert for parents and fellow students, with a girl from each year chosen to perform a solo. The variety of songs included 'Castle on a cloud' by Olivia, 'Whistle down the wind' sung very softly by Sadhvi and 'Photograph' by Ed Sheeran, sung by the First Year Choir. Well done to all of the girls and Mr Hillier for a superb concert.
The Golden Age of Hollywood On Wednesday 4 November, the whole of the Third Year were accompanied by Mr Hillier and Miss Mason to see 'The Golden Age of Hollywood' concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The girls saw The Royal Pilharmonic Orchestra perform a selection of some of the most celebrated film songs ever written. Everyone very much enjoyed the musical treat.
Remembrance Service On Wednesday 11 November, the whole School met in Chapel at 11am for the annual Act of Remembrance. The two minutes silence was held by all, then the girls listened attentively to the ‘Ode of Remembrance’, blessings and a performance by Chapel Choir, before singing a hymn and the National Anthem. It is very important at St George’s that we are thoughtful and grateful to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and we are grateful to Reverend Sistig and Mr Hillier for allowing the girls the chance to reflect on Remembrance Day with such a beautiful service.
Many girls participated, and the event showcased the diversity and excellence that music at St George’s has to offer. As well as solos from girls in several years, the audience was also treated to performances by the String Group, the Orchestra, Song Birds and the First Year Choir. With pieces ranging from Tchaikovsky to ‘The Lion King’, everyone was well entertained and had a wonderful evening. Many thanks to all the girls who took part and to the teachers who led them, especially Mr Hillier for organising this event and who once again showed why music at St George’s is so special. Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral On Monday 16 November, the Chapel Choir were invited to sing Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral. For the fifth year running, the Chapel Choir sang Evensong whilst the Cathedral Choir were on holiday. The service is the one Cathedral service which is led almost entirely by music, with the Choir singing preces and responses, the psalm for that evening, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis of the Canticles and also an anthem. Readings from the Old and New Testaments are led by the Canon in Residence and the prayers are led by a Minor Canon. St George’s Reverend J. Sistig also joined the readings. Many people are regulars at Choral Evensong and for tourists it is a service they come especially to take part in. Evensong was then followed by a well-deserved pizza across the road from the Cathedral. Well done to all of the girls who gave a superb performance and thank you to Mr Hillier for organising the event.
Art Education Day On Saturday 7 November, pupils from local schools were treated to an Art Education Day at St George's. The pupils took part in lots of fun activities including a recycled fashion show, painting their own t-shirts and creating badges to take home. All of the pupils very much enjoyed the day, with one parent commenting "Thank you so much to all involved with the workshop on Saturday. My daughter had a fabulous time, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting staff, St George’s girls and prospective pupils." Thank you to the Marketing and Admissions, Catering and Art departments for organising a superb event and also current pupils Maddie, Qianyi, Sadhvi, Millie, Eve, Alice and Olivia for their help on the day.
Arts
Autumn Concert On Tuesday 10 November, St George’s held a Music School Open Evening followed by the Autumn Concert in the Sue Cormack Hall.
Boarding
Boarding Life Social highlights enjoyed by our boarders this term have included a face painting workshop, a visit to The Clothes Show Live 2015, a Windsor shopping trip and festive cheer at Forbury Gardens, Reading.
Shopping fun in Windsor
Face painting workshop Festive cheer in Reading
Head of Boarding Houses The annual election for the Boarding Head of House and Deputy Head of House positions took place earlier this year at St George’s. The Head of House's principal responsibilities include ensuring that the House and the girls work effectively to fulfil their potential in a caring and enjoyable environment. The chosen girl is a key figure for their House and also for the girls within it and serves as a direct link between the girls and the staff. The Head of House also ensures that the House is represented at all whole school events. Each candidate gave a talk to all members of their House and House staff as to what they could bring to the House, which was followed by an election. Congratulations to Markham Head of House, Patcharakamol and Deputy Head of House, Faith, Head of House, Kseniia with Deputy Head's Robyn and Maria in Knatchbull House, and Head of House, Victoria and Deputy Head of House, Rebecca who will represent Loveday House, for being elected by their fellow pupils and the House staff.
Patcharakamol, Markham Head of House and Faith, Deputy Head of House
Kseniia, Knatchbull Head of House and Maria and Robyn, Deputy Heads of House
Victoria, Loveday Head of House and Rebecca, Deputy Head of House
Socials
Socials On Saturday 7 November, the Fourth Year girls hosted a group of boys from Harrow for a very unique social. After being treated to some lovely food by Mr Cornish and his team, everyone made their way down to the Sports Hall to enjoy some roller-skating!
Roller Disco
Even the staff got their skates on and had some fun! On Saturday 14 November, the Third Year had a social with Eton College. After a delicious meal prepared by Mr Cornish and his team, the girls made their way down to the Sue Cormack Hall for a disco. Everyone danced the night away, before the night ended by singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kanyinsola. On Saturday 5 December, First Year girls played hosts to Sunningdale Prep School who enjoyed a St George's meal and a fun disco. Many thanks to Mr Cornish and his team, as well as the teachers who supervised and organised all of these enjoyable events.
First Year Social with Sunningdale School
House Drama On Wednesday 9 December the House Drama competition took place. Girls from Alexander, Becket, Churchill and Darwin Houses competed with fantastic energy and imagination to perform Drama pieces for fellow pupils and staff, with the aim to win this year's contest.
House Netball On Monday 9 November, each House competed for the House Netball winning spot.
ST GEORGE’S ASCOT
Houses
There was fierce competition between the girls leading up to the end of term. The overall winners were Well done to Darwin house for winning the competition this year. Becket House, with Churchill House coming in a close second place. Well done to all the girls who competed! Results JUNIORS 1st - C House 2nd - B House 3rd - D House 4th - A House
SENIORS 1st - B House 2nd - A House 3rd - C House 4th - D House
OVERALL 1st - B House 2nd - C House 3rd - D House 4th - A House
Community and Charity
Community
Youth Speaks Competition On Monday 9 November, St George’s hosted the Ascot local heat of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. St George’s was ably represented by two teams in the Senior Section: Camelia, Sophia and Beatrix; Sami, Hannah and Olivia. Although both teams spoke well, or in Sophia’s case sang well, we did not quite manage to secure the prizes on this occasion. In the Intermediate section, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Olivia was the runaway winner of Best Speaker. She was animated as well as passionate and thoroughly deserved to win the award. Both Intermediate teams performed exceptionally well and comprised Avah, Olivia and Blanca; Alexandra, Anja and Olivia C. However, it was Olivia C’s impressive speech, Avah’s engaging chairmanship and Blanca’s amusing vote of thanks that led them to victory. All of the St George’s teams were well presented, articulate and beautifully composed – congratulations to all of you. It was a proud moment! Fireworks Display On Friday 6 November, St George’s hosted its annual fireworks night. Despite the weather, boarders, day girls, parents and staff came down to enjoy the delicious hog roast and support the many stalls that had been set up. With stalls run by the girls as diverse as sweet sales from Young Enterprise groups, a coconut shy, face and nail-painting, as well as mulled wine for the adults, there was something for everyone in the lead up to the main event. The fireworks themselves were spectacular as always, and were greeted with a round of applause by everyone. Thanks must be given to the catering team, the maintenance team, Mr Pearn and all the staff who set everything up despite challenging weather conditions, and who all contributed to make this event a success.
Charity
Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child This year, the whole school once again supported the Samaritan's Purse 'Operation Christmas Child' campaign. Girls from all years filled a shoebox with gifts for underprivileged children, which included toys, toiletries, stationery and clothes. The school filled a superb 44 boxes in total this year, which have been sent to locations such as Zambia and Bosnia.
First Year girls with 'Operation Christmas Child' shoeboxes
SHOC - Serena Hall, Slough The whole school have, once again, supported the Slough Homeless Our Concern's 'SHOC' charity, by donating items to the homeless at Serena Hall in Slough. Reverend J Sistig and Mr Goldsbrough attended with a selection of Sixth Form girls to deliver a collection of items that pupils, staff and parents had collected to donate to the homeless. Amongst the items there were warm clothes, sleeping bags, gloves and Christmas decorations. A huge effort by everyone, thank you for your support.
Sixth Form girls with Rev. J Sistig and Mr Goldsbrough leaving for Serena Hall
Admissions Day The First Year girls who are starting at St George's next September, visited the school to meet staff and share a taste of lessons at St George's, on Saturday 21 November. The girls had a fun day with taster lessons of Music, IT, Modern Foreign Languages and Sport followed by a delicious lunch. The day was a great success, and we have a record number of girls taking the school's entrance examinations in 2016. We look forward to welcoming the girls to St George's in the new year.
South East Berkshire Netball Tournament On 24 November, St George's hosted the U12A and U12B South East Berkshire Netball Tournament. The St George's team competed against very tough opponents including St Mary's, LVS, Heathfield and The Abbey School. By the end of the tournament the girls won their match against St Mary's with final score 4-3. A mention must go to Iona for her excellent shooting. Overall, the girls came sixth. The eventual winners were The Abbey who we only lost to by one goal! Well done girls, a super effort!
Sport
Netball News
Winning Christmas Card design by Lixi Shao, Lower Sixth
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at St George's School, Ascot +44 (01344) 629920 admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk
ST GEORGE’S ASCOT
St George's School Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7DZ