4 minute read
The Manor
From a personal perspective it is with very mixed emotions that I write my final Peterite report as Housemaster of The Manor. It has been an absolute privilege to carry out this role over the last 9 years and to take care of so many boys in this time. It is the boys who pass through that make this place so special and there really is no greater job in education than to be part of that process. I have been very fortunate in this final year to have had such a great group of boys in House and this report is very much about them.
THE AUTUMN TERM
It was a pleasure to welcome many new boys to the House. In the Third Form Matthew, Brian, George and Henry joined in September with Kieren also joining too after Easter. In the Sixth Form Ethan and Eric joined the existing group, ensuring good numbers across the House. There were plenty of new faces and it was good to see all settle quickly into the life of the House.
The first couple of weeks were as frantic as usual helping all settle in. The informal Boarders’ Dinner on the Saturday night went very well and the “Getting to Know York” Sunday was a great way for all the boarders to get to know each other and the city where they now live. Paintballing proved as popular as ever and was great fun for all those that took part. We did well in our preparations for the House Sing this year and our performance perhaps deserved a bit more recognition than it got. I always enjoy seeing just how hard the boys prepare for this and it really helps to bring people together across the year groups.
In House Cross-Country, Kieran Whyte finished 2nd for The Manor in the Senior Boys event and as a team we placed third overall. Inter-House Rugby was able to take place this year and a combined Manor/Linton team worked very well together to reach the final, narrowly losing this.
A particular highlight of this term was the fact our Junior debaters won the final of the Inter–House debating competition. They prepared extremely well and argued strongly throughout the competition – a huge well done to Henry Jameson (who also won the best competition speaker), Walter Tang and Wil Rebeiro. The Senior challenge (House Quiz) did their best but we were outgunned by some strong teams elsewhere.
THE EASTER TERM
Football continues to be very popular in-House this term with a large number of boys representing the school 1st and 2nd XI. House Football was played once again by the Lower Sixthin a lunchtime tournament which was greatly enjoyed by all who took part. Our teamwork here was second to none!
Both our Senior and Junior House Hockey teams gave everything on the field with our strong spirit showing throughout.
In the Inter-House Science quiz the boys, for the second year running, we managed to win the competition (18 teams entered)
reflecting the strong breadth of knowledge in House – a great result!
THE SUMMER TERM
Our Junior Challenge (quiz) team put in some excellent performances to reach the tournament final and here they once again shone to win the trophy. The whole school sports day was able to run this year (thanks to a dry April) and it was good to see the team spirit on show and there were some impressive performances in different events too. Sadly, the rest of the term’s sport programme was not so lucky during May and early June with quite a few matches cancelled affecting our many cricketers and tennis players in House.
Exams are now a constant of House life this term and the calm focus of the boys continued to impress me. A good balance was struck between work and relaxation, which for most usually manifested itself in The Manor handball game.
THE PEOPLE
The end of every school year sees goodbyes but these seem particular poignant this year. At the time of reading this, this year’s Upper Sixth will now be well on with the next stage of their lives and it was sad to see them leave at the end of term gathering. We also wished Jason well too.
Dori and I have been ably supported by a strong team of tutors and in-House support staff. David Robinson has been excellent as the live-in assistant making a great contribution to the smooth running of the House. Matt Cannon also contributes as an assistant – I have been lucky to have two such strong members of staff who can just get on with things. The House tutor team has been very important too and I am indebted to their support.
Colette, our Matron, and the team of cleaners continue to keep the rooms looking remarkably clean and tidy; something that parents always pick up on positively and remark upon. They continue to be the bedrock of the House staff team and while we might be leaving, I know they will support the new Houseparents strongly.
Dori and I wish the Noy-Scotts all the very best as they take over the care of the Manor. If they enjoy it just as much as we have they will be so glad they are now doing this.
My final thanks as ever, always go to my family. Without their patience, support and understanding over the last nine years this would have been a much more difficult job to do.
Mr Steve Gwilliam
