West House Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2012
Dr Saxel Well, what a term this has been! It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I greeted 104 girls at the first callover in September and I am pretty sure I was more nervous than the most apprehensive fourth former, but I can honestly say I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it! The prefects have been fantastic and I am so grateful to them, Mrs Burns and the Matrons’ for steering me patiently through the term! The girls have packed such a lot in. One highlight was definitely the hilarious West House Play which was put together with utter professionalism by Sop Ambrose and Milly Black. This was an amazing achievement pulled together in a very short time. Music continued to dominate and this was evident in the West Concert which was held to thank the Townsends for the loan of the beautiful Steinway piano, that is played every day, without fail ,in West! Sport is huge for very many of the girls in West and it was with utter pride that I watched them in every house competition this term. We lost a couple but everything was played in great spirit with utter commitment. Hearing the supporters at every event and hearing the way the girls cheered for each other in the end of term assembly showed me just how much house spirit there is in West but to be honest, it is evident every day anyway, particularly in Matron’s room. I could go on and on about all the individual achievements of the girls in the house, but for me the most important thing is that we have a happy house. The sense of community is evident every day, even when I am nagging the girls about leaving lights on and not singing loudly enough in chapel! I cannot thank the girls enough for welcoming me and my family into West. With water issues, fire alarms galore and two thieving Labradors, it has certainly been a baptism of fire.
A Sad Farewell to Isabel Parker We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Isabel after nearly nine years as a matron in West. In her time she has cared for hundreds of girls, dealing with problems from homesickness to broken limbs with equal professionalism and care. We thank her so much for all she has done, and wish her all the best in her new home in Frimley Green.
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West House Newsletter
4th Form House Cross Country House cross-country is one of the most challenging events in the fourth form calendar. However all the 4th form took on the challenge with great spirit…and Tabz Bowden won the entire event! Well done Tabz!
House Public Speaking In what can only be described as the epitome of the term, Emily Wolley nervously stood up and successfully fulfilled her role as a chairman, introducing Lizzie Roberts who gave an excellent speech on the topic of women’s rights in sport. Olly Al Marzook then provided the room with a delightfully entertaining vote of thanks. Despite this “power of three” that West had, we were bitterly disappointed when first place was just out of reach after Cubitt’s stunning performance. A VERY good try from all involved though, and thank you for all the support . Emily Wolley
West House Play 'It's Not You It's Me' was comprised of twentytwo West, North and Loveday students. The series of short break-up scenarios was amazing to be involved in, and I know that all involved had a great time. Special mentions go to Mr Neill and Miss Warner for the help with direction, and Sophie Jones and Nancy Newberry for their technical skills. All of the cast and crew will carry fond memories of this brilliant house play directed by Millie Black and Sophia Ambrose Millie Black and Sophie Ambrose
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Stonesett The most competitive competition of the year, 4 hockey teams of mixed years group members, from lowers teams compete in a tournament against south. This year we dominated the competition winning 32-16. An amazing turnout and a really well done to everyone! Sophie Jones
House Squash House squash this term was a brilliant event. The team consisted of Nancy, Sophie, Chloe, Jen and Cathy and thanks to the many enthusiastic supporters! West won three out of the five matches which meant we won overall. Well done to everyone who tool part! Cathy Hobbs
House Football We won… in spirit! South got 1 goal and West scored 0. However, it was another enjoyable house event with plenty of pink supporters and a stunning performance from all the players! Scarlet Rudd
West Music Scholars Concert West held a music scholars concert to thank Mr and Mrs Anthony Townsend for the loan of their beautiful 1916 Steinway boudoir grand piano. All our music scholars played incredibly well and represented the fabulous talent in West. Overall it was a lovely evening of music! Nancy Newberry
House Challenge
Despite the shining intellect of the West house squad, we were completely annihilated by a very strong loveday team. We still stand by “Ragu” being the right answer! Maddie Austin
House Performance
TERM HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS Highlights: 1. The arrival of the Saxel’s – dogs and children included 2. Miss Lockwood the new day warden – successfully fulfilling her job by wardening the day 3. The new sixth form kitchen oven – used every day without fail, even if only for a chocolate hug in a mug 4. The sliding doors between matrons and the common room – oh WOW! 5. West House Play – can only be described as hilarious 6. The increase in the amount of hot chocolate powder we order (thank you Carol!) Lowlights: 1. The loss of a matron – Isabel (aka “matron parker”) you will be missed dearly, 9 years hasn’t been long enough 2. When the water stopped… 3. Finally…. The HUNDREDS of fire alarms we seem to have had! Emily Wolley
House performance; always a favourite night for the fourth form, and this year for the entire house. West outshone all other houses, with Loveday-West and North-West sweeping the board. Well done to all performers and supporters; a brilliant evening.
Zambia
In October half term Milly Black, Becky Hennell, Tilda Martin and Cathy Hobbs were part of the group trip to Kawama School in Zambia. In addition to cooking, teaching and building, they played with the children and learnt to work as a team when confronted with new and challenging situations, overall it was a really moving once-in-a-life-time experience. Milly Black
House Fives
Riding
Unfortunately we lost this competition but it was a great performance all round, special mention must go to Tats and Abi’s enerHouse Hockey getic and rather dramatic game! This was always going to be a tough event for the seniors, as south’s senior A team was made up of only 1st team players. But everyone threw themselves into it and showed true west house spirit, losing only 3-0 ! Our juniors on the other hand were much more successful with all our A teams storming to victory! Lots of effort and support all round! Well done
First of all, we convincingly won house riding, which is not surprising as West girls make up over half of the school riding team. They have had a great term making Cranleigh one of the best schools for riding in the country! Well done girls—especially for showing your true dedication b getting up at 5:45 am!!