West House Newsletter Rhodes House Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
One term into Rhodes House and we are already so proud of all that the girls have achieved. For some, there was a period of transition of ‘moving’ from West to Rhodes; for others it has been a slightly different start to a new school and new boarding house than they might have anticipated. The girls have handled the transition time really well. There have been so many highlights from this term that I won’t have room to mention them all (although I will try!) In House Prayers I shared with the girls one of my favourite moments of this year. Last week I came into the Common Room and saw a hive of activity. Some were groups involving girls mixing within their year group and two groups - one bigger, one smaller - of completely mixed years, all enjoying the same activity together. Being a family and serving each other sacrificially are qualities I try to talk about regularly with the girls and they were certainly evident then and at many other points in the term. Another highlight for me was the Junior House Hockey. In the 2nd round we were 1-0 down against West. In the last 15 seconds Rhodes scored to equalise, retaining the possibility of a win. I was so proud of how the girls carried on right until the final whistle, giving it their best. I was equally proud of the Rhodes supporters. Rhodes girls give great side-line support: they cheer loudly and positively - they even head down to the matches in the wind and rain! (I am delighted to say that since I wrote this we have become overall Junior House Hockey winners! The side-line support was absolutely brilliant in addition to the skilful playing on pitch.)
West House Newsletter Rhodes House Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
We have had other victories already despite only being up and running for a term! We won the House performance competition where Becca led the dance and part-song was led by Charlie H and Indie. We were also victorious in the 4th Form Cross Country! In so many areas of school life: academics, hockey, netball, riding, music, art, Rhodes girls are pursuing excellence and we are so pleased with the progress they are making. I explained our house awards system to the new girls during House Prayers. House awards are given for consistent representation, support and leading of the house. Sometimes just a few people are given these awards and at other points it might be that more are given. A list of this term’s recipients can be seen at the end of this article. We are so thankful to all the girls who participate in house events and who support from the side-lines, and to all those girls who promote the house values. We fully recognise that although we see or pick up on many of these occurrences, there will be acts of service and effort that we do not always see, and we are grateful for all of these, both big and small. As a house team we feel every girl in Rhodes can look back with pride at their very successful first term as a new boarding house. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year, and I look forward to seeing the girls back in January ready and raring to go! Best wishes,
Beth
Rhodes House Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2016
IV Form Team Building Team building was a fun and exciting way for all the IV form to meet each other! We did a couple of activities in groups which, as the name suggests, built bonds between us and foundations for great friendships! We started with a couple of activities on a bench; these included getting into height, name and age order without falling off! Although my team may not have been the best, we definitely had the most fun! After this we all went to different parts of the school to do our separate activities. My group started with ‘the gutter’. This was quite an easy task of moving a tennis ball from one area of the field to another but as you can imagine it took teamwork to get the ball in the bucket. Next we moved onto the ‘spider's web’. As you can imagine there were some strings attached from one end to another resembling a spider’s web. We had to lift one another through the holes without touching the string. This was practically impossible but we made it through! The day was drawing to a close but we managed to squeeze in a last competition of tug of war. Which Rhodes won! On that note I’ll sign off! ~ Léa Graham
West House Newsletter Rhodes Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
House Performance ~ Dance House dance was the most fun thing that I have ever done, while we were learning it, it was the enthusiasm of the 6th form that edged us on, with their amazing choreography. All the dances were amazing, but east- south were the winner. But overall the winners were Rhodes Loveday. The supportiveness of the crowd was amazing it made the night even more special. ~ Ciara Evans
House Performance ~ Partsong Part song (house singing) is an annual competition in which the girls and boys sing together unaccompanied with their respective affiliated houses. Together with Loveday boys house we choose to sing Daniel in the Den by Bastille this year. Throughout many long and extremely tiring rehearsals everyone managed to battle through and on the night, and we won. This was down to huge amounts of hard work from our prefects, both Rhodes and Loveday, working together. We are extremely proud to have won our first ever house performance and looking forward to trying to retain the title next year. ~ India Hampson
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2017
Monday Night Matrons MNM! Simple! What does it stand for? A pack of chocolates? No! Monday Night Matrons! How better to relax than chatting with your friends after Prep in a cosy corner of Rhodes Common Room. Claire and Sian are delighted to give each year group a turn to enjoy MNM and within reason, for them to choose how they wish to relax. Sometimes just ‘chilling’ together with hot chocolate and cookies. Another time by 4th form inviting South and West girls over at beginning of November. Starting with sparklers and hot chocolate in Rhodes garden and then trying out apple bobbing and donut eating off a string. The variations are (almost) endless and a wonderful way to start the week. We must add there's nothing nicer for Matrons than to enjoy the girls' company, in one way or another and really get to know them. Roll on next term's MNMs. ~ Matron Claire
An Experience as a New Matron When I walked through the doors of West/Rhodes house for the first time in September I immediately knew that it was a special place. Even before the two houses split all the girls and staff were so friendly and supportive, even when things were a little crazy! I have gradually got to know the girls from all years and I am so amazed at how lovely, polite and individual they all are. I feel that every single one is special and I so look forward to seeing them mature and change over the coming years. The house is constantly getting together for socials, including Monday Night Matron’s, movie nights etc. and enjoying the company of the girls is definitely the best thing about the job. ~ Matron Sian
West House Newsletter Rhodes House Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
Junior Public Speaking The junior public speaking that followed shortly after the house cross country was a fun event in which was a chance for the house to show support and enthusiasm. The topic chosen by Rhodes was ‘how MacDonald’s is going to end the world’ this was presented by two junior Rhodes house members, they spoke strongly and confidently to the crowd of supporters, however overall West nicked the title. ~ Charlotte Tickel
Senior Public Speaking
House Public Speaking is one of the most contested academic events in the house calendar and on Friday 3rd November Rhodes took part in their first senior version of this event. Katie Legister (UVIth) and Ella Job (UVth) made up Rhodes’ team and all their hard work payed off as they secured a brilliant 2nd place, narrowly beaten to 1st place by Cubitt. Overall, an amazing start to the academic competitions for Rhodes!! ~ Ella Job
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
Fourth Form Cross Country The 4th Form cross country‌ It is safe to say that everyone was dreading it, yet we all managed to pull together for their second victory of the year! At first all the girls passing the finish line were from South or West; but the first Rhodes girl soon came. Olivia in sixth place, leading the rest of the Rhodes girls in the middle chunk of the placings. The most amazing lunge for the finish line by Ciara meant we snatched up the extra points that put us in front of South by nine points! ~ Liv Barker
Monday Night Football After a calamitous round one, where we found ourselves rather embarrassingly seven goals down to nil against south last half of term, we were ready to make a come back this half of term. The West-Rhodes football team headed down to Lintotts in high spirits on a freezing November Monday night and played like never before. At half time, the score was one all, thanks to Bea St Pier’s epic goal. Unfortunately, South scored once more, bringing the final score to 1-2. One broken ankle later, and perhaps with a shred of disappointment at our near loss, we knew our Cranleigh girls football debut was over. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and seemed to entertain our spectators and we are all glad we got to give the alien sport of football a good go! ~ Becca Harnby
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2016
House Challenge House Challenge was one of the first academic inter– house competitions Rhodes faced. Unfortunately we didn’t win, but Rhodes’ spirit was as vibrant as ever. Below is a few words from Elwyn: I have to confess that I surprised myself when I sat down to take part of House Challenge and I have no idea what expression was sprawled across my face as I watched in horror as the hoard of Rhodes supporters gathered! I still don't know how I got there as I suffer from terrible stage fright and do my best to avoid attracting attention, yet there I was in front of a large audience with a buzzer clamped in my hands. . . But despite the fact that we lost, I actually found that I enjoyed myself as I became bolder until I eventually gathered the courage to blurt out an answer to one of the questions! It was an excellent experience as it helped to boost my confidence especially as I want to become a musician and I enjoyed seeing the reaction of my house as they all rooted for me from the audience. I know that in the future I will be better prepared to face the music and cope with my nerves! ~ Elwyn Rowlands
Charity We have started this term carrying on a few old traditions charity wise, this includes charity bake sales on a Saturday morning, and although unfortunately due to timings we have not had many we are looking forward to doing more in the terms to come and raise more money for our designated charities. As well Rhodes House produced a large number of shoeboxes, which are now being sent of to Romania in time for Christmas! In addition we have been collecting food for our local food bank, which has also been incredibly successful. We are looking forward to what next term will bring charity wise, and will soon start planning our charity day, which is in Summer term. ~ India Hampson
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2017
House Challenge The House Challenge is a series of general knowledge quizzes run by Mr Rothwell and Mr Viani. This year, despite being a new competitor, Rhodes secured a victory against North, becoming the only girls’ house to progress to the semi-final. Here, our spirited supporters saw a tense battle with Cubitt, but unfortunately it was Cubitt who moved on to the final. However, given the close match, Rhodes will be one to watch in future years. ~ Naalini Bird
Junior House Hockey To begin with we started with a tough match against South – Cubitt, resulting in a 2-1 victory after being 0-1 down at half time. This grit and determination was revealed once again in our second match against West, where we drew with an unfortunate score of 1-1. Due to the freezing conditions our last match against South – East took place as an indoor match, despite our disappointment the girls carried home a resounding win, leading to Rhodes being house hockey champions 2017. The Rhodes house staff this year who helped out and cheered us on was Miss Merry, helped by our encouraging house captain, Millie Regan. It was great to see so much support from the rest of the house no matter what the exhausting circumstances. ~ Mattie Hamilton
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2017
House Prayers Awards Academic Prizes IV Achievement: Naalini Bird
Tutor Prizes IVth
Progress: Matilda Howorth
Merry: India Scott
Effort: Mathilda Bown
Shairp: Naalini Bird
LV
Reeve: Jade Mark
Achievement: Hermione Hampton Progress: Tia Radkiewicz Effort: Lucy Atkin
LVth
UV
Griffiths: Tia Radkiewicz
Achievement: Jess McCormack
Baffou: Holly-Rose HarlandFairweather
Progress: Maia Cooper Effort: Hebe Bodmer
Gangemi: Hermione Hampton
LVI Achievement: Jane Xu Progress: Holly Fletcher
UVth
Effort: Elwyn Rowlands
Wallis: Jaz Davis
Special mention to Ella May Jennings who came runner up in every category
Stearn: Lila Millard
UVI
Lewis: Frankie D’Agata
Achievement: Charlie Andrews Progress: Libby Cloete Effort: Anna McDonald
House Awards House socks: All Fourth Form, Tilly Woodford, Rowie Harland– Fairweather, Alannah Rogers– Dixon, Charlotte Tickel, Holly Fletcher, Laura Graham, Ella Jennings, Ariana Lizarraga, Elwyn Rowlands and Jane Xu. Half Colours: Ella Job Full Colours: Millie Regan, India Hampson, Ellie Black, Emma Davis House Badges:: Millie Regan, Nat Gillott, Charlie Hills
Rhodes West House HouseNewsletter Newsletter Summer Term 2016 Michaelmas Term 2017
Have a Happy Christmas!