Merry Christmas!

In case I miss any of you tomorrow I would like to wish all Skipwith families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Term one as housemaster is drawing to a close, and what a term it has been! Thank you for your support and I am looking forward to what next term has to bring!

The blog will go quiet for a few weeks but do look back in the new year when the usual updates will get going again.


Mr Settle

End of Term

We are so nearly there! Today has certaiunly been a busy one in house. The boys were very patient as we sat together for a house assembly, recognising the great efforts people had made this term. Presents were given to tutors and the medical staff, and the boys were recognised for their marvellous efforts this term. In particular, it gave me a lot of pleasure awarding the half colours to the following boys for their dedication to the house through academics, sport and the example they set to others.


Year 9 - Christian Hjortland-Marks, Henry Blois-Brooke, Elliot Whittingham and Ben Tresidder
Year 10 - James Fenton and Carl Harris
Year 11 - Harry Berkley, Tom Berkley, Philip Green, Joshua Hemsley, Matthew Horsfall and Markland Tidswell
Year 12 - Tom Arnold, Harry Hogan and Harry Vardigans

Full House Colours were also awarded to Joe Rockell, Ashley Copeland and Marek Lapham.

After the presentations the house went to the Royal China in Henley and ate so much that many struggled to walk out of the restaurant.

This evening I had the pleasure of the company of our year 12 boys along with Mr Beaumont from catering, Miss Arnold and Mr Bradley. More food and drink followed and I think we are now well and truly getting in to the Christmas spirit.

Tomorrow morning is that whole school service in Henley. Parents and boys are requested to be in their seats by 11:15am for an 11:30am start.

Junior Rugby Awards

This afternoon the Rugby Club hosted its Junior Rugby Awards ceremony. The boys were treated to speeches and reports on their season's conquests and awards were given out. Of the boys I managed to catch on their way back to house, congratulations to the following, although I am sure there are a few more!

Full Junior Colours - Matt Fenton and Billy Sayers (player of the season U15A)
Half Colours - Ross Johnstone, Miles Bridgeman and Sam Wisely (player of the season (U14A)
U15C Improved Player of the Season - Scott Parker
U15C Player of the Season - George Atkinson
U14C Improved Player of the Season - Chris Slinger

Packing Up

We are now entering the final week of term and it is a very busy one indeed. I will be telling the boys check in the morning that they must try and take home books and kit as soon as they are no longer needed. The house must be left empty over the holiday and the rooms must be clean and tidy. To avoid a mad and unorganised rush on Thursday it would help for boys to consider what they do and do not need in school and we can start emptying the house in advance.

Photo Competition

The Christmas photoes are scrolling though on the Skipwith TV, but the winning entry is from...Hugo Javadi-Babreh for this entry. I think it is an original take on the theme 'Skipwith at Christmas'. I am sure he will never go short of ties either!

Christmas Carol Concert

Important information from the Bursar, regarding next weeks carol concert can be found here and here.

New Prefect

It is with a lot of pride that I can announce Tom Merrywether, Head of House, has been appointed a College Prefect. This follows on from a lot of hard work, often done behind the scenes, and for fulfilling his duties extremely well. A great achievement and we are very proud of you!

House Cross Country

The big day arrived and despite freezing conditions and a biting wind, the house cross country competition got underway. Skipwith boys were looking good and ready to take on the challenge. Preliminary results suggest that the Juniors came 3rd, Girls came 1st and Seniors came 2nd. Special mentions for Jo Unsworth who was the fastest girl and for James Riley as the fastest senior. An excellent effort all round! More photos in the gallery.

Cricket Nets

The popular winter cricket programme resumes in the New Year. There will be 8 one hour sessions on a Monday evening in the run up to Easter (Juniors 6-7pm and Seniors 7-8pm).  The cost is £60 for the term which will be added to the College bill.   If you wish for your son to take part please email your consent to Jonnie Howorth on jhoworth@shiplake.org.uk by January 5^th 2013.

House Cross Country

This Wednesday is the house cross country, and I am sure Mr Crisford is working hard on planning a route that avoids the river. This is one of the few events in the school year where everybody can take part and be included in the final scoring. It is essential that everybody is ready for it and willing to give it their best, even if that does mean walking! Go Skipwith!

Photo Competition

Several entries have already been submitted for my photo competition. Deadline is this Friday coming and is open to allcomers. The theme is Skipwith at Christmas. The first entries are in the gallery.

Christmas has arrived

Well, we couldn't wait any longer. December 1st arrived and the decorations had to go up! The entrance hall is looking very tasteful thanks to our wonderful matron. Not a Point Settia in sight but we still have 2 weeks to go...

Water water everywhere...

Photos are coming in showing the extent of the flooding at the moment including some interesting aerial views from Mr Curtis. This is certainly the worst flooding we have seen at Shiplake for at least 4 years. More photos in the gallery.