End of Term

I guess term ends much as it started...cold and snowy. It has been a long term with lots of hard work being done by everyone. This week saw the culmination of many peoples efforts in the Spring Concert which was by far the best end of term concert we have had. Many congratulations to all who were involved.

Last night it was a pleasure to meet the new year 9 boys who will be joining us in September from the Lower School. I hope they all felt very welcome and I am sure they and their parents will be made to feel very welcome in the new year.

As we sign off this term and the blog goes quiet for a while, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Easter!

Daisy and Jo's Marathon Effort

This fortnight the school theme is charity. In Skipwith I like to think that we do what we can. Recently we raised £200 in aid of comic relief by having the pool competition and a mufti day. Two members of Skipwith are working hard to raise money for the own charity 'Sports Aid' which supports aspiring young athletes. This charity helped Jo towards winning Henley Royal Regatta last year in the inaugural Junior Women's Quad event as well as competing at the Junior World Rowing Championships. To raise money they are training to run the Virgin London Marathon on April 21st. This is a phenomenal effort and the girls need all the support they can get. More information is available at http://www.justgiving.com/daisygresswell-jounsworth. Good luck girls!!

As an aside, Jo is certainly following a family trait as her mother Miss Satch swam the channel at the age of 13, whilst brother Will is an Olympic Bronze medallist.

Skipwith WIN House Head of the River

An excellent team effort from the Skipwith crews this afternoon as we dominated the House Head of the River. An excellent performance from the house eight, delivering a technically superior row over the course pushed the house in to the lead and with strong performance in the double, single and quad the house reclaimed the title 'Head of the River'. Well done to all involved. Lots of photos in the gallery!

Introductions

Meg has taken her baby steps in to the house this week. It is still a bit confusing for her when meeting all the boarders so it may be a few more weeks before she meets the day boys.

Super Matron

Matron is such a super lady. Not only does she tend to our boys and make sure they are well looked after but she also also looks after the housemaster very well too. Every week I arrive in the office to find fresh flowers on the side. I'm sure this is the wrong way round and I will be making it up to her...promise!

House Singing

Despite a superb rendition of 'Uptown Girl' and an excellent ensemble piece led by Nick Bond on guitar and Jordan Gibson on vocals, with excellent backing singers, Skipwith managed a 4th place in the singing competition. Disappointment followed but as I reminded the boys this morning, we certainly gave it our best shot.

Messing about...

J14 rowers enjoying the spring sunshine!

Thanks Mr Brownley!

House Council Minutes 8th March 2013

Year 9 – Matt Mehr

-          Year 9 would like to be able to rearrange their desks in their rooms to their own design. Mr Settle said this is fine, provided any design is sanctioned first and can not involve ad hoc furniture arranging.

-          Some year 9 have requested toastie machines. Mr Settle said that the problem with this was the amount of space available in the kitchen which is already taken up by toasters to satisfy the needs of the whole house. Mr Settle will discuss the idea again with matron but also reminded year 9 that we are right on top of the school tuck shop from where they can by toasties.

-          A stock of footballs was requested to be held in house and used by all. Mr Settle said this would not happen due to the frequency with which balls have been leant out in the past and have not returned. Boys are more than welcome to bring them in from home.

Year 10- Carl Harris

-          A bench was discussed for outside the computer room. This was still very much in the planning and although we can not afford a brand new bench, we are looking out for a second hand one and have not forgotten that we want one.

-          The freeview box may not be receiving all channels. Mr Settle said this may be due to the quality of the signal but perhaps it may just need retuning. Matron to investigate.

-          Chocolate spread was requested. Matron believes we have sourced a nut free chocolate spread and will look at getting in some in for break times.

Year 11 – Henry Waller and Phil Green

-          A request for mugs was made. Mr Settle said that mugs were not supplied for boarders or day boys as they tend not be washed up/looked after, and plastic cups have been supplied to improve hygiene in the kitchen. Hot drinks can be served in the plastic cups if they are doubled up, and hot drinks are also available from the kitchen downstairs in the afternoons.

-          Hand sanitiser upstairs was requested for the toilets. Mr Settle will discuss getting another sanitiser with matron but also reminded year 11 that the sink in the new bathroom should also be used to wash hands. Plans are afoot to provide better toilet/hand washing facilities on the top floor.

Year 12 – Bodie Deane

-          Bodie was absent and had previously declared that Year 12 had no issues to report.

Meg

Introducing the newest member of the Skipwith pack, this is Meg. She will be visiting the house after Easter.

Senior House Hockey

Congratulations to the Skipwith team for their efforts in a tough competition on Saturday. Final rankings as follows:

1st Welsh
2nd Orchard
3rd Burr
4th Skipwith
5th Everett

Friends

It's not just the boys who make great friends whilst at school. This morning I was very proud to become Godfather to Mr Crisford's son Samuel.