21st June 2024
As we dive into this week’s Friday Flyer, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride and camaraderie that defines the incredible Caffinites community. From academic performances in the summer examinations to remarkable sports victories on the river or cricket pitch, our boys have consistently demonstrated their talents and dedication.
Next Thursday, the House will be visiting the Lifeboat station at Seahouses. I am meeting with the volunteers this evening to finalise the plans. If you have not already completed the permission slip, please send the completed form back to me by Monday. Only the boys who participated in the sponsored swim and bake sales have been invited to attend.
In preparation for the last day of term, instead of a beach challenge, I have tasked each year group with creating a ‘lifeboat’ to carry their tutor group members across our swimming pool. Thank you for all the cardboard and plastic bottles; the House is starting to resemble the inner workings of a recycling plant. I am pleased to say that the boys are working hard on building their boats, and without giving too much away, we have some interesting builds!
With only a few weeks left of term, I am now in a position to share our theme for the House BBQs at the end of term: ‘Night at the Movies’ will involve a collaboration between all the boys' Houses for a festival-themed evening on the Playground. There will be inflatables, live music, guest DJs, stalls, and games, not to mention a fire pit for toasting marshmallows.
At the start of the event, the Houses will separate for presentations and prize giving. The Caffinites will have a Movie Star theme, and I have asked everyone to come dressed as their favourite movie character. Poole House has chosen an American theme in celebration of the 4th of July, while School House is going for a beach theme.
Like last year, I would be very grateful if all the boys could get involved with the fancy dress element of the evening. It was great to see so many costumes last year, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into them. Once again, there will be a prize for the best costume.
The evening is shaping up to be a memorable one! Pick-up times will be as follows:
Key Dates:
Thursday, 27th June - RNLI Trip to Seahouses
Selected pupils will travel to Seahouses to spend the day visiting the RNLI station. 8:20am meet and 4:30 pm return. Look at the weather, sun cream will be needed!
Friday, 28th June (on Top Ground) – Sports Day
All pupils will represent the House at Sports Day. They need to arrive at school in sports kit, trainers, and their House top. Everyone will need a water bottle, sun cream, hat, and rain jacket. Events will be sorted by House. Period 5 as normal.
Monday, 1st - Thursday, 4th July – Activities Week
All pupils will be involved in various activities. Mrs. Rochester has already sent the arrangements. Please provide the necessary payments and permissions as soon as possible.
House BBQs: Thursday, 6th July at 18:00–22:00
House BBQs are to celebrate the achievements, hard work, and good fun everyone has had in the House during the year. Pupils will enjoy food and themed entertainments in Houses. Specific information about this event will be communicated soon, but in the meantime, more information can be found at the start of my newsletter. Pupils can get changed after activities on Thursday. Collection from Houses/Quad is at 21:30 for Years 7-11 and 22:00 for Sixth Form, please.
Friday, 5th July: Durham School Community Challenge Morning
All pupils need to attend roll call at 8:30 am. Each Tutor Group has been challenged to create a lifeboat and will spend the morning finalising builds and racing them across the swimming pool. In the event that lifeboats sink within 10 seconds, I have a plan B! This will be a non-uniform morning, but swimming kit will be needed, please.
School will finish at 13:00, and pupils can go home for the afternoon but should return for Speech Day in the evening. There will be no lunch served for pupils on Friday. Speech Day will take place at 7:00pm in the Marquee on the Playground. Pupils are expected to attend roll call at 6:30pm in Houses in smart uniform, and parents and family are very welcome to attend.
School Transport:
There will be no school transport on Thursday or Friday as pupils will be staying until 9pm on Thursday and will finish at 1pm on Friday.
Leavers Service:
Keeping in line with tradition, there will also be a Leavers Service at the end of the day on Friday for Year 13 parents and pupils. More information about the leavers service will be sent to you in my end-of-year newsletter. This special occasion will allow us to cherish the memories and celebrate the accomplishments of this remarkable group.
If you would like any further information, please let me know.
Have a great weekend
Mr A. McMillan
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