What a busy first week it has been! It has been lovely to meet all the new girls who have joined MacLeod this week, and to welcome back those existing girls. I am thrilled that the MacLeod girls have been such a brilliant support to our new girls this week and it is important that they continue to support each other over the coming weeks - I hope they feel welcomed into our MacLeod Family. 

Our new Head of House, Caitlin, and our other House Prefects have been brilliant at supporting me and the girls this week. Life at Durham School has returned at the usual busy pace and I am sure that all girls will be appreciative of a rest this weekend. The first week is usually a shock to the system and it does take a little while for pupils to get used to their new timetables and for the new girls to find their way around. 

As we get into the term, I hope to see all girls sign up for activities after school and take part in our broad co-curricular programme; there really is something for everyone. Please do encourage your daughters to get involved in School life and sign up, they can talk to their tutors if they are unsure where to find this information.

General Reminders and Information 

I am lucky to have the most wonderful staff and pupil teams in MacLeod to support me but also your daughters too. Here are the details of the staff and their contact details:

Above is a list of our wonderful Year 13 Prefect Team who will help to support and lead the girls this year:

Any pupil staying on school site will be expected in the House completing prep and waiting for collection, or signed up for an activity 4.30-5.30pm. 

We encourage those taking tea at school (5.45pm) to take their belongings with them so they can be collected from the Quad. MacLeod closes promptly at 6.30pm but will close earlier if all pupils have signed out. 

ALL PUPILS MUST SIGN OUT when departing school each day. 

MacLeod is closed on weekends. 

All pupils should arrive and depart school in uniform/school sports kit. If any pupils want to go into town after 4.20pm, they will not be allowed to return to MacLeod, they must sign out and are therefore their parents' responsibility from that time. 

A gentle reminder that make up is not allowed in school, neither is false tan or false nails. It is important that all girls adhere to these rules and look presentable in school. Please also ensure that all items of uniform and sports kit, including hockey sticks, are clearly named.

MacLeod Celebrations We love to hear about all the girls' successes, please do let us know of anything they do outside of school which we should be celebrating. 

Dates for your Diary 

Information for the following events will come out nearer to the scheduled date. Do keep an eye on the Friday Flyer for details. 

Thursday 12th September – Year 7 Social (4.30-5.30pm) followed by Year 7 Parent Drinks in MacLeod (5.30-6.30pm) 

Tuesday 17th September – Year 11 Social (4.30-6pm) TBC 

Thursday 19th September –New Parents Drinks in Big School (7pm) 

Monday 23rd September – Charity Bake Sale (during school) and Year 12 Tutor Group Trip (DATE CHANGE!) 

Friday 27th September – Sixth Form Social (4.45-6.15pm) Wednesday 2nd October – Year 9 Social (4.30-6pm) 

Tuesday 12th November – Year 8 Social (4.30-6pm) 

Monday 18th November – House Music (evening) in Durham Cathedral 

Tuesday 26th November – Year 10 Social (4.30-6pm) Monday 2nd December – Christmas Bake Sale (during school)

Thursday 5th December – MacLeod Parents Mulled Wine and Mince Pies evening (4.45-6.15pm) 

Cricket Dinner – Friday 13th September 

I hope to see all the girls who represented the School in cricket last term attending the Cricket Dinner next Friday. Tickets can be purchased here: 

Women of the Week 

This year we will continue our tradition of presenting the Woman of the Week award in House Meeting on Friday mornings. This will be awarded to a member of our MacLeod community who has stood out that week for a variety of reasons. They may have demonstrated one of our MARK values particularly well, achieved success academically, in sports, music or drama, or generally been a fantastic ambassador and role model for MacLeod.

This week it has been awarded to Year 12 pupil, Amy! Amy is running the Great North Run on Sunday and the whole MacLeod Family will be supporting her and we look forward to hearing about her experience next week. Good Luck, Amy!!