Welcome to the first Bungites Friday Flyer of the year! Before I get going, and for those of you who do not know, the boys in School House are often referred to as Bungites. This stems back to one of our former Headmasters and Housemasters, Henry Holden, whose nickname was 'Bung'. He was given this nickname as he used to tell the boys in his house stories and they began calling him it. The name Bungites dates back to the mid-1850s so you will appreciate how close it is to our hearts and how proud we are of it. Being a Bungite means you become part of a rich history so the class of 2024 now have the responsibility to do the house proud. 

Start of Term 

As I wrote in my start of term letter, I am sure there was a mixture of emotions on the boys' first day and I hope that, now they have had a week in school, these have all settled and the boys are happy. It has been a superb start to the term and I must say that I am so proud of how the boys have got back into the swing of school life. Our new pupils are behaving like they have been here for years and are fine group of young men and I thank our returning pupils for making everyone feel so welcome. As you can imagine, our Matron, Mrs Heeley, has had an incredibly busy week and our thanks go to her for her brilliant work with the boys throughout the week. I would also like to say a massive and thank you (and well done!) to you, our parents and guardians, for supporting, organising and encouraging the boys throughout the week. I am sure that there were a few tears for some of you as you dropped the boys off at the start of the week but please be assured that we will look after them and do all we can to ensure they are happy. 

World Challenge 

We had a number of Bungites in Malaysia over the summer on their world challenge expedition. The boys had a great time and I am sure it will be an experience they never forget. Well done to Zac H, Casper J, Andrew S, Pardeep L, Harry W, Fergus F, Billy S & Andrew C. 

Sport 

It has been a great week for our U14 Cricket team who progressed to the final of the County Cup on Wednesday. Special shout out to Matthew B and Louie M who scored 50 and 49 respectively. Our 1st XV are in action tonight against Harrogate Sixth Form College down at Durham City RFC. The game is a 6:00pm KO and we wish all of the boys playing the very best of luck. First caps will hopefully be won by Fergus F, Andrew S, Charlie H & Dan Cassop and we wish the boys well. Our junior sides are also in action and with all of the times and locations available on SOCS. 

House Music

We begin our rehearsals for House Music next week for what I am sure will be a superb evening over in the Cathedral later in the term. At the time of writing, I have no idea on what song we will be singing so we may have to give a few rousing renditions of 'Floreat Dunelmia' to warm the vocal chords up in preparation! 

Boarding 

Our boarders are off to Infinite Air on Sunday to enjoy an afternoon of trampolines, ice cream and foam pits! Everyone is now unpacked, into a routine and ready for the term ahead and I have been so impressed by how well the boys have done. 

Music 

Music and LAMDA lessons begin next week so do please sign the boys up if you would like them to begin/continue lessons. Letters and forms should be either with you or are en route- any questions, please contact your sons tutor. 

Housekeeping 

All of the boys should now have a locker allocated to them that they can use to store kit, bags and valuables. We will do all we can to encourage them to lock their belongings away for safe keeping. Should I receive any lost property, I will return it straight to the rightful owner (provided it is labelled, of course). From experience, the boys are very quick to say that their kit has been stolen to avoid getting into trouble when in actual fact they have simply left it somewhere! Should you be missing anything, your son's tutor is your first point of contact as anything left around the house will be returned by me. 

I wish all of you a restful weekend.

Mr Mark Younger 

Senior Housemaster, School House