Many thanks to Miss Longden for her thoughts, in this week's Friday flyer, about living in Pimlico House.

Hello! My name is Thea and, like Alice, I am a resident tutor in Pimlico this year. My role is slightly different to Alice's as I am an Activities Resident Tutor so I am involved in co-curricular activities around school as well as helping out around the house.

Living in Pimlico for the past few months has been absolutely wonderful. Like many of the boarders, I moved into Pimlico at the start of term and have spent the last few months getting into the rhythm of life here at Durham School. This is my first experience of life in a boarding school and Pimlico has welcomed me with open arms. Whether it's chatting to me while I am on duty or saying hello when I see them around school, the girls have helped me to seamlessly integrate into their community and I feel like I have always been part of the Pimlico family.

Now that we are in December, the countdown to Christmas has officially started and Pimlico House is slowing being turned into our very own Santa's Grotto. Last Friday saw the start of our Christmas decorating, with our boarders spreading some festive cheer around the communal areas of the house. Hearing the faint sound of Christmas songs being sung in the common room and walking in to see the beautifully decorated, twinkling tree has made Pimlico feel even more magical than before.

On Saturday we marked the start of the season with a trip to the Cathedral's Advent Procession. We spent the evening in the glorious cathedral being serenaded by the breathtaking sounds of the Cathedral Choir – featuring some of the girls from the Pimlico community. This was followed by hot chocolate and mince pies for all of the school's boarders in Pimlico house. What better way to start the festive season than choirs, carols and Christmas treats!

Becoming part of Pimlico House when I joined Durham School has proven to be an enriching experience. As someone deeply passionate about education—so much so that I am studying it at university—I was eager to immerse myself in this world but the impact Pimlico has had on all aspects of my life has exceeded all my expectations. Seeing the girls blossom throughout this term has been nothing short of wonderful – whether that's seeing their confidence growing every week or seeing them shine doing what they love. It would be hard not to be constantly inspired when living in a community of such amazing individuals. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds for everyone at Pimlico!

Thank you to Miss Longden.

This week's Friday celebration was awarded to Sophie S for reading in chapel and for playing so much hockey this week. She and the first team made it through to the regional finals of the County Tournament, which is a fine achievement. Congratulations to our players who include: Sophie S; Rosa B; Jasmine M; Hannah T and Ria P. A hearty well done must also be extended to all our girls who sang or played in last night's winter concert. Once again, Aroa L, Clemmie W, Julie A. Dorothy A, Sophia M, Tabitha A, Bethany N, Josephine M, Matilda A, Rosalind M, Clara M-A, Sofia T, Francesca W, Yichenxi X, Varvarva V and Indigo R-B took to the chapel stage and were heartily applauded for their music. It was very much appreciated.

Before I end, I must thank all girls and families who have given so generously so far to the School Christmas charity, Feeding Families. Parcels of food have come pouring into the House over the last two days which has been so heart-warming to see. Thank you.

As I wish you all a good and healthy weekend, please let me remind you of the schedule for next week:

Junior House suppers for years 7-10 take place on Wednesday 11th December. Girls will be required to wear uniform but may also wear their Christmas jumpers as a charity raising effort. Contributions towards Grace House of £2 are asked for. Should it make this easier, please see the link attached. https://ghne.enthuse.com/pf/pimlicohouse

The Junior party will finish at 4.20pm and day girls must be collected at this point. Please note there will be no after school activities that day, but school transport will run as normal. Those requiring school transport may wait in the House.

Senior House suppers for years 11-13 are held on Thursday 12th December. The dress code for this is formal, black tie. Once again, the emphasis here is on 'formal'.

On Thursday 12th December, all day girls in years 7-10 must be collected at 4.20pm. If they stay in school for transport, provision will be made for them elsewhere on site. Day girls in years 11-13 must be collected at 10pm when the day part of the House will close.

Finally, our carol service on Friday 13th December takes place in Durham Cathedral between 5.30pm-6.30pm. Girls' final belongings can be collected from Pimlico House between 4.30pm – 5.00pm or directly after the cathedral service.

If you would like to depart with your daughter directly from cathedral then please could you let me or Mrs. Pollard know?

Please could you also help your daughter to take all her belongings home throughout next week? The House will be deep cleaned during the holidays and cleaners must find the rooms empty. Thank you.

Pimlico House shuts at 6.45pm on December 13th for the Christmas break.