The Dunelm Run 

This week started off with a BANG! The prestigious Dunelm Cross Country run took place on Monday afternoon and the event did not disappoint. The whole school was out on the Playground spectating the runs and cheering each other on. 

First, the Junior Run started, where for a lot of the girls, there was some nervous anticipation for the unknown. Those that did it last year were pleased to hear the route had been shortened slightly and were a little more eager to get going. A huge well done to Eloise (Yr 7) who came 3rd and Lola (Yr 8) who came 2nd. An amazing effort! 

At half past 2, the second start gun went off to mark the beginning of the Swainston Run (intermediates). The course was similar in difficulty and of course, still had the Vallance hills centre stage, but the pupils were required to do a few more laps of the Playground, making the course slightly longer. Again, the girls did brilliantly (see a lovely picture attached of the girls on the start line) and Agnes (Yr 9) was on the podium this time, coming in at 2nd place – her tennis and overall fitness clearly helped with her success here, well done. Another special moment from this race was Lucy and Charlotte running the whole thing side by side, encouraging and pushing each other all the way round – so lovely to see. 

Then on to the main event, the Dunelm Run itself. Again, the course was lengthened slightly, and another change was made – that both the girls and boys ran the same route and length course! A huge well done to our small and mighty senior group of girls who really pulled out all the stops to put in top effort. Bea (Yr 12) came in at an amazing 4th place and it was great to see Edie and Macey (Yr 13) put in some tremendous effort and run the whole course together, helping each other every step of the way. 

The fun did not end there (like it usually would), but the introduction of the Vallance Relays took place as a fast and competitive element to the afternoon. A team of 7 pupils (one from each year group) for each house took part in a 700m dash up Vallance drive, down past the Budworth and back on to the Playground. This was a fast and furious race and certainly a new and exciting spectacle. Our girls showed real grit and determination, running like the wind and certainly not giving up! We were leading the majority of the way and were only pipped by MacLeod on the last two legs. Well done to our fabulous team of Eloise, Lola, Agnes, Abi, Freya, Bea and Macey for taking on this extra challenge! 

The whole of the results, and announcement of overall winners, will be revealed after the holidays. The girls certainly deserved their chocolate biscuits and a quiet tutor time on the Tuesday morning. 

Other Weekly Goings On 

On Wednesday after school, the Year 8 and 9's had their Easter Social where the girls decorated their own Easter eggs. The evening was a nice opportunity to spend time with the girls and get nice and messy in the best way – chocolate and icing! 

On Wednesday we also had the draw of the Easter raffle which was organised by the Yr 9 pupils. The raffle raised £50 for St Cuthbert's Hospice which will contribute to our ever-growing total! 

Thursday saw the Easter Hunt which was organised by the 6th Form girls. Well done for all the charity fundraising so far this year – it's been an incredible effort! 

Our final total for our fundraising this term is a massive £1711.00! 

VE Day Celebrations

After half term we are hosting a VE Day Afternoon Tea Party on Friday 9th May in Lodge House garden! This will be a fun social event for Lodge House girls, parents and staff, where tea, cake, games, music and a raffle will all be in abundance. Tickets are £5 and all proceeds go to the Zambezi Sunrise Trust; please purchase via the parent pay portal before Friday 2nd of May. Please could I ask for any contributions to the raffle to be handed to Lodge House staff by Friday 2nd May – Thank you!   

This will be our last big charity push for the year, and I just want to say how amazingly the girls have done will all the events and socials so far - thank you so much for your support!   

Lady of Lodge 

This week's Lady of Lodge goes to Agnes who has recently competed in the under 18 girls' County Cup, held in Sunderland, where she won two out of her three singles matches! Agnes also came 2nd in the Swainston Run this week and took part in the relay competition. Her competitive nature and energy does not go unnoticed.

Upcoming dates   

VE Day Afternoon Tea Party – 9th of May 4:30-6:30 pupils and parents of Lodge House welcome.