A huge thanks to those who attended and helped at our VE Day celebration on Friday. It was a wonderful afternoon with lots of cake, tea, laughter and chatter. It was a lovely chance to catch up with parents and raise some funds for The Zambesi Sunrise Trust. John, who runs the charity, was impressed at the event and grateful of our support. Total raised will be circulated soon.

Weekly Goings on

This week has been World Mental Health Awareness Week where there have been various activities going on to raise awareness for mental health. On Tuesday, the Year 12 Lodge House girls put on a Yoga session for the girls at lunch time. This was well-attended, and the girls had fun on the grass, soaking up the sun, learning some new poses and taking a break from the busy day. This lunchtime, the Year 12's also ran a Dance/Zumba session in the common room! I'm thankful of the effort and time the girls have put into these activities, and I am hopeful that some of them may become a little more regular. On Thursday, it was Wear It Green Day, where pupils were encouraged to wear a green item of clothing as part of their uniform to raise awareness for the week.

On Wednesday, Cookery Club was a huge success as the girls tackled pizzas! They made their own dough at lunchtime and then created and baked their masterpieces with the help of Mr McMillan and his portable Pizza Oven. Such valuable skills to be learning alongside school life and academics – well done girls and look out Jamie Oliver! 

This week, the Year 12's have completed their Monitor applications and undergone their Monitor interviews. This is a prestigious position within school which holds lots of responsibility and honour. Being awarded a monitorship is a real achievement, as is going through the process. Well done to all our Year 12 girls who put themselves forward for a School Monitor position – a great chance to get confidence in interviews and how to apply for different positions. 

This morning in house time we exchanged kind notes to celebrate the end of MHAW. We have done this before but the joy a simple note of kindness can bring should never be underestimated. 

Monitor Team 2025/2026 

We are delighted to announce our Monitor Team in Lodge House for the next academic year! 

Head of House and School Monitor - Lilly M 

School Monitor – Hilda C Deputy

Head of House (House Monitor) – Beatrice J

House Monitor – Natalie V 

I know the girls will work hard as a team for the school and the house and make their mark on both as they complete their last academic year here at Durham School. Mrs Fordyce and I look forward to seeing the girls flourish in each of their different roles. 

Half term and Speech Day 

Speech Day will be held in the Cathedral on the evening of Friday 23rd May. We extend a warm invitation to you and your families to attend this significant occasion. We ask that all guests be seated in the Cathedral by 7.15 pm, so we can start promptly at 7.30 pm. The Prize Giving will last approximately an hour and a half. 

Please find arrangements below for pupils in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12: 

• Pupils will attend a service at the Cathedral at 3.00pm.

• Pupils may leave this afternoon service from the Cathedral or walk back to School with staff. If pupils are leaving from the Cathedral, they will need to take their bags with them. 

• Houses will close for day pupils for the half term holiday at 4.30pm. 

• Any day pupils wishing to stay on site will be supervised in the Lecture Theatre between 4.30pm – 6.45pm.

• There will be no School transport running on the afternoon of 23 May. 

• Tea will be provided free of charge for day pupils and any boarders who are at School.

• Pupils in School (day and boarding) will be walked across to the Cathedral with staff at 6.45pm. 

• Pupils not staying in School should meet with their Houses at the Cathedral for 7.00pm in School uniform/suits.

• At the end of the Speech Day service, pupils can leave from the Cathedral or walk back to School.

Pupils in Year 11 and 13 should meet with their Houses at the Cathedral for 7.00pm in School uniform/suits.

We recommend that if attending Speech Day, you park in the Prince Bishops carpark.

 There will be a rehearsal for prize winners in School on Wednesday 21st May straight after the Chapel service in the morning. 

Girls Sports Dinner

Tickets can be purchased here. 

Please be sure to get your tickets soon as it promises to be a popular event! 

The deadline to get tickets is Friday 23rd May. Tickets are required by players and parents. 

Date: Friday 6th June 2025 

Time: 18:30 to 23:30

Location: Radisson Blu, Frankland Ln, Durham DH1 5TA 

Dress: Semi-Formal 

Cost: £32.50 

There will also be a collection of raffle prizes to raise money for girls sport. Please ask your daughter to bring donations to Mrs Myers-Bruin in MacLeod by Friday 23rd May.

Lady of Lodge

This week it is only fair to acknowledge the hard work and determination of the Year 12's in their Monitor applications and interviews. It's been a stressful week for them all and they should all be proud of their achievements and positions, whatever they may be. 

Dates for the diary:

• Speech day and end of term – May 23rd

• Exams week – week commencing 2nd June