Another week has flown by at particular speed, but not without things to celebrate and remember. 

Lodge House Rowing 

Good luck to those who are racing at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham this weekend for the National Schools Regatta. This is a high-profile, competitive event where the girls will be on a big stage and against some big names. Amy, Garce, Natalie, Rosie (Year 11) and Charlotte (Year 9) are all taking part. Good luck! 

Shrek Rehearsals 

On Tuesday, the cast and crew of Shrek! Took the day off-timetable to work on the production which is on the 24th and 25th of June. The show follows Shrek, the much-loved Ogre on his adventures to rescue the princess Fiona, with his 'noble steed', Donkey. The whole cast and crew did brilliantly throughout the day, working hard to put dance numbers, songs and scenes together. The show has a good shape, filled with lots of talent. 

A number of Lodge House girls are involved in the show, onstage and backstage, and it was a pleasure seeing them either standing up in front of their peers singing their hearts out, creating comedy through their characterisation, or busy creating and making props and costume! Well done to the three Fiona characters who all sing together in a beautiful song; Alexa is Young Fiona, Luna is Teen Fiona and Lola is Adult Fiona – a proud moment to see and hear them all sing beautifully during rehearsal. Maggie also impressed me massively with her interpretation of the hilarious role of Donkey – she performs with such zest and connection to the audience already, I know her performance during the show itself will be fantastic! Isla H, Aliha, Daisy, Eloise, Amaya, Penelope (who opens the whole show!) and Isobel are all casted as fairytale creatures and in the chorus, working hard to remember all the choreography and lyrics throughout the show. Behind the scenes, Lottie is part of the crew, moving set and preparing scenes for the actors – an important role that takes a lot of concentration and responsibility. Miah spent a lot of the day making giant sunflowers (!) and other props to contribute to the set design of the show and Amelia and Estee were helping create and design costumes and hair designs. Phew! What busy girls we have! 

Tickets are available on the DCSF events website.

Kings Scholars 

This week, the school's new intake of Kings Scholars were recognised and given their badges to wear with pride. This is a prestigious award and something that is not given out easily. I'm so proud to say that Lodge House has three Kings Scholars in Year 7: Eloise, Aliha and Daisy – well done, girls. 

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. 

Exam week

After the half term, Durham School will hold the internal exams for years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Pupils have their timetables and room allocations (information is on Teams too) and I wish them the best of luck. Half term is a good opportunity to get some revision in for these, but some relaxation is important too! 

Year 12's will be on study leave for this week, allowing them to study at home if they wish. Please be reminded that when they are in school, they must sign in at the house (and out again once they leave!). 

Good luck to everyone taking internal exams, GCSE's and A Levels! 

Staff News 

As I go off on Maternity Leave today, I leave with a mixture of a lot of emotions. I am so utterly proud of all that Lodge House has achieved this year, alongside establishing ourselves as a House and building a community and ethos. The girls have been fantastic, and I am so very grateful of their enthusiasm, commitment and resilience through house competitions, events, charity fundraising and general day-to-day running of the house. The cheer, engagement, and love of the house that each girl brings is very special and I am sure that this will continue next year and beyond. 

Whilst I am off, Mrs N. Fordyce will be taking over as Housemistress and Mrs T. Black will be taking over as Deputy Housemistress.

I know that the girls are in safe, caring and creative hands! I know there are a lot of pupils and staff excited to meet Little Miss Spence once she arrives so I will be popping in from time to time, but I wish everyone well for the next academic year. Thank you for all your kindness and support. 

With Brave Wings She Flies… 

Dates for the diary: 

Exam week – 2nd – 6th of June 

Durham Regatta – 14th and 15th June 

Shrek! – 24th and 25th of June

Year 7 Parents Evening – 26th June

Activities Week – Week commencing the 30th June (information to follow nearer the time) 

House BBQ's – 3rd of July (More information and timings to come)

End of Summer Term – Friday 4th of July