The 192nd Durham Regatta took place over the weekend, with a great number of Caffinites involved across the two-day event. As a competitor who has taken part in 30 of the 192 regattas, it is wonderful to see so many younger people taking on roles as volunteers. This ties in nicely with the chapel service the House led on Wednesday, which focused on public service. Many students were involved (a few OD Caffinites were spotted around the Durham School Boat Tent too). As for the current crop, Gustav B, Alec T, Matthew W, and James W all competed and won events at the regatta.

Caffinites Gardening 

My very green-fingered, 'budding' gardeners in my Year 8 tutor group got to grips with planting some spider plants in the school greenhouse on Thursday. We wrote our names and the date on the pots, and the activity aimed not only to teach the pupils the value of nature, but also the importance of caring for and nurturing something other than a PlayStation or an Xbox! I challenged the boys to keep their named plant alive over the holidays and take it home. I then went on to tell them that the 20 or so spider plant cuttings had come from the mother plant at my parents' house, and they were fascinated by the biology and origins of their own small spiders.

Whilst I had lunch on Thursday in Big School, it was great to see so many old Caffinites representing the MCC vs Durham School in a very competitive cricket match on the playground in the sunshine. One James Ritzema made me feel very old when he told me he remembered me teaching him in Year 7, having left school some 14 years ago! 

Caffinites House BBQ

House BBQ theme this year is 'Old School Dance and Rave Festival'. I look forward to seeing everyone dressed up in fancy dress from the 80s and 90s, complete with glow sticks and neon trousers! 

As mentioned last week, there will be live music, guest DJs, stalls, and inflatables, not to mention an inflatable obstacle course! The Houses will come together at the start of the evening for a BBQ on the patio outside Big School, before returning to their individual Houses for prizes and presentations. Once the prize-giving is complete, we will head back down to the Playground for the evening events. The evening is shaping up to be a memorable one - even bigger than last year! 

Pick-up times will be as follows: Years 7–11 will need to be picked up at 9:30 pm, with Years 12–13 being picked up at 10pm. 

Caffinites Fundraising

On Thursday, 3rd July, The Caffinites House will be taking part in a sponsored 1-mile swim, with all proceeds going directly to our charity. This promises to be a fun and energetic event for a fantastic cause, and both Mr McMillan and I hope everyone participates. 

May I kindly ask that all sponsorship money for our sponsored swim to be paid through our JustGiving page. Every contribution, big or small, will help make a real difference. 

JustGiving link: The Caffinites House is fundraising for Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation 

Looking ahead, sports day will take place on the final morning of term (Friday 4th July), and further information about the day will be shared in due course. Have a great weekend, everyone.