It is going to be a Big weekend in school as we welcome new families into Bungites for Open Day. Over 90 prospective families have signed up and I am very much looking forward to showing off the house. As always, thank you so much to those parents bringing their boys into school; I fully appreciate the extra school trip is far from ideal so I am hugely grateful. The boys are fantastic ambassadors for the house and parents are always very complimentary about how polite, well mannered and articulate they are.

Academic 

Last night was Year 7 Parents' Evening and it was lovely to see so many new faces. It got me thinking about how important communication is with the strength of yours and the schools relationship is fundamental to the boys' success. I am sure Bungites of old can testify to the effectiveness of knowing there is nowhere to hide should a sanction be issued! Joking aside, please do not hesitate to contact your sons tutor should you ever need them. The sooner we know, the sooner we can help. 

Sport

Last Saturday, our 1st XV retained the Noel Shearing Cup against Ampleforth College. The game started with the teams going toe to toe but Durham quickly wrestled the initiate and ran away convincing winners (forwards Will, Rowan B, Fergus F, Andrew S and Titus O hammering holes in the Ampleforth defence). As always, Bungites was well represented with the boys playing some excellent rugby. The 1st XV backed up this win with a National Cup win over Barnard Castle though the result was slightly overshadowed by an injury to Rowan B who we wish well. It was a great day last Saturday for our 2nd XV and 3rd XV who also enjoyed W's over Ampleforth. The 3rd Team game being the closest of the three and I am told Noah M was electric in attack with Matthew B pulling the strings in midfield (as always, very obvious who I have bumped into this morning!!!). 

Our U16 XV defeated Sedbergh School on Wednesday afternoon in what was a brilliant advert for School Boy rugby. The boys fronted up in defence with Tom R scoring some very good tries. Special shout out to Archie M and Thomas X who both played a year up. Simon G and Louie M also catching the eye while Emile B's ultra cool response (calm walk off, stem the flow, back in the mix) to popping his nose is worthy of note. Our junior rugby sides continued their development with games against King's Priory yesterday afternoon. The boys played some good rugby and are showing lots of signs they are listening to their coaches. Shoutout out to Augustus and Isiah O who made their rugby club debuts yesterday. The senior squad head up to Merchistan Castle this weekend and we wish them well. 

House Pool Competition 

The never-ending competition is finally drawing to a conclusion with myself and Mr Bryant still very much in the hunt for the trophy. Some strong junior showings have meant some self proclaimed top seeds have been knocked out so the competition is wide open. There also seems to be an increasingly lopsided feel to the table which is adding further jeopardy. I remain convinced year 7 are behind this! 

Year Group Socials

First of these took place earlier in the week with year 7 watching a retro movie and having snacks. This will be the first of two this term with a more festive feel to the next one. Year 10 are planning an evening next week (Mr Bryant helping!) with lots more to follow. 

Awards

Academic awards this week go to: 

Albie A, Kayode A, Adam A, Irbahim A, Ibrahim A, Rupert A, George B, Matthew B, Seb C, Jack D, Max D, Harry D, Jesse E, Miles F. Lucas F, Vincent H, James H, Max H, Marcus H, Honghi L, Chris H, Mustafa H, Vance M, Evan M. Adrian MA, Harry M, Archie M, Will O, Sam P, Indy R, Daniel S, Archie S, James S, Barney W, Louie W, Thomas X, Jack Z 

 Laud Leader 

1. Emile B 20 

2. Seb C  16 

3. Indy R  15

4. Albie A  13

Congratulations to all the boys listed above. 

Boarding 

Our boarders are off to the Metrocentre on Sunday for some retail therapy. Last Saturday was ten pin bowling on the Sunday with our house social on the Saturday night. Everyone was on great form and there are few things better than all of the boarding community together having fun.

Open Day 

Please could all of the boys involved (they know who they are, the list is on Teams) be in school for 8:45am in the morning. If your boys' name is not on the list, they do not need to come in. Thank you in advance for your support. 

House Keeping

Couple of things this week, firstly, please could I ask that parents do not enter the house unless with a member of staff. I appreciate the frustration of having to wait in the car park but I ask that the indoor space is kept for the boys. Should you need to contact a member of staff, please drop us an email as we tend to pick these up quickly! Second one, please can you keep an eye out for a school branded sports bag with initials JH on it.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.