It's been another busy and exciting week for Macleod House, with so much going on across school! At the beginning of the week our Y7 girls received postcards from our sister school in Dubai. Our girls had sent a postcard before half-term. It was a lovely opportunity to hear news from girls of different backgrounds and cultures and establish new friendships.

On Tuesday we took time to pay our respects to the men and women who lost their lives serving in the two world wars and other conflicts with a two-minute silence. We also raised almost £50 for the Royal British Legion with our poppy sale – thank you to everyone who bought a poppy or made a donation. On Tuesday our Year 10 and 12 Art students headed to Newcastle for an inspiring TICE workshop, where they were given the opportunity to explore real careers in the creative industries and shown how to turn inspiration into action. Thursday saw Y10 students head to the Theatre Royal to see Dear England, which tells the story of Gareth Southgate's revolutionary tenure as England manager. House Singing rehearsals have continued to dominate this week as we head towards performance night next Wednesday. Our head of House, Lottie, has asked if the girls can have a quick rehearsal after school on Tuesday, 4:30pm – 5:00pm. I do hope that as many girls as possible will be able to stay and polish up on the choreography!

As part of National anti-bullying week, the girls have been encouraged to reflect on how our actions and words affect others and have been reminded that every member of our school deserves to feel safe, valued and respected. Wearing odd socks today reminded us that everyone is unique, and that those differences make our community stronger.

Sports Update

Last Tuesday the U15 Hockey team played Barnard Castle, achieving their first win of the season, 4-0, with goals from Lotte and Poppy, who was named player of the match for her incredible running down the wing - congratulations Poppy! The U14 game unfortunately had to be abandoned due to a serious injury. 

On Wednesday the 1st XI team (Darcy, Zara, Grace ,Lottie, Millie, Jess and Samantha) played in the U18 Tier 3 North East Sub Area Competition. The team drew their first game 1-1 against Dame Allan's, with Sammy scoring in the last 2 minutes of the match. The second game was against Barnard Castle with the girls dominating play and goals scored from Samantha and Millie. The girls displayed some of their best hockey of the season, but unfortunately a 2-3 defeat was not enough to see them through to the regional round. 

On Thursday the U12A (Lucy, Lyla, Scarlett, Flick) and U12B (Maleeha, Lilla, Izzy) teams played against Dame Allan's, with both teams winning 1-0 and 4-1 respectively. There was some great attacking play and they showed signs of real potential as a team. 

In the centralised league at The Parks, both the U13A (Gabi) and U13B (Lillie Mae, Nadia, Hannah) showed some great defending. U13A won two, drew one and lost one game, while the U13B team drew 2 and lost one game. Well done to all of the girls involved, a great effort from the Girls in Green! 

A weekend of rowing saw Sophie H take first place in the J17 women's double Long-distance sculls. Sophie also took second place in the J16 women's single in the Small boats Head – huge congratulations to Sophie!

Congratulations to our 1st VII netball team for progressing to the next round towards the Schools' Nationals!

House Council – Charity Collection 

At our House council meeting last week we discussed possible fundraising/charity events for this half-term. We have our trusty bake sale in the calendar for Monday 8th December, raising money for our House charity, The Winnie Mabaso Foundation, but we were looking for a Christmas charity appeal closer to home. The girls have decided to support the Dog House Spa and Chill grooming salon in Shotley Bridge with their annual Christmas collection of dog and cat toys, treats and blankets. The salon takes donated items to a local animal shelter called Tender Care each December.

The girls in MacLeod would like to help by collecting their own special gifts as donations for animals waiting for their forever home so that they can have some creature comforts this festive season. From Monday, there will be a box in MacLeod where the girls can leave any donations, great or small. Your support of this appeal would be greatly appreciated. We hope to take our donations to the Tender Care shelter towards the end of term, although I have said to the girls that we can't bring back a MacLeod House pet, much to everyone's disappointment!! 

Lauds 

Well done to the following girls who all received Lauds this week: 

Freya E, Flick, Laibah, Gem, Charli, Evie, Olivia G, Lyla G, Annabelle G, Chinmayi G, Crystal, Annabelle H, Isla G, Lottie H, Grace J, Samantha J, Gabi M, Nadia M, Erin N, Hannah OSB, Gabrielle P, Grace M, Narjis R, Lotte S, Poppy, Edie, Maleeha, Faye, Annabel T, Olivia T, Milla, Scarlett, Izzy Q, Tilly, Narjis, Lucy S, Dana S, Sophie, Gracie, Rachel W and Isla Y. Our Leading Lady of the Lauds this week is Grace R in Y7 - well done Grace!

Freya E, Flick, Laibah, Gem, Charli, Evie, Olivia G, Lyla G, Annabelle G, Chinmayi G, Crystal, Annabelle H, Isla G, Lottie H, Grace J, Samantha J, Gabi M, Nadia M, Erin N, Hannah OSB, Gabrielle P, Grace M, Narjis R, Lotte S, Poppy, Edie, Maleeha, Faye, Annabel T, Olivia T, Milla, Scarlett, Izzy Q, Tilly, Narjis, Lucy S, Dana S, Sophie, Gracie, Rachel W and Isla Y. Our Leading Lady of the Lauds this week is Grace R in Y7- well done!

Dates for your Diary

Monday 17th November – Year 8 Social (rearranged) (4.30pm-6pm) 

Tuesday 18th November – Whole House singing run through (4.30pm-5pm) 

Tuesday 18th November - Sixth Form Open Evening for Year 11 pupils (6pm-9pm) 

Wednesday 19th November – House Singing Competition -for all pupils, in Chapel (6pm-8:30pm). Pupils will be provided with tea. 

Tuesday 25th November – Year 11 Social (4.30pm-6pm)

Tuesday 25th November - Year 10 Parents Evening (6pm) 

Thursday 4th December – MacLeod Parents Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Event -invitations to follow (5-6.15pm)

Monday 8th December – Christmas Charity Bake Sale

Meeting Livvy

At the beginning of the week, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to our newest 'Girl in Green', and as you can see from the photo, Livvy is already a MacLeod girl through and through! 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. 

Wishing you all a restful weekend, 

Mrs Gowland

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