It has been a jam-packed week from start to finish and there was certainly some very quiet and tried looking girls (and tutors) in the common room during roll-call this morning. We began the week with a fantastic Year 8 pizza social, which brought plenty of smiles (and floury hands!) to the House. The girls enjoyed firing up the pizza oven and crafting their unique own creations with mouth-watering results! It was a lovely way to bring the year group together and I am pleased to confirm that there were no poorly tummies reported the next day.

The 6th Form Open Evening on Tuesday gave our Y11 girls the opportunity to get some insight into prospective A-level courses. The 6th form is a time that shapes futures, friendships, confidence, and opportunities. Talking to the girls afterwards, it was clear that discussing A-level options made them realise how close the mock exams are and that they need to start planning their Christmas revision. 

The rest of the week was very much defined by one major event: the House Singing Competition. Rehearsals filled the House with energy as the girls worked tirelessly on harmonies, choreography, and confidence, all led by our head of House, Lottie. Our chosen piece this year was the Belinda Carlisle 1980s classic, "Heaven Is a Place on Earth," a joyful and uplifting anthem that the girls delivered with real heart. Although we didn't take the top spot on the night, the performance was truly something to celebrate. The girls sang beautifully, supported one another throughout, and demonstrated real courage in standing up before the whole school. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them for their dedication, teamwork, and MacLeod spirit.

A special thank you must go to our part-song ensemble: Zara, Lottie, Jess, Millie, Chinmayi, Olivia T, Samantha (piano), Dana, Narjis, Ellie (drums), Isla Y(solo), Lottie H, Hannah, Flick, and Scarlett. Their reworked and challenging version of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" was powerful, thoughtful, and wonderfully performed. It was a standout moment—one we will all remember. Warm congratulations to Poole House, who were the overall winners and very worthy champions on the night. 

This week saw the launch of our Christmas charity collection for the Tender Care Animal Rescue Centre. Any donations of dog toys and blankets would be greatly appreciated and can be added to the box in the entrance to MacLeod.

Netball 

Last Sunday the U14 and U16 netball teams played in the county round of the National Schools' Tournament. They faced some fierce competition up at the Beacon of Light, but played some fantastic netball. A great experience for our developing teams, well done to our U14s Isla G (captain), Freya, Charli, Laibah, Olivia and Annabelle G and our U16s Faye (captain), Crystal, Ellie O, Chinmayi, Poppy, Grace, Erin, Narjis and Annabelle H.

In other netballing news, huge congratulations to Jess in Y13 who has been made Leeds Rhinos North East U19 NPL Captain for this season. Well done Jess!

Lauds

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

Lillie Mae, Freya, Alice A, Laibah, Gem, Charli, Evie, Olivia G, Lyla G, Annabelle G, Chinmayi G, Ellie H, Poppy, Lottie C, Annabelle H, Isla G, Lottie H, Samantha J, Gabi M, Nadia, Erin , Gabrielle P, Millie N, Olivia G, Milla, Scarlett, Izzy Q, Tilly, Narjis, Lottie J, Dana S, Sophie, Grace R, Rachel W and Isla Y. 

Our Leading Lauds Ladies this week are Hannah (Y8) and Edie (Y9) – well done girls! 

Dates for your Diary

Tuesday 25th November – Year 11 Social -Christmas Crafts & Snacks! (4.30pm-6pm)

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

Friday 28th November – 12-4:30pm Y9 Pantomime Trip 

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

Thursday 4th December – Christmas Concert in Chapel 7:00pm-9:30pm 

Monday 8th December – Christmas Charity Bake Sale 

Wednesday 17th December – Christmas Jumper Day. Junior House Suppers 2:00pm-4:30pm (Y7-10) 

Thursday 18th December – Senior House Suppers (Black tie) 6:00pm-10:00pm (Y11-13) 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Wishing you all a restful weekend, 

Mrs Gowland 

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