It has been another busy week in the House, and the boys are still on a high from last week's House singing exploits. We had the pleasure on Tuesday morning of Mr Burke coming to listen to the Year 7 and 8 book reviews. The boys had been asked to write a review of the book they had most recently been reading and present it to their peers. It was fabulous to see the boys standing up and speaking so confidently. Thank you, Mr Burke, for organising a lovely morning and for all the boys for taking part with such enthusiasm. 

As we approach the festive season, the house has been decorated for Christmas, and it was lovely to see so many pupils stay behind on Thursday evening to help with the boarders to make the house look wonderful. 

Janice has once again been cooking up a storm for the boarders in the evening. This week it was slow cooked hot beef or chicken sandwiches on Thursday evening. We would all like to thank her for all that she does, not only for the boarders but all the pupils and staff as well.

Mr Madigan, Janice, and I would like to invite all parents for an early Christmas drink in Poole House on December 5th between 18.30 and 20.30. It will be a lovely opportunity to meet with you all in a less formal setting and celebrate what I am sure will have been an excellent term. 

Chess Fixture (report written by Aleksa R) 

The chess club had its first fixture of the season, attempting to qualify for the regional competition. With two teams representing the school, the competition was fierce. The A team had started well, drawing against the home team and then winning their second game. The B team managed to pull out an outstanding performance, with them managing to come away with a win and a draw, managing to show us true competitive spirit.

Poolites involved: Aleksa, Ruben, Moritz, Findley, James, Dominic and Tiger (We could make a team of purely Poolites) 

Charity Information 

We will be pushing the boys to start planning some activities which they can be sponsored for. We will be raising money for the Percy Hedley Foundation, a local charity which provides special education, care, support, accommodation, and lifelong learning for people with disabilities. More information on the wonderful work they do may be found on their website here; https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/. Keep an eye out for the events the boys have planned, and please do support the boys with this. 

Future Dates 

December 1st Year 7 and 13 evening social to Inshanghai 4.45-6.00pm 

December 5th Poole House Parents Drinks 18.30-20.30 

Sports Focus 

Rowing success for William C (report written by Mr Bedworth Director of Sport) 

Last weekend, William C travelled to the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham to compete at the GB U19 Early-ID Trials. Facing some of the best young athletes from across the country, Will put in an outstanding performance and finished 3rd overall, a result that reflects his commitment, discipline, and resilience both on and off the water.

We are incredibly proud of Will for representing the school with such determination. His achievement sets a brilliant example of what can be accomplished through hard work and character, and we wish him every success as he continues through the GB trials process.

Toby H Durham County Inclusion

Toby H (Year12) was selected to play for Durham County under 18 rugby team last weekend. Toby travelled to Lymm in Chesire, and in some awful conditions played against Lancashire under-18s. Unfortunately, the result didn't go the way of Durham County, however, Toby had his usual high level of performance and did himself and the house proud. It is an incredible achievement to represent the county in any field; however, Toby is also a year young. Well done, Toby, we are proud of you. 

Friday 21st November 

Under 16s V Barnard Castle Lost 

Pooleites involved, Archie F, Isaac A, Bobby C, Oliver J, Connor B, Henry W, Dominic W, Alexander K, Symeon B, Edward C 

1st XV V Barnard Castle Lost

Pooleites involved, Toby H, Joseph S, Kaidon P, John S, Tom B, Isaac A 

Tuesday 25th November

Under 14s V Ripon Grammar Lost 

Pooleites involved, Kai M, Luke C 

Wednesday 26th Novemeber 

1st XV V QEGS Lost 

Pooleites, Tom B, Isaac A, Toby H, Kaidon P 

Good luck to all the boys representing the school this weekend.

Academic Achievements

Year 7 Sebastian C 3, Ethan F 1, Spencer G 3, Teddy H 1, Imbuji L 2, James M 1, Charlie M 3, Francis R 2, Edward S 1, Henry S 1 

Year 8 Dylan D 1, Pradyoth K 1, Reed M 1, Hugo M 3, Freddy S 1. 

Year 9 Elliott B 3, David J 1, Aaron K 2, Fin M 1, Christopher N 1, Theo R 1, Abhinav V 1 Rick X 1. 

Year 10 Edward C 3, Ben D 1, James F 2, Matthew L 1, James M 1, Harry VDG 1, Henry W 2, Sebastian W 1 

Year 11 Payam C 2, Alexander K 1, Tiger W 2, Dominic W 1, David Y 1 

Year 12 Toby H 1 

Year 13 Ethan J 1 

And finally, our 'Pooleites of the Week' this week go to: William C for his outstanding efforts in his recent GB U19 rowing trials and to Toby H for representing Durham County rugby 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

LET POOLE FLOURISH 

Respect, Enjoy, Develop