Our Movember fund raising has drawn to a close this week and I cannot thank you all enough for your support. I will go into a little more detail later in the Friday Flyer but I cannot thank the boys enough for fronting up to the challenges we set and creating such incredible spirit and camaraderie. 

Sports

Rowing - Rutherford Head 

Rugby - Our 2nd XV were in action on the playground on Wednesday in what was a comfortable win over Dame Allans. The boys played some good rugby and another day could have scored twice as many points. Lewis S catching the eye with some great takes under the high ball and strong running. Our Head of House was also in action and provided great tackling practice for the opposition! Our U12 XV played in their County Cup tournament yesterday, recording a win to retain the trophy. Max D fronted up for the team with Will O and Sam P working hard to keep the team on the front foot. The boys were rightly very proud of themselves when they got back to school. Our U13s were took on Dame Allans over in Newcastle yesterday with their hosts taking the W in a competitive game. James S, Indy R and Louie W catching the eye with strong performances. 

Chess

Two teams of 6 travelled to Queen Elizabeth VI Form for the regional qualifiers. The A team qualified for the knockout stage, the B team missed out on a countback.

A Team 

Dan S Seb C

B Team

R Zhong Huge well done to all the boys who played and good look in the next round.  

Music 

Last night was the Christmas Concert and though I was on duty, the dog and I did catch some of the performances. The standard, as always, was superb and I congratulate all involved (I heard performances by Seb C, Robbie S, Jack Cand Jesse E). 

House Suppers

Years 7-9 - This will be on Wednesday 17th December and will be in the afternoon (meaning a normal finish time for all. It is also Christmas Jumper Day so do please encourage the boys to take part with a £2 donation to charity. I will then use this money to support the foodbank charity. 

Years 10-13 - In a change to previous years, Year 10 will be joining us for senior House Suppers. This will be a black tie evening for Years 11-13 with Year 10 fine to wear uniform. Given their rate of growth, a dinner suit is probably not a sound investment for boys in year 10! The evening will start at 6pm with collection times from 9:30pm. Please note, there will be no School Transport for those attending senior suppers. 

House Suppers is a very special even for all age groups and I am thoroughly looking forward to both events. 

DHM Diary 

There are many moments as a member of DCSF staff that make me proud - pupils achieving in the classroom when they never thought they would, unwavering effort on the rugby field on a cold and soggy afternoon, a drama performance that proves it's always 'alright on the night, seeing a pupil take time out of their day to sit with a peer who is on their own... the list goes on. 

However, some things really stand out, and the House Movember Hyrox last week was certainly one of these moments. The boys recognised the gravity and the purpose of the event, pulling together in their teams to complete what was a gruelling challenge with positivity and no end of house spirit. Seeing the boys motivate and support each other was wonderful, even when the heavens opened. The junior boys more than held their own, contributing significantly to the team scores and embracing the event with School House spirit. 

A huge well done to everyone.

Looking forward into next week, I'm excited to see the year 7 and 8 boys present their book reviews, and can't wait to cheer the boys on during House rugby. And of course, I'm really looking forward to meeting our parents at the reception on Friday evening! 

Academic 

Below are a list of boys who have been awarded academic Lauds (achievement awards) by their teachers this week:

Lauds (Weekly) 

Albie A 

Ibrahim A 

Emile B 

Jack C 

Cooper C 

Alex C 

Max D 

Jesse E 

Marcus H 

Mustafa H

Xavier J 

Vance M

Evan M 

Evan O

Evan P 

William P 

Bill Q

Kanishk S

James S

Alejandro VS

Lauds Leaderboard 

Sebastian C

Harry M 

Albie A 

Emile B 

Marcus H 

Evan M 

With just a couple of weeks to go before prizes, it is tight from 5th to about 30th! 

Massive well done to all of the boys listed above.

Charity 

Our final fundraising total was well over the £1000 target I hoped for. I honestly can not thank you enough for your support and I certainly owe you a drink next Friday should you be coming along to our annual get together. The boys were on great form throughout the HYROX and I was so proud of each and everyone of them. For some, one set was a challenge while others managed double figures but the overall aim was achieved- teamwork, spirit and camaraderie. 

This week, I have been asking the boys to bring in donations for a local foodbank to help families over Christmas so please send any of the following items if you are able: 

Cereal (max500g)

Oil (1 litre) 

Pasta (max500g)

Tinned Tuna 

Microwaveable Rice Pouches (any flavour) 

Pasta Sauce 

Curry Sauce 

Tinned Vegetables 

Tinned Soup 

Baked Beans 

Chopped Tomatoes 

Tinned Fruit 

Tinned meat

Biscuits 

UHT Milk 

Honey/Chocolate Spread

Dried Fruit/Nuts 

Chocolate/Sweets 

Handwash

For more info please visit: https://feedingfamilies.org.uk/christmas/

Housekeeping 

Please could you do an audit of games kit as there seems to be some confusion amongst some of the boys as to what their name is! Only this week we found a bag, used for games every other day, with the most random collection of clothes and trainers inside and the owner oblivious to whose kit he was actually wearing. This was, I must add, done with total innocence and it was simply a mistake (though a tad frustrating for us!). Finally, I am looking forward to seeing many of you next Friday for Parents' Drinks and please do not worry if you would like to attend but have not emailed me- it is not too late!

Have a great weekend and best of luck to those boys representing the School.