What a wonderfully busy and festive week it has been in MacLeod House as we approach the end of term! The girls have thrown themselves into every activity with enthusiasm, generosity, and team spirit. 

Christmas Bake Sale Success 

We began the week on a sweet note with our Christmas bake sale. Thanks to your incredible support through donated cakes, cookies, and treats, we raised £125 for the Winnie Mabasso House charity. Well done, everyone!

Y11 Charity Visit to Tender Care Animal Sanctuary 

On Wednesday, our Year 11 girls joined myself and Mrs Wilkinson on a trip to the Tender Care Animal Sanctuary to deliver the donations from our Christmas Charity Appeal. The staff were extremely grateful, and it was clear that all items will be put to very good use. A highlight of the visit was meeting some of the lovely dogs awaiting their forever homes. The girls were especially taken with Misty and Cassie, two adorable Jack Russells who were more than happy to accompany us on a walk. The visit gave the girls a meaningful insight into the impact of their kindness, thank you once again to all families who sent in donations.

Sporting Highlights

Fixtures continue through this busy period, and we are proud of the girls' ongoing commitment. A special mention this week goes to Poppy S in Year 10, who took part in the U16 England Ice Hockey trials. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work. 

On Tuesday both the U14 (Isla G, Charli, Freya, Annabelle G) & U15 (Annabelle H, Gabrielle, Erin, Poppy, Lotte, Grace M, Narjis) Netball teams played Durham High. The U15 game saw the team have a dominant display, moving the ball well and taking the opportunities created, resulting in a 17-1 victory. The U14 game started very evenly with both teams working hard to create chances with only 1 point separating the teams at half time. The second half of the game saw Durham High pull away leaving us facing a disappointing loss. On Wednesday the first team Hockey (Grace J, Jess, Lottie J, Darcy, Zara, Samantha) played against Hill House. The girls demonstrated how well they had reflected on the mistakes made from previous games and significantly improved their performance. The forwards showed outstanding positioning around the D, which created multiple scoring opportunities. Goals followed from Samantha and Zara helped to secure an impressive 4–0 victory. 

Lauds 

Well done to the following girls who have all been awarded Lauds this week: 

Charli, Lottie C, Freya, Lyla, Evie, Annabelle G, Isla G, Annabelle H, Chinmayi, Grace J, Nadia, Gabrielle, Erin N, Narjis, Grace R, Izzy Q, Tilly Q, Lucy, Eleanor SB, Lotte, Dana, Edie, Inaaya, Olivia T, Rachel W and Isla Y. Special congratulations to Isla Y and Freya who are our leading Laud Ladies this week! 

Looking Ahead: Final Week of Term 

Although we're nearing the end of term, the excitement certainly isn't over! Please can I politely remind parents to send me a quick email if you are intending to collect girls straight from cathedral next Friday.

Wednesday 17th December – Christmas Jumper Day. Junior House Suppers 2:00pm-4:30pm (Y7-9) Thursday 18th December – Senior House Suppers (Black tie) 6:00pm-10:00pm (Y10-Y11 9:45pm pick up) Friday 19th December – End of term -Cathedral Service 5:30pm-6:30pm MacLeod House closes at 7pm As ever, thank you for your supporting MacLeod House and wishing you all a relaxing peaceful weekend. Mrs Gowland Hold Fast