Michaelmas Half Term 2019
Dear parents and guardians,
As we reach half term, there has been a definite air of weariness in the House after seven long and busy weeks. The girls are looking forward to an extremely well deserved break. I congratulate all the girls on an excellent first half term and in particular those new to boarding who have been adjusting to life so far away from family and friends.
The Unison inter-house song competition on Tuesday was, as always, a highlight of the first half term. It is the only school competition in which every single pupil participates. Mary Windsor’s performance was absolutely superb and we were delighted to win the prize for Best Creative Performance. Zarea Kamil and Jenna Kam and the rest of the Upper Sixth led the house with enthusiasm and dedication and the performance was a fantastic culmination of four weeks’ hard work, dedication and incredible house spirit. Sunny Tang was outstanding as conductor, as was Nicole Leung on the piano. The girls enjoyed the experience thoroughly and showed tremendous house spirit and commitment throughout.
In the Junior House Badminton competition, we were narrowly beaten into runners-up position, but the team of Lily-Mae Wood, Petya Nikolova, Laura Huang and Sami Budhathoki again showed passion and excellent house spirit.
Next half term we look forward to the junior and senior house swimming and hockey competitions.
During our Chapel week Eva Briskin, Gerry Georgieva and Ioana Voicu read in Chapel and Mariia Kuvaeva also read extremely well in Routh Assembly. All were awarded House Commendations. In Music, Petya Nikolova performed in the GCSE Music group concert.
Academically, the girls have been working hard and this was reflected in the first set of Attainment, Engagement and Organisation grades. School Commendations were awarded to all those who scored an average of 4.3 or above for Engagement and we congratulated Yilia Chen and Theresa Vinals who achieved the highest averages this time. We also congratulated Lily Wigglesworth who has been awarded an impressive 12 Academic Commendations this half term.
Our first few House events have taken place. There was a lot of laughter at the ‘Welcome to Mary Windsor’ party organised by the monitor team. Our joint Halloween Party with Oakley was received enthusiastically by the girls, who appreciated a more relaxed prep time than usual! After half term we look forward to another house breakfast and our Christmas Party on Sunday 8th December at Grafton Manor.
Notices for next half term:
Remembrance Day School Services take place on the morning of Sunday 10th November. All pupils are expected to be in school on this day.
Pupils should return after the half term break in full winter uniform. We thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring uniform fits well and meets the high standards we expect of our pupils.
Please can I ask for your support in ensuring that the girls do not return to school with any kind of acrylic or gel nails.
Mary Windsor Christmas Party will take place on the evening of Sunday 8th December at Grafton
Manor. The whole house attends this house event and I therefore ask for your support in ensuring that weekend exeat plans take the timings into account.
Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening: Thursday 7th November
Lower Fourth Parents’ Evening: Tuesday 26th November
Term ends on Friday 13th December
With very best wishes for an enjoyable and relaxing half term break,
Tara Helmore