Lodge – 9 October

It has really felt like the days have gotten shorter this week and there are certainly some members of Lodge House who are starting to think about the half-term break. However, that does not mean that the efforts of the girls have in any way diminished; in fact, many have taken even more responsibilities this week, and it’s a pleasure to be able to share these.

Firstly, I want to say another huge thank you and well done to every member of Lodge House who was part of our open day on Saturday. Whatever role they had – tour guide, in the house, showcasing a subject – the feedback I received from prospective parents and staff was exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the baking our girls did in the house (although, if I’m absolutely honest, the less said about Bade A and Isobel R’s ‘big cookie’ the better…)

On Wednesday, it was the first Lodge House chapel assembly of the year. Speaking in our chapel is a nerve-wracking experience (I still get the butterflies when I stand in front of the whole school!) so I was very pleasantly surprised with just how many people volunteered to take part; this really shows the pride and ambition of the members of Lodge House. It was apt therefore that the theme of our assembly was indeed ‘ambition’, which is of course one of our school MARK values. Head of house Amy G produced a fantastic talk, and this was delivered excellently by herself, Charlotte B, Ava E and Sobia F. All spoke brilliantly with conviction and confidence, and really did our house proud – a huge well done again girls! On Friday, Lodge House will also be delivering the bible readings and prayers in the evening service, and I’m looking forward to what will no doubt be another great showing by Eloise VL, Riya M and Jessica C.

There has been plenty to celebrate on the sporting front again this week, with hockey and netball fixtures and rowing taking centre stage. In the latter, Lodge House was well represented at the South Hylton Head with Amy G and Rosie M part of the J18 Quad and Isla H, Miah T, Luna M and first-time cox Aliah S competing in the J14 Quad. Outside of Durham School sport, Ella B competed in The Pet Plan National Championships in the Elementary Silver Dressage class at Arena UK in Grantham; Ella competed in a class of 41 adults – what an achievement – and, if that wasn’t enough, Ella then rushed off to Osberton International Horse Trials where she performed fantastically as Head Groom for her mum’s horse! Also on the equestrian front, as I write this, I have half a mind on Jessica B who is currently coaching at the Horse of the Year Show at NEC. I can’t wait to see the pictures! Finally, a shout out to Eve M who was awarded player of the match for her football team on Sunday, which included playing in goal; this is another fantastic show of integrity, team spirit and responsibility.

Outside of sport, drama has been an area to celebrate this week. Sobia F was awarded a fantastic 86% in her grade 8 speaking of verse and prose for LAMDA (House Drama is looking good…) and a number of year 11 girls presented their assessed pieces for their drama GCSE. I’ve heard very good things about the pieces, and I can’t wait to watch the videos; well done Alena F, Calli F and Charlotte J!

Finally, two uniform-related points. We have had to remind the girls about the need for correct uniform, which must include blazers being worn and sports kit only at the correct times. We will continue to monitor and challenge this and, as always, your support is very appreciated. Mrs Fordyce has also this week made available the portal for House Fleeces; although these are completely optional, they are a fantastic memento of Lodge House; the link for these is https://app.y1custom.com/shop/e-S0VsAIhAIJNmO4PoL2kxB7WStV5uzA

Have a great weekend!