In many places, the last week before a break is often somewhat of a wind-down – people take their foot off the proverbial gas and thoughts start to drift towards lie-ins and other means of relaxation. That has certainly not been the case in Lodge House this week and, if anything, the activities have increased! And while the girls are certainly tired and have more than earned a break, they have approached everything over the last few days with a great attitude and spirit. One thing that has particularly impressed me is the positive steps made in the areas of uniform and prep; last week I challenged the girls to improve on both fronts and they have responded well. They know this must continue and thank you again for your support with this.
With spooky season well and truly underway, the house spent Tuesday evening crafting, making great pieces for display. The girls fashioned wreaths, carved pumpkins and made gingerbread, although I must confess there were a couple of the latter missing come the Halloween party the following night (it was only right for me to sample them for ‘health and safety’…). And what a night we had on Wednesday! A great array of costumes were on show, many of which exhibiting huge creativity – check out the photos! Pupils hunted for sweets in Mrs Fordyce’s mystery boxes (the worms* were particularly well received), bobbed for apples (way harder than it seems), enjoyed a Halloween quiz (I’m still surprised our very own Freya M did know the author of Dracula) and, of course, ate way too many snacks. The night culminated with the best costume award – congratulations to our very own Corpse Bride Anae K who won best costume overall, with the best group costume going to the ‘Despicable Me’s’ of Amy G, Grace S, Rosie M and Freya M. A special mention however must go to Jessica C; not only did she attend our Halloween party on Wednesday – in full costume might I add – but she went straight from this to perform in the Music Scolars’ Concert in the evening. It was an absolute pleasure to hear her incredible vocal rendition of ‘No One But You (Only the Good Die Young)’ from ‘We Will Rock You’. What a superstar!
Following on from last week’s drama play-in-a-day, this week also saw another cross-house competition, House Hockey. Our junior, intermediate and senior teams competed against Macleod and Pimlico on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and every person who represented the house did so brilliantly. The girls performed superbly, demonstrating great house and team spirit. As I said to the girls on Thursday, what impressed me most was their attitude; they were graceful in defeat and humble in victory, a wonderful show of character. In the intermediates, Lodge finished second in both the A and B teams, with a third place for our seniors and junior A teams. The standout performance however goes to the junior B team who romped to first place. A huge well done to everyone who was involved in House Hockey, and a special mention to House captain Calli F for leading and organising the teams exceptionally.
All that is left for me to say is that I hope everyone is able to have a relaxing, enjoyable half term when it gets here. On a personal note, thank you for welcoming me as Housemaster of this incredible house and a huge thank you to the Lodge House staff for their phenomenal work and support.
We’ll see you in two weeks – enjoy!
Ben Brownlee, Housemaster – Lodge House
Lauds this week
Charlotte B
Jessica C
Francesca CD
Antonia C
Millie C
Ella E
Veronika E
Ava E
Amaya FB
Emily G
Grace H
Isla H
Florence H
Amelia H
Joey H
Charlotte J
Anae K
Freya LH
Seojin L
Anna M
Riya M
Eve M
Isabella M
Isla M
Luna M
Immy M
Dvorah M
Evie P
Katya R
Isobel R
Aliha S
Hannah S
Arini S
Darcey S
Florence S
Daisy S
Lucy T
Miah T
Thurga T
Lottie V
Eloise VL
Lakinya V
Lola W
Emily W
Estee WK
Half-Term Laud Leaderboard
1. Riya M (38)
2. Charlotte B (30)
=3. Freya LH (27)
=3. Emily W (27)
5. Veronika E (23)
Lodge Laud Count for the half term = an amazing 695!
