Head’s Weekly Update

What a great evening the Dunbar Inter-Watch Music competition was last Thursday! All the Watches showed commitment and enthusiasm, and well done to Port on their win. Huge appreciation must also go to the 4 soloists - Oscar, Jasper, Ruby and Kate - and congratulations to Kate on being awarded the win in the solo category. Thanks also to the Music Department and the student helpers and choreographers. It was also lovely to see such a good audience - I know all the pupils enjoyed the support.

As we look forward to this weekend’s College Sunday, a reminder that Year 8 parents are warmly welcomed to join us in Dunbar before the Parade (if you are not attending the Service), and there will then be a presentation after Parade in the Nancye Harding Recital Room by Annabel Cruwys on the transition to Year 9.

I have also relished the recent opportunity to be a judge (and therefore taster!) for both the Year 7 pudding competition and the Year 8 snack competition. The standard of entries was incredible, and well-done to all the winners and runners-up.

It is wonderful to finally see the sunshine, and I know the Dunbar pupils are relishing the opportunity to spend more time outside, and enjoy the beautiful campus we are so lucky to enjoy.

As ever the Dunbar House team are only a few clicks away, so please always feel welcome to contact us on dunbarhousestaff@pangbourne.com if there is anything you need to know or you need to let us know.

Best wishes as always,

Dr Ian Hart

It has been really refreshing to finally see some sunshine around the College. This coincides with the end of Trial Exams and the boys receiving the results from their considerable efforts. I have been really impressed with the Year 11s and how they have coped with their gruelling schedule. Year 13s of course have been tested in more depth but with fewer subjects to master. I am encouraging the boys to really make the most of the feedback they are given, ultimately allowing them to focus their efforts into what can be improved.

I remain really impressed with the efforts and application shown academically by those in Year 9 and Year 10, we still have a number of boys with huge positive classcharts ratios and some with zero negatives.

We will be running the Nando’s trip again before the end of term to celebrate the individual successes and overall contributions to the house.

Congratulations to those Year 10s involved in picking up medals at the rowing last week, also to those selected for the senior 7s  Rugby this week and at the upcoming Rosslyn Park tournament. 

This weekend we have the final competitive College Sunday Parade. I am looking to see the boys give their best efforts on behalf of Harbinger. Doing the simple things well makes such a difference to us all, Wendy is working hard to make sure all the suits are in order, we need the boys to back this up with effort on their shoes and on the day with their marching and focus. 

Our next divisional events are the Bake Off and Football, I anticipate a good showing in both from Harbinger.  In particular seeing how creative we can be with the Bake Off remit to be announced in assembly.

The link for the Harbinger Divisional Dinner on Saturday 7 June is  here. This will be held at Goring and Streatley Golf Club and is for all Harbinger parents and Year 13 pupils. If you have any specific seating requirements then please do email the House team account - HarbingerHouseStaff@pangbourne.com

The above email is also the best way to inform us all of any illness notifications in the morning as it reaches multiple staff who can make the necessary entries into the register.

Andrew Sumner

It has been a busy couple of weeks and I can’t quite believe that we are nearly half way through the second half of term already. I was impressed with the focus and level of work shown by Year 11 and the Upper Sixth for their trials and hope that they are taking away key areas to work upon and having positive conversations with subject teachers.

The boys have been enjoying the appearance of the sun which has been much needed and it's great to see the boys making the most of the nice weather in their down time.

It is very much the Sevens season and a number of the boys in the house have been involved in some good tournaments in the build up to Rosslyn Park National Sevens competition. Also at the weekend our Rowers did fantastically at the Avon head which was great to hear about.

This weekend will see the last parade before founders day and I know the Upper Sixth have been working hard to ensure that all of the house are fully prepared for this, we are hoping that the weather holds out for a perfect day on the parade ground and in our marks for the parade!

Looking ahead, the planning has already begun for Divisional bake off on Thursday 20 March and the boys are working upon a plan for their Easter Bake. I will be sure to update you with the results of this.

As ever if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hesperushousestaff@pangbourne.com

Tom Cheney

When women support each other, incredible things happen.” — Cher.

As we approach International Women's Day on the 8 March, celebrating the achievements and empowerment of women worldwide, we're thrilled to announce a special event for our girls. On Monday, 10 March, the Charlotte Drake Society will host its next meeting, featuring the esteemed Mary Berry. This gathering, inspired by the spirit of connection and networking, promises to be an exceptional occasion. We encourage all girls to seize this opportunity and request that you kindly let me know if your daughter wishes to board. 

Looking ahead, our Lower Sixth students are invited to a social event at Wagamama next Wednesday. This is a chance to celebrate the spirit of Illawarra, forge lasting friendships, and create memorable experiences. Social events for other year groups will follow in the Summer Term.

Please note that the Illawarra Dinner has been rescheduled to 3 May, with the aim of maximising attendance. We sincerely hope you can join us for this special evening. Please book your place here.

Finally, we eagerly anticipate seeing many of you at Parade Sunday this weekend. Our girls have dedicated significant time and effort to practises, ensuring a seamless and impressive performance.

Rosie Jewell

With the sun shining on the hill, it has really lifted everyone’s spirits and the momentum is clear to see. Well done to those in Year 11 and the Upper Sixth who completed Trial Exams and I hope that the results provide them with confidence. It really isn’t long until the main events so we will ensure that they keep moving forward at pace.

This weekend is the last Parade Sunday of this year and I know that the Upper Sixth are targeting it for a strong performance. With a near perfect score last time out, we are aiming for full marks on Sunday. We are continually telling them to ‘control the controllables’ - whether that is in the classroom, on the sports pitch or on the Parade Ground. The boys have shined their shoes but a few need a quick trim around the ears, a clean shave and a quick iron of their uniform prior to meeting by 09:30 in Macquarie, on Sunday. I’m sure they will not let the team down and the day will be another wonderful community event, with Macquarie performing to the best of their ability.

There is so much going on it is difficult to fit it all into a short report like this, but the boys are doing a great job and I’m confident they will continue to do so over the remainder of the term.

The last thing to say is that there are still a few spaces left for our Divisional Dinner on the evening of Saturday 17 May at Goring & Streatley Golf Club. Please do come along if you wish and join in the last Macquarie Dinner. Reminder that it is open to ALL parents - a great opportunity to build important parental relationships moving forward. Tickets can be purchased here.

David Metcalfe

The sun has been shining this week and the college is starting to spring. A fitting metaphor for those preparing for the exam season. Having finished their Trial Exams, the boys have been urged to reflect on their final feedback before the public exams. Elsewhere we have had a number of Port Jacksonians involved in the successful rowing at the weekend, the rugby 7’s that have been taking place these last few weeks, and some wonderful results in the football last Saturday. Well done to all.

Looking ahead, with the weather set to remain the same, it should be a lovely College Sunday this weekend for all involved and I look forward to seeing you there.

Tuesday 18 March, Gill has kindly organised a cake sale in the galley which will be open to all students. This is to raise money for the charity ‘Suicide & Co’. If any of the boys would like to make/donate a cake, I am sure it will be kindly received. Please no nuts though.

Then finally, I cannot believe I am already highlighting this, but at the end of term all the rooms need to be completely empty as we will be having lets come in during the holiday. Could I please ask that the boys consider taking items home with them over the exeat weekend and during the weeks in the run up to the end of term. It will make the last day a much smoother transition into the Easter break.

Steve Thompson

The sun is shining and it finally feels like spring. After a busy time of trials the girls are settling back into a more normal working routine. The Upper Sixth and Year 11 worked well during this period and there are some very positive results coming back in.

Last weekend was Div football for our Year 9 and 10 girls and we were delighted to have such a beautiful day for it.  The girls played hard and demonstrated great teamwork and we won both the A and B games by 4 goals to 2. I was really pleased to see them embrace playing and the entire match was full of smiles and enthusiasm.  A great first Div football for the girls.

As I am sure you are aware Rachel Braham is moving on at the end of this term. We are going to put together a scrap book of comments and pictures from the last 3 years in St George. I would love to include some comments and thoughts from the parents and girls and if you wish to send a message can you email it to Julie at julie.andrade@pangbourne.com we will make a scrapbook up for her to take with her to her next place.  She has found somewhere to live and is excited about moving to teach in a specialist SEN school and I am sure she will be as amazing in her new role as she is here.

On Monday, 10 March, the Charlotte Drake Society will host its next meeting, featuring Mary Berry. This gathering, inspired by the spirit of connection and networking, promises to be an exceptional occasion. We encourage all girls to seize this opportunity and request that you kindly let me know if your daughter wishes to board or stay for supper on that night.

As ever, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at stgeorgehousestaff@pangbourne.com

Jenny Jones