Rhubarb 2021

ST EDWARD’S

SCHOOL NEWS

J OAKTHORPE I f I were to describe Oakthorpe in three words it would be kind, supportive and inclusive. As a community we have an enormous amount of House spirit that shines through in all aspects of school life, whether that be in-House competitions, school events or just in day-to-day life around the House. For Oakthorpe, the highlight of our year is House Shout as not only are we the reigning champions, but we also really enjoy coming together to learn and perform the song each year. Another place where Oakthorpe truly shines is in House sport competitions, because even though we may not always win first place, we always make up for that in our House spirit and encouragement of each other. Aside from the school-wide events that we enjoy, we always have something to look forward to when we go back to House: cake night on aWednesday, House barbecues in the summer, quizzes, game nights and movie nights. Throughout lockdown and the struggles of online school, Oakthorpe managed to keep up morale and House spirit through whole-House quiz nights on Zoom.We even managed to uphold the tradition of House families virtually, through the use of breakout rooms. As a year group in the Lower Sixth, we kept in touch by having a Zoom call every Saturday night as though we were all together in the common room.This term we have really appreciated being able to socialise more with other Houses as the lockdown restrictions have eased.We have had a number of year-group socials including a barbecue with Segar’s on the last weekend of term which has helped instill a sense of optimism for a more normal school year starting in September.

D MACNAMARA’S (MAC’S) D ays and evenings in Mac’s are packed with activities for all year groups and this helps us become closer friends and an even more tight-knit community. In Mac’s there is never a dull moment as there is always something going on, whether inter-house sport, dance showcases, art exhibitions or upper years helping out younger years with particularly difficult prep.The character of our House was tested during lockdown when we had to find ways to stay together even when we were apart. House family quizzes and bingo on Zoom really lifted the mood and made us all feel a part of Mac’s even though we were not in the physical house. Since being out of lockdown, we have kept a few of our online traditions but tweaked them a little -

for instance we now like to do our quizzes with other Houses as, since Covid, it has been harder to socialise with other pupils. Everyone looks forward to House dinners which offer Mac’s girls a

chance to dress up and have a great time with everyone. The Mac’s Ball is usually organised and run by the Upper Sixth who raise money for charity by creating a themed night with fun games and a lovely dinner.This is something that was sorely missed during the lockdown but everyone is excited to see its return this coming year.

Melissa Heath

Tilly Sears

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