June 5, 2020 | Issue no. 168
Head Master's Notices
I hope that the Third Form assessments went well this week and that the return to remote learning has been a smooth one.
In normal circumstances, the Third Form would be preparing now for their Outward Bound week at Aberdovey with Moonrakers. It is too early to make any firm plans, but I very much hope that they will get a chance to go and experience the challenges on offer there, at some point in the future. If we can find a date to take the whole year group we will, but if we can't we will offer a trip in either the Easter or Summer holidays. In these circumstances, it would clearly be voluntary but I hope that there would be a good uptake.
I apologise once again for reaching the conclusion that there will be no teaching at School for the remainder of this term. I hope that the take-up for sport, for the Lower Sixth and Fourth Form is good, and that we can gradually re-populate the school grounds from 16th June. If the Government allows, we will then try the same for the remaining year groups.
Have a good weekend.
Whole School Notices and Reminders
Exeat
A reminder that we have added an extra Exeat in this half of term.
It will run from 12:45 on Friday 19 June until School restarts at 08:30 (and lessons from 08:55) on Monday 22 June
On the Friday morning, we will have Saturday morning lessons and timings (starting at 08:35 and ending at 12:45, when the Exeat commences)
Notice from the English Department
The English Department have been busy putting together a reading recommendation list for pupils in School.
Please find here the recommended list for our Lower School pupils.
Please find here the recommended list for older pupils.
Careers
Careers Department Enrichment Courses for the Upper Sixth
A reminder of the dates for the Careers Department Enrichment Courses for the Upper Sixth can be seen below. Full details can be found here
|
Category |
Date |
Event |
|
Careers Insights |
Various |
Interviews and discussions with professionals from various sectors |
|
1st & 2nd June |
What is it like to work in Trading in the City? |
|
|
Business Insight and Skills Enhancement Workshops |
10th June |
Matching Employer Core Values |
|
17th June |
Management Styles & DISC |
|
|
24th June |
Reflective Practice in Lockdown |
|
|
4th June |
Interview Skills 1 |
|
|
11th & 15th June |
Interview Skills 2 |
|
|
18th June |
Presentation Skills |
|
|
19th June |
Assessment Centres |
|
|
5th June |
Building your CV |
|
|
Preparing for University |
22nd June |
Transition to University |
|
25th June |
Internships |
|
|
1st June |
Studying MOOCs |
|
|
Conference |
15th to 19th June |
Charterhouse Climate Conference |
Dauntsey's Christian Union
The Dauntsey’s Christian Union is up and running once more. A group of pupils have begun meeting together in the aim of encouraging one another in faith and offering support during our time away from school.
Please find attached more information and the first edition of the Dauntsey’s School Christian Union bulletin. Written this week following Pentecost and very much with our current situation on our minds.
DSPA
DSPA Noticeboard
Please have a look at our digital noticeboard here. It is our own online community to connect Dauntsey's parents and businesses in order to buy, sell and advertise to each other in one trusted place. If you'd like to place an advert here, please email dspacontact@gmail.com
If you have not yet signed up to join the DSPA then please do so here.
If you are not sure if you have already joined then please contact Pip Wall, Membership Rep at pipsjwall@gmail.com
Please follow us on Twitter here @DauntseyDspa
Teen Tips
Some parents may find the talks and information below from Alicia Drummond of Teen Tips helpful.
Upcoming Talks
NEW: 'What To Do When It All Goes Wrong'
Get tips on avoiding conflict, creating effective boundaries, understanding how and when to address unhelpful behaviour plus a six-step problem solving model for those moments when drama strikes.
'Teens & Screens' - one of our most popular talks - there are a couple of spaces remaining for tomorrow evening.
Info & bookings on all our talks - spaces are limited.
In the Press
This week I've been collaborating with Children's Commissioner, Anne Longfield, on a film for the Telegraph about the long term impact of Covid-19 on children - watch it here. I also contributed to this piece in the Observer.
A Coronavirus Conversation
I was so delighted to collaborate on a short podcast with James Sertin, from Talking Teenagers, giving a variety of approaches to tackle just some of the challenges you may be facing - listen here.
Understanding OCD
Finally, in view of the fact that it's Mental Health Awareness Week, you might find this blog post I've created for School Notices helpful.
Accommodation Close to the School
The Admissions Team are in touch with new families moving into the area who are looking for property to rent in the area. Ideally close to School and a mainline railway station for ease of commuting. If you have anything suitable, please email: admissions@dauntseys.org and we will pass details on.
The Admissions Team also provide a list of accommodation close to School for new and prospective parents visiting School.. If you have a property or B and B accommodation that you would like added to this list, please email: admissions@dauntsyes.org with relevant details .
Lower School Notices and Reminders
Manor Matters
The Manorites proudly rose to the challenge of the ‘Manor Marathon’ in the week leading up to half term, and the total distance run by our lower school boarders was 315km (that’s seven and a half Marathons!). Many congratulations to Mrs Sampson’s tutor group who managed to cumulate a total of 124.65km between them…Mrs Sampson is very pleased that her competitive spirit is reflected amongst her tutees! Congratulations are also due to the tutors who, with the aid of their families, ran a total distance of 176km over the week.
In other news this week, Griff won the pancake ‘Bake Off’ challenge, and the bake for this week is Brownies – see the Remote Manor page here for details and send in your bakes to Miss Seager.
Our long awaited recipe book ‘Manor Lockdown Favourites’ is now available to buy as a pdf. The cost of this fantastic book is £5, with all monies going towards the NHS Charities Together, and the school charity, the Virunga National Park. If you would like a pdf copy of ‘Manor Lockdown Favourites’ (and I hope you all will!), please email me a.sampson@dauntseys.wilts.sch.uk and I will send it to you; the cost will then be added to your school bill. If you would like to donate more for the Recipe Book, then please just let me know in the email and I will add your chosen donation to the charities. I hope that, when we return to ‘normal’, we are able to produce a hard copy of ‘Manor Lockdown Favourites’ for you to buy; if you have already purchased the pdf, you will then simply be charged the additional cost of producing the book if you would like one. ‘Manor Lockdown Favourites’, is crammed full of delicious recipes contributed by the Manorites, and this is a great way for the Manor community to raise some money for the NHS workers who have all worked so hard in the battle against COVID19.
Anne Sampson, House Mistress.
Please do follow us on Twitter @ManorDauntseys to keep up to date.