October 9, 2020 | Issue no. 178
Head Master's Notices
Whilst the first outbreak of Covid-19 has seemed inevitable for a while, the discovery of two cases this week came as a great disappointment. Sadly, just under a third of the Fourth Form year have had to go home or into isolation, and I wish them all the best of luck for what is sure to be a trying period. I also wish both the member of staff and the pupil a swift recovery.
What is interesting from the two Track and Trace procedures that were carried out is that the member of staff had no close contact points which resulted in anyone having to go home or self-isolate, but that the pupil did. This is obviously a reflection of the fact that our pupils are far more sociable and mix in bigger groups, but I would also like to use it as a reminder to everyone that social distancing must be observed, hygiene rigorous and masks worn in all designated areas. I would be grateful if you would reinforce this message to your children this weekend. This incident, and the Track and Trace procedure that followed, highlight the importance and significance of these key factors; if we can tighten up in these areas if another case is discovered, we will hopefully be able to limit the number of other pupils and staff that will be affected.
I would also ask you not to send your son or daughter into school if they are unwell or at risk from having picked up Covid-19. Whenever possible, please err on the side of caution in order to protect the rest of our community.
As you may know, we have our first Virtual Open Morning tomorrow with almost 300 families registered to attend. A group of our talented Upper Sixth A level photographers made a film for the event in order to give prospective parents and pupils a virtual tour of Dauntsey's. I thought I'd share it with you below as it shows that, despite the current difficulties, our pupils still bring great enthusiasm and joy every day to School.
Have a good weekend.
Whole School Notices and Reminders
Next Week's Calendar of Events
Each week we publish here the calendar for the following week. This may be updated slightly during the week itself, and these changes will be shown on the calendar that is displayed on the website.
Calendar for 12 October - Half Term
Clubs and Societies
*Updated* Please find attached the timetable for the Clubs and Societies currently on offer here.
Half Term
On Wednesday 21 October, the pupils will be following a Saturday morning timetable. Lessons will end at 12.35pm and buses will depart at 1.20pm
Lost Pupil ID Cards and Lanyards
Unfortunately a number of pupils are losing their identity cards on a regular basis. Currently they are able to obtain a free replacement from Reprographics when this happens. However, this obviously comes at a cost to the school and the fact that the replacement cards are currently free does not seem to be encouraging pupils to take good care of them. From after half term, replacement cards and lanyards will be charged at a cost of £2 each. Pupils will be able to buy a replacement card voucher from the Tuck Shop which will be charged to their school bill. This voucher can then be redeemed at Reprographics for a new card.
Scholarships and Awards for Sixth Form and Third Form 2021
Closing date for entries: 19 October 2020
A range of Scholarships and Awards are available for those entering the Third Form and Sixth Form in 2021. These include: Academic Scholarships, Performing Arts Awards, Sports Award, Boarding and Head Master's Awards. Day pupils considering a move to boarding for Sixth Form are encouraged to apply for a Sixth Form Boarding Award.
Those interested in applying for either a Scholarship or Award should first discuss the merits of an application with their tutor and/or Housemaster/ Housemistress and/or relevant department heads.
The closing date for entries for both the Third Form and Sixth Form Scholarships and Awards is 9.00am Monday 19 October. The written papers for the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship, Third Form Academic Scholarship and Third Form Desmond Morris Science Scholarship will take place from 9.00am on Saturday 14 November. Auditions/ interviews for other awards will be held during the weeks commencing 9th, 16th and 23rd November.
An application form and further details are on the website and the links are below.
Information on Third Form Scholarships and link to entry form here.
Information on Sixth Form Scholarships and link to entry form here.
Jo Sagers, Registrar
admissions@dauntseys.org
LAMDA Lessons
There have been a high number of pupils registering for LAMDA lessons in the past week, which is incredibly exciting.
Our new brochure, including fees can be viewed here.
The online registration form can be found here.
Please ensure applications are received by Wednesday 21 October for a January start date.
Taster sessions will run in Annabel’s on a Friday this term. In addition to a practical Drama workshop, the session will also feature a brief chat on what LAMDA lessons include and why working towards LAMDA grades could be beneficial. The updated Taster Sessions poster can be viewed here.
Mrs Chambers, Head of Speech and Drama
DSPA
Welcome to Dauntsey’s. As a parent of a new pupil, I’d like to introduce the Dauntsey’s School Parents’ Association (DSPA) – part of the Dauntsey’s community. The DSPA, is a charity foundation that has been set up to enhance our children’s school experience. It enables all pupils to benefit from the wider areas of the curriculum. By being a member, you help to provide experiences and materials that the school would not necessarily offer. The DSPA ensures that those little extras are available for all students to enjoy throughout their time at Dauntsey’s.
The membership subscriptions are our main means of fundraising. This is a one off (optional) life membership of £25 per pupil, which equates to £3.60 per year.
We usually raise funds through social occasions within the School, mostly drama and music events and productions. A bar is always on hand with wine, beer and snacks. At larger events we offer food and interval refreshments. Of course, during these unprecedented times, we unfortunately cannot provide this.
The children benefit from 100% of the profit, which is generated from your kind support. Over the past nine years, the DSPA has donated more than £73,000!
Being a member does not require you to help the DSPA, but parents are welcome to go a little further & become a DSPA Committee Member or helper. Some members find that being more involved in the community enables them to see a different side of the School. We warmly welcome new members to the DSPA to contribute as little, or as much as you like.
With Best Wishes
Simone Wilmot, DSPA Chair
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
Music School Notices
Soloists' Recital
The second of this term's solo recitals will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Tuesday 13 October on Dauntsey’s YouTube channel, which can be accessed here.
Lower School Music Competition
Friday 16 October
The final of the Lower School Music Competition will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Friday 16 October on the Dauntsey's YouTube channel.
Sport Notices
Below is the programme for the next 2 Saturdays. You are more than welcome to come and support. Hopefully, the sun will shine!
Marcus Olsen, Director of Sport
Saturday 10 October
1.30 – 2.45 (Compulsory for Lower School)
First Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Second Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Third Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
First Form Girls – Hockey
Second Form Girls – Netball or Dance
Third Form Girls – Hockey
2.00 – 3.15 (Selected Players)
Fourth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Fifth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Sixth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
3.00 – 4.15 (Selected Players)
Fourth Form Girls – Hockey
1st vs 2nd Girls – Hockey
1.00 – 3.00
Swimming Pool, Gym & Sports Hall available to all Upper School Pupils (programme published in Sports Centre)
Saturday 17 October
1.30 – 2.45 (Compulsory for Lower School)
First Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Second Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Third Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
First Form Girls – Athletics/Football/Rounders
Second Form Girls – Hockey
Third Form Girls – Netball or Dance
1.45 – 3.00 (Selected Players)
Fifth Form Girls – Hockey
2.00 – 3.15 (Selected Players)
Fourth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Fifth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
Sixth Form Boys – Ready4Rugby
3.00 – 4.15 (Selected Players)
1st vs 2nd Girls – Hockey
3rd vs 4th Girls – Hockey
1.00 – 3.00
Swimming Pool, Gym & Sports Hall available to all Upper School Pupils (programme published in Sports Centre)
We are on Instagram!
Dauntsey's has joined Instagram, and we look forward to sharing images, stories and events with you via the platform. Please follow @dauntseysschool
Lower School Notices and Reminders
Manor Matters
This week's more Autumnal weather has seen many more cosy nights in house with the fire lit and sofas filled.
Last Saturday's poor weather gave Manor Pupils an opportunity to make use of the pool and sports 
hall, where a free swim and game of 'Bench Ball' proved very popular. Sunday's main event was the popular House table tennis tournament. Mr Fulling organised upper and lower tier, cup and plate competitions to make sure everyone had several games to test and prove their TT skills. Congratulations to Akins, Bob, Henry and George the overall winners from top tier down, respectively.
Congratulations also go to the successful year group representatives: Maggie, Max, Oscar and Gigi. All of whom will join our House Captains, Molly and Tigre with myself in regular meetings to discuss the smooth and happy running of The Manor. A house post box has already been suggested so parents might hope to receive more/some letters home soon.
Mr and Mrs Reynolds are on duty this weekend with Orienteering and baking to look forward to.
Peter Guille, House Master.
Please do follow us on Twitter @ManorDauntseys to keep up to date.
'Introduction to Adventure' Day for First Form Pupils
On Tuesday, 6 October all the First Form pupils took part in an ‘Introduction to Adventure Day’ which involved a number of outdoor activities at The Manor and at Braeside Outdoor Activity Centre in Devizes.
We have put together a slideshow of images for you to see below.