Head Master's Notices

I hope that you all enjoyed the Easter break, which I am sure was full of fun for many and plenty of revision for others.

I am delighted to report that all our Easter trips, which included visits to Florence, Portugal, Eindhoven, Krakow, Berlin, and Pila were a great success, and that our pupils were a pleasure to take away.

Sam Moore, our Head of Adventure Education, had a very busy holiday overseeing ‘Trek to the Stones’ training, and a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Practice Expedition. He was also on hand over the Easter weekend to encourage our Devizes to Westminster crews: unfortunately, as a result of dangerous river conditions, the race was halted at Reading, which was very disappointing for the crews who had trained so hard in freezing and challenging conditions over the last few months. Nevertheless, they all did extremely well and they should be congratulated, not just on completing 54 miles, but also on raising an impressive sum for for this year’s charity, Malayaka House.

Meanwhile, as term started, the sun shone (finally!), and our classrooms and playing fields were re-populated. This weekend sees tennis, cricket and athletics fixtures against Devizes Tennis Club, Clayesmore and Marlborough College.

I look forward to seeing you over the course of this term.

Whole School Notices and Reminders

Memorial Service for Guy King-Reynolds

Tuesday 1 May at 14:00

Guy King-Reynolds, Head Master of Dauntsey’s School from 1969 to 1985, died on 9 March 2018 at the age of 94. During his sixteen years at Dauntsey’s he implemented a raft of changes which secured the prosperity and future of the school. Born in York in 1923, he was educated at St Peter’s School and, after war service in the RAF, at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he read Geography. He then embarked upon a teaching career, much of which was spent at Solihull School prior to coming to Dauntsey’s. Within two years girls had entered the School (1971), followed soon after by the construction of the Memorial Hall (1972-74), and then the skilful steering to full independent status when direct grant status was abolished (1976). Many other building programmes were carried out, including conversion of the old dormitories into bedsitters. Alongside this was his passion for the arts, most especially drama, which flourished under his close eye and encouragement. In retirement he and his wife Jeanne, who survives him, lived initially in Devizes, moving later to Bath. A memorial service will be held at Dauntsey’s School at 14:00 on Tuesday 1 May 2018. It would be helpful if those planning to attend would advise Julie Romijn: j.romijn@dauntseys.org or phone 01380 814664.

Mercers' Lectures - Spring Term 2017

Heather Stanning

27 April 2018
19:30 in the Memorial Hall

Heather Stanning is a double Olympic champion, double World champion, quadruple World Cup champion and double European champion. Paired with Helen Glover in 2012, she won an Olympic gold medal, the first ever British Olympic gold medal in women's rowing, and the first gold of the London Games. Major Heather Stanning is a serving officer in the British Army and announced her retirement from rowing in November 2016 to return to active service with the Royal Artillery.

Please make sure that you have reserved your seats online here.

Mercers' Lecture Programme 2018 / 2019

Thank you to all pupils, parents and staff who have supported the Mercer's Lecture programme this year. We are especially grateful to those of you who have introduced us to some of the fantastic speakers we have enjoyed listening to this year.

For the next lecture series we already have the following confirmed; Monty Halls (Explorer), Libby Jackson (UK Space Agency) and Lucy Worsley (Historian). I would be most grateful if anyone has any other similar contacts they are willing to persuade / arm-twist into speaking at the School for the next lecture series.
Jo Sagers, Registrar: j.sagers@dauntseys.org

Drama Productions

Senior Dance Show (Step Up)

Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th April at 19:30 in the Memorial Hall

Step Up follows the tale of the disadvantaged Tyler Gage and the privileged modern dancer Nora Clark who find themselves paired up in a showcase that determines both of their futures. Please follow the link to our Drama Productions booking page. Please email Emily Wilkins if you have any enquiries - e.wilkins@dauntseys.org

'Once' and 'And then there were none'

Tickets are now available to book for these two productions online. Please follow the link to our Drama Productions booking page.

Dauntsey's School Triathlon 2018
Sunday 29 April 2018

A reminder that the Dauntsey’s School Triathlon will be held this Sunday, 29th April. This is always a fun and enjoyable event and we hope that you will be able to join us, either by lending your support or by competing. The event is open to junior non-pupils, pupils, parents and staff.

Full details and an entry form can be found here. You can also enter online here.

DSPA

First Form Parents Countryside Walk

Saturday 28 April

First form parents countryside walk, exact details to be confirmed. It will start and finish within 5 miles of school, and we are planning to be back at school for pick up / matches.

Selling your Prom dresses and DJ's

A reminder that you can now sell your unwanted prom dresses and DJ's on the School Intranet. For a small payment of £4.00 to the DSPA your item will be marketed for sale for four months. You can also purchase items here. Please follow this link to access this area of the Intranet.

Equestrian News

Good luck to all those competing at Bury Farm Championships. We have two equestrian teams attending.

First Form Latin Event: Exploring the Roman Army

Tuesday 24 April, 13:30-14:30 in the Pavilion

How heavy was chain-mail? How big was a shield? A talk by author and re-enactor Ben Kane to help you experience Roman life. All First Form are to attend.

Teen Parenting Workshop

Due to the recent success of Alicia Drummond’s Teen Parenting Workshop, Alicia has kindly agreed to run another on Saturday 5 May from 08:30 to 13:00.

Please read the attached document for further information.

Fly Fishing at Lechlade Trout Fisheries
Sunday 20 May 2018

The DSPA is hosting a Fly Fishing Day at Lechlade Trout Fisheries for current and prospective parents and pupils on Sunday 20 May 2018.

Please read the attached letter for more information and booking details. Many thanks.

Lower School Notices and Reminders

Manor Matters

The daffodils are in full bloom, the sun is shining and it is wonderful to see the Manorites back after their holidays and enjoying this brief spell of beautiful weather - we even ate dinner at the picnic tables last night! We have welcomed several new pupils to The Manor this term and it is lovely to see them settling in.

We are all looking forward to welcoming 23 first form day pupils to the Manor Boarding Award Tea on Friday afternoon - these pupils will join us after school for hot chocolate and cookies, some fun activities and a chance to explore the fantastic opportunities that life at The Manor offers.

The snow of last term seems a distant memory now and we are also looking forward to the re-arranged ice-skating trip on Sunday that was previously cancelled as a result of the 'Beast from the East'.
Anne Sampson, House Mistress.

Please do follow us on Twitter @ManorDauntseys to keep up to date.