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Autumn
Term 1999: A Summary of Events.
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Soccer:
It has been a pretty good season for all our teams. The 1st XI has played some high quality soccer against some very strong opposition. The Colts also abounded with effort and enthusiasm - most of the team members will be back next season and they are extremely skilful for boys so young!
Colours were awarded to: Richard Newman (Captain); Noel Szelewski; Daniel Morris; Robin Stibbs; James Shama.
Full results were:-
1ST XI:- Played 7, Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 3, Goals for 30, Goals against 24.
2ND XI:- Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3.
COLTS A:- Played 7, Won 3, Lost 4, Goals for 26, Goals against 22.
COLTS B:- Played 1, Won 1.
UNDER 10:- Played 5, Won 3, Lost 2.
House Matches:-
JUNIOR:- Winner - Wellington, Runner up - Drake.
SENIOR:- Winner - Drake, Runner up - Nelson.
OVERALL WINNER:- Drake House.
Swimming:
Our teams had an excellent performance against Aldwickbury, which ended with York House scoring its second successive win over this strong school by 173 -151. Individual winners were James Shama (2), James Ryman, Daniel Clark, Christopher Gabbett (2), Ben Firminger, Max Lowery (2), George Collins.
Colours were awarded to the Swimming Captain, James Shama.
Staff:
It has been a great pleasure to welcome Mr Keith Pattison, teaching Senior Religious Studies, and Miss Sarah Burton, covering for the whole term in Reception during Mrs Collins' illness. They have both already made their mark, not only in their classrooms but in many other ways too. It has been a joy to see how very quickly and happily they have settled into York House, while at the same time giving us the benefit of all that they have to offer. It is always very good to welcome new staff - with their new ideas and the ability to help us look at ourselves afresh. The rest of the staff have, of course, also worked with great vigour and dedication throughout the term - they all deserve our thanks for their enthusiasm, support and effort.
Academic:
All the Form VI boys produced some encouraging results in their Mock Exams last month (and many excelled!) and have learned a great deal from going through them. It is to be hoped that they will all maintain some revision over the holidays to build upon this learning process - and, of course, under the current Merchant Taylors' entrance arrangements, most of VIS are going to need to do rather a lot, with their exams at the end of January!
EFFORT PRIZES ( computed from this term's effort grades) are awarded to:
VIS - Alexander Morley, Kevin Tsoi, James Beaver
V - Daniel Morris
IVA - Jonathan Ho
IVB - Oliver Laurenson-Gore
IIIA - George Collins
IIIB - Conrad Bartos, Alexander Shoutov
IIT - Liam Singh
IIP - Sachin Shah
IC - Charles Wyatt
IM - Joseph Little
Congratulations to them and also to many other boys who also achieved very high standards of effort in the monthly orders and came very close to a prize.
OFSTED INSPECTION OF KINDERGARTEN & RECEPTION:-
This took place on November 2nd and resulted in an excellent report, reflecting the magnificent efforts of Mrs Wilson, who took responsibility for the large quantity of paperwork for both areas as well as co-ordinating the day in addition to her normal classroom commitments, helped by Miss Burton's excellent classroom displays and teaching. Congratulations are also due to all the teaching assistants concerned for their valued contributions.
Parents' Association:
This being the eve of the Millennium the usual Fireworks Night did not take place! It was replaced by an incredibly ambitious Millennium Party, which involved a Dinner-Dance for parents, disco for older pupils, entertainments for the younger ones and a creche for the youngest. We were treated to a marvellous meal, cooked by committee members, and a first-rate band - and were then also amazingly lucky with the weather, when we went outside at 10 o'clock, for this most enjoyable and successful evening to culminate in an amazing fireworks display.
Thank you to Mr Berney, Mr Sinclair and all their committee and helpers - who work so hard and cheerfully - and to all who supported them this term. The disappointing turnout for the AGM certainly did not do justice to their efforts - but those who did attend enjoyed an instructive and enjoyable Wine tasting! They are now well advanced in planning for next term's Quiz Night and are already thinking ahead to the Summer's events. Please give them the full support they deserve in their fund-raising effort.
Visits &: Outings:
Roger Elgood came to speak to the school on his Insight into Blindness ; Form V went to Canterbury on a History trip; Remove went to take part in the annual Maths Challenge at Merchant Taylors'; a large group of senior boys went to the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall; Pre-Prep went to the Toy Soldier Museum at Hatfeld House; 40 boys went to Twickenham to watch the Varsity match; the Pre-Prep went to "Robinson Crusoe" at Watford Palace Theatre; the Juniors went to "Dick Whittington" at the Wycombe Swan Theatre; the Seniors went to "The Nativity" at the Young Vic Theatre.
Music & Drama:
We were treated to an Informal Concert earlier in the term, at which individuals and groups amazed us all with the standard, range and depth of musical talent at York House.
A selected Choir went to sing to Rickmansworth Rotary Club Christmas Dinner; the Junior Choir went to sing to the 1967 Club Christmas Dinner; Kindergarten went to sing to residents at Croxley House.
Mrs Gamon reports a100% success rate in music examinations this term - congratulations to the boys and teachers concerned.
CHOIR COLOURS are awarded to Adrian Shelley, Christopher Wallbridge, Jonathan Marshall, Babak Eslamian, Viral Kantaria, Alexander Morley, Christopher Walters, Stephen Ho, George Eaton, Simon Heath, Richard Newman.
ORCHESTRA COLOURS are re-awarded to Jonathan Marshall, Babak Eslamian, Stephen Ho, Viral Kantaria, Kevin Tsoi and awarded to Richard Newman, Vinay Saujani.
At the end of term we all enjoyed very much indeed the two Christmas plays. First on stage was Kindergarten's Nativity Play - not only was it great fun but it was also a moving and amazing insight into the education of our "tinies". Mrs Wilson's ability to get such young children to remember all their words and sing so lustily, as well as enter and exit at the right time, is remarkable - some of them had real stage presence! Two days later we were given another treat, with Pre-Prep's "Why choose the angel?", attended by a very large gathering of parents. This too, was absolutely splendid and remarkable performances were given by several boys only five and six years old - Mrs Clements and all the Pre-Prep Staff are to be congratulated. Thanks, too, to Mrs Gamon for her musical involvement in both plays.
SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2000:-
There has been enormous enthusiasm from the boys in their desire to take parts in "The Roman Invasion of Ramsbottom", which is being co-produced by Mrs Gamon and Mr Keal, who will be being helped by many staff and parents in this venture. The casting is complete and the boys must make every effort to learn their lines thoroughly - rehearsals start in earnest right from the beginning of term, time being very limited.
Other Events:
PREFECTS AND MONITORS:- The Sixth Form boys have been conscientious in the carrying out of their responsibilities this term. Several have been promoted in the course of the term. Jonathan Marshall is congratulated on his appointment as Head Boy and the Prefects are James Beaver, Viral Kantaria, Richard Newman and James Shama: They are to be congratulated on, and thanked for, their positive attitude, example to others and cheerful helpfulness.
MILLENNIUM TREES:- The School has purchased - and Mr Lewington has very carefully planted -15 mature saplings to commemorate the Millennium. These have been placed around the playing field area to fill in gaps and can be distinguished by the "anti-ball" protective coverings around them at present!
HARVEST FESTIVAL was again this year a great success in terms of both Forms II's Assembly and the magnificent array of harvest gifts so many parents generously sent in. These were greatly appreciated again this year by the Watford New Hope Trust.
REMEMBRANCE DAY was marked by a moving and informative Assembly presented by Mrs Turnbull and Form V. It was followed, at 11 o'clock, by a two minute silence.
JUBILEE 2000 ASSEMBLY was presented by Mr Keal and VIS and reminded us about the situation in the Third World as we enter the new Millennium.
MUFTI DAY was organised by Mr Mulrennan - in support of "First Cheque 2000", supporting five charities - and raised the excellent sum of over £420.
PARENTS' EVENINGS:- Carol and I very much enjoyed meeting so many parents over coffee after they had seen their children's teachers at the Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Junior forms' Parents' Evenings. The Form VI evening was also not only most constructive but very enjoyable too.
Another very enjoyable and useful evening was the New Parents' Cocktail Party in September.
OPEN DAY 1999:- This took place on 11th October, between 10.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and was the most successful yet. All Forms III and above were in school, operating on a timetable designed to show Swimming; sport in the Archdale Hall; ADT; IT; English; French; Latin; Science; Religious Studies and History in action. Staff not involved in teaching, Prefects and Monitors conducted tours.
Summer
Term 1999: A Summary of Events.
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Cricket:
Overall, the Colts XI had a pleasing season, winning four of their
matches - against The Beacon, Lochinver House, St John's and Northwood,
achieving a draw in one match against St Martins, and losing three - to
Quainton Hall, St Anthony's and another match against St Martin's.
The 2nd XI, despite playing well at times, did not fair so well - two
losses and three draws.
The 1st XI players often displayed good performances - winning matches
against Quainton Hall, Northwood and St John's, drawing at Davenies
and the Beacon, and losing to St Martin's and Lochinver House.
In the Inter-House cricket competition, Drake were again the clear winners
of the Junior Shield. The Senior final was a very exciting game
between Wellington and Drake - Drake batted first and scored 143 for 6 in
their 30 overs; however, Wellington batted strongly to gain 147 for 5
in 22 overs and win the Senior trophy.
As usual, the final match of the season was a pleasant and
friendly social occasion on which the Old Yorkists (a team composed
of last year's leavers) played the 1st XI. This year, the Old
Yorkists were all out for 76, and the 1st XI passed their total
for the loss of only three wickets. We are grateful to the parents,
who prepared a wonderful supper for all the players and spectators.
Athletics:
Against Davenies, Durston House and London Oratory School, as last year
we were placed second, closely behind Durston House.
In the London Area Athletics Championships, our athletes performed
extremely well, achieving 10 personal bests. Three of our boys achieved
first places - Sam Thurgood (U11 800m), Joshua Bell (U11 High Jump)
and Joe Garfath (U14 Triple Jump).
Swimming:
This term our swimming team beat Aldwickbury School's team for the first
time for many years - many excellent performances led by the example of
the Captain, Hunter Whaley.
Only the best 12 school teams in the country are invited to the
IAPS National Championships. Our Senior Medley Relay Team -
Hunter Whaley, Henry Jefferis, Daniel Hyde and Daniel Whelan - achieved
3rd place! Our Small Schools Freestyle Relay Team - Daniel Whelan,
Christopher Gabbett, Janis Silins, Thomas Kavanagh, Max Lowery, Daniel
Clark, James Shama and Hunter Whaley - also came 3rd! However, our Junior
Freestyle Relay Team - Thomas Kavanagh, Max Lowery, Matthew Barnes and
Christopher Gabbett - achieved 2nd place! Three excellent team
performances - well done boys!.
Academic & Staff News:
The 18 boys of Form IV have achieved very good results in the
National Curriculum Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) in English,
Mathematics and Science. The national average is level 4 - of the 54
results 28 were at level 5, 24 at Level 4 and only 2 at Level 3.
The Boys of Form VI produced another outstanding set of Common Entrance
Examination grades this term. Of the results received, over 59% of the
grades were A*, A or B. Congratulations to all the boys but, particularly,
to Mark Holmshaw and Kunal Patel with four A* grades each.
We wish them, and also the leavers from other form groups, continued
success and happiness at their new schools.
Only one member of staff is leaving us this term term - Mrs R Holt
who has been a valuable assistant to Mrs Wilson in the Kindergarten
Department. We are grateful for her contributions there and wish her
much happiness and success for the future. Next term we shall
welcome her replacement - Mrs C Wallis. We also welcome Mr K Pattison
who is coming to teach R.S. to the senior school boys.
Trips & Outings:
During the Easter holiday 26 boys and several members of staff
enjoyed a wonderful skiing trip to La Clusaz.
On Outings Day the school was empty as everyone went on a day
trip:-
Forms VI visited the Bank of England Museum and Greenwich Observatory;
Forms Remove, V & IV went to the National Maritime Museum;
Form III had guided tours of Lords Cricket Ground and The London
Aquarium;
Forms I and II went to the Thames Barrier and also the Cutty Sark;
The Pre-Prep Forms toured the Woburn Safari Park;
The Kindergarten visited a working farm.
Thank you to all the staff who organised these trips, and to all
staff and parents who helped to supervise the boys.
Parents' Association:
This year, in the calendar of P.A. events it was the turn of the
Summer Fair, organised by Gill Noach and the Committee. Thanks to all
involved in making this day such a success - everyone who came had
lots of fun and the event raised a considerable sum for the school.
Other Events:
This term we were treated to two Arts Festivals - Junior and Senior.
For the first time, they were not part of an Inter-House competition,
enabling the best talents of the school to work together, and
therefore raising the standard of performances to a very high level.
These events allowed the boys to display their creative talents in
their art and technology work, and in their music and drama
activities. In fact, there were so many good items entered that a
separate drama presentation evening had to be arranged so that the
older boys could present their plays!
The whole school was once again fascinated by another wonderful talk
by Terry Mills who brought more of his animals to show and describe to
the boys.
Following their examinations, the Sixth Formers entered the Leavers'
Programme - a special varied programme of visits, talks and activities,
organised by the Director of Studies, Mr Keal. This was much enjoyed
and appreciated by the boys.
Term ended with our Speech Day in the Archdale Hall. Following a
short service led by the Headmaster and the Senior Boys, the
Chairman of Governors gave the introduction to the Headmaster's
summary of the year. This was followed by a talk from our
guest speaker, Dr P Chadwick, Principal of Berkhamsted Collegiate
School, who then presented the prizes and trophies to the
boys.
Spring
Term 1999: A Summary of Events.
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Academic
MERCHANT TAYLORS' ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
Candidates for Merchant Taylors' sat examinations at the end of January.
Congratulations to Rajiv Bakrania, Simon Fox, James Montague, Jay Patel, Kunal Patel, Luke
Benson, Dilan Changela, Mark Holmshaw, Charles Kavanagh Brown, Anish Patel and
Shamal Patel on their success in gaining entry, in what was a particularly competitive year.
BERKHAMSTED PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS
Congratulations to Stacy Bames, Joe Garfath, Stuart Lawrence, Aston
Parmar, Phillip Wallbridge, Hunter Whaley and Daniel Whelan on their success - now they
must make sure of their places with good pertormances on C.E.E. in June!
Particular congratulations to Phillip Wallbridge on his MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP and also on
the award of a Special Prize for his outstanding pertormance on the English paper.
ALDENHAM SCHOOL
Congratulations to Oliver Smith on gaining entrance to Aldenham.
FORMS REMOVE & V "MOCK" C.E.E. EXAMINATIONS
This was the first time these boys had sat formal examinations, almost all of which consisted
either of full C.E.E. papers or selections of C.E.E. questions. Their results were, most
encouraging and reflected the great improvement and hard work of this group, so far this year.
Now they have a year to hone their skills!
ACADEMIC COLOURS
For Academic Attainment (for gaining 70%+ average mark in Mock CEE a year early):
Arjun Ahluwalia, Stephen Ho, Viral Kantaria and Jonathan Marshall.
For Academic Effort: Joe Garfath, Stephen Pearson; Arjun Ahluwalia, James Beaver, George Eaton,
Babak Eslamian, Stephen Ho, Jonathan Marshall, Alexander Morley, Richard Newman, James Ryman
and James Shama.
Outings and Trips
FRENCH TRIP:
Mr Lake arranged an excellent trip to Chateau Beaumont in Normandy. All boys in Remove
and Form V went on this trip which was quite an endurance test for boys and staff! Leaving
at 0415 on Friday 5th February they crammed in a great deal of French language, culture,
history, life and food in their busy schedule, before returning at 2300 on Monday 8th.
Many thanks to Mr Lake, and to Mr Keal who accompanied him, for planning and organising this
trip and for supervising the boys for 24 hours a day!.
SKI TRIP:
Mr Thomas, who has put a great deal of hard work into the organisation of this trip to La Clusaz,
has had to withdraw due to injury. Mr Ging has taken over and he will be accompanied by
2 other staff and 25 boys, leaving early on the last day of term. We wish them a wonderful
time.
Prefects and Monitors
We congratulate Joe Garfath and Kunal Patel on their appointment as Joint Head Boys.
There have also been several other promotions - we congratulate the following who are all
now Prefects: Rajiv Bakrania, Luke Benson, Henry Jefferis, Shamal Patel, Stephen
Pearson, Hunter Whaley and Daniel Whelan. Monitors are: Stacy Barnes, Dilan Changela,
Mark Holmshaw, Stuart Lawrence, James Montague, Jay Patel, Oliver Smith and Robert Taylor-Rose.
Rugby
For both 1st XV and Colts teams this has been a much better season than last year. The Ist XV
has had one of the best seasons in recent memory, with its high
point being the remarkable achievement of reaching the final of the St Martin's 7-a-side
tournament for the first time ever! We came up against some extremely strong teams - we
beat Aldwickbury for the first time for a very long time and held Lochinver House to 0-15,
they having put at least 40 points onto every other team they had played. Our boys have clearly
benefited from the enthusiasm and example of Mr Telfer, who has been keenly
assisted all season, despite his injury, by Mr Thomas. The Colts have also had a good season
when one bears in mind that a large majority are young enough to be eligible again next year!
They finished with two victories. Mr Byford and Mr Ging have done a splendid job coaching them.
1st XV:
Played 6, Won 3, Lost 3. Points for:110. Points against: 71.
St Martin's Sevens:
In the first round we lost to Orley Farm but beat Kingshott and St Anthony's, which put us through to the semi-finals where we beat a strong Beechwood Park side to reach the final. Unfortunately our opponents were the very strong Orley Farm side again, so we were worthy runners-up!
Rugby Colours were re-awarded to: Shamal Patel (Captain). Colours were awarded to: Hunter Whaley, Stuart Lawrence, James Shama, Jay Patel, Joe Garfath, Robert Taylor-Rose, Henry Jefferis, Luke Benson and Jonathan Marshall.
COLTS:
Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4. Points for: 22. Points against: 83.
INTER-HOUSE SEVENS:
Drake won the Colts competition, with Nelson runners-up. Wellington won the Senior competition, with Drake the runners-up. Drake therefore won the Inter-House Trophy.
Swimming
I.A.P.S. SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS - QUALIFYING ROUND:
This took place at Aldwickbury in competition with them, Haberdashers' Aske's and
Berkhamsted. It is primarily a relay competition but there are two individual events - Under
13 and Under 11 50 metres Freestyle - which were won by Hunter Whaley and Christopher
Gabbett respectively. Our various relay squads then won five events, more than ever before.
Thus York House won 7 out of 14 races and came 2nd in another 3.
The timings of all competing schools are then collected and are compared, on which basis
schools are then invited to the National Finals next term.
Hunter Whaley has the unprecedented achievement of being selected to swim for
the S.W. Herts' Secondary Schools team in the Herts. Schools Gala in all SIX events - four
individual and two relays (including the anchor leg in the Freestyle Relay)! This takes place
next term.
Christopher Gabbett and Thomas Kavanagh were selected to swim for the S.W. Herts'
Primary Schools team. Christopher won the individual Freestyle and they were both in
the winning Medley Relay team.
Cross Country
This has been yet another very good season. It must not be forgotten that this is an
unforgiving and tough sport, requiring a great deal of dedication and determination from the
boys, many of whom ran in awful weather conditions on occasions. Mark Holmshaw (Captain) led by
example, with some superb performances, the best being his victory by more than 200
metres in the 2.5 mile Kingshott race. Aaron Dombey had some excellent runs as a Junior.
YORK HOUSE INTER-SCHOOLS: Seniors 2nd out of 9 schools (Holmshaw 2nd). Juniors 4th out of
8 schools (* Dombey 1st). Overall position 3rd.
HAILEYBURY: Seniors 5th out of 11 schools. Juniors 7th out of 13 schools. Overall position 6th.
ST. MARTIN'S ROAD RELAY: 2nd out of 9 schools (* Holmshaw 1st - fastest since l992).
KEBLE: Under 9s 1st out of 16 schools (Bradley-Kidd 2nd). Under 11s 4th out of 20 schools.
Seniors 2nd out of 18 schools (* Holmshaw 1st).
KINGSHOTT: Seniors 3rd out of 8 schools (* Holmshaw 1st), Juniors 5th out of 11 schools
Dombey Znd).
Cross Country Colours were awarded to: Mark Holmshaw (Captain) and Daniel Whelan.
Music and Drama
UPPINGHAM ORCHESTRAL DAY:
Mrs Gamon and three of the music staff took 25 of our best instrumentalists to Uppingham
School for a memorable day. The morning and early afternoon were spent in sectional
rehearsals before the climax at 5p.m.:- three items by the massed strings and then two
Handel marches and Eric Coates' "Dambusters' March" played by over 500 prep. school
musicians!
SCHOOL PRODUCTION:
On Tuesday and Wednesday, 16th and 17th March, two delighted audiences witnessed spectacular
and polished performances of the musical, "The Factory Children," by Chris Adams and Michael
Sullivan. The acting and singing were first rate (especially when one considers that many of
the cast were as young as 9 years old) as a result of the many weeks of hard work in rehearsals.
Thanks particularly to the Producer and Musical Director Mrs Gamon, assisted by Miss McCracken
and Mr Keal, and also to all staff who were involved in any way. Thanks also to the many parents
involved, particularly Mrs Bloom & Mrs Murphy (scenery), Mrs Wallbridge, Mrs Wheeler, Mrs Birch,
Mrs Israel and their helpers (costumes), and Mrs Noach and her helpers (makeup).
Drama Colours are re-awarded to James Montague and awarded to Shamal Patel, Babak Eslamian,
George Eaton, Stephen Ho, Jonathan Marshall and Alexander Morley.
Other News
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION:
Congratulations to Mrs Noach and her hard-working committee, for another extremely
enjoyable and successful Quiz Night. 213 people (the same number as last year) had a
thoroughly enjoyable night which raised the marvellous sum of over £2300!
Thanks to all who helped make this evening such a success - particularly the ladies who
cooked such a fine meal - and not forgetting the quizmasters! The committee now look
forward to everyones support in preparing for the Summer Fair.
CHARITIES:
There has been a very good start to our year's charitable giving and I thank you all for your
help and generosity. At present since September, as well as harvest gifts which were gratefully
received by the Watford New Hope Trust, over £2,600 has been raised as follows -
Poppy Appeal - £111
Readathon - in aid of Sir Malcolm Sargent Children's Cancer Fund - £1100+
Jeans for Genes (Mufti Day) - £535
Red Nose Day (Mufti Day) - £900+
Watford Peace Hospice (Collections at School Play)
NSPCC collection boxes
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