8th December 2020
Winchester Weekly
Guest editor
Captivated by light
Traditionally, at the end of the Autumn term, we all gather together for one of the most lovely traditions at Winchester, known as 'Illumina', with candles covering the medieval walls surrounding the playing fields and a large bonfire. The event commemorates the removal of a wall in 1862 which separated boys housed in College from boys who lived outside the College walls.
We are a people captivated by light. Since the first fires were kindled in the caves at the dawn of humanity, light has been at the centre of life; not only a source of heat and warmth, not only as a way of guiding us through the dark but light is a symbol of hope. At Illumina, we do the same. While the world outside is in darkness, we gather together and light candles against it. While we can’t gather together around the bonfire this year, we hope you enjoy our virtual offering below.
The Reverend Ross Maidment, College Chaplain and Div don
A message from the second master
Dear Parents,
It is with a palpable sense of relief that I write to you in the last week of a unique term where the boys have remained at school. Maintaining the continuity of our educational provision this term has been a significant achievement. We all recognise that this continuity has been achieved at some cost, including difficult decisions over the exeats and some loss of teaching days due to COVID-19 testing. We are enormously grateful to the boys and to you for your understanding and support.
In looking ahead to next term we are mindful that it has been the sheer unpredictability of COVID-19 which has created the most anxiety, in particular the uncertainties over when families can see one another. With the arrival of warmer weather as we approach spring, less confinement indoors, and the introduction of a vaccine, we are in a better position to plan ahead. Particular attention has been paid to greater relaxation on Sundays, and to a careful consideration of exeats. All the proposals below are subject to revision should the need arise:
First half of the Spring Term (known as Common Time)
With the staggered start to Common Time and the exeat scheduled to take place only 10 days or so after we finish testing the pupil body for COVID-19, there will be no overnight stays at home on 22 and 23 January. However, there will be opportunities for all pupils to see their families over that weekend, and details will be sent out at the start of next term. Consideration is also being given to the possibility of overnight stays at home for the different year groups later in the first half of term.
Leave-out, 12 – 21 February
Leave-out will take place as scheduled from 1305 on Friday 12 February. A decision over testing pupils on return will be taken text term.
Exeat, 12 – 14 March
We are greatly looking forward to a more normal spring, and the opportunities this will afford for more time spent with families. So unless there are strong reasons for not doing so, the exeat will take place as scheduled from 1305 on Friday 12 March. We very much hope that everyone will be able to look forward to this well-earned break when it comes.
With best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday.
Mr Nicholas Wilks, Second Master
This Friday's arrangements
A reminder that school goes down this Friday 11 December 2020. Staggered pick-up times will be in place. VI Book 1 - 11am. VI Book 2 - 12pm. JP - 1pm. MP - 2pm. V Book - 3pm.
January's return
As communicated in last week’s newsletter, next term we will conduct a mass screening of pupils for COVID-19 before they rejoin their boarding houses. This will require a staggered return w/c 11 January. Guidance on how to book a test can be found at the link below. If you have any difficulties, please contact us.
Exams
Provisional mock exam timetables will be shared with parents later this week.
Community Service
Santa Fun Run
Fifty runners completed the 5k course around the school grounds dressed in Santa suits, as part of this year's virtual Santa Fun Run for local children's hospice, Naomi House & Jack's Place. The event was organised by Head and Deputy Heads of Community Service, Xavier Machado, Arthur Ritchie and Marcus Hall. They have raised over £700 so far.
Art at Winchester
Drew Jug competition winners
This year the theme for the annual house art competition known as 'Drew Jug' was House and the teams were tasked with a response that placed a specific emphasis on the process of drawing. Each house worked on a 2m x 2m calico support which were exhibited in Musa Loggia for our first outdoor Drew Jug exhibition. There were a host of thoughtful interpretations ranging from ideas of shelter to the climate crisis facing our planet. The adjudication team was made up of Peter Monkman (BP Portrait Award winner) and Helen Pinkney (Deputy Director of Art at Charterhouse School) who awarded the following prizes:
- Drew Jug: Freddie’s (a video entry viewed below)
- Collaboration Prize: Phil’s
- Research and Development: Kenny’s
Embracing Science Virtually
In addition to welcoming a Nobel Prize-winning physicist last night for a well-attended Science Society lecture, Science School hosted its annual Science Symposium with Cheltenham Ladies' College at the end of last month. The standard is always extremely high and this year was no exception, with pupils adapting well to the virtual format.
Music at Winchester
As public recitals and concerts have been missed by many this term, Master of Music, David Thomas has selected a few highlights for parents to enjoy. These include a performance by junior rock band, Arcane of 'All the Small Things' (video below), as well as performances by the Winchester College Jazz Orchestra; The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Sway and The Chicken.
Recognising volunteers
Head of Spanish, Jan Hepworth, coordinated the College's community response during both the first and second lockdown, including working with the Salvation Army and local homeless charity, Trinity Winchester, to deliver more than 3,000 microwaveable meals to local people in need. She has recently been chosen to receive Trinity Winchester's David Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution from a Volunteer. Sue McKenna, Chief Executive of Trinity Winchester, commented that Jan's support and co-ordination of the cooked meals during lockdown was a "real life-saver for the charity, and we could not let that pass".
The Mayor of Winchester has also recognised the school's contribution to the community, awarding special Local Hero Awards to boarding house matron, Karen Palmer, and school chef, Philip Reeves.
Christmas Hamper
Typically the Autumn term would provide a host of opportunities for parents to attend festive school occasions including Illumina, musical performances, as well as an end of term service in the Cathedral. On Friday we look forward to sharing our virtual Christmas Hamper with pupils, parents and staff, reflecting on an exciting and full term, with a few surprises thrown in...
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