11th May 2021
Winchester Weekly
Guest editor
Illumination
As an electrician, I am used to uncovering the hidden secrets of buildings, by chasing out walls and lifting up floors. Through my time at the College, I have come to learn a lot about its old buildings. For example, most people do not know that there is a sprung dance floor underneath the floorboards of the Blackwell Room, part of Moberly Library. This room used to be part of the old Headmaster’s house, along with other nearby rooms. The current Registrar’s office was the larder for the house, and the brew alongside it was a walk-in cellar, hence the brick arches on the walls.
My favourite part of the College is Science School, one of the oldest science schools in the country. When I first arrived, I immediately noticed the lighting, which I could see needed an overhaul. This project has presented the biggest challenge of my time here to date and is something I have taken a lot of pride in. We have now upgraded the lighting in the whole of the Chemistry department – I see that as my legacy.
Mr Steve Hayward, Lead Electrician
A message from the Second Master
Sunday Sign Out Form
Dear Parents,
Please complete the form using the link below to inform us of your son’s plans for Sunday 16 May. Going forward we would ask that this form is completed by 11pm on Thursday evenings. This is most helpful for our catering team who can then avoid any food wastage as they order the food for the weekend on Friday mornings.
Sunday Sign-out form: 16 May 2021
The important points regarding Sundays are listed below for your reference:
- Boys should not have contact with you if anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days, or if anyone in your household has been displaying symptoms, however mild, of COVID-19. These symptoms include: a temperature in excess of 37.8oC, a continuous cough or a loss of the sense of taste and/or smell.
- If after Sunday anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, or if anyone in your household develops symptoms, however mild, of COVID-19, then please inform us immediately.
- Boys should not use public transport to travel between home and school.
- The Government’s Road Map rules must be adhered to, especially rules on numbers in gatherings and mixing of households on Sunday.
Thank you once again for being so careful in applying these precautions.
Best wishes,
Mr Nick Wilks
Message from the Undermaster
No staggered return after Leave Out
Dear Parents,
In order to avoid the need for a staggered return after Leave Out, we will be providing Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) to all pupils before returning home for the break.
As was the case after the exeat, we will be monitoring the declarations of a negative test result for every pupil before their return to the school bubble on 6 June.
I will be providing more details of the LFD testing requirements (timings and declarations) for the return from Leave Out nearer the time. Please note that MP Exams begin on Wednesday 9 June and VI Book 2 Exams begin on Thursday 10 June.
Thank you so much for your continued support and cooperation.
With all good wishes,
Dr John Cullerne
Winchester Match
A highlight of Cloister Time is Winchester Match which is typically held at the end of June. Due to COVID-19 and a Government update on the lifting of restrictions not expected until 21 June, it will not be possible to run the event this year.
We understand and share the disappointment that this will cause among the boys and their families and look forward to its welcome return on Saturday 18 June 2022.
PSHEE
Mental Health Week
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, a number of activities are happening across the school. This evening our Medical Society welcomes Dr Andrew Morley, Wykeham Fellow in Medicine and consultant anaesthetist to speak about adolescent mental health.
Other activities include a dedicated Mental Health Awareness display in Moberly Library, as well as being available through the library's extensive online catalogue. There will also be a special 'Read and Reflect' poetry group, designed to offer a quiet space for the boys to come and read poetry and take some time out from a busy calendar - open to boys in all years.
Alumni
TB to MBE
'The Wykehamical education would say, “Are we sure about that?” It would not take anything for granted. You’ve got a problem; let’s look at it in a slightly different way.'
In this year's Wykeham Journal, Professor Paul Elkington MBE (Old Wykehamist) highlights how his work on researching and treating patients with tuberculosis led to the creation of an entirely new type of respirator hood to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governing Body
New Fellow
The school is delighted to announce that Mrs Alison Mayne was welcomed as Fellow to the Governing Body last week.
Mrs Mayne is a former WinColl parent and already knows the school well. She has been involved in education for over twenty years, with experience in both teaching and governance, largely in co-educational state schools. Most recently, she was Chair of the Board of Governors at the Perins Multi-Academy Trust in Alresford, where she had oversight responsibility for safeguarding, child protection and welfare. Prior to her involvement in the education sector, she was an investment banker and has held various charity trustee roles.
Mrs Mayne will take over duties as Fellow with responsibilities for safeguarding and health & safety. This was previously undertaken by Dr Peggy Frith, who retired as a Fellow in March after 10 years of immense service and contribution to the school.
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