1st June 2020
Winchester Weekly
Guest editor
Life in the Lodge
As Head Porter, I oversee the day-to-day running of the Porters' Lodge - the main entrance to the school. Due to the present circumstances, we have revised our working practices to ensure social distancing while also making sure we maintain a security presence at the school, which is particularly important with fewer people on site.
One of the Head Porter's responsibilities is to look after the Chapel clock. Luckily I have a keen interest in clocks so quite enjoy tinkering now and again. Apart from the Chapel clock, there are at least four other main clocks around the school that boys and staff come into contact with every day.
One of the more rewarding aspects of the job is never knowing who will walk through Outer Gate next. We could be welcoming a member of the Royal family, a former Field Marshall, a politician, a well-known entertainer, or perhaps just the postman. One of my favourite visitors to the Lodge is our resident robin whom we have adopted over the years. He will often fly into the Lodge and perch on a monitor in front of the duty porter, waiting to be fed.
Allan Reinthal, Head Porter
Academic Announcements
As communicated before Leave-out, we are aware that some boarding schools have taken the decision that there will be no return to boarding for any year groups before the end of the summer term. We have not reached such a conclusion, albeit any such resumption may only be for a limited number of boys (either Middle Part or VI Book 2 or both). A return to boarding for those boys living overseas also appears unrealistic at this stage. Following the conclusion of the health and safety risk assessments taking place this week and next, we will provide a clear decision in the parent newsletter on Monday 15th June.
Separately, before Leave-out, we trained a number of colleagues on Microsoft Teams, with a view to training all dons and boys on it before the summer holiday. We are very encouraged by the feedback. However, Skype should continue to be used until boys are notified otherwise.
Uniquely this year, in the altered circumstances, we are offering voluntary 'transition to university' courses for pupils in the top year. A list of those on offer, including Dr Cullerne on epidemiology, is available here. When applications closed before Leave-out we were delighted that more than 100 of the 140 members of the year group had chosen to take part in one or more of these courses, and we are all very grateful to the dons who are making this extra provision possible.
Editorial
Postcards from home
Brothers Freddie and William share their experiences of lockdown together, with one studying for exams, and the other continuing his singing, remotely.
'As a Quirister I would normally sing in the Chapel Choir. Nowadays we still practice, but using digital music scores, watching Mr Ionascu conduct over Zoom, and listening to Mr Cunningham play over our headphones.'
Editorial
Quiristers sing on through lockdown
This year's Ascension Day was marked by a particularly special chapel service.
Led by Director of Chapel Music, Howard Ionascu and accompanied by Assistant Director of Chapel Music, Ben Cunningham, the Winchester College Chapel Choir sang Gerald Finzi's 'God is gone up'.
Performed during the lockdown in an impressive technological endeavour, it was recorded at various stages from the individual singers' homes and edited together to create a beautiful celebration.
Societies
PixPot
Winchester College Photography Society was established by three top year pupils in 2019 who had a keen personal interest in photography and wanted to inspire younger pupils to take photos. They established @wincollphotosoc on Instagram as a platform for pupils' photography.
In April they launched PixPot, a photography competition open to the whole school community. Judged by three external judges, the winning entries can now be revealed.
Community
Parents Summer Drinks Party
Due to the current circumstances, the Parents Summer Drinks Party which was due to be held on Friday 19th June in Winchester Guildhall has had to be cancelled.
Future receptions are planned for September and October (government guidance depending). Communications will be sent out nearer the time, but please contact Kate Ross in the Development Office if you have any questions.
And finally...
Science publications
Two of our sixth form scientists have recently contributed to The Plague Pit, a website set up for honorary medics to provide an insight into the NHS frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alfred Beadman (Furley’s) - The Virus and the Disease
Adrian Tsui (Toye’s) - Chemical Warfare 1 and Chemical Warfare 2
Two articles by dons have also recently appeared – English and Div don, Tom Quayle on ‘Plagues in Literature’ and Undermaster, Physics and Maths don, Dr John Cullerne on ‘What it is to model an epidemic’.
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