From the Second Master
End of Term
We hope to see many of you this week, either at a Mince Pie concert or Illumina. Our final newsletter of the term will be sent on Tuesday 13 December with farewells, HM Commendas and Short Half Prizes and Awards, and a few festive treats.
Thank you Gifts
As we approach the end of term, we understand that parents may wish to express their gratitude to staff through Christmas gifts. From the College’s perspective, we would like to emphasise that there is no obligation or expectation of gifts in any circumstances.
If you are organising a collection for a joint gift, please be mindful that parents have a wide range of financial circumstances and not everyone will be able to afford to participate or wish to contribute. Please also note that our internal policies do not permit staff to accept gifts of cash or vouchers of any amount and staff will donate these to the College or the College’s nominated charity.
Holiday Arrangements
Please could all parents of boarders complete the School Holiday Arrangements form as soon as possible. Log in to the Parent Portal; select Interactive, and then School Holiday Arrangements: End of Short Half 2022.
It was wonderful to gather in the Cathedral as a whole school and celebrate the approach from Advent to Christmas, in readings, in prayers, and in reflection, with familiar carols and other seasonal music beautifully led by the Chapel Choir.
Art
Drew Jug 2022
The annual inter-house competitive art event, known as Drew Jug, concluded with an exhibition and prizegiving.
This year’s competition theme was Facades and house teams had seven weeks to respond to the theme and collaborate to create an original artwork from their research.
The following prizes were awarded:
Drew Jug: Trant’s (pictured here with adjudicator Ian Ellis)
Research and Development prize: Freddie’s
Collaboration prize: Chawker’s
Charities
Santa Fun Run
Despite the chill of a wintry morning, 50 pupils and staff joined 750 other runners for the Naomi House & Jacksplace Santa Fun Run on Sunday 4 December.
The 5km run is an annual event to raise funds for children and young people across Hampshire with life-threatening illnesses.
As pupils ran along College Street and Kingsgate Street, they were greeted with cheers from other pupils making their way to Chapel. As beards slipped and suits disintegrated, the final 150m was a sprint down the High Street to a snowy finish. Santa Supreme, August Deeming (V Book, College), gave the performance of his life to be the first across the line.
If you would like to celebrate their fundraising efforts, please donate via the link below to support this charity's inspirational work. Thank you.
Use arrow (bottom right) to scroll through pictures.
Sport
Soccer
The Yearlings' A team produced a superb performance in their ESFA National Cup 4th round match against Desborough College, with another hat trick for Gabriel Oluwabusola (JP, Toye's).
Good luck to Soccer XI, who play in the last 16 of the ISFA U18 Cup tonight against Berkhamsted School.
Rowing
On Saturday, the Boat Club took 35 athletes to Wycliffe Small Boats Head, with each year group represented.
The J14 boys finished 2nd and 6th in their catergory of 11, whilst the J15 four were only 4 seconds away from winning a category for J16 teams. The senior squad raced twice, winning both the pairs and fours events entered.
Events
Illumina
We look forward to welcoming you to Illumina on 9 December, 15:30 - 17:15. This tradition dates back to the mid-1860’s and will see Meads lit up by hundreds of candles. There will be festive food, music and stalls.
The Charities Committee will have a stand in Flint Court, selling their 2023 calendar with beautiful images taken by pupils and staff, prints, mugs and Chapel Choir CD’s. There will also be a number of publications available, including a booklet on the architecture and monuments of Winchester College Cloisters, and photographer Jim Pascoe's book, The Winchester Year, in return for a charitable donation.
The bonfire will be lit by the Warden at 16:15, accompanied by carols and a warming rendition of Domum. Further details are available via the link below.
Outreach
Sharing a Passion for Science
As part of our long-standing relationship with the Crown & Manor youth club in Hackney, London, the Science department recently ran an evening of exploration and experiments for their young members, including handling invertebrates, learning about the physics of pinhole cameras, and witnessing some spectacular chemical reactions.
Partnerships
Primary Schools Maths Challenge
Every week, teachers and pupils of the Maths department offer mentoring sessions to local primary school children. These sessions help children progress in the subject and prepare them for the Primary Maths Challenge, an annual event designed to encourage enthusiasm and boost confidence in Maths.
On 15 November we welcomed 55 pupils from eight local primary schools to the College to take the Primary Maths Challenge. These children then returned with their families and teachers for a celebration event on 29 November, where they were each presented with a certificate by the Deputy Mayor of Winchester.
Farewell
Sqn Ldr Hughes
CCF Officers, SNCOs, and pupils enjoyed a Dining out Dinner, provided by the College catering team, to mark the departure of Sqn Ldr Graeme Hughes.
Sqn Ldr Hughes took over the role as Head of the RAF Section in 2017. During his time here, he has shared his extensive knowledge and experience, bringing fresh ideas to the RAF Section, and promoting the RAF in the Contingent and beyond. He leaves to continue his commitments with Air Training Corps and enjoy his family life.
VI Book 1 pupils hosted St Swithun’s for a festive, social evening on Saturday, where they enjoyed a meal in College Hall, followed by a disco.
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