November 2007: House Dinners

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The LVI team have decided to host each of the other year groups to a supper, cooked for them by the intrepid LVI, to enable them to get to know the younger members of their house rather better. The first of these suppers, for the UV, took place last week and was much appreciated. Even the badly-timed fire bell, requiring elegantly-clad diners to troop up to the Sports Hall in the pouring rain, did not spoil the mood - though there was much relief all-round that the dinner candles were not to blame! Many thanks must go to Olivia for all her hard work and organisation of the evening.

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November 2007: Nigeria Explored

Please click on Givendale Slideshows for more photos.

In the first of our talks by girls from overseas, Oreva gave a lively, well-prepared and informative presentation about her home country, accompanied by examples of clothing, lots of photographs, some music and a very small selection of food (rather inexpertly prepared by Mrs. A!) The talk left the audience wanting to know more and we have some interesting photos with the most unlikely characters trying on traditional Nigerian dress! Thanks to Ruth for her organisation, and to all those who attended.

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House Drama Festival: October 2007

Deci and her team flung themselves into the challenge of producing a lively and entertaining performance in a very short space of time and managed to inspire a good number of the House to take part. Once again it was really pleasing to see that the actors were drawn from several year groups and they worked well together to create a most enjoyable entertainment. Performing first, they had the task of warming up the audience (and before the sustenance of tea and supper!) but rose to the occasion and convincingly portrayed a range of dodgy characters. (Next time Mrs. Andow may delay choosing the House Captain until after her alter ego has been revealed on stage!) Thanks to all who played a part, whether through direction, on stage or in a supporting role back-stage; you all did Givendale proud.

Equestrian success

Many congratulations to Holly and Lucy for their recent achievements at a national level with the school's riding team - the result of many hours of hard work and commitment. We would encourage parents to let the House know when girls achieve success outside regular school hours or in the holidays, as they are often reluctant to 'blow their own trumpet' and we like to share and celebrate any such achievements!

Welcome to Givendale!

This term we have welcomed no fewer than 24 new members into our house, across the 4 year groups - 10 moving up from Hewarth House and the remaining 14 experiencing life at St. Mary's for the first time. We are all grateful to their 'guardian angels' for their continuing efforts to help them to settle in. The UIV are a lively and cheerful bunch, who have survived the first half of term without any of the usual squabbles - it is lovely to see them all getting on so well, even when they are just united in keeping Mrs. Sealy and Mrs. Hannam from being bored! The first UIV 'happy hour' had a Mexican flavour, to make Fernanda and Mariana feel a little more at home, although it is not certain that they would have recognised much of their home country in Disney's 'El Dorado'!

Election of New House Officers

At exeat we said 'goodbye' to Alice, Alexia, Anni and their team, as they moved on to the heights of Mary Ward House, and thanked them for all that they have done to make Givendale the united and happy house that it is. Their contribution to a very successful year was immense and they consistently set a very good example of cheerful service and commitment to all. We then had the task of choosing their replacements from among our 13 new LVI girls. A number of girls applied either for the post of House Captain or to be Deputy; they are to be congratulated on the quality and sincerity of their letters of application and  their performance at interview - the latter clearly an experience that some of them dreaded! They were all aware that they have a very hard act to follow and that these posts carry quite a responsibility within this large house. Once again we have chosen to appoint two deputies, reflecting the size of Givendale and in recognition of the number of girls capable of taking on these important roles. This year we have added two new roles, to enable us to enhance the integration of two key groups in our community - our Day Girls and those who live overseas. It was noticeable how keen all applicants were to ensure that our sense of community is all-embracing.

Confirmation Preparation

As a number of our UIV girls embark this week on their programme of preparation for Confirmation in the Spring, we are again inviting Givi girls who have already been confirmed to act as individual Prayer Partners, supporting them quietly through the coming weeks. This is a more formal extension of the voluntary, weekly house night prayers, when we gather in the Common Room to pray for any in the house community who have requested our prayers. The Prayer Partnership is also an ideal opportunity for the older girls to remind themselves of the commitments made during at their own Confirmations.