Every week in assembly I witness the camaraderie and togetherness of the pupils within their houses when Mr Holland reads out the house points scores in assembly! But nothing highlights it as much as the penultimate week of term which is when the Sports days and Swimming Gala’s take place! The pupils work hard for their house as they know every single result matters to the final score and they want to contribute and support their house to the best of their ability. After last year’s success we decided to follow the same model and host 4 individual sports days. Nursey and Reception, Forms 1 and 2, Forms 3 and 4 and Forms 5-8.
Nursery and Reception
Forms 1 and 2
Pupils were well prepared and gave it their all, trying to perform well and make their supporters proud! Events were very competitive with pupils pushing each other to their limits. From Form 3 onwards the Sports day events count towards the overall Athletics Inter-House Trophy. Although Purbeck was victorious in the Junior Sports day, Ridgeway was victorious overall this year, ably led by Theo, Vishnu and Martha. Special mention goes to Phineas who scored a new school record in the Form 3-4 Throw competition.
Forms 3 and 4
Senior Prep
Our swimming galas were also a great success and the weather was kind to us on Friday.
Before lunch it was time for the junior swim gala which consists of the pupils in Reception-Form 4. The pupils have worked so hard this term to develop their swimming strokes and certainly put on a splendid performance. It was the first time some swimmers in Form 1 completed a whole length. The crowd were pretty amazed and happily supported them throughout the events. The youngest swimmers completed a range of width races whilst the older swimmers swam lengths. Purbeck won the Junior Swimming gala and the children enjoyed a picnic on the lawn with their parents and supporters.
Final Results
1st – Purbeck 109
2nd – Ridgeway 90
3rd – Frome 88
4th – Maumbury 71
In the afternoon it was time for the senior swim gala which included pupils from Forms 5-8. We saw some impressive relays but also some sensational individual performances, especially in Form 7/8! There were some extremely close races and competition was fierce. Points were close between the houses throughout the afternoon and it all came down to the relays.
The Inter-House swimming cup was on offer for the highest scoring team which made it very competitive! It was a pleasure to watch so many children perform well in front of their parents and peers. Pupils supported each other really well and should be proud of their performances. A huge well done to Maumbury for defending their title and winning the Inter-House Swimming Cup. The team was a little depleted but the house worked so well together and was captained by Thomas E who was absolutely fantastic as he rallied his team, encouraging them to swim extra races to cover the absences and injuries!
Congratulations to Frome’s Form 7-8 team who broke a 6 year school record in the Freestyle relay race with 56.43 seconds. The previous record was 59.86!
Final Results:
1st – Maumbury 115
2nd – Ridgeway 114
3rd – Purbeck 105
4th – Frome 104
Just like the children displayed their team work and camaraderie this week, so did the staff!
Kerry and the catering team were on fantastic form and kindly offered refreshments throughout the sports day. She went a step further on Friday where she offered alcohol free mojito drinks and cream teas at the swimming gala.
The grounds team, Les and Ant worked tirelessly to get the tracks and swimming pool in top condition. They even managed to rebuild most of the long jump area which I am sure you’ll all agree looked fabulous! I can’t thank them enough for their efforts and commitment.
I must congratulate all the children on their efforts. Their work ethic and determination were phenomenal and their behavior impeccable. Every child was prepared and wore their house shirt in support of their team. Thank you to all the parents for such a fantastic turnout in each event and for supporting all the children.
This week once again confirmed to me what kind of a team Sunninghill is. From the pupils, to the parents and all my wonderful colleagues. It is a very tight community of which I feel very privileged to be part of!
Wishing you a lovely summer holiday ahead!
Mr Willemse
Head of PE and Games
