Episode X - The Final Curtain

Thus, we arrive at the final week of a busy term. As I write, the snow leaves its residual mark from the East once more, before its heavenly ascent tomorrow; Mr. Duke is braving the elements in pursuit of a Krispy Kreme dream for charity fundraising; Mrs. Curtis is numinosity as she continues to spread the joy, and our boarders embark on their individual adventures in light of the cancellation of House Music Practice today. Prior to this point, yesterday evening's journey was one of intrigue and suspense, with our invariable movie night magic, or should I say, mystery...

The intrigue was complemented by pizza and popcorn. Then, when suspicions and accusations became reprieve at having solved the murder mystery, our boarders traversed the land twixt two worlds, where rest and recuperation brought them to this morning, energized and ready for a musical medley this afternoon. But, as mentioned, this was not to be. The snow had fore-cast House Music cancellation. Thus it was that boarders enjoyed a whole host of activity options, ranging from 'slime' making, Sports Hall games, reading / TV / Music and more movie magic options in the form of:

A snapshot of our afternoon's activities:

It may be snowing outside...

...but inside it's warm and action-packed!

Prior to departure, Mr. Duke prays for his Krispy Kreme dream to come true...

...before an unprovoked attack on his colleagues - so immature!

I mean, you'd expect it from these guys...but really, Mr. Duke??

Meanwhile, Sarafina, Suruchi and Sudipti are 'sliming it up'...

...with funky results!

 (All photos above courtesy of N L Curtis Corp. Unltd.)

And to cap it all off - as I finish Episode X this evening - Mr. Duke managed the return voyage to Bristol, bringing with him copious amounts of doughnuts for the charity fundraising tomorrow - proof that with perseverance and dedication, dreams can come true:

 

"That's my supper sorted..."

And so, the final curtain falls on a very busy and active term for our boarders. From celebratory meals to outbound trips and activities, the house bonds continue to strengthen and grow. Although there remain important tasks to complete, some fun in the form of egg hunts and cross country challenges will appease the fatigue setting in. We wish all of our boarders safe passage home for the Easter holidays; may this time be one of renewal, togetherness and coming together as one, whatever awaits us over the holidays. The Westwood team send their Easter blessings and good-will to you all; we look forward to sharing more with you next term.

In a nutshell: school fixtures, town leave, film, parties, more sport, ice skating and swimming

Westwood boarders have been really socialites this weekend. Year 8 girls enjoyed the privilege of early town leave so they could also represent the School in netball matches; a huge number of Year 7 girls also played in afternoon matches. Mrs Duke and Year 12 prefect, Conor, accompanied those who remained into town. On their return Eleanor and Kezzy baked for a sale tomorrow for LEPRA.

 White chocolate cookies!

In the evening Year 8 pupils attended a whole year Disco birthday party organised by three day pupils' families and the remainder of the House watched the recent film Gifted. as chosen democratically by the  Year 7 girls after much umming and ahing.  Many tears were shed and much pizza was consumed. The Year 8 boarders enjoyed their party and were thirsty after much dancing.

After simultaneous games of basketball and netball, we all enjoyed brunch!

 Ishika shows them who is boss!

 Perry picking a player in space

 Dawn fights off Hohona.

 We love brunch....

 ..but not as much as shoe polishing on the Terrace!

We then departed for the Link Ice Rink in Swindon for 90 minutes on the ice minus a smaller group of Year 8 girls who had another party to get to! We had a great time on the ice. Unfortunately Eleanor took a tumble, but I am pleased to report after a visit to A&E it is just a sprained thumb! A top day out. It was lovely to see William's dad visiting from Hong Kong and Sudipti's parents who live near Swindon. Our top skaters were Katya, Perry, Sudipti, Sasha, Thomas and Vladislav. Believe it or not, but some still managed to go swimming tonight and we even got the dormitories looking tidy before lights out! A hectic, but fun weekend!

Safety in numbers!

Sudipti teaches Suruchi to stay upright!

Blurred photo as Sasha was our Ice Queen - unbelievably fast!

 Our Russian pair was very accomplished!

 Marcus adapting to ice under the watchful eye of friends!

 Isabella going steady!

 Ryan holding on for dear life!

All smiles!

Eleanor before the tumble - at least she got an hour in!

 Vic making it look easy!

Working it out together!

 Very stylish, Dominic and Monica!

Nina cheating

 Friendship!

Episode 8 - The Tale Of The Snow Mountain Between Us

A short time ago, in a boarding house not too far away, the snow arrived. For us in Britain, snow typically entails chaos, abandonment and disarray. For the more youthful and energetic, there is initial frenzy and frolics before the invariable descent into anarchy and aggravation. Without (on this occasion) the seasonal allure of Christmas, the snow can indeed raise mountains between us.

Westwood, however, is the exception. This weekend has seen the best in others, coming together, playing together and climbing the metaphorical mountain of unity. From traversing the dizzying heights of Monopoly success...

 

...to simple games of Solitaire and genial chatter, our boarders have been wonderful company. Yesterday evening we came together to enjoy (by happy accident) a film about surviving snowy 'extremes' and unlocking love along the way:

The film offered inspiration amidst its suspense and drama, reminding us that good things can come out of challenging circumstances and that there is great strength in unity - timeless lessons for us all. 

As boarders awoke to the soft stillness of a Sunday morning, the sun's rays began to gently embrace the snow laden roads. As the snow dissolved and ascended back from whence it came, boarders journeyed by foot this afternoon to the Bath Leisure Centre, where they enjoyed Ten Pin Bowling, making the best of a Model United Nations-less weekend. 

Sasha, with grace, showing us how it should be done...

Our two bowlers above had cause to celebrate...

Mr. Thatcher celebrated too, only he had no cause, securing 0 points after both bowls...

Style is not in short supply with our bowlers above and below...

...with Sunny well and truly into the groove!

...and Sudipti never short on energy!

There's always time to spread some peace and love...

...and for bringing families together...

In the meantime, Kezzy's eye-ing up the competition...

Isabella, Angel and Connie are chillin'...

...and Marcus stops to smile...

...before delivering the 'killer blow' to his team-mates!

It's been an enjoyable - though tiring - few days for our boarders. The tale of The Snow Mountain Between Us will imprint itself in memories for years to come. As our boarders gear up for a largely normal day of school tomorrow and for the rest of the week, we bid a fond farewell to our snow-laden adventures. As to what mountains will be traversed this week, we must be patient and discover the secretive revelations of the stars that perpetually shine above us. Until next time, may the 4th (of March) be with you.