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.

Snow Day Final Post

The kitchen is currently a hive of activity with Vladislav and Marco making 40 toasted cheese sandwiches and many enjoying Friday Noodles; the epic Monopoly game is still continuing! Nearly time for bed - highly rewarding day!

A walk in snowy woods!

 We are going on yomp!

 Wrapped and ready for the elements.

 Marcus never without his umbrella!

 Lovely snow angel!

 How civilised, Dasha and Sasha! Bath Ladies who do 'Tea'.

 Behave, Mrs Curtis!

 Great shot, Rachel!

Is this allowed?

 Makeshift slide!

 Nathaniel in his element

 Very elegant, Ayomikun!

 Looking towards Beckford's Tower

 Looking South-West!

 Back in time for hot chocolate and marshmallows!

 General happiness and warmth!

We may not have been in lessons today, but we have learnt about extreme weather and enjoyed lots of camaraderie. Congratulations to the Triathletes who have swam, walked and played in the sports hall. Good night from Westwood.

A third of the way through Snow Day

We navigated our way to the pool thanks to the teams of pupils and staff who have ensured there are good pathways around the campus. Some of the non-teaching staff have walked in miles to ensure the School can operate - real team spirit! Eleven Westwood boarders enjoyed their swim. There were very lively games of 'Piggy in the Middle', whilst the more commercially-minded have been demonstrating their financial savoir-faire over Monopoly (Bath Edition). We are about to head out for some snow fun and hot chocolate on our return. The roads around the school are treacherous, but we are safe, warm and well!