Abingdonian 2017

89 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports Camilla Thurlow. People will share their languages with each other and teach phrases such as ‘mmmmm ho bae di quang chong niao?’ Parents reading this may be surprised to know that the phrase referenced does not mean anything rude, but in fact ‘would you like some hot chocolate?’ and is said by boys and teachers alike. Community spirit has further increased through the house sporting competitions. We had our most enthusiastic road relay team yet, through the resurgence of the teachers’ team. More people took a role in the inter-house afternoon through the new option of ‘taking some photos for the board’. We did nevertheless produce some teams and I am sure they had fun taking part. The success and enjoyment of this year is without doubt because of the team we have had helping us through. Mr Litchfield at the helm took on the great task of housemaster and has done a fantastic job of revitalising the house. The amount of time he has given to us over this year is remarkable and the tone of the house has certainly changed thanks to that. Miss Moore (Mrs McKend) as deputy has updated the enrichment process and prepared us to enter the scary world of responsibilities. Di has continued as matriarch and matron of the house, providing unending support that I think the Upper Sixth were particularly appreciative of over this stressful year. Mr Jackson, Mr Latham and Mr Chamen have all been great duty tutors and we have enjoyed Mr Jackson’s Jenga and fish finger sandwich combination. Mr Hallinan, Ms Widdern, Mr Johnson, Mrs Yarker and Mr Evans have supported the house very strongly as tutors with great patience. Storm did an excellent job covering the matron role for some of last year and gave a new perspective on the nature of the house. Jane and the rest of the support team have also done remarkably well at dealing with us. Sadly we have some departures this year. Mr Davies has left after being a duty tutor for two and a half years. Also, though he remains a day tutor, we have lost one of the rocks of the boarding house that is Mr Simmons. As he takes on his new role as Head of Physics, he will be deeply missed. To conclude, despite all the bantering School House really is a great place. It has been my home for the last few years and developed me and my cohort from being somewhat unbearable to being actual decent people. Whatever may happen when we go crashing down, we come back every time. As my year goes off to start new and exciting challenges, my only hope is that the years below will make the most of how amazing this place is. I would like to thank the other head of house, Daniel Alcock, for his support and doing far more than the day head of house in Crescent, and wish all my support for Weihan and Patrick as they take on the task. It has been a brilliant year and a brilliant few years, and I sincerely care so much for the people I’ve met here. Thanks for it all. Blake Jones, VIJFH