Abingdonian 2018

93 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports their success. It was great to see such a strong field apply to be Lower School Assistants and house prefects, and those who were successful in both or one include Matthew Buhler, Lloyd Langley, Henry Pickess, Patrick Heath, Arthur Boulton, Henry Insley, James Tuffill, Harry Horsnell, Louis Yue and Joe McConnell. Worth extra mention is Arthur Boulton who is carrying on the house’s strong tradition with road cycling having been selected for the National Youth Series in the Isle of Man. As ever we have to say goodbye to some fifth years who are moving on for the sixth form. Good luck for the future to Harry Buchan, Alex Zhang and Rafe Fleming. The fourth years proved themselves to be a hardworking but friendly bunch who, over the course of two years have very much come out of their shells and built some very good friendships, normally based around some competitive table tennis or phone games! A big thanks has to go to Benjamin Broadbent, Aidan Coster, Will Farr, Ethan Frahm and Freddie Knott for putting together an excellent edition of the house magazine, showing creative and collaborative skills. Will Taylor continued to excel for the school in squash reaching the position of third in the school, which is a super effort for a fourth year. Thomas Owen and Henry Wooding both progressed as cricketers and had some amazing experiences on the Barbados cricket tour, with Thomas representing the U17 development squad, while special mention should go to Will Farr and the way his hard work and determination to get better epitomises the house values. Lastly and perhaps most importantly for me is the way they embody the values of inclusivity and support for one another, which is a joy to watch. The third years are to be congratulated for navigating the choppy waters of the first year in Middle School. They have generally settled very well and quickly immersed themselves both into school life but also into house competitions. Flynn Walker, William Jenkinson, Xavi Butler and Robin Collins all took part in the superb Middle School production, while Robin and Naoki Parker helped the Green Army to victory in the house debating. Ross Tselos is really making a name for himself in the Chess Club, while Joshua Massey-Thompson, Thomas Long, Leo Sinclair, William Jenkinson and Ediz Hunter had a good first year in the boat club. Worth special note is Tom Long’s fantastic effort of riding with his dad from London to Brighton in aid of The British Heart Foundation. The tutor group put together some excellent assemblies where plenty of lads got involved both presenting and behind the scenes, showing themselves to be collaborative, supportive and hardworking. So there we have it, another busy year in the Green Army draws to an end, and as I reflect for the final time I am left feeling somewhat melancholic that my time in charge of such an outstanding set of students and staff has come to an end. Heartfelt thanks have to go to my outstanding tutor team whose efficiency, professionalism and genuine care for their tutees has made my job all the more manageable and enjoyable. I would also like to show my appreciation to the parent body who have been incredibly supportive of events such as the candlelit carol service or summer strawberry and wine drinks as well with the numerous considerate phone calls and emails over the last nine years. Abingdon is a special place to work, and being a housemaster at Abingdon has been a huge privilege and provided great professional satisfaction. To all the hundreds of Green Army lads who have moved through the school during my time, good luck with your future and remember those house values when the going gets tough. Good luck to Mr Pygott who I am in no doubt will do a brilliant job. And finally… over and out… Mr SS, Maggie and Millie! Robin Southwell-Sander