The Abingdonian 2019

93 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports with some impressive performances across the board, including some superb track successes in the fourth year and a surprise winning relay team in the Lower Sixth. The sporting year ended with us being crowned as the overall winners of the inter-house sports competitions for the entire year! I am so proud of the boys and their determination and willingness to participate. I wish I could mention every individual and their contribution but there just is not enough space on the page. All the boys have been kept busy with the Other Half and have enjoyed trips and events during the holidays. Boys have contributed to sports, music, art, publications, drama performances and all host of other activities. There have been academic scholar presentations, not to mention the Summer research and EPQ presentations. Many of the boys were involved in DofE, CCF, Young Enterprise, mentoring and Science Partnership work. Other boys have been busy outside school too through representing clubs, county and even country. This is a huge achievement in itself but to juggle this alongside their academic studies is outstanding. During the course of the year the Upper Sixth have been pivotal. My Heads of House Charles Hall and Pierre- Louis Peuch have been particular superstars helping me organise events and the day-to-day running of the house. Most of all though, they have been a stellar role model for the younger boys. The same can be said of the House Prefects and I thank Ben Lovejoy, Daniel Cooney, James Bowen, James Stammers, Will Franklin, Jamie Masters, Jack Johnson and Henry Steinsberg for stepping up to the role with diligence. To mark the end of their time at Abingdon, the tutors and I took the Upper Sixth for a meal at the Nag’s Head once the stress of exams were over. They are going to be sorely missed. Each one of them has stamped their mark on the house and I am in no doubt that they will go on and make a mark in the future. Here is a little tribute to them: To end I would like to express my huge thanks to all the tutors and congratulations to Miss Williamson on the birth of her son, and thank Mrs Preston for looking after her tutor group with care and interest. Emily O’Doherty The time has come when I have to say goodbye, And I am truly sad, that is no word of a lie. Right from the outset you have been supportive and kind, The best bunch of boys a housemaster could find. Each one of you has brought to the house something unique And on many occasions have brightened my week. Although not a poet I wanted to pen Something about each one of you young men. It won’t be witty or profound or sublime, But I can promise you a tacky old rhyme! James Bowen you have helped me broaden my mind, Lending me books of a variety of kind. From the start of the fifth year Ben you were the first one I’d see And I want to thank you for putting up with the “too cheery” me! Jamie, your positivity and honest outlook on things Has always impressed me due to the cheerfulness it brings. James Morton-Smith you juggle your studies and sport with ease In a way that would leave most other mortals on their knees! Whilst not seeing you, Nat, in the houseroom you would always say A friendly hello whilst going about your day. My conversations with Conor always left me wanting to know more About geography, the gym and skiing galore. Will, you have been my go to when needing honest feedback and advice And I have to say your suits are really rather nice. (That is not sar- castic BTW) We might not have had many long conversations to date But speaking to you, Andy, about your love of music was great. I will never forget seeing Henry in Moldova’s Got Talent last year And will miss your endless energy and positive cheer. James Stammers, your help in all matters of house sports Has led us to victory whether on the river or courts. I have always enjoyed times spent with you, Dan, You are a remarkably thoughtful and kind young man. Right from the outset, Jack, you have been reliable and strong Giving up your time to help no matter for how long. Pierre, you have supported the house with your presence and care And this is testament to your genuine kindness and natural flair. Charles, I have enjoyed seeing you grow in confidence in your House role And I consider you a genuinely fun loving and talented soul. I could write so much more but my poetry is poor And you all have so much more exciting things in store. So go out into the world and shine brightly and strong.