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To be a Pilgrim is to celebrate, Episode 32
This week Pilgrims have celebrated! A lot…
On Tuesday evening, Pilgrims celebrated with gusto, cheers, jumps in the air, hugs, and forward rolls (even one or two cartwheels) on the new astro grass on the Quad at minute 75 of England’s UEFA Euro 2020 group match against Germany when Raheem Sterling put the ball in the net. It was 1-0 and the Quad erupted! Just 11 minutes later, when Harry Kane scored his first goal of the tournament and put the ball in the back of the net, the celebrations reached a crescendo. The GAP teachers who were off duty ran down from their flat (they realised after the first goal that the signal to the TV in the GAP flat was one minute ahead of the one in Octagon) and arrived just in time for the goal. Everyone was cheering and jumping up and down. I am sure that from the Quad we could even hear the diaspora of Pilgrims all around Winchester and Hampshire cheering and celebrating at home. What a night! What a result! 'Football’s coming home ... it’s coming.'
There was excitement in the air earlier in the day on Tuesday when we celebrated Moving Up and New Boys’ Day. Boys who will be next year’s Pre-Prep and Juniors got to experience their new classrooms and tutors and all boys from Reception to Year 6 met their new peers who will be joining Pilgrims’ next term. Boys in Year 1, 3 and 4 met teachers who will be new to the school in September: Mr Halliday, Miss Di Bella and Miss Kunzer.
On Monday, Year 3 enjoyed spending time with their much older friends who live at St John’s, a vibrant care community in Winchester, and celebrated meeting them in the garden. The boys were able to speak to friends they had made earlier during lockdown on a zoom St John’s - Pilgrims’ social event. Alfie O asked after one resident called Caroline whom he remembered from that session. She was not feeling well and so was not going to join them in the garden, but when she heard that Alfie was asking after her she came out to see the boys. Caroline and Alfie had a lovely long conversation about fossils and dinosaurs. It turns out it is her specialist subject too! What a lovely impact we can have when we take time to think of others! See them chatting on the left-hand side of the lovely picture below, taken by Mrs Brown. Is there anyone you can bring some happiness to today?
The Pre-Prep celebrated their Sports Day on Thursday afternoon, with parents and younger siblings watching in 30s in Fanzones. Even the sun had his hat on. Complete with the egg and spoon, three-legged, sack, relay and sprinting races, we all had a wonderful afternoon. There were lots of cheers and support for each other which was lovely to see. Well done to the Reds who were narrowly victorious, but I am sure you will agree that all the boys were winners. A huge thank you to Mr Buck for organising a superb Pre-Prep Sports Day and for announcing races and performances in fine style (I am sure you have a future as a sports commentator if you ever give up the day job), and to Mrs Ross, Mr Greenwood and all the Pre-Prep teachers, as well as parents. Thank you, parents, for joining us; you were the most wonderful support to the boys. See the Pre-Prep section for more information and, of course, pictures!
As I write, Year 8 are celebrating their last night at the Bushcraft camp, around the campfire. The Bushcraft Company’s tagline is 'Great things happen in the great outdoors' which is something that, after years of Forest School, Pilgrims understand very well, of course. However, the camp took the boys far outside their comfort zones: from the basic (ahem) facilities, to building their own shelters, following wilderness trails and even stalking and gutting fish. All the boys coped well and many have thrived. It seems that one Ben H perhaps had skills he could build on when it comes to fish, or maybe it is in his DNA(?). The teachers did request a very special home (school) comfort: an emergency order for marshmallows and toasting forks was made up and dispatched to Bushcraft on Tuesday … in case there was any doubt that great things happen in the great outdoors! With enormous and heart-felt thanks to Mrs Bailey, Mrs Beaumont, Mrs Brill, Mr Bryant, Mr Cuyler, Miss Jones, Mr Schultz, and Miss Pacey for leading the residential trips this year and all the other staff who have contributed to the exciting 2021 Year 8 Leavers’ Programme. The final and most thanks goes to the wonderful Mrs Bailey, who masterminded it all with unfaltering hard work and passion and unwavering determination. We salute you, Mrs Bailey. See the pictures in Mrs Bailey’s piece below. Well done, Year 8, as you celebrate a year where you have all achieved so much academically, pastorally and socially. Well done, Year 8, as you celebrate the end of your Leavers’ Programme and your last week at prep school. Once a Pilgrim always a Pilgrim.
It is now coming to that time when we turn our minds to the end of the Summer term and the closing of the academic year. We will celebrate with lots of events as you know but for now, I want to congratulate Alfie L in Year 7 for his amazing painting which was chosen for the invitation to the Art Exhibition which opens this evening. Look out for his amazing abstract painting depicting 'fire' at the exhibition. Abstract art is a new challenge. We congratulate Alfie on this piece, but especially for his grit and perseverance as he worked on it in his own time, seeking inspiration from other artists while constantly seeking to improve his technique until he got to this most impressive painting. Perhaps this painting will go into the portfolio he is preparing to accompany his application for an art scholarship to his senior school?! Well done, Alfie.
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The Week Ahead
Please see the End of Term Logistics Letter (SchoolPost, Thursday 1 July) for full details of pickup and drop off times for each day.
Saturday 3 July
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Athletics Finals
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Monday 5 July
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Year 3 Open Classroom
No Commoners
Boarders Mystery Night
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Tuesday 6 July
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Year 3 Open Classroom
No Commoners
Summer Concerts
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Wednesday 7 July |
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Optional collection after lunch
All day boys collected by 1600
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Thursday 8 July
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Later arrival for day boys
Prize-Giving
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School Notices
French - Linguascope access - For all avid language learners out there!
Please note that the log-in details for Linguascope will be changing shortly. If you want to connect and learn more French in a fun and engaging way, you'll need to use the following username and password:
pilgrims
french4eva
Please contact Mr Power (dpower@pilgrims-school.co.uk) if you have any questions. Bonnes vacances!
Form of the Week
Junior – 3E
Senior – 7X
Please collect your reward at the pond at morning break
Junior Plus Badge Winners
5P – Barnaby D & Edward J
5W – George Si, Olly P
4B – Charlie S, Rian D
4M – Leo L
3E – Freddie W, Barnaby S
3H – Edward D, Harry C
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Pre-Prep News
For this week's news, please click here.
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Junior and Senior School News
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Artwork of the Week
'Abstract (Fire)' by Alfie L (7X)
This painting was selected for this year's Summer Art Exhibition invitation. It is also the last 'Artwork of the Week' for this academic year.
Behind this painting is a story of artistic frustration, deliberate perseverance, and eventual success. At first, Alfie struggled with the brief to create an 'abstract painting'. But in using some of his extra time in the Art Room, in the Year 7 Advanced Art class, and following the inspiration of a contemporary painter who was aiming for the same 'fire' effect as he was, he persevered and ultimately achieved a very powerful picture.
Alfie has decided to pursue an Art Scholarship to his secondary school of choice and so it is fitting then that he receives a Head's Show Up, not just for his determination and perseverance to resolve a challenging artwork but also as an encouragement to keep going on the artistic path he has chosen.
Well done, Alfie! Keep up the hard work and dedication.
Mr Walters
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Year 8 Leavers' news
The final camp for the Year 8 Leavers’ began this week with our arrival at an ancient 600-year-old forest for the Bushcraft camp. The boys walked to their camp base under the canopies of beautiful native trees; excited and apprehensive about the week ahead.
Although it was wet upon arrival, the weather has not been as disappointing as we feared, and in fact, it has only rained at night so far...
The Bushcraft staff have been wonderful and have encouraged the boys to learn about the forest through a wide range of activities: shelter building, wilderness trails, pottery, stalking and gutting fish, and the list goes much further! The knowledge of the staff has been highly educational and brought the forest alive for us all. It did not take the group long to slow down, look, and listen at the magnificent environment around us; a very special and magical place.
It has been an amazing experience and all the teachers have commented on how relaxed and stress-free the boys have been. This is a well deserved finale for boys who have worked hard this year, and of whom we are very proud.
Mrs Bailey, Mrs Brill, Mrs Beaumont, Mr Cuyler, Ms Pacey and Mr Schultz
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Year 3 Trip to St John’s Almshouses
On Monday afternoon, Year 3 made their much anticipated first face-to-face tripo of this academic year to St John’s. We were very fortunate to be joined by Mrs Hunter, Mrs Brown and Miss Owen.
There was much eagerness from the boys as they were very keen to see the residents and to share the group dinosaur presentations they had researched, made notes for, and finally written up in ‘best’ before illustrating. These featured Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, and the much loved Velociraptor not forgetting my personal favourite, Doyouthinkhesaurus.
We received a very warm welcome from Reverend Alison, as always. It was great to renew acquaintances previously formed via Zoom and to meet new friends as well. After a fun filled round of presentation giving, we were treated to drinks and biscuits under the marquee set up on the very beautiful North Lawns.
Next, Mrs Brown led the singing and ‘Sophie Stegosaurus’ could be heard soaring above the Winchester rooftops as the boys sang with gusto and the residents happily joined in with the chorus.
We are hoping to return the residents' kindness and generosity by welcoming them to Pilgrims’ in the near future.
Miss Erasmus
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Year 5 Science, Forces
Not content to just see out the year, 5W have been running experiments to examine friction and gravity right up to their last lesson. They have tested different heights and have measured how far a toy car travels. They have also considered control, and independent and dependent variables. Clever clogs!
Mr Shroff
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Reciprocity – a mutually beneficial way of Greeting
This may seem a small matter, but it might be worth a mull over the holidays.
Each morning, I have had the very happy opportunity to greet boys as they arrive and to offer them the splendid opportunity to have their temperature taken.
My greeting, of course, involves asking them how they are. Happily, they normally reply that they are very well, and then………..there is a pause…………after which I let them know that I am well, too.
Sometimes pauses can be good things, but here they are perhaps unnecessary. Indeed, I would go further and admit that the pause can hurt, because it seems to say that the boy does not care – and that can be painful.
Obviously, there is no real intent to hurt, but there is the lack of understanding of the importance of reciprocity, and the nous to know that perhaps a good conversation goes like this:
Sir: Good morning; how are you this morning?
Boy: I’m well thank you sir – and how are you?
Sir: I’m fine – thank you for asking.
And, of course, there are boundless opportunities for happy variations!
Mr Hammond
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Whilst the Year 8s are away the taster boarding boys will play
We have had the pleasure of some special guests staying with us at Q School over the past 2 weeks. Firstly, it was the turn of any Junior boy who might like to experience boarding for a night. They delighted in the choice of an early evening swim, cricket nets, football, and the adventure playground. Once back over at Q, it was snacks, a movie, or a play in the games room. When asking the boys what they enjoyed the most, they said snacks and the tiny doors between the upstairs dorms. This did make me laugh! Each boy left for breakfast with a special treat from us for completing their first night of boarding. Well done Juniors; you are welcome anytime.
This week, for two nights, it was the turn of the Seniors. Some were new to boarding, others already in boarding but wanted to experience Q School. We kicked off with a football themed BBQ outside and watched the match on the big screen in the Octagon. As the boys tucked into football cupcakes, each goal had them on their feet, jumping up, running around, and screaming with such exhilaration. It was a fantastic atmosphere. With all the heat and excitement, the pool was calling and so we all had an evening swim before heading back to Q School. Some boys were feeling adventurous and enjoyed exploring the very damp Q School WWII Anderson shelter with Mr Leslie.
It has been an absolute delight to host taster boarding, and we look forward to perhaps seeing some of you in the future.
Mrs Leslie
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And the Q School Kitten, Willow sleeps on...
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28 Jun 2021
Cricket Match Reports v Horris Hill on Wednesday 23 June and Stroud on Wednesday 30 June
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Sport Award Sucess
After a protracted year for candidates going forward for senior school sports awards, James Kennedy has been successful in securing an exhibition at Winchester College, based on cricket and football. James has had a successful cricket season this summer, scoring large totals with the bat. He is a member of Hampshire's county squad for his age group and is our departing Captain of Football.
We are proud of all our candidates who attended assessment days for sports awards, they were fantastic ambassadors for the school. I have every confidence that they too will go on to achieve sporting success.
Mr Short
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Staff v Parents Cricket Match Sunday 27 June 2021
Against all the weather forecasts we managed to get a complete game in with only a light drizzle affecting fifteen minutes of the afternoon. In a close contest, the outcome was still in the balance in the final over of the match; no spoilers yet folks, please read on.
The format was five batting pairs receiving four overs each. A wicket resulted in a five run deduction from the total, but the batsman could continue batting. The parents' team was captained by Alasdair Maclay with Alan Whitman leading the Pilgrims’ staff team. It was decided that each team would bat three of their pairs and then change over before completing their respective innings with their final two pairs. Still with me? Good.
The parents batted first with Thakrar and Datta putting on 30 in quick time, Kendall and Fox continued the good work with a further 17 before Coles and Richards added a further 12, taking the total to 59. The staff made a steady start with Brown and Ford making a stylish 17, the youth pairing of Nelson and Essex made good progress to get the total to 27. Two of the parents, Hartwright and Symmonds, kindly played for the staff and added a frenetic 33. The staff had just managed to inch ahead by 1 run in their total of 60 after three pairs. The parents resumed their innings with Kingsbury and Gordon stroking another 11 runs including a huge six by Kingsbury over the ramparts into the castle. Unfortunately he was docked five runs for immense showing off. Messrs Hardman, McSheehy and Maclay combined to make the last 'pair' which flayed the bowling to all parts for a massive 43 runs. Maclay, being particularly brutal as the last over went for 21. So the staff were faced with scoring 54 in 8 overs to win.
Short and Duncan put a huge dent in that, finding the boundary six times as they piled on 36 runs. Youth and experience combined for the final pairing as Schultz and Whitman negotiated the first three overs to keep in touch. Needing six from the final over (providing no wicket was lost) the game was still in the balance. The staff prevailed as they knocked-up nine runs to scramble home just three runs ahead.
Thanks to all players and supporters for such an enjoyable afternoon.
Alan Whitman
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Leavers' cricket match
It was a being sent a photograph of my fathers’ and sons’ prep school match that made me determined to give the boys the same memories. Armed with a dream, Pekka Johnson and Hugo Hardman forced my hand by agreeing to run the bar and provide the supper. Pekka’s decision request to run the bar rather than play created other issues, but being a progressive school we quickly opened the game up to parents rather than fathers allowing in the end three mothers to take the field.
Easy bit completed, I was then faced with the COVID risk assessment – several hours and endless pages of A4 later we were ready to go.
The early arrival of the bar, BBQ and two enormous Chalkstream Trout meant all we needed were the players and the weather to be kind. Alan Whitman kindly sorted things out school side. By mixing the boys with the parents to create two roughly equal sides we were ready to play. The sun always shines on the righteous, and we had Dr John Gordon there so we were going to be fine.
The scene was set: two Hardmans in the shadow of Wolvesley Castle were ready for the toss. Hugo called correctly and chose to bat.
The result was really irrelevant, as there were lots of inter-family battles through the game, sons catching their fathers out, fathers bowling their sons out and a mother executing excellent fielding to create a run out (of her own son). A ball was hit over the pavilion – by one of the boys, and one boy was determined to knock his mother’s stumps over. The game was competitive but played with wonderful spirit, help by the excellent and flexible umpiring from Peter Burnand.
The players of the match awards went to Thomas G for taking four catches and Anna Kennedy for taking her first wicket.
All in all it was a lovely event enjoyed by Dr Essex, a few supporters and all the players.
Thank you, Pilgrims'.
George Burnand
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Sailing
Having had to self-isolate this week, Mr Short kindly stepped in for me to take the boys down to Southampton. I hear a good time was had with games afloat, lots of swimming, and some sailing too!
Thank you to Mr Short, and to all the boys for a lovely term of summer sailing. Log books will come to you as soon as possible, as will details of the sailing activity next term.
Mrs Slater
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Sport and Sportmanship at Pilgrims
Andrew Short kindly invited me to write a short article before I escaped, concerning Sport at Pilgrims’.
Here it is; it is short; it may not please all; it is honest.
I always enjoyed helping with sports at Pilgrims’ because there was never a hint of win-at-all costs, and because our parents rarely embarrassed in the way that some visiting parents managed with consummate ease.
However, it is possible that I have a no win-at-all costs mentality to a degree beyond what others would agree with – and I would like to share briefly why.
The boys I have worked with will well know that I have no interest in who wins.
Instead, my interest has been in how the game is played - and played in two aspects:
- How it is played in terms of effort
- How it is played as regards sportsmanship
- Each is simple.
If you put as much effort in the game as you can, then should you be beyond criticism.
If you play in away which respects and honours and cares for your opponent, then you have done all that you can to make any match fair.
And if a boy manages these two, then surely, he cannot be but applauded. And surely, all of us want to applaud our pupils.
Consequently, by ignoring winning, one removes an obstacle – the opposition. And a boy knows that praise will come as a result of his best endeavours and sportsmanship, and not as a possible consequence of a perhaps fortuitous win.
May Pilgrims always try; may Pilgrims always be honourable.
Mr Hammond
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The weekend boarders were taken off-site to Moors Valley Park last weekend, where we clambered over the wooden play structures, and trekked around the forest and tree top trail. No trip would be complete without a giant ice-cream - much enjoyed by boy and staff alike. Luckily the torrential rain held off just long enough!
Mr Cleaver
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Boarders' football theme night, when England won!
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The art of self-care (and growing up!)
Having done this job for four years now, I sometimes feel a bit like a broken record. I feel the same way in other parts of my life too, such as environmentalism, and the joy of pets (I'll bore anyone with that one!).
Yet, one of my purposes is to drip feed the boys, and parents, with things that might be good attitudes for life. This week's assemblies are on the power of Gratitude in creating happiness. Also this week, Years 3, 4, 6 and 7 received lessons on removing the stigma around mental health, the pros and cons of change, expressing emotions, and self-belief. I do hope that when they leave us, like our Year 8 boys are about to do, they take not just the academic lessons learned, but the life lessons as well.
Self-care is a good example. Many times I have told people the basics, and I will continue to do so. Sleep, exercise, diet. Friends, family. Trying new things and doing things you enjoy. Helping others, helping yourself. Showing gratitude and being thankful each and every day.
Have the Year 8 boys learnt this? Some will have taken on more or less than others. Some will put parts into practice. Some have a way to go. Many will learn a lot at their new schools. Most will have some idea by the time they leave school. But how many adults can say they practice good self-care?
This is a time of change. Hopefully, society will grab the opportunities now to act on the environment, social justice, discrimination and poverty. And a good place to start is by looking after yourself, feeling happy, feeling positive, then spreading this out to the world around you and the people in it. Start with the individual, then link all those individuals up.
Hats off to our leavers. Good luck in your next steps to self-fulfilment.
Have a great Summer.
Mr Shroff
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One family, three Quiristers, all currently at Pilgrims'
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Probationer Quiristers for September
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The Sky at Night - Two Summer Highlights and an Oddity
July 13 – The Conjunction of Mars and Venus
On this day, the two planets will appear to be so close together that they will appear as one single object. Look West just after sunset – they will be low and glorious!
August 12-13 – The Perseids Meteor Shower
This should be a cracker – shooting stars on a balmy evening. You should be able to see a meteor a minute, and the moon will be a thin crescent, so natural light pollution will be small
Late August
Winchester’s own small satellite – the black C1 probe – will end its 19-year mission and begin its journey into deep space.
Mr Hammond
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Link to the auction is here.
Details of any auction contributions should be sent to: jane@kelapavillas.com
For more information on HomeStart please visit www.home-start.org.uk
To contact the PPA: ppa@pilgrims-school.co.uk
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The Pilgrims' School, 3 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LT
01962 854189
pilgrims@pilgrims-school.co.uk; admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk
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