St George’s Ascot

22^nd Jan 2010

DIVERSE BRITAIN

St George’s has been selected to appear in “Diverse Britain 2009”. This premier publication has a foreword by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP.

St George’s has been formally selected for inclusion in this project as an example of a best-practice organisation which is leading the way in the area of diversity.

The Prime Minister writes: “Diverse Britain showcases a wide range of initiatives that are increasing opportunities and breaking down barriers between the public, private and third sectors, bringing people together and helping to build a fairer and more equal Britain.”

A copy of St George’s school’s feature can be found on the home page of the school website.

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LET IT SNOW
Thank you everyone for your forbearance and support during the recent “snow days”. The remote learning programme meant all the girls who could not make it into school could be kept busy. As is so often the case, the adverse circumstances helped to emphasise many of the qualities that make St George’s such a special school. We are a strong community because we support each other. There was so much proof of that, with everybody chipping in offering to help, often taking on tasks outside their normal remits and often working long extra hours. There will be many happy memories left long after the last evidence of the snow has gone, including the absolutely beautiful scenery, happy laughter as girls and staff tobogganed down the slopes, the wonderful array of wellies and the hilarity in the staffroom as we tried to get our boots off, to mention but a few . Mrs Jordan
WINTER WONDERLAND Traditional Christmas weather still seems to be with us, and these photos will remind us of the fun our boarders had back in December at the Winter Wonderland event at Hyde Park.
THE SNOW QUEEN We did not know, when this trip was booked, just how appropriate it would be. It was a real St George’s family occasion as the party was made up of boarders, staff (pastoral, academic and domestic) Mrs Farmer’s daughter and 6 year old grand daughter, and the Bursar and her 5 year old daughter, whose enthrallment with the ballet enthused and further entertained everyone. It was a beautiful production, with superb dancing, glorious music by Prokofiev, and dazzling costumes and sets that created a glittering, magical spectacle.
THE MAGIC OF MATHS! Snow brought misery and chaos to the South, but, as many struggled with the road conditions and many school closed, St George’s carried on for all who could safely make it in. Whilst those stuck at home were kept busy with the remote learning programme, the younger Georgians in school were treated to a visit from Andrew Jeffrey, a travelling “mathemagician”. Mr Jeffrey, dressed in a silly ‘number’ suit, entertained the pupils with his mind reading and card tricks, his incredible magic square and his ability to make Mr Naeem a millionaire! Interspersed with his mathematical tricks and comedy were serious messages about motivation and positive belief in one’s ability to do Maths.
GOLF TEES OFF AT ST GEORGE’S 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th Year girls enjoyed PE lessons with St George’s golf pro Matt Beckett on Tuesday January 19^th. The girls were able to take in a lot of useful tips and tricks for perfecting the basic skills such as stance, swing and follow through. Many are eager for the golf club sessions to start up after Half Term and even more excited by the opportunity of a golf match next term. The PE department is grateful to Matt for giving his time to the girls and for introducing them to what was, for many, a new sport.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION Congratulations to the company Charred, who has won this year’s Young Enterprise competition for the best Business Plan. Roger Williams, Chairman, Ascot, Bracknell and Wokingham Area said “ The plan has a very attractive appearance, is well laid out, covers all the necessary areas in good detail and gives a very clear description of the company’s objectives and how the team intends to achieve them.  It was enjoyable to read and kept the interest of the reader.” Accessories that can be personalized, let your thoughts be charred. Whether it's for you, a friend, or a family member, these make great customizable presents - and at a perfectly reasonable price! Express yourselves. Scorch your sentiments - your imagination is the only limitation. We are Charred Inc. a new and up coming business. With thanks to Young Enterprise and HSBC we have been given the opportunity to introduce our innovative product to the school. Our team dynamics are currently flawless and progress is steady. We are all greatly looking forward to tackling the year ahead and gaining our valuable piece of experience from the business world. Melanie M.D.
EPIPHANY CAROL SERVICE Despite the disruption caused by the snow, Chapel Choir have been hard at work rehearsing for the final service in our trilogy for Christmas. Epiphany means “shining forth” and the symbolism of light was reflected in the readings and music along with lullabies, and seasonal carols and words depicting the visit of the Magi.
SKI RACES Whilst most of us were pleased to see the snow subsiding, some of our community have more to face this weekend. Jess, Natasha and Fabienne, accompanied by Mrs Fidler, set off this afternoon to the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races in Flaine. We wish our team the best of luck.
FUNDRAISING IN AID OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE APPEAL The 2^nd Year held a very popular cake sale and the 4^th Year will be holding a raffle and arranging a collection of donations in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Thanks must go to the 4^th Year parents who have kindly donated prizes.
“Bob a job” WEEK There has been quite a bit of inflation since the days of “bobs”! Over the Half Term 1^st Year girls will be doing tasks for which they will earn a minimum of £1 a time for their chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.