Blooming Butler

26 March 2026 - Butler

Spring has sprung and the profusion of primroses on the Butler bank really makes the heart sing. And, on that note, the term finished with House Singing where the girls’ hard work paid off in a performance of which they can be very proud. Although unplaced in that competition, the girls learned in Mark Reading this morning that they came joint second in overall House Music.

We have also welcomed two new members of the Butler family this half term: Miss Sarah Dare as Deputy Housemistress and little Rivaan Sunil-Atkinson, whom we will meet in the Summer Term. The girls cannot wait!

Miss Dare knows Wycombe Abbey well, having started her time here a year ago as a Resident Tutor in Junior House, before moving on to stand in as Deputy Housemistress of Cloister and then coming to Butler to cover Mrs Sunil-Atkinson’s maternity leave. In another life, Sarah worked as a professional actor across London and Dubai for nine years, alongside which she worked with the National Youth Music Theatre as their Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Sarah reports that she has been made to feel very welcome by the Butler girls and parents.

We loved watching the stunningly good Whole School Musical, Guys and Dolls, as a House, and were very proud of Inaayat, Amberly and Ava, who trod the boards so entertainingly, as well as Elizabeth and Vivienne who played so brilliantly as part of the band.

Meanwhile, at the House Lacrosse Funals, lots of healthily competitive spirit was on show and the girls gave it their all. They are moving up the rankings in House Games, and their latest standing is joint third.

Our House Spring Outing was a lot of fun and provided a great opportunity to socialise with another House, Pitt, at Carnival Golf and Games in High Wycombe.

I had a lovely time meeting the Butler UIII over dinner in Junior House and we are very much looking forward to seeing more of them next term, when they get to see Butler House and meet the girls who will undoubtedly be extending their usual warm welcome then and in September.

A big ‘well done’ must go to our Charity Rep, Maddy, for organising a very successful Bake Sale, and very many thanks to the girls and parents who baked, bought and provided so generously for the event. Over £260 was raised, a splendid total. And a heartfelt thank you to those of you who donated to the School’s Giving Day, raising an amazing 206% of the target set for the Butler community.

So, at the end of a short but intense term, I hope that the girls enjoy a well-deserved Long Leave, finding time to rest and recharge even if revision for the next half-term’s exams is on the agenda. As so many generations have experienced:

‘The room pulsates with anticipation,
Pencils poised, hearts racing,
As silence envelops the air.’

Of course, despite this, it is the Summer Term that is often most fondly remembered. For many girls, summer sports are eagerly anticipated and, for others, walking or lazing in our beautiful grounds in the sunshine (hopefully!), will be enjoyed. And for all of us, the uplifting prospect of all the festivities and celebrations that June will bring is coming into view.

The last word will go to Mrs Sunil-Atkinson, who left us a reflection on the first half term of the Spring Term, before she started her maternity leave:

We began the year in spectacular style with the much-anticipated Spotlights Show, which was truly a night to remember. The choreography was outstanding, and it was a joy to see Amelia, Maddy, Chloe, Annie, Dahlia and Gloria representing Butler so brilliantly. They put on a wonderful performance alongside the rest of the Wycombe Abbey pupils, and we are incredibly proud of their confidence, energy and commitment.

Our House Dinner soon followed and provided a lovely opportunity for everyone to come together and strengthen our House spirit. The evening was filled with beautiful music, with girls performing delightful solos as well as the House Ensemble. It was a night full of laughter, music and great company. A huge well done to all the performers for sharing their talents, and special thanks to Tallulah and Tracy for their thoughtful and heartfelt speech. Ms Millar organised a fantastic evening, complete with lovely decorations, delicious food and even a surprise quiz, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We also had a wonderful time celebrating Global Celebrations Week, with Butler proudly coming second in the creative bedsheet competition, wonderfully spearheaded by Freya. The final piece was a true masterpiece, and it was so special to see so many Butler pupils working together to create such diverse and meaningful artwork, celebrating the many cultures within our house. To round off the week and mark Chinese New Year, we were delighted to welcome Iris’s mum into Butler to help us make glutinous rice balls and to teach us about some of the festival’s traditions. Everyone loved getting involved, and of course, tasting them with a variety of delicious fillings!

The end of the first half term of 2026 marked my final half term before heading off on maternity leave. Before I left, the girls in Butler kindly hosted a lovely baby shower and leaving celebration to wish me and my son a wonderful year together. I have truly loved my time in Butler and am very much looking forward to returning—especially for Sports Day and to continue supporting Butler in every way I can. I am sure my son will also grow to love the colour orange and will be cheering on all the wonderful Butler pupils too!

It has been an absolute pleasure to be Deputy Housemistress in Butler House, and I cannot wait to return with a little bundle of joy. Thank you, Butler, for such a memorable and heart-warming time.

Ms Millar & Mrs Sunil-Atkinson