A Year in Wendover
2 July 2025 - Wendover
It is hard to believe we have arrived at the end of the final Term of the Academic Year. The year has flown by, filled with laughter, the occasional challenge, and countless moments of sheer joy. I have had the absolute privilege of spending a full year with the girls of Wendover, and I can honestly say I have learnt just as much from them as I hope they’ve learnt from me.
This year has been a journey; our journey. From the first tentative days of September, when new faces peered around corners and returning girls settled back into their familiar routines, to the confident, buzzing House we are now, Wendover has come alive this year and it is all down to the brilliant girls and staff we have here.
We’ve had our share of memorable moments; for me, the highlights of the year have been winning House Dance and House Ensemble, seeing the LV work so hard together to create their LV House Play, watching new friendships form and seeing how much House Spirit every girl has.
It’s always difficult to put into words the atmosphere of a House like ours. It’s in the way the older girls look out for the younger ones without being asked. It’s in the support shown after a tough day, the raucous laughter over shared jokes (mostly after lights out!), and the determined silence of a communal study session over stressful exam times.
And what better way to celebrate the end of Term than with our much-anticipated House Innings? As I write, preparations are underway: a pizza van is en route, and the courtyard is being transformed into a battleground of watery chaos with the arrival of the legendary slip and slide. I have no doubt there will be shrieks of laughter, soaked clothes, and probably a few soggy socks left drying on radiators by the end of the evening. But more than that, there will be memories made; memories that the girls will carry with them long after the pizza boxes have been recycled and the last slide has been slid.
We are also eagerly looking ahead to Sports Day, and I must admit, we have one very clear and simple goal this year: anything but 9th place! A big thank you to India for all of her hard work organising the events! While medals and house points are wonderful, it’s the spirit of the day that really counts. I have no doubt that Wendover will show up with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a ridiculous amount of red face paint!
As we close the Term, we also say fond farewells to some much-loved members of the Wendover family. Miss Fleming and Mrs Went; thank you for everything! Miss Fleming has been with us since September as our much-loved Resident Tutor. She has run countless activities, baked a million brownies and sorted our family tree! But more than that, she has been a huge support to both myself, Miss Franks, Mrs Amor and all the girls in Wendover. She will be truly missed! We also say goodbye to Mrs Went, our Day Matron who has been with us since 2020. We will miss her chats, calm-nature and fun! But we are so thankful that she will be close by, and we will hopefully see her as a bank matron!
We also wave goodbye to our wonderful Lower Sixth girls, who are moving up to Clarence. You’ve been fantastic role models to the younger years, and we know you will continue to thrive in Upper Sixth. A particularly special thank you must go to Kitty, who has been an outstanding Head of House. Her dedication, warmth, and tireless hard work have left a lasting impression on all of us. Kitty, I truly don’t know how I would have survived this year without you; you have been my right hand, my sounding board, and a voice for the girls. And finally, we say a heartfelt goodbye to Satya, and while we will miss you terribly, we hope (and fully expect) to see lots of you when you come back to visit your little sister.
Of course, as one chapter closes, another one is waiting to begin. And while it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to those who have given so much to our House, we are also so excited to welcome new girls into Wendover in September. There’s something truly special about watching our community grow and evolve each year. I know that our current girls will extend a warm, inclusive welcome to the newcomers, showing them that Wendover is a place where they can be themselves, find lasting friendships, and feel at home.
Summer is a time for many things: rest, fun, adventure; but also reflection. I hope that all our girls, whether they are returning or moving on, take a moment to pause and think about the year that’s passed. What are they proud of? What have they learnt about themselves? And perhaps most importantly, who do they want to be in the year ahead?
My advice to every Wendover girl this Summer is simple: take time to recharge. Read for pleasure, spend time with family and friends, lie in the grass and look at the sky, laugh until your stomach hurts, try something new, and savour the small moments. September will come around soon enough, and with it, a fresh page to write on. I can’t wait to see how each of you continues your story.
To the wonderful girls and staff of Wendover: thank you. Thank you for your spirit, your laughter, your determination, and your kindness. Thank you for welcoming me and my family with open arms and trusting me. You have made this year unforgettable, and I feel deeply proud and lucky to be your Housemistress.
Wishing you all the best summer and I already cannot wait to see you in September!
Mrs Woodward