An Inspector calls
28 March 2025 - Airlie
Although this Half-Term has only been five weeks long, we have had the most eventful time here in Airlie. We may have returned from Long Leave to wintry gusts and plenty of colds and flu, but we are leaving now with a spring in our step, longer evenings, and sunnier days. Here is a little rundown of what we have been getting up to!
RocSoc
In February, Wycombe Abbey teamed up with Harrow School to put on an evening of entertainment. Our Upper V Airlie girls dazzled us with their performance, and here is what they had to say about RocSoc this year:
“The performance was absolutely amazing and felt completely unreal. The support from our peers was encouraging and fuelled our performance. It was one of the highlights of my entire Wycombe Abbey journey.” – Isabella L, Upper V
“RocSoc was an unforgettable experience and will always be one, no matter how many times we perform. Playing on stage with some of my closest friends and seeing the rest in the audience was so heart-warming, especially seeing so much support from Airlie, including our Housemistress. I’m looking forward to performing again next year!” – Chloe, Upper V
“It was great to be on stage with my friends and to see that the crowd was really excited for our songs, which we spent so long practising together; it made us feel like our hard work paid off. We really look forward to getting back together after all the exams and performing again next year!” – Elaine, Upper V
Confirmation Mass
Chloe and Hemen were confirmed on Sunday 2 March. It was a privilege to meet the Rt. Rev. Dr. David James Oakley, Bishop of Northampton, and Rev. Jonathan Hill, Parish Priest at St Augustine’s RC Church. Friends and family celebrated, and we enjoyed some delicious cake and tea!
“I chose my saint because although she faced many hardships and her faith was challenged many times, she still chose to serve the Lord. I enjoyed my confirmation day because I got to celebrate me completing a Holy Sacrament with all my friends and family.” – Hemen, Upper IV
“I chose my saint as it was where my name had come from and a lot of her strengths aligned with my values, and I enjoyed getting confirmed with my friends and finishing the official sacraments to become a mature Christian.” – Chloe, Upper IV
Reading Corner
In time for World Book Day, we had a shuffle around in the Drawing Room to create a new reading corner. It features comfy armchairs and books aplenty. Isabelle hosted a reading evening, and the House dressed up as their favourite fictional characters.“I really enjoyed running the reading evening in House last Thursday – it was so cosy with blankets, biscuits, and calming music! Everyone found it super relaxing, and I think it would be a great thing to introduce more regularly into the House to encourage people to read more!” – Isabelle, Upper V
House Cluedo
Our Head of House, Sasha, organised a fun game of House Cluedo. There were many creative methods of ‘murdering’ other members of the House. Could it be Raji in the Drawing Room with her pencil case, or is it Emily in the kitchen with a tennis racket?!
An Inspector Calls
Now, with all this ‘murdering’ going on in House, it was no surprise that an inspector landed on our doorstep. Of course, he was not here to investigate who was in the Drawing Room with the wooden spoon. No, this half-term we welcomed one of our ISI Inspectors to Airlie. The girls did a fabulous job of showing the Inspector around, and we all felt very proud of our House as everything was in tip-top condition.
Goodbye to Mrs Walton This Half-Term, we have said a very sad goodbye to our beloved evening Matron, Mrs Walton. She has been the most amazing Matron, and the girls have always loved how many biscuits she piles into the cookie jar on Mondays and Tuesdays. Mrs Walton will be very much missed by Airlie, but we are also very happy to welcome Mrs Tyler. Mrs Tyler worked as cabin crew for the Army and has travelled all over the world. She has a two-year-old son and is enjoying her evenings in Airlie and getting to know our lovely girls.
House Chapel Service
Airlie presented a beautiful Chapel service on the topic of friendship. There were photographs galore of all the lovely adventures the girls have had in Airlie. Our notorious Great Bear Dorm also featured as the largest dorm in the school. The girls recalled how wonderful it was to get to know so many girls in House in just one term. Marisa read the Lord’s Prayer in Japanese, and the whole House led the singing with their chosen anthem, ‘The House of Jacob’.
Dancing and Dinner
During the Closed Weekend, we were treated to an evening of entertainment provided by all of our wonderful dancers. It really was an absolute highlight of the year! Marisa did a solo tap dance, and Poppy performed her gymnastic moves. Roxy and Michelle had several costume changes for all the dance routines, learning twelve different routines between them! Iselda made her debut with the street company, and Sophia and Sasha did some fantastic routines. The costumes were stunning, and the lighting was dazzling. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. After all the dancing, it was fair to say the House was hungry, and luckily for us, it was time for dorm feasts.
House Outing
As if our weekend hadn’t been eventful enough, the following day we ventured into London’s Covent Garden for dinner at Benihana. We enjoyed some delicious food cooked right before our eyes, accompanied by colourful mocktails. It was the perfect evening. The chefs were brilliantly entertaining, and there was so much food that we had to bring some home with us.
House Singing
Our House Singing performance was exceptional. We had been working very hard on our harmonies and making sure that, as the smallest House, we could shout the loudest. Our House spirit really came together in rehearsals, and we had the expertise of Miss Pemberton, a former Cambridge Choir member. We were pleased we came third, however, next year it will be our turn to WIN!!
All in all it has been the most wonderful Half Term here in Airlie so now it is time for a well-earned rest!