Autumn in Cloister

18 October 2024 - Cloister

I am so thrilled to be back in Cloister House with my family following maternity leave. The warmth and kindness of every member of this community is something I consistently recognize as one of the defining features of the House. The girls genuinely care for one another and are always looking out for each other, creating such a positive and nurturing environment. We’ve been back for nearly two months now, and I can hardly believe how much we have already managed to squeeze into such a short period of time! 

This term, we were delighted to welcome back several members of staff. Miss Millwood, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Gronmark and Miss Nel have all returned this year, bringing their invaluable experience and energy with them. Additionally, our tutor team has come together again, supporting the girls in both their academic and personal growth. We were thrilled to officially welcome Mr. George as the LIV tutor, as he has moved up with his group from Junior House.  

This term, we were also excited to welcome four new girls to Cloister House: Yichen and Karen, who have joined us in UIV, and Elaine and Helena, who are now part of LVI. Their buddies and House Families have been absolutely pivotal in helping them transition smoothly to their new school environment, and I’m pleased to say that they have already become an integral part of the Cloister community. It’s heartwarming to see how well they’ve settled in, and we are all looking forward to watching them continue to flourish here. 

We also have a brand new LVI leadership team that has already made an excellent start in guiding the house. Alice, as Head of House, is doing a fantastic job supported by Abi, our Deputy Head of House. The entire Mons team have taken on their responsibilities with great enthusiasm, and they have already introduced several new initiatives to enhance the Cloister experience for everyone. I can’t wait to see the fruits of their hard work as the term progresses! 

The term kicked off with the much-anticipated annual Wycombe Abbey funfair, which was enjoyed by every member of the House. Fortunately, the weather was on our side this year; the rain quickly cleared up, making way for glorious sunshine! There were even a few new rides this year, which proved to be a hit with most, although I’m still not entirely convinced about being thrown upside down! Holoyd Howe provided an impressive spread of food, which added to the festive atmosphere. 

In addition to the funfair, there have been numerous weekend activities that the girls have thoroughly enjoyed, such as trips to the theatre, socials with Eton, and cookery classes. These events have provided excellent opportunities for the girls to bond, unwind, and create lasting memories outside of the academic environment. 

Alongside the Whole-School activities, we’ve also organized a wide array of House-specific events. “Toastie Thursdays” have made a triumphant return, thanks to our brilliant House Tutor, Miss Pritsou, who ensures the girls are well-fed and happy! We are also in the midst of the opening rounds of our dorm quiz, a much anticipated competition where, every Tuesday, two dorms face off for the ultimate prize;  Dominos Pizza! Other weekly highlights include “Fruity Fridays,” “Wellbeing Wednesday,” and the highly popular weekend hampers, all of which contribute to the wonderful atmosphere in the House. 

The LIV girls have also been hard at work creating their house “guy” for the upcoming Bonfire Night, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the creativity and effort they’ve put into their project. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final result, and I promise to post pictures of their fantastic creation in the next blog update! 

The end of the first Short Leave was marked by our annual House Drinks event, and it was lovely to see so many Cloister parents in attendance. It’s always a pleasure to connect with parents and share in the successes and joys of their daughters. Looking ahead, the next Short Leave on the 24 November will conclude with our House Dinner, and I hope to see as many parents as possible joining us for this special occasion. It promises to be a wonderful evening filled with good food, great company, and, as always, the incredible spirit of Cloister House.