“Everything That You’ve Ever Dreamed Of…”

29 June 2025 - Barry

A Farewell to Our Lower Sixth Girls

As this Term draws to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate a truly brilliant group of girls: Abila, Priyasha, Annabelle, Estelle, Chloe, Morade, Sophia, Leanna, Tess, Daisy, and Imogen.

You have brought so much heart and humour to Barry House this year—whether through your leadership, your laughter, your calm presence, or your quiet chaos. From House Shout rehearsals (complete with harmonies and near-misses) to singing Night Changes with real feeling, you made this House feel alive, fun, and full of personality.

I know change is coming—Clarence is calling—but I also know that “even when the night changes, it will never change me and you.” The bond you have built with each other and with Barry House doesn’t vanish with a new room or a new routine. You take it with you.

You have been such strong role models—often without even realising it. You balanced the demands of Sixth Form with grace and good humour, offering encouragement when it was needed most (and managing the occasional last-minute dash to the laundry with style). I will miss the conversations, the questions, the kitchen laughter, and your unwavering ability to make this House feel like home.

Clarence will be lucky to have you. And Barry will always be part of your story—we’ve shared too many memories, mugs of tea, and slices of toast for it to be any other way.

“Nothing’s ever like it seems, and yet everything’s exactly as it should be.”

Sports Captains Report

This Term has been a fantastic one for Barry House sport, with highlights including our brilliant victory in the Cricket Funals and enthusiastic participation in the exciting events on Dove Day. Barry House spirit was certainly on full display, with everyone coming together to support our teams in both the rafting and tug of war competitions. Our rafting team paddled valiantly to achieve a commendable fourth place, while our mighty tug of war team were crowned overall champions—a victory that truly reflected our House’s teamwork, strength, and dedication (and perhaps a hint of stubbornness too!).

We would like to recognise and thank everyone for their consistent effort and outstanding performances throughout this Year. Whether competing in Netball or Lacrosse Funals, your commitment has been clearly noticed and appreciated. Special appreciation must also go to our loyal supporters who have braved every type of British weather imaginable—you truly are the unsung heroes of Barry House sport.

Every House Games session highlighted Barry House’s remarkable spirit and camaraderie, with teams enthusiastically supporting each other, offering constructive feedback, and providing unwavering encouragement no matter what challenges arose.

It has been an honour and a great pleasure to be your Sports Captains this term—we hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this term so wonderful!

Sophia and Daisy (LVI)

Lower V House Play

The making of Barry LV’s 2025 House Play was both a chaotic and unforgettable experience, from the never-ending Dad Puns to the heated debates over whether Diva was the right song for the Three Little Pigs’ entrance. (Spoiler: it absolutely was.)

Through missed cues, costume dilemmas, and questionable accents, we found ourselves growing closer as a year group. And although rehearsals were often full of chaos, it all felt worth it when the curtain finally went up.

For many of us, it was our first time performing on the Wycombe Abbey stage, and nerves were definitely high. But as Flo confidently strutted into the spotlight, our jitters quickly disappeared.

What followed was a performance to remember—most of the laughs landed right on cue… and a few surprises kept it entertaining!

We are so proud of what we created together, and we’ll definitely never hear the words “fairy tale” the same way again.

Natalie and Flora LV

For Mrs Tarpey, With Love.

Here is a heartfelt acrostic honouring Mrs Tarpey for her unwavering commitment, exceptional compassion, and incredible loyalty to Barry House:

You filled the biscuit tin with care,
And chocolate spread (when none would dare).
You fixed our clothes, removed the stains,
And smoothed our beds with no complaints.

You labelled kit, retrieved lost property,
Took us to doctors—calm and properly.
You calmed our nerves, you shared your smile,
And made Barry feel like home all the while.

Sixteen years of quiet grace,
Of kindness shown in every space.
We’ll miss your warmth, your secret treats—
Our days with you were truly sweet.

Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement—
with all our love,
Barry House

As We Close for Summer…

And just like that, the Term comes to an end—quietly, gently, and all at once. Barry House has been filled with laughter, effort, friendship, farewells, and more than a few mugs of tea. Whether it was belting out Night Changes, cheering each other on from the touchline, or sharing chocolate spread when no one was looking, this has been a Serm full of everything that you’ve ever dreamed of—and quite a bit more besides.

We are also saying goodbye to Persephone, who leaves us this term. We wish her every success and happiness at her new school—she takes a little piece of Barry House with her, and she will always be part of our story.

As we pack up trunks, hug our goodbyes, and look ahead to new beginnings, we are reminded that while everything seems to change, the heart of Barry remains constant: a place of care, kindness, and connection.

Wishing you all a summer of rest, adventure, sunshine and family time.