From New Beginnings to Festive Traditions: Autumn in Barry
11 December 2025 - Barry
This term in Barry has been full, busy and deeply human — shaped by new joiners finding their feet, creativity taking risks, leadership stepping forward, and the everyday joy of girls simply being together. Rather than summarising it from a distance, I have let the girls tell the story themselves. Their words capture the spirit of Barry far better than any headline ever could.
New Joiners
Starting at a new school can feel overwhelming, but from the moment we arrived in Barry, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness and constant support. Whether Day Boarders or Boarders we quickly realised that everyone belongs here equally — Barry truly feels like one big family.
When some of us felt lost or homesick at first, it was the girls in our dorms and the staff who helped us realise we were going to be okay. Mixed-age dorms helped us build strong friendships, and we always had someone to talk to. In-house clubs, House Dance and shared activities helped us bond quickly and feel part of something special.
Even simple moments — like late-night board games in the common room or a cosy House movie night — showed us how close-knit the community really is. Traditions such as House Parties, Christmas lunch and daily acts of kindness bring everyone together.
Barry now feels like home.
Our advice to new joiners: don’t be afraid to ask for help, get involved in everything you can, and trust that you will find your place here very quickly.
Domino, Amelia, Snehrrwita (UIV) Elsa, Pa-Mai (LVI)
Bonfire Night
“Remember, remember the Fifth of November.” For us in Barry, Bonfire Night is always a highlight — memorable, exciting and wonderfully busy. With the whole House working together to make what felt like endless bracelets, Barry raised over £2,100 for our school charities, Young Deaf Activities and Build on Books.
Our stall included a Barry-style bottle tombola, a raffle, Guess the Teacher, and the sale of handmade bracelets. The LIVs’ Megamind Guy earned a joint third place, and the night ended with a spectacular fireworks display and celebratory soundtrack.
The energy, teamwork and generosity on display made the evening incredibly special.
Emily (LVI)
Megamind
This term, we worked on our first senior collaboration project by creating a Bonfire Night Guy using mainly paper and cardboard. After some discussion, all eight of us chose Megamind.
After the paper mâché stage, we weren’t quite sure what to do next — until we finally added his face and shoulder blades. Seeing him spray-painted blue for the first time was a highlight — before that, he honestly just looked like a giant ball of newspaper!
We learnt to trust the process, even when we disagreed (especially over the eyebrow). Placing joint 3rd made us really proud, but more than that, we loved working together and representing Barry.
It was superrrrr fun!
Hannah, Jessie, Tavy (LIV)
Exit Signs
On 4th November, I released my debut single, Exit Signs, now available on all major platforms. It began as pages from a diary I wrote when I first arrived at Wycombe, before being turned into a finished track over time.
Songwriting has always helped me process my emotions. Seeing something so personal become public has been surreal, but the support from the Barry community has been overwhelming — from friends staying up until midnight for the release to all the lovely messages afterwards.
I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement I’ve received, not just for this song, but throughout my time here.
Abbey (LVI)
UIV House Dance
UIV Barry’s House Dance was an amazing experience that brought our year group together. Eleven of us practised regularly, showing real commitment. With brilliant support from the LVI, our hard work paid off with a well-deserved second place.
It was about more than competing — our confidence grew, friendships strengthened and leadership developed. The atmosphere on stage was electric, and the hand-painted T-shirts were a total knock-out.
Thank you to the LVI, Ms Hurribunce, and everyone who supported us.
Matilda, Eva B,Savannah (UIV)
Reading Week
For Reading Week, Macy, Elsa and I ran a series of calming evening activities. On Tuesday, we revived Book Club in the drawing room, sharing what we were reading before settling into some cosy quiet reading time. Wednesday was creative, with girls decorating bookmarks filled with colourful designs and encouraging messages. We ended the week peacefully on Thursday, with each dorm being read to aloud by members of Mons — a calm and comforting way to close the day.
Reading Week was a lovely reminder of the joy of stories and shared quiet moments — and, as we were reminded all week, readers are leaders.
Tiwonge (LVI)
Crochet Club – A Calm Corner of Barry
I started crochet in the summer holidays as an experiment — and loved it. When I returned to School, I set up a crochet club in House because it helped me relax and I thought it might help others unwind before bed too.
At first, it was just a few of us, but week by week more girls joined. Now, girls are crocheting scarves, learning new stitches, helping each other and chatting quietly as they work. Something that began as a small idea has become a calm, creative little community in Barry.
Flo (UV)
House Traditions
Our House Movie Night was a festive favourite, with Nativity, KFC and Gingerbread Pepsi — plus Clarence Barry just vibing alongside the younger years.
The House Party, organised by Eva and the Mons team, was a highlight with brilliant costumes:
LVI as cops and robbers, UV as celebrity crushes, LV as Frozen, UIV as Mean Girls, and LIV as 101 Dalmatians.
The term ended with our House Christmas Lunch, filled with good food, lively charades and Christmas crackers — a cracking way to finish the term.
Closing Reflection
What stands out most this term is not just what the girls have done, but how they have lived our School values in real, everyday ways.
I see trust in how new joiners are supported. Encouragement in rehearsals, performances and midnight music releases. Mutual respect in collaboration across year groups. Dynamism in leadership and initiative. Excellence in commitment to craft. Balance in joy sitting alongside pressure. Innovation in imagination and problem-solving. And service in charity, kindness and collective responsibility.
These values are not taught in isolation — they are shaped through lived experience. This term, Barry has been full of those moments. I am proud not only of what the girls have achieved, but of the young people they are steadily becoming.
As we close the term, I would like to wish all our parents, pupils, staff and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support — we look forward to all that the coming year will bring.
