Rubens Summer 2024 Part 2

28 June 2024 - Rubens

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of the Academic Year; 2023-2024 seems to have flown by. The Rubens team are incredibly proud of all the girls and the progress they have made this year. This has included several music performances and exams. A true highlight of these was Maddie’s (LVI) Singing Diploma Concert where staff, parents and pupils were deeply moved by her performance.
Earlier this term, Wycombe Abbey Seniors returned to Rubens and were given an exceptional tour of the house from Charlotte W (LIV). There was a wonderful mix of both Seniors from the 1960s and 70s to more recent Seniors who only left a couple of years ago. All were thrilled to see the pink community in Rubens and hear what the current pupils get up to at school. Likewise, the girls themselves enjoyed listening to stories about the House in the past and the mischief they use to cause.
The final weekend of term has included some of the biggest events of the year; Dove Day and GlastonAbbey. As usual Rubens worked hard on their House tent on the Friday night and got up early without any complaints on the Saturday to add the final touches. A huge thank you to Mrs Pearce for all her work on the flower arrangements and decorating ideas. It was wonderful to see Elisia (LV), Lucy (LV), Liuqing (LV) Anni (LIV) and Maddie (LVI) perform on the main stage at GlastonAbbey

A huge congratulations in is order for the Lower Vs who wrote, produced and performed their own play for the interhouse play competition. Their version of how Captain Hook became a villain was delightful and hilarious. Definitely a firm favourite among the staff and pupils who watched it.

The final week of term saw the return of some of our favourite events, including the highly anticipated House Outing which, this year, was a trip to see Wicked in London. The girls had an incredible time and loved every minute of the show. They loved the spellbinding performances put on by the talented actors, the beautiful choreography and I am sure I was not the only one whose hairs stood up when they sang ‘Defying Gravity’.

Without fail Rubens always tries hard with at any sporting event and Sports Day 2024 was no exception. It was wonderful to see the sea of pink supporting their sisters from the sideline, enthusiastically encouraging everyone who was competing. It is so impressive to see the level of support the girls have for one another and those who are willing to take part in events to earn Rubens points. Once all the events had finished, Tunrayo (UIV) was awarded the Victrix Ludorum Cup for her achievements in Shotput and 1500m.

We have inevitably been counting down the days to the end of the term and the long-awaited Summer break. However, it has been bittersweet as it has also been a count down until members of the Pink Palace move onto pastures new. This half term in house has felt emptier following the departure of our wonderful Upper V. Their energy and presence in Rubens have been greatly missed and we are excited to see most of them back as Lower VI. Some are moving onto new schools, and we wish Paris, Isabelle, and Mia the best of luck on their new adventure.
The end of the Summer Term means we are also saying goodbye to Ashley (LV) who we will miss as she embarks on her new academic journey in the US. We will also be saying farewell to our Australian Exchange pupil, Halle. She has fitted in seamlessly into the Pink Palace and has been loved by both staff and pupils. We hope to see you again soon. This is also the time when Lower VI will be graduating from Rubens into Clarence for their final year of school. We are so grateful for everything they have done for the house throughout their time in Rubens – from organising and executing incredible evening activities to helping with bedtime routines. Thank you so much and we hope you know you will always have a place in Rubens.

Our Head of House, Avalon (LVI) and Deputy Head of House, Maddie (LVI) have shared their thoughts about Rubens and what they will miss the most:
We have had the most amazing time leading the house this year. Although it is sad that our time in Rubens has come to an end, we know the House will continue to flourish and excel as we move on. Rubens House has and will always be a family to all of us and we cannot wait to come back and visit next year! We have never known such a supportive environment from both the staff and the girls, and our house spirit has truly been unmatched this year. From motivational Mondays in House Order to chats with the LIVs in the kitchen in the evenings, there is so much to miss about Rubens. We have loved being a member of this team and are both excited to see how Rubens dominates again in the future! #alwaysbleedpink

We will also be saying a difficult goodbye to members of the Rubens house staff. Our Resident Tutor, Miss Carson, will be leaving us at the end of the term to return to Ireland and we will all miss her cheerful personality and huge presence in the house. We are also saying goodbye to Mrs Wilson as she returns to her position as Day Matron in Daws Hill. Although we are sad to see her leave Rubens, it is wonderful to know that we will still see her around school for a good catch up. Finally, we will greatly miss Mrs Cox who has seen many Rubens girls through their time in House. We will miss her caring and loving nature, but we wish her all the best with for the future. We know she will make the best of it by spending quality time with her family, and importantly, Ernie the black labrador.
As this year ends it is the perfect time to thank all the staff and girls who make Rubens such a special community. We wish all Rubens pupils, staff, and parents a relaxing summer break and look forward to welcoming most of you back in September.