contributions as Head of House. She has graciously navigated some strong personalities and has been a listening ear for many of the younger pupils, leading with a quiet humility which has not gone unnoticed. Supported by Poppy Heming as House Captain and Chloe Plumb as Sports Captain, I have enjoyed watching this group of young women take on leadership roles alongside their peers and wish them every success in their exciting ventures next year.
Olexa Miles comes to mind in particular here, as she strolls into Clifford with a smile, sometimes having been up for three hours prior to her arrival at school, training in the pool. Or Elen and Mali Nicholls, who regularly drive to Wales and back to train with the Welsh hockey squad, whilst juggling their respective workloads. Or our equestrians – Maddie Letby and Lilia Humphries, who head to the stables in any ‘free’ time they might have. These are but a few names of a House full of talent and promise. I also think it is pertinent to mention the number of Clifford girls who have represented the school in the U15 National cricket cup team and I will be cheering them on for the finals in September. To already hold the title of South East England champions is a wonderful accolade for our little school on the South East Coast and one of which they should be justly proud. The 3rd Formers have been an excellent addition to the House and I have loved getting to know their eclectic personalities; they have brought energy, positivity and drive and I know that they will all make excellent role models next year. Indeed, they were integral in retaining the title of Junior Sports Day champions for the third year in a row! They have been led by a wonderful Upper Sixth team of House prefects and Sophie Bamford, in particular, deserves considerable praise and thanks for her
Finally, I must finish by thanking the Clifford community for their warmth, support and positivity over the past few years. Undoubtedly, it is the relationships between pupils, staff and parents which have made it such a wonderful House and a joy to be a part of. I know that in the hands of the rather spectacular Mrs Hodge, who will be deputised by Mrs Chidlow and supported by a fantastic team of tutors, the House will continue to go from strength to strength. I will miss the girls and the wider College indefinitely, but in the words of A.A.Milne ‘how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?’
It wouldn’t be a Lawrentian article without mentioning House Drama and House Singing, events which have become well embedded in the memory of many an OL! For House Drama, Clifford opted for a performance of ‘Teen Beach Movie’ (I had no idea either) and whilst they didn’t win, I loved the sense of fun and positivity they brought to the performance. As ever, it was lovely to watch all of the Houses supporting one another at both events and to bring the school community together. I also enjoyed the return of House Masterchef and was particularly heartened that Clifford had the youngest House team, with Mairead McGrath, Maddie Letby and Tilly Clark stepping up to the plate – literally and figuratively speaking! Aside from the fire alarm causing a brief intermission, it was another wonderful example of the camaraderie and strength of relationships that exist within the school. The Clifford co-ordinated purple crocs were also a personal highlight for me!
Mrs A Humphrys, Clifford Housemistress
LAWRENTIAN 2023
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