Led by Year 13 student Josh Wynne and Year 12 student Jamie Barr, it was pleasing to see how the boys rallied to put together a solid House play with The Waiting Game once we had got back to school after lockdown. Given the short preparation time and limited opportunities for rehearsal, the quality of the play was great and the positive feedback from the judge was well-deserved. Getting back to the Town Hall for House Music was as unique as the song choice of “Replay” by Iyaz. The support the boys showed each other as a House for these events were two big positives. Then there was the effort the House made in support of the Child Cancer Foundation to raise just over $3400 for Wig Wednesday, the big group effort to volunteer at the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, the outstanding progress grades that warranted a whole House pizza shout, and the close competition, whether wins or losses, in House sport. There was the two-point win in the House badminton final, where Year 13 students Ben Abbot, Liam Adams and Nick Schneideman, and Year 10 student Harry Scrymgeour just pipped Julius House, the regulation win in senior House tennis, and an epic junior hockey win in the final
against Jacobs House. Led by Year 10 students Zach Adams and Oscar Chaffey, the junior hockey boys did a great job throughout the competition. In addition, there was the junior basketball final in front of a packed crowd, both the indoor football semi-finals, junior debating semi-final and senior cricket final that went to a super over. Many of these were unique, but all of them were positive outcomes as we eventually finished 3rd in the overall House competition. However, a favourite moment of the year was watching the junior cricket semi-final against Julius House. The junior cricket team were hugely unlucky to lose the match by just one run. But it was the outstanding demonstration of sportsmanship, inclusiveness and camaraderie of the boys, led by the Year 10 students, that ensured everyone who was in the team got a bowl or bat and got involved in the game. There was a great spirit to the game and the boys displayed the character strengths of teamwork, kindness, humility, leadership and fairness all at the same time. They more than did themselves proud. This example is what we hope Harper House would be known for, and what the boys should continue to aspire to be like. Because, if nothing
else, this unique year has taught us that whilst things might not be ideal, if we make the most of an opportunity and support, encourage and be there for one another, the result will always be positive. Of course, making it through a year of challenges would not have been possible without the support of the Harper House Mentors. It is always easier to manage things around the House when there are good people around who can be called on when needed. Thanks to Katie Southworth, Emily Priest, Ginny Patterson and Andrew Taylor for their help and support this year, and to Deputy Housemaster Graeme Christey for always stepping into the breach when Matt Cortesi is away and taking on a number of jobs around the House. Lastly, a special thanks to Lisa Trundley-Banks who will be on sabbatical leave next year. We will certainly miss her enthusiasm and energy, particularly with the House play and her mentor group yoga sessions. We wish her all the very best for her time away. On the awards front, Year 12 students Nant Prachuabmoh and Nont Prachuabmoh, and Year 13 student John An received Gold
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