decided to throw both 5th and Upper Sixth ‘afternoon tea parties’ as a reward (and encouragement to keep going!). It was lovely to spend some time with each group, chatting about their hopes for the future and their memories of their time at SLC. One thing I am very much looking forward to in the coming year is the opportunity to watch members of Laing taking part in considerably more sporting fixtures and events! Our girls performed very well in the Students vs Staff netball and hockey matches, and it was such an amazing sight to see them all together on Sports Day with parents on hand to also support. Special mentions should go to Alex Ferguson for her win in the 300m, Dilim Aneke who came 3rd in the 800m despite not considering herself a runner, and Brooke O’Hare who stayed well after almost everyone had left in her attempt to beat the school record for high jump. It is always a pleasure to watch students step out of their comfort zone and volunteer for something in the spirit of supporting their House, and to watch them support each other. This was again particularly evident in the Tug of War event – sadly we were not victorious in either Junior or Senior events, but the girls worked together as a team and should be proud of how hard they battled. Another example of community spirit was when Laing ran a tuck shop at break times for a week, raising money for the Red Cross to support them in their international efforts in the fight against Covid-19. The students
brought in a wide range of treats to sell and then each year group took it in turns to manage the shop. This was incredibly successful - probably fuelled by the students’ longing for restrictions to ease and the coffee shop to reopen! By the end of the week we had raised an amazing £329.15, and I hope the girls are rightfully proud of themselves for making a difference. Members of the Laing community have continued to achieve amazing things outside of school. I know a number of girls have been awarded grades for music and Lamda exams, as well as competing nationally in events ranging from equestrian to swimming. I would like to congratulate them all, while giving special mention to Kalea Moore – I was fortunate enough to buy tickets to see her play for Northern Brave in The Hundred cricket tournament at The Ageas Bowl in the summer holidays, where she gained two incredible wickets and helpedher teamtovictory.Thematcheswere televised nationally, and this tournament has absolutely cemented Kalea’s place as an outstanding cricketer. It was one of a large number of proud Houseparent moments for me… I appear to have spent quite a lot of the year being rather emotional! I would like to finish by congratulating all members of Laing House for their achievements this year: whether that is achieving their grades in their GCSE, A level and BTEC subjects; being recognised in our Virtual Speech Day for either academic
or extra-curricular excellence; or just for demonstrating resilience in the face of a global pandemic - I am incredibly proud of all of them. Thank you to Jo Roberts and BrookeO’Hare for being such fabulous Heads of House, supported by a wonderful prefect team and an excellent group of tutors – we wouldn’t have made it through without you ladies. Looking at the House as a whole, it has been a privilege to work so closely with a group of talented, dynamic and enthusiastic young people, and I am very much looking forward to getting to know them even more in the coming year. I would also like to wish every happiness to those moving on to pastures new in September – please do come back to visit!
Dr Barwell, Laing Housemistress
LAWRENTIAN 2021 27
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