The final day of last half term was a very exciting and successful one. It was our ‘Hats for Haiti' Day and everyone in Westbourne and Prep, girls and staff, joined in the fun by wearing a hat. The first Inter-House pancake race also took place. You can read more about these events and see our photographs in the separate articles on Friday Headlines.

Despite threat of more snow this half term began well with a celebration of ‘Thinking Day.' The girls in Rainbows, Brownies and Guides were encouraged to come to school in their respective uniforms and Mrs Collins led an assembly. This is the Guide movement's centenary year and Mrs Collins explained what the organisation is all about and we were surprised to discover that the very first guide company to be established was the 1st Harborne. This later became the 1st Birmingham Company. She also shared many of her memories about being in the Brownies, Guides and then being a Guide leader. Then Megan Isaac, Mary Polding, Hannah Tatman, Charlotte Smith and Jessica Caton told us why they enjoy being Brownies.

The Year 5 and 6 Netball teams played in matches against Hallfield on Wednesday of this week. These are always keenly fought games with friendly rivalry between the schools. The Year 6 girls demonstrated good teamwork and their final winning score was 10 - 5. The Year 5 match was played after school and the excellent shooting, attacking and defending resulted in a 25 - 1 win for EHS.

On Thursday our day began extremely well when the String Group played for us in assembly. They gave a most enjoyable and assured performance of ‘Drowsy Maggie,' a traditional reel. Our thanks go to Laura Cooper, Beatrice Kessedjian, Aoife Hay, Sneha Bansal, Mojo Kehinde, Dilroop Cooner and Hannah Miller and particularly to Mrs Gough, the girls' teacher.

A number of music certificates were also awarded in assembly this week and the Music Endeavour Shield which was presented to Beatrice Kessedjian and Emma Khan. Well done to all.

Next week, on Thursday, we are looking forward to celebrating World Book Day and hope that the girls in Prep will spend some time at the weekend preparing their costumes as they have been asked to come to school dressed as a character from a book. The girls have also been given World Book Day vouchers which entitle them to purchase one of the special books or claim £1 off any book. These vouchers can be redeemed at all book shops.

Sally Hartley
Head of Preparatory School