Autumn Ardingly Writing Competition Section Winner: Louisa Fink

Louisa won the Middle Years Section of the recent Autumn Ardingly Writing Competition with her vivid and touching poem, 'Goodbye Little Gold'.

Goodbye Little Gold


Little Gold,
Once, a long time ago,
Golden were you,
when I gazed up at the sky,
when I looked up at you,
up and up,
into a universe,
of dangling leaves,
as the world spun round and round,
yellow, orange red and green.


Little Gold,
Golden were you,
hanging like a silhouette
from your blue, blue sky,
hanging like a sparkling mirror,
mimicking the sun,
as the world spun round and round,
yellow, orange red and green.

The Christmas Party

We all sat down to a lovely Chinese Meal, followed by fun and mad games......

Everyone settling down to eat. The Flowers were a gift from Mrs. N's hockey team.

Head of Social - ready to organise musical chairs.

CREATIVITY CORNER

An imaginative short story by one of our very own Aberdonian authors as part of the Autumn Creative Writing Competition

'LEAVING'

by Jessica Van Droogenbroeck

(Remove)

It was time. I looked up at the board for my flight information BA062 and it was boarding. The queue had started forming up at the gate. I was reluctant to start moving. I looked forward to this moment and now I was beginning to become apprehensive.

I put my reading glasses back in their case and marked my page throwing both, case and book, in my big Ugandan kikoy bag.

Now I was starting to sweat. I am finally leaving Uganda. Rushing through the gates, getting on to the plane, I did not want to face my feelings. Night flight into London with 8 ½ hours flight ahead in a small snug economy seat was not a thrilling thought. Fortunately, with a series of leaving parties, I was ready for a good shut eye. Indeed 20 minutes into the flight and with all the bustle of serving dinner this late, I felt my eyes close but no sleep. All I could see behind my dark eyelids were my mum’s teary face and dad trying to keep a straight, brave face waving me goodbye and then I felt my apprehension return.

I have lived in Uganda for 18 years, which is my whole life. Now, I was going to University at Simon Fraser, British Colombia in Canada. I had been to one school since kindergarten, reception, primary and senior. Do not get me wrong, I have enjoyed my life here. School was a blast and I have made many friends for 15 years. I am going to miss my family, and friends, as well as the brilliant weather where I can swim everyday of the year and the days are neither too hot nor too cold in exchange for Canada where weather can dip to 0 in the winter with blistering winds from the arctic.

Everyone has asked “Why Canada?” There are many good universities in the UK and Europe offering the same course and closer to home. Really meaning one flight away from Uganda. They would not understand why I needed to go so far away from home like this.

I loved my family, home and friends very much but I did not want to live not knowing what the world was like other than Uganda. What did it feel like to live with seasons? What were other cultures and people like? Canada was the perfect choice. A melting pot of cultures and languages (English, French, Chinese and Spanish) and people of different origins of every corner of the world. It was the new world. I would fit in. Most people there came from other countries or their parents. So I should be excited, right? No. The initial excitement of the acceptance letter from university quickly turned into anxiety. I will not know anyone! No mum, no dad and no friends. Yet I know that leaving was the best decision I will make. I will get new experiences and spread my wings.

It all started way back in lower 6^th form when we were asked to start choosing universities and courses we wanted to pursue. The first choices for many of my classmates were universities in the UK – Bristol, Edinburgh, Warwick, Durham, London School of Economics, Kings College London and Leeds. A few were thinking of Oxford and Cambridge. Most classmates were selecting courses like – History, Art, Zoology, Medicine, Law Economics, Anthropology, engineering, etc all traditional courses. Well not me. I was going for Canadian universities, selecting the Simon Fraser University in British Colombia Canada to study Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience!

“WHAT?” were the gobsmacked incredulous responses from my friends? “WHY?” they asked. Well why not. Actually I landed on this course by accident as I was searching universities and the Bachelor of Science courses was on offer. As soon as I saw this course and read more about it, I knew right away that this is what I wanted to study. To understand what made human beings behave the way they did unlike other animals and to research into relationships between mind and brain. Determinately I wrote to the University for their Requirements for the course and was offered a conditional place subject to attaining a minimum of 30 IB points in my mock exams.

Well, I got 37 points in my finals. Not too bad for a school in Uganda. Then the leaving parties began. First was the class leaving ball organised by the student council. Then my parents organised one for my friends and I at the Kampala Ange Noir discotheque. I subsequently attended 3 more parties of friends over 3 weekends! Phew, I am exhausted thinking about the nonstop dancing like our lives depended on it.

As sleep finally overcomes me and I try to recline the non-reclining economy seat, I welcome the black blankness enveloping me with a background humming of the plane engines and I realise that leaving is not so bad at all.

House Hockey

A fantastically energetic afternoon of well-spirited inter-house hockey to round off a successful season. All the girls were involved in playing or supporting their fellow Aberdonians...

Star of the Week: Hannah Brand

Hannah is our Star of the Week for being caring and considerate to not only the girls in her year, but  looking after all the other girls too.  She was also asked to play for the 2nd's Hockey team against Lancing, where she scored a goal.  Well done Hannah.

Pampering Evening at Toynbee

The Aberdeen girls enjoyed an indulging Saturday evening courtesy of wonderful hostesses at Toynbee House. Face-masks, massages, nail-painting and make-overs were all on the agenda.

Aberdeen gets ready for Christmas

Busy Weekend in Aberdeen

Sorry - No pics this weekend.   But that said it has been a busy one.   The Girls either played Hockey, Netball or were involved in an activity on Saturday morning.   Then it was over to Mertens for fabulous fun at the 'Pub Quiz' night, followed by films back at House.   Sunday was a nice slow start, with some choosing to go to Sainsbury's in our regular slot.  Early afternoon saw a group of us take a trip to Cineworld in Crawley to see the latest Twilight Film.

Star of the Week: Tasha Walker

Tasha has shown real bravery, stepping outside of her comfort zone and has really challenged herself over the past few weeks - she started the proceeding in the Aberdeen House Ensemble, by doing the first solo.   We are very proud of her for this, as a new girl to the College this really is a big deal.   Well done Tasha.

Aberdeen @ St Cecilia Concert

The dulcet tones of the Aberdeen choir were requested for the St Cecilia Concert this evening. The girls performed beautifully, of course.

Aberdeen go bowling

After the girls had played hockey, it was time to go bowling at the Superbowl at Crawley.   The girls had a real hoot.   Izzie managed to get a strike whilst hitting both sets of barriers!   Steph scored a strike on her last ball.   Louisa and Ariane were jumping and singing for most of the time.   Lots and lots of fun was had by all.    It was then back to House where the Vth cooked fajitas for everyone, with the help of Mrs. Lewis and Miss Ward, for which the House says a very big 'Thank You'.   It was also Kyra's birthday and the House were treated to a lovely chocolate cake.         Take a look......

Star of the Week: Amanda Chan

Amanda was the unanimous winner this week, for showing real leadership and personal performance.  Thank you for all you did with the House Music and we all loved your solo performance.   What an honour to be asked to sing in the Concert for St Cecilia in Chapel on Thursday 24th November at 7pm.

House Music Competition!

The whole house shone at the music competition on Tuesday. The first performance from Amanda was truly breath-taking:

Jenny and Harriet then followed up with an impressive duet on oboe and flute:

And finally, the whole house sang a medley of songs from Disney films:

Aberdeen ABBA Night

Lots of fun, many people taking a turn dancing and singing.   Take a look......

Star of the Week: Kate Hughes

Kate has been challenging herself and following her own talents.   She has been fencing for the school team, and as the only girl has been fencing against boys with National Ranking.   Well done.

Saturday 19th November - House Ten Pin Bowling

                                             Aberdeen House

                               are going on a House Trip

                             Saturday 19th November

                               Super Bowl, Crawley

                                              

                                                    Leaving Woodlands at 3.15pm

                            Food and Videos on returning

                             Day girls Pick up 9.00pm

Please confirm your availability by emailing: kate.newson@ardingly.com  by the close of play Wednesday 16th November

Stars of the Week: Aubrie Willifer and Caitlin Bateman-Champain

These two lovely young ladies ran the Steepo three legged to raise money for the House Charity and managed to raise over £100.   Well done to both of you.

'The College Steepo'

Great fun was had by everyone who took part.   Our every own Charlotte Childs won for Aberdeen and many girls improved on the positions from last year.   It was a wonderful fun event, where the House really worked hard as a team.   Isabella and Isabel sold ice lollies in aid of the House Charity (... more to follow on that one).   Take a look ....

Star of the Week: Ashleigh John

Ashleigh has been working hard academically, getting involved with lots of activities outside of the House.    She has played hockey for the school and been keen to do House Tours.   Behind the scenes she has also been helping members of all years.   Well done.

Happy 16th Birthday Steph

The flames match the colour of the candles

A very happy birthday Steph from everyone at Aberdeen

OktoberFest at Mertens

Great fun was had at Mertens as they entertained everyone with music and good food.

Star of the Week: Charlotte Childs

Charlotte has been selected as a non-travelling reserve for the the equivalent of the U15 South of England hockey squad a year young.    She is also balancing her work and gaining lots of merits to boot!
Congratulations and well done.

Celebrating Sophia and Hazel's Birthdays this week

Happy Birthday girls from all at Aberdeen

Shell Perform at the Parents' Drinks Evening

The girls all singing together:

Laura on the piano:

Ellie singing:

Francesca and Kate on violin:

Thalia and Vicky on clarinet and flute:

Star of the Week: Lucy Hindle

Lucy has worked really hard this week and has been awarded many merits.   This is to reward her for her efforts.   Well done.