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Life in Cunningham House has, over the last year, been one of change, busy schedules and the continued effort to ensure that the boys in our care can enjoy a happy and safe environment in which to live.
At the time of writing this article the conflict in the Gulf region is ongoing with the parents of ten boys in the house active in the war in Iraq. To help the boys we set up a support group called the GG's "Gulf Group" where we met almost daily to discuss the war, review the extensive media coverage and, generally, try to support the boys and let them know we are aware of their fears and anxieties. I believe they enjoyed the solidarity of the group and the opportunity to give their views and receive reassurance from myself, Mr Ross and the other House Team members.
Cunningham House for all S3, S2 and the majority of the Sl boys in the School has formed the House structure for the past academic year. Three fifth year boys joined the House bringing the total House number to seventy-two boys. By the time the Victorian Magazine goes to print we will know the structure of the House for the next academic year, which will eventually be the status quo or a change to a vertical house of S1-S6 boys.
I mentioned busy schedules at the start of the article and that encompasses a whole host of hobbies, sports and social events, other than the boys academic work that somehow we seem to fit into the working day, weekends and term time. I imagine that if a time and motion survey was to be carried out on the lads, it would show a lifestyle that is full, challenging, stimulating and, hopefully, enjoyable for the boys and rewarding for the staff who ensure it is possible. Our end of term disco continues to be the most popular social event, giving the boys a chance to let their hair down and "strut their stuff".
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There have been a number of House Team changes since the last Victorian was published with Mr Porter moving to Haig as Assistant House Master, Mrs Graham leaving as Matron and Mr Tanna heading back down under after his gap year. Mr Ross has joined the team as Deputy House Master. Mrs Tomkins was persuaded to come out of retirement to stand in as Matron until Miss M Chalmers takes over as our new Matron and Mr Edward Hope joins the House for his gap year. I would like to thank those that have left for their contribution to the House and welcome the new members of our House Team.
It seems unbelievable to me that on Grand Day this year I will have completed five years as a Housemaster. The school and the House during that time seems to have been in a continual period of change but, throughout it, the boys in most respects are the same and strangely enough the stable factor in the equation.
I would like to thank Mr Ross, Mr Duthie, Mrs McVey and Mrs Tomkins for their collective support and all the members of the House Team for their continued input, advice and individual contribution. My thanks also go to the senior House and third year prefects who do an excellent job in ensuring the smooth running of the House domestic routine.
Finally, congratulations to Kris Reid (Senior Monitor and House Vice Captain) and Paul Tyson (House Captain and Monitor) for completing their twenty-four hour silent fast in the Central Hall. Money raised from this event will go to the Children in Need charity and the boys own Gap Year funding.
Mr Tomkins
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