The annual second term concert in the Senior School this year was a charity concert, where the proceeds in the region of £600.00 went towards the school’s outreach programme in India. The chamber choir from the Prep school – Chanteurs –were also invited to participate in this event. The concert opened with the Senior Orchestra playing Handel, Dvorak and Burwell. The audience were then treated to wide variety of items ranging from a drum solo, oboe and violin concerto and a charming interpretation of the contemporary song ‘Travellin’ Soldier.

Chanteurs entertained with the traditional Tallis canon and Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing whilst the Senior Chamber Choir closed the first half with a contemporary Latin setting and music by Britten. The second half opened with a traditional Ghanaian folk song and ‘There must be another way’ sung poignantly by Chanteurs. Audience also heard the Convent’s newly formed brass quintet. The evening closed with two thought-provoking items by the Chamber Choir.

The children in Year 4 enjoyed attending a concert given by the Southern Pro Music Orchestra at the Petersfield Festival Hall on Wednesday morning. This was a good introduction to the instruments of the orchestra which the children had been learning about in their music lessons this term.

The concert began with a performance of the "Thieving Magpie Overture" by Rossini followed by a clever composition by our conductor Jonathan Willcocks called "Meet the Orchestra". These favourites were thoroughly enjoyed by the children who were then given a lively performance of "The Parade of the Tin Soldiers", "Winter" from Vivaldi`s Seasons and a musical story of "The Theatre Ghost" narrated by our compere William Godfree .

Congratulations to Becki who has become the U14 ISA Cross-Country Champion 2010. Becki ran an outstanding race, paced herself around the course tremendously and finished in true style with a sprint. Becki has qualified for the National Cross-Country Competition on the 26th February 2010.

U14 ISA CROSS-COUNTRY REGIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONS

On Wednesday 3rd February Year 7 travelled to Rochester Castle and Cathedral to gain some understanding of the lives of medieval monks and pilgrims. They visited the cathedral where they learned about the difficult and dangerous lives of those who travelled extraordinary distances to visit Holy shrines and those who would meet them when they arrived.

 Girls also marvelled at nearby Rochester Castle which is one of the countries most impressive Norman castles. The girls returned after a fun filled day with a better understanding of a bygone era to help them with their medieval studies.

Years 4, 5 and 6 pupils were invited to a party by the sixth form, who were raising money for their trip to India this year.

There was much excitement at the end of the day as pupils changed into more suitable clothes and waited to be collected. Then it was off to the Creative and Performing Arts building and the loud music!

The pupils throroughly enjoyed the games, face painting and, or course, the dancing. The Sixth Form were on hand to organise and lead and they did a magnificent job. Refreshments were available throughout the evening and everyone went home exhausted but happy.

 

Dear Parents,

It is such a relief to get to the end of a normal school week without the dreaded words ‘snow closure' becoming a reality. I should like to thank all our parents, pupils and staff for their good humour and resilience in trying times. We were fortunate in some ways that the disruption at the beginning of term did not further impact on school activities. We managed to facilitate all the external examinations which proved a great relief to our senior students. I am so grateful to those members of staff who walked into school, often from some distance, to ensure that all could go ahead. The postponed entrance examination for the Senior School, with a bumper number of applicants, finally took place last weekend. I apologise for any inconvenience to Year 6 parents and thank those members of staff who came in on Saturday at short notice and Mrs Pigott for reorganising the Admissions process so effectively. The quality of applicants was very high. We have already marked all the papers and hope to get results out at exactly the same time as in previous years.

‘He’s a real playboy!'

 How often would you expect to hear Mrs Hoyes describing Mr Hawkins in such a way? Under normal circumstances, probably never...but on Tuesday 15th December 2009, nobody batted an eyelid. Teachers and (to a certain extent) pupils, were allowed to say/shriek/scream/sing whatever they liked.

Alton Convent students savoured the opportunity to hear Mr Hoyes moan about his mother-in-law (Mrs Mace’s Granny Riding Hood) and his son’s flirtatious ways...‘that French girl from last night’ was played emphatically by Madame Hoyet.

Carols By Candlelight was a fitting end to a hectic Christmas term. The Welsford Hall was transformed by the glow and flicker of candles. The Chamber Choir started proceedings whilst the remainder of the pupils processed through the hall with lit candles. Carols and Christmas music were sung by the school choirs and ensembles intersperesd by readings from pupils and staff.

On a lighter note Mr Pluck read a light-hearted monologue about an unwelcome guest at Christmas lunch in the form of a worm which brought laughter to the audience.