As part of Alton Convent School's 70th Jubilee celebrations, parents and friends were invited to an evening of art, music and dance. The evening started with a colourful display of Maypole dancing from pupils of year 5 and line dancing from year 6. Parents listened to the many musical solos from senior school girls and watched entranced as Sophie, recently named "Young Dancer of the Year", performed several ballet dances. From the Prep school, Joe impressed fellow pupils and parents alike with his interpretation of Pachelbel's Canon on the electric guitar. Joe, who has his own band, has recently won a musical scholarship to a major public school.

As you will be aware, this year's Ball is now a mere two weeks away and looks set to be a truly spectacular event! One of the most popular parts of the evening is, of course, the Grand Auction. As in previous years this will comprise two parts - one silent and one live. We have been extremely fortunate once again in securing some fantastic lots of a very varied nature. Whether you hanker after a week in the sun or an evening of classic jazz, a signed Arsenal shirt or a day of pampering at a luxury Spa, I urge you to check out what's on offer! For those unable to attend the event (or for those who can't resist a preview), all the auction listings are available to view on the school's web-site and can be accessed at www.altonconvent.org.uk/silentauction08 for the silent auction or www.altonconvent.org.uk/liveauction08 for the live auction.

Saturday 17th May 2008, 9:30 pm - 10:00 pm

All Auction Prizes must be taken within one year of the date of this event, unless otherwise stated. Pictures for illustrative purposes only. Advance bids (with name, contact phone number, lot number, description and minimum and maximum bids) to , from whom full terms and conditions are available.

Saturday 17th May 2008, 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

All Auction Prizes must be taken within one year of the date of this event, unless otherwise stated. Pictures for illustrative purposes only. Advance bids (with name, contact phone number, lot number and description and maximum bid) to , from whom full terms and conditions are available.

You'll be pleased to know that the PTFA certainly haven't been letting the grass grow under its feet!

The recent Quiz night (superbly managed by Emma Mitchinson) was a resounding success, raising more than £1,000 while providing the participants with a convivial evening of cerebral gymnastics!

Following everyone's magnificent efforts last year, which resulted in the purchase of another much-needed minibus, our current aim is to Secure the funding to resurface the netball and tennis courts, Again this is a project which will benefit all pupils. To this end, next term will see three events - each very different but which we hope will provide lots of entertainment as well as helping to raise the necessary funds.

On a beautiful spring day, 22nd April, every one of Alton Convent School's 500 pupils set out on a walk to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the school's foundation and to raise money for schools in India with which the school is linked.

The youngest pupils, some not yet 3, strolled around the school's 17 acre site or neighbouring Anstey Park, whilst the 7-9 year olds set out on a three mile walk through Holybourne and the surrounding area. The rest of the school, from 9 to 18, and their teachers, tackled an ambitious route up on to Holybourne Down, taking in bluebell woods, farmland and the occasional very muddy track en route.

The shortest spring term I can remember has drawn to a close amidst a plethora of activities, most notably the ‘glorious' choral concert at St Joan of Arc in Farnham. As our youngest children donned their Easter bonnets and older girls cheered with evident enjoyment the songs of the visiting classical / pop group ‘Blake', I have managed to find a few moments to reflect on a terrific term, marked with sadness at the sudden illness and untimely loss of Mrs Williams, our Classical Civilisation teacher and School Examinations Officer.

The Lower Sixth are about to depart for our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes on Easter Sunday morning having just unpacked their cases following their trip to a United Nations Conference for students in New York, which as well as the usual compulsory trip to Maceys, Tiffanys and the like, provided moments of reflection at Ground Zero. The sixth form have not been alone in enjoying residentials. Among others, Year 4 battled the elements at Marchants' Hill, Year 9 experienced the rigours of the Battlefields and Year 10 made the most of an early spring flourish on their hugely successful residential to Bath and Bristol.

Staff and pupils are mourning the loss of a dear friend, colleague and teacher, Mrs Anne Williams, who joined Alton Convent School in spring 2000 as a Prep School teacher. With earlier experience as a senior school teacher she then, after a happy period with the little ones, embraced the challenge of moving across the playground to teach history, one of her great loves and later to introduce classical civilisation to the curriculum at both GCSE and A Level. Mrs Williams contributed massively to both subject areas, creating displays and initiating and organising the hugely enjoyable annual trip to Rochester and the moving and memorable Battlefields residential visit.

Much against her wishes I suspect, but out of great loyalty to the school, she took on the additional challenge of becoming the Examinations' Officer, a hugely demanding and crucial role which she fulfilled magnificently, receiving accolades for her efficiency and organisation from every single inspector from the examining boards.