We have been notified that the Hampshire Primary Care Trust is introducing a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunisation programme from September 2008 for girls in school year 8. A catch-up programme will run for two years from September 2009 such that all girls under 18 are offered the vaccine. HPVs are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer and this new vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. There are 2,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in England with 400 deaths. A vaccination course consists of 3 injections delivered over a period of 6 months. This will be free of charge. The web site for information is http//www.immunisation.nhs.uk

Our fundraising for this year’s Good Shepherd Appeal on behalf of the Catholic Chidlren’s Society reached its climax on the last Friday of term. At lunchtime, the prep school joined the senior school for a simple, frugal lunch of bread, cheese and fruit. Later on in the day, the Welsford Hall was transformed as the Upper Prep set out the stalls for their businesses, which had been in preparation throughout Lent. Staff, parents and younger pupils were hugely impressed by the variety of business ideas that the children had come up with, with sweetie kebabs, cakes baked to order and chocolate fountains attracting particular interest.

Taking our seats in the Headquarters of the UN in New York was surreal. Being surrounded by the sandy brown paneling and microphones that light up when you talk only heightened the experience.

Peter Luff introduced an afternoon filled with speakers to debate the Security Council's use of the veto. Initially, we heard the history and possible future of the UN from the Indian UN representative, giving a necessary background to the veto and its initial purpose was. After this, there was an opportunity to ask questions, many of which broadened the topic discussed and made valid points. Questions of the UN's assistance in Zimbabwe and its stance on the Iraq war were asked.

Mr Berry's slides from 5th March 2008, together with links to other resources.

Prep School Environment Prefect, Tilly, started the term by launching an initiative to encourage prep school pupils to recycle their Christmas cards. After explaining the scheme in assembly, a number of posters have appeared around the prep school as reminders of this excellent scheme, and Tilly has already passed on a number of prep school cards to be recycled.

On Sunday afternoon I decided I would raise some money for CAFOD. I researched the charity on the internet, and then I thought about what I could do to help.
I decided I would make some chocolate brownies and cookies, to sell to our neighbours. This is me baking them.
I then set off with my mum to visit our neighbours with a box of baking, and a leaflet that I had printed off about CAFOD. When I got to my neighbours houses I explained what the charity was, and invited them to buy cakes and cookies, and I suggested a donation of 50p for brownies, and 30p for cookies. It was really nice to see my neighbours and tell them what I was raising money for; they were very interested and supportive, and they thought the cakes looked delicious. Some were very generous and said I could keep the change.

This December, the II Form traveled to the Palace of Westminster to discover more about the role of Parliament within society and to meet with local MP Michael Mates. Mr Mates, who had spent that morning in talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister, discussed with the girls his role as an MP and gave lots of valuable advice for those girls wishing to follow in his footsteps.

After a tour of the Palace, during which the girls witnessed a discussion in the House of Lords and a debate in the House of Commons on the effects of cheap alcohol on society, they visited Westminster Abbey. In the Abbey, they got the opportunity to see many of the tombs of the Tudor monarchs which they had studied in their History lessons. All had an interesting and informative day, and the girls learned a little more more about the roles and responsibilities they will one day have as adults.