Page 21 - Southwell School Year Book 2022

Tick, tick, tick, down the counter went,
Move, move, move, the dignified bishop shifts,
Think, think, think, his next move will be...
Sweat, sweat, sweat, it rolls down rhythmically,
Tick, tick, tick he moves, accurately his rook.
Glimmer, glimmer, glimmer, the shine of the newly waxed floor,
Blink, blink, blink, the light communicates in Morse code.
Tap, tap, tap, he waits patiently.
Slide, roll and rest, I have him in check.
Heavy deep breath, he shakes while it's his move,
Flick, tick, shift, I move my great queen Yes, yes, yes he begins to freak! Checkmate.
Tick, tick, tock, the counter stops.
Mandla Mudzamiri
YEAR 8
Our action-packed year has drawn to a close and we farewelled 150 young people who are ready to spread their wings and fly. As the Dean of Year 8, I feel privileged to have worked with a wonderful cohort of students, a team of committed colleagues and such supportive parents. Together we have accomplished many personal and collective goals, and overcome a range of challenges this past year. Each and every one of us will walk away with a myriad of memories of 2022.
Let me share a few of our Year 8 highlights wth you. Creating a positive team culture required us to be a little more creative this year, with our Term 1 Camp postponed. Despite social distancing, learning opportunities continued on screens as required and we developed strong bonds. Why is this a highlight you may ask? Well, it meant we learnt how to be flexible in our thinking and develop a positive mindset. We have all come out of this more resilient and more grateful.
When back together as a whole school, one of the first things we celebrated was Book Character Day. Everyone went to such an effort to dress up and join in the festivities. Sporting Fixtures were quickly reinstated and dancing also featured at the first Year 8 (Luau themed!) disco in two years. Spending time with friends, being able to interact, communicate and share experiences all helped make Term 2 a really rewarding one. Speeches were also written and every student worked hard to present them to their peers. Encouraging voice projection, expression and building confidence was the perfect platform on which to move into Term 3...
...Opera term. With disappointing cancellations in recent years, the rehearsals got underway and excitement grew from the get-go. Lines were learned, dances performed, costumes stitched and songs sung by so many students. Whether a student had a main part, contributed to the painting of the set, or sold ice creams at intermission, the experience can be best summed up in one word - commitment. The show was a resounding success and will always be remembered by all involved.
Term 4 brought us around full circle, as we headed off to camp. Celebrating the relationships and friendships we had formed over our time at Southwell, and being challenged physically, in a stunning natural environment, were the focus of our time at Tongariro.
Artist Maura Whitman’s words remind me of the closing scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and this is my parting message for the Year 8s of 2022.
Spread your wings and fly,
Break through the glass and leave it behind, Take one step ahead, your future is bright.
Kerrie Martin
Year 8 Dean
SYNDIICATE
Southwell School Yearbook 2022
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