Talent show - Part 2 (Shell and Remove)

To end the first term, we were treated to a second display of Mertens' talent, courtesy of our Shell and Remove boys.  Once again, it was an array of talent from comedy to card tricks, music and impressions. We really do have talent (and there was a guest appearance from Father David...!).

The Mertens Soap Box....

Lately, the highlight of each 9.30pm Callover has been the giving of a small talk by one of the boys in the House. We are slowly working our way through the House list and so far there have been some memorable speeches; Anthony Yiu gave an insight into what it was like to start a new life in a new country which everyone found interesting and all other boys in the Shell have done likewise, choosing a topic of their own to speak about.
One of the latest speeches was given by Sonny Bircham which is outlined below...

JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER

I would like to speak to you all about judging a book by its cover because there are a lot of people I know who say oh look at that boys shoes he’s a loser and weird let’s not talk to him. But I talk to people who other people don’t like because of his dress sense or his hair or his weight but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors like for example his mum could be seriously ill or he could be getting bullied no one knows what happens. So what I’m trying to say is why do we all care what people look like how they speak or why they have no friends if you actually give them a chance be friendly to them and be nice you never know they might have the same hobbies as you they might even look like you deep down so if you see someone on its own go speak to him make him feel confident about himself all that kid needs is a little confidence to get him more friends for example when Jonah was new I don’t think he knew anyone or if he did not that well but summers showed Jonah to everyone on his first day and now Jonah basically is good mates with everyone he knows so all I’m trying to say is don’t judge a book by its cover because you never know what he or she is actually like in person !

Oktoberfest

Last night saw Mertens Haus host 'Oktoberfest' to a lot of excited and hungry boarders. Our German boys (Moritz, Mauro, Tobias, Dan, Konstantin, Philip and Nico) worked extremely hard to put on a fantastic show; complete with authentic Bavarian sausages, potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels and Oktoberfest music. The night was complete with lederhosen and local dancing - we raise our glasses to next year's event!

Moritz and Mauro preparing the food

Local dancing

Saluting their hard work

Lederhosen!

Herr Curran und Herr Caston

Lower Sixth - 'Dining-in' 3rd, and sadly, final!

This week we were treated to a beautiful meal. Postponed from last week, it was well worth the wait and again was an international feast from France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Israel and Hong Kong. Chris Pernet prepared 'les escargots' for starter; Axel Goransson a broccoli salad, Richard Hoffman a lamb roast and Will Salt a coffee cake. Manman Wong played host and photographer - another great team effort - and a first use of the new Mertens House cooker. More culinary delights to follow.

Pool tournament

When we are not studying, doing activities, eating or sleeping - we fire up our competitive spirit and organise events to prove we are winners!  This term, it is the Mertens pool tournament. Cues at the ready.

Football v Eton

Some pictures of our boys in action against Eton. Well done all - another great week of results.

Mertens HAS got talent..

Thursday saw the inaugural Mertens House talent show. Organised by Connor Norris and Leo Ko and hosted by Marcus Monsell and Justin Kreule, our Lower Sixth and Fifth form proved that teenage boys really do have more interests than sport and computer games! With a variety of talent on show from card wizardry, Italian opera singing, poetry and dance (thanks Nico - we won't forget) to real musical talent (guitar, drums and piano),  the stage is set for our Remove and Shell boys to outperform next week. Particular mentions to Connor for his guitar solo, Leo with his card magic and Hang-Kin with a wonderful piano piece.

Some thirsty boys

Hosts Marcus and Justin

Leo at the card table

Laurence on drums (well, kind of!)

Konstantin juggling golf balls

Connor with a memorable song



Gani and Leo enjoying Connor's song...



Hang-Kin's winning performance

Mr Tester "letting it be"