Mertens House Awards 2010-11

The following awards were presented at the end of term. Congratulations to all of the boys who throughly deserve their prize and accolade.

JESTER CUP

This is an annual award in the form of a trophy which is made to the boy who has shown the most sense of fun and friendship in the House.

James Robertson

SILK CUP

This is an annual award in the form of a trophy and vouchers which is made to the boy from Shell to Fifth who has best exemplified the values of the House.

Alex Donvig

Alex Donvig (Fifth)

MERTENS AWARD

This is an annual award which is made to the boy who has best exemplified the values of the House (usually a Lower Sixth former).  His name will be put on the board in the House’s entrance hall. It recognises the values of integrity, commitment, giving ones best whatever one’s ability, being loyal to the House, its staff and members, making the most of opportunities and thereby setting an example to others.  It is intended that the recipient reflects the example set by Revd Mertens and embodies the ideal expressed in the House motto – ‘Possunt qui volunt’.

Tom Prosser

MERTENS TROPHY

This is an annual award for presented to the Lower Sixth Form student who has contributed most to the House and/or has set an example to the other students during their time in Mertens.  The recipient’s name is engraved on the trophy, a magnificent piece of ornamental silver which was originally presented to the Revd Mertens in 1879 and subsequently bequeathed by him to the House.

Sam Castle

Sam Castle (Lower Sixth)

In addition to these awards, the following students received House Colours for their contribution to the house:

Sam Castle, Jordan Dudas, Jerome Kreule, Moritz Bongartz, Max Schuette, Tom Prosser  Shaun Lam , Calvin Lam.

House Report 2010 / 11

Life in Mertens House in 2010 - 11 has been full of change; a new Housemaster, a new Lower 6^th and a new Shell. The house motto is ‘Possunt Qui Volunt’ which loosely translated means ‘Those who want are able’ and this year has certainly provided everyone in the house with the opportunity to engage in all that the community has to offer.

As Michaelmas Term sprang into action, Mr Curran, and his young family settled into life as Housemaster and were warmly welcomed by the great support of Mr Nick Tester, Assistant Housemaster and Mrs Marian Moore, Matron - the warm and welcoming face of Mertens.  Jack and Connor Curran are now regular faces welcoming guests as they arrive at Mertens.

House Events

With a competitive Australian at the helm, Mertens rose to the challenges of the annual inter-house competitions; beginning with the Steepo in October.  After a couple of early morning practice sessions (a sight to behold with most of the boys up at 630am in the early Autumn mist), Mertens  won the Youd Cup for the six best senior runners (Alan Taffinder U6; Ben Scott U6; Josh Higgins U6; Cedric Surmann L6; Leo Ko 5^th and Rob Key U6). Overall, Mertens was ranked 3^rd.

In November, all Mertens boys proudly supported the House Music Competition, which was led for us with a piano-solo by Marcus Lau (Céline Dion “My Heart will go on “). Marcus was also brilliantly supported by Marcus Large (vocal) and Jamie Monks (guitar) playing “For the first Time” by The Script. Our Lower Sixth boys took to the stage with ease and an ensemble starring Marcus Large, Jordan Dudas, Sam Castle, Tosin Afalobi, Jamie Monks, Zakir Ramani, Calvin Lam and Tom Prosser got a fantastic reception (being asked to perform again at the main school assembly!). Everyone trained hard under the supervision of the musically talented Mr Tester and got some great feedback from the panel.  The boys, many with very little musical experience, were praised for putting together an amazing programme.

In addition to the inter-house competitions, the boys themselves arranged smaller fund-raising events including a pool and FIFA tournaments to support some of the school's charities.  For Children in Need, several boys, ably led by Tom Prosser and William Salt managed to stay awake for 24 hours playing Xbox and PS3. Overall, we raised over £275 which is a credit to Tom and Will and their determination.

During Lent term, competition continued with a triumphant win in house singing. All the hard work and seemingly endless rehearsals finally paid off as we were awarded the Entertainment Award for the 2011 House Singing Competition. Mertens stole the show with their harmonious, action-packed performance of Stevie Wonder's classic 70's hit, 'Superstition', holding off perennial favourites Rhodes and Crosse. The House was superbly led by House Prefects and entertainment gurus; Marcus Large and Sam Castle who managed to keep the crowd enthralled for the entire performance with a brilliantly choreographed act. Tosin Afolabi provided light entertainment with a small interlude as Stevie Wonder whilst the band performed very well under pressure; Zakir Ramani, Max Schutte, Timmy Chan, Marcus Lau and Mr Nick Tester all providing the perfect accompaniment.
Mertens likes to be known as a house that works hard but also plays hard. With this in mind, two of our fifth formers, Alex Donvig and William Salt coordinated a thoroughly enjoyable and competitive Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. Mertens House Common Room was transformed (well sort of...) into a very sophisticated Casino. Dark sunglasses, black shirts and long black coats were the fashion of the evening as each participant looked to intimidate his rivals. Well done to Alex and William for organising what is sure to become a pivotal event in the Mertens calendar!

Weekend Socials

Weekends for boarders have been busy with a range of different socials dominating the weekend schedule. Whether it’s watching England vs Ireland with a steaming Irish stew on a cold March afternoon or  playing basketball in the car park with Mertens, Hilton and Aberdeen boarders and being spurred onto victory by the smell of a good old Aussie BBQ, the weekends have been fun and action packed.

As we enter the Summer Term and the weather really does warm up, I know for certain that the fridge must be stocked with cold drinks and the BBQ will be in a state of readiness!

Matron

This year, we are very sad to say farewell to our much-loved Matron, Mrs Marian Moore. After 12 years as Housekeeper in Mertens House in both the old building and the new, Marian leaves us to enjoy her retirement. To say Mertens will not be the same without her, is an understatement. She has cared for the boys selflessly and her support and guidance in my first year as Housemaster has been invaluable. Her efficient manner and friendly smile will be sorely missed.

Thank you

We also wish all of our Lower Sixth good luck in their new Woodard home.  Thank you to our Head of House, Shaun Lam and Prefects, Jamie Monks, William Hand, James Robertson, Sebastian Spence, Tom Prosser, Jordan Dudas, Marcus Large, Moritz Bongartz and Sam Castle for their leadership, initiatives and laughter.

Mr Curran

Paintballing - the end of a great first year!

To round out the year in style, we took on Hilton House in the annual paintballing tournament. The sun shone, the bullets flew, the paint splattered and the boys had a fantastic time.

On a personal note, it was a great way  to finish off what has been a very rewarding first year in Mertens.

Inter-house Tennis

With the end of the Summer Term fast approaching and blue skies beginning to emerge, the annual Inter-House Tennis competition was upon us. The juniors were victorious bringing home the cup for Mertens.

Farewell to Lower Sixth 2011

As the Lower Sixth prepared for exams and a move to Woodard Boys, we felt it appropriate to host a farewell dinner for our 2011 cohort. Attended by house staff and tutors and with a professional catering service from Shell and Remove, it was a night to remember! Each boy selected at random another boy to speak about, providing many an interesting and often humorous insight into the life of a boarder in Mertens.

First-class silver service!

Starter, as prepared by Shell

Dining Room (the Common Room!)

Farewell to our Matron, Mrs Marian Moore

It was with heavy hearts that we bid farwell to our Matron, Mrs Moore, this year. To honour her outstanding contribution, we hosted a family BBQ attending by students, both present and past, parents and colleagues. After her long service to the College, the afternoon was a perfect way for us all to express our thanks.

Marian chatting to parents

Marian, Mr Tester and ex Mertens boys

Enjoying the food



We asked some of the students to talk about their memories of Marian. Scott Bennington (Shell) recorded his thoughts:

"You fill us with custard creams and bourbons

And the occasional jammy dodger

At holiday we get cold hot cross buns

And the sticky flap jacks

But that does not reflect you

You’re warm and soft with a thick London accent

But that’s what we love about you

And why we will miss you

We will miss saying hello in the morning

And see you drive home in your small inbetweeners like car

We will miss the mechanic man shout down the hall

“Morning Marian”

Then hear the entire house erupt with laughter

This is why we will miss you

You have been with the sixth form through thick and thin

Thought the snow when the roads weren’t to icy

And through the laundry after a day in that snow

No doubt largie will cry

That is why you will miss us".

Sixth Form Ball

Our 23 Lower Sixth boys attended the Sixth Form leavers ball on the 29 April with regal splendour! Suited and booted Mertens celebrated the Royal Wedding.

Lower Sixth boys doing Mertens proud!