Life in Mertens House in 2010 - 11 has been full of change; a new Housemaster, a new Lower 6th 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 5th and Rob Key U6). Overall, Mertens was ranked 3rd.
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!
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
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.