Head Boy

So here I am at the end of my last school year at Russell House. It feels strange to think that it is coming to an end. It seems like only yesterday when I was a little, unsure Robin and now here we are, eagles ready to spread our wings.

This year has been a whirlwind; filled with challenges, growth, and now unforgettable memories. Taught by amazing teachers all the way through and, as Head Boy, I've had the privilege of working as part of the School Council. It has been an honour and today, more than anything, I want to take a moment to celebrate everyone who has made my time in school a time to remember.

To Mr McCarthy and all my teachers, thank you for bringing everyone together as one big determined family. We have been incredibly lucky to learn from you every day. You've helped shape our minds, challenging us in class and even giving up your time on overnight trips (and put up with our early morning grumpiness). We are so
grateful for the time, patience, enthusiasm and commitment you bring into school every day.

To all the pupils, we've all had the privilege of seeing each other do amazing things. Some of you have become sporting legends - yes, netballers you know who you are and gymnasts, you're also well on your way! Others have created incredible art that made us all stop and stare, and some of you have become expert singers, rappers, actors and musicians in all our amazing productions and concerts. We've all had our highs and lows but we really made this year something special.

So, my message for my fellow Form 7s as we wrap up... let's carry forward the goodtimes, the memories, and the lessons we've learned; not just the academic ones, but the ones we've learned from each other. Whether it's friendship, teamwork, resilience, or just how to get by, these are the things that will stick with us, wherever we go. Here is an acrostic based on the words Russell House I would like to share with you that captures some of the things that have been important to me in my time here. 

R - Robins where the fun began with Mrs Taylor and Mrs Sexton, the toast at snack time was
so good!
U - Ultimate joy in making Mrs Bennett and Mrs Burness dizzy from constantly going up and
down on the climbing frame.
S - Songs we used to sing over and over in Transition with Mrs Sexton, like, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, only a hippopotamus will do, even when it wasn't Christmas.
S - Scared of Mrs Chaffé in Form 1 (my parents as well!) but we found out she was a softy and actually really good fun, as was phonics with Mrs Goodwin!
E - Extra fun golden time in Form 2, a treat from Mrs Varley and Miss Smith for when we got marbles in the jar for high points, dashed by Covid and along came home schooling.
L - Living creatures explored in Form 3 as we ventured to my home town, Horton Kirby's nature centre with Mrs Waller and Ms Tyler, then joined by Mrs Flower later that year.
L - Long night on the Form 4 camping trip with sickly Sammy and the heroes of the story cleaning it up, Mr Falconer, Mrs Hutchinson and the extra help of Mrs Varley.
H - Holding the moments that we enjoyed in Form 5, such as our first camp to Norfolk, with Mr Plant encouraging us off the GSUP and some of our water shoes getting lost in the depths.
O - Opening the doors to become Head Boy, the hustings began with the support of Mrs Curling. The race was on and the slogan of Vote James for Head Boy, he's the Real McCoy led me to success, and let's not forget the marvellous McCoys crisps waistcoat, I ate the crisps and mum sewed the packets together - thanks mum!
U - Unlike other years, Form 7 is the final one, with Mr Shield and Mrs Knight, and the awesome Leavers' Programme where we get to create our last memories of Russell House.
S - So many teachers, you're all so great, the supporting staff like smiley Mr Skinner and the kitchen team with Bonny in charge of the tasty school lunches.
E - End of an era, now it's time to clear off.

Thank you for listening, Head Boy 2025 over and out! 

Head Girl

Wow! What an amazing, and at times strange nine years it's been here at Russell House for me. As I stand here today, I am both excited and sad. Excited for the next chapter we are about to begin, but sad to say goodbye to the place I have called home for so many years. There are memories galore I could share, from our time as Russell Robins to our many Oscar-worthy drama productions, sporting successes and COVID-19 trying to keep us apart.

The wonderful teachers we have been lucky enough to have over the years, each going above and beyond to make life at Russell House the very best it can be. Thank you for all being so dedicated and passionate about helping us thrive.

But for me, Russell House is about my friends because none of it would have been the same without them, so I would like to take my last five minutes as Head Girl to talk about them.

Amelia - small but mighty, you give everything a go with a smile on your face, the hockey pitch is where you found your place.
Arty - crammed with facts, some interesting, some really odd! The Rubik's cube, well you've got that nailed, you really are one to be hailed.
Bea - you can do just about anything, clever, sporty, a real delight. But music shines the most of all, piano, voice and flute is what we will recall.
Catherine - the book worm, eager to learn. You are confident and cool, always willing to have a turn.
Edward - we know you're clever, that we can't dispute, but a rapping sensation will be your class tribute.
Freddy - you fit right in from the start, you try so hard to play your part. You give it your all and will not stop, you helped us get Cavell to the top.
Georgia - a true and loyal friend, the kind on whom you can depend, but it's on the cricket pitch you shine, your effort comes through time after time.
Harry - you are thoughtful and caring, patient and kind, an IT whizz you blow us away with your mind.
Henry - brave and determined, resilient and strong you tackle all that comes along. Long legs on the track, unstoppable in the field, full of focus you never yield.
Hermione - you have a talent we have all watched grow; the stage is where you truly glow. From glittering genie to buzzing bee, your incredible impersonations fill us with glee.
Hugo - you are hysterical, the class joker it is true, you make us laugh, you lighten the mood even when we're blue.
Isobel - a heart of gold, you're always there for us. Affectionate and compassionate, nothing ever seems too much.
Isla - our budding entrepreneur, bake sales, book stalls and so much more, you'll definitely be a millionaire before you're twenty-four!
James - my partner in crime, a finer Head Boy you will not find. You are calm and confident, clear and sound, an actor is your dream, we know you'll be found.
Jessica - lovely and gentle to the core, so thoughtful and caring we always want more. A budding artist, quick to sketch, we wonder at your every etch.
Mia - our gracious, gifted gymnast. A somersault, a tuck or a pike, you have gold medals firmly in your sight.
Nandin - the newest member of the crew, in with open arms you flew. A fish in the water there is no doubt about it, smooth and fast, there is no way you'll come last.
Oscar - the all rounder, driven and persistent. A cricket wicket, a rugby try, with you on the team we're sure to get by.
Sammy - hard working and so sincere, an excellent friend always there to clap and cheer. Sensible and cautious in all you do, but who knew the javelin would be what you threw.
Sophie - you are the very best of friends. Witty and humorous, joyful and amusing, always entertaining us with silly stories and cheeky quips, the funniest things come from your lips.
Victoria - last but definitely not least. You brighten up the day with your bubbly smile and a twinkle in your eye, a passion for all you do, we know the sky is the limit for you.
So Amelia, Arty, Bea, Catherine, Edward, Freddy, Georgia, Harry, Henry, Hermione, Hugo, Isobel, Isla, James, Jessica, Mia, Nandin, Oscar, Sammy, Sophie and Victoria. Thank you for being part of my journey. Your friendship has been the greatest gift. I wish you all an exciting next adventure. I have no doubt you will all do amazing things.

Just remember, here is where it all began.