Last week in Helsinki house we recognised the efforts of some of our greatest contributors; both to the house and the school. Students and staff who help others within Helsinki house or represent the school at sporting events each received a Helsinki badge.

Year 8 students Alex Wilmshurst, Jamie Barnett and Oliver Harris were part of the Basketball team who took first place in the Thanet schools tournament. They go on to compete against the winning team from the Dover area in January to decide who will represent our region at the Kent School Games next year.

Since he started at Dane Court, James Mileham (9H) has been playing in the Dane Court football team made up of boys in his year. Earlier in 2011 that team won the Kent Cup and they are now competing in the English Schools Football Association's national competition; currently through to the seventh round which puts them in the last 16 of the original 810 schools who entered. The draw for the quarter finals will take place in January.

Luke Burston, Oliver Crew and Dominic Foord in 10H have been totally reliable in carrying out a vital daily duty for the house. The dividing wall splitting our house meeting space has to be carefully opened in a very short time after lesson four and before the meeting begins. At the end of the meeting the wall has to be closed to allow Mr Stanley to to conduct his mentor meeting. These three members of Helsinki house make life that little bit more comfortable for the rest of us by organising their time.

In the sixth form, Lucy Harris, Charlotte Jack, Eleanor Jordan and Rebecca Keeler will finish their time as our house captains at the end of this term. They have been marvelous supporters of Helsinki House with their constant motivating enthusiasm for every function, event and competition throughout the last twelve months. We do hope they will stay involved with Helsinki activities and pass on their skills to next year's house captains.

 

Finally we recognised Mr White, mentor to 9H, for his efforts to raise funds for a charity dear to his heart. He recently took part in Mud Man; a 32km race involving running and cycling. At first glance his finishing time of three hours and twelve minutes does not seem very impressive but taking into consideration the venue for the race was a testing ground for Ministry of Defence tanks I think we can give him full credit for his major effort. In addition to raising money through sponsorship of his participation in this tough event, staff at Dane Court contributed by holding a sweep-stake on his finishing time.

All money raised went to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.