Sports Day

A reminder that Sports Day begins at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday 9 July.

All children are expected to attend Sports Day and they will all be involved. They should also remain until the shield has been presented for their Block. Approximate finish times are: E Block 1.40 p.m. D Block 2.00 p.m. C Block 2.20 p.m. B Block 2.40 p.m. A Block 3.00 p.m.

We will continue with the system of keeping cars off the fields for Sports Day and we will offer the same service of reserved parking for boarding parents and those with a genuine need for on-site parking. Access to the fields will be from 7.30 a.m. on Saturday - not before, please. Any gazebos erected during the evening (or overnight) will be removed. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.

Second Hand Uniform

The second hand uniform shop will be open on Saturday 9 July, from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. This is the last chance to purchase second hand uniform before the next school year.

Fun in the Sand

Dragons create a sand sculpture in the Bardwell Road Sandpit.

LAMDA

Many thanks to those parents who have registered their children for LAMDA lessons next year. The list is now closed but anyone wishing for their child to be put on the waiting list, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   by Thursday 1 September. We are heavily oversubscribed and whilst we are doing our upmost to accommodate everyone, it may not be possible. We’ll send further details as and when we can. Thank you.

National Athletics Championships

On Monday, the Dragon competed in the National Athletics Finals at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Well over 1000 athletes from 150 different schools competed at an extremely high standard and Dragon athletes performed fantastically well winning a number of 4th and 6th places. Medal winning performances included a gold in the U12 (4 x 100m) Relay, and a bronze in the U13 Long Jump. In addition, the U11 School Record for 800m, set in 1996, was equalled. A number of other personal bests meant that the children did themselves and the Dragon proud.

Dragon Boats

The Dragon Regatta last Saturday took place in wonderful sunshine, drawing many families and punters to the riverbank. There were 50 races from the activity group, a demonstration scull from the squad scullers in A-E Block, and a good tea from Mr Palmer. There was also heated activity amongst the parents with 15 Mothers and 24 Fathers competing in the Ergo challenge, reaching a remarkable 537m and 631m respectively. At least the parents have a full year to recover before being asked to sign up again.

Chernobyl’s 25th Anniversary

We were delighted to see many of the friends made last year from Belarus, return to the Dragon last week. The 11 children and 2 teachers, supported by charity ‘Chernobyl’s Children’, spent the day with many of the Dragon’s Russian speaking pupils. They visited lessons, splashed around in the pool and joined in games in the playground. All too soon it was time for goodbye but with a firm agreement to meet up again this time next year.

Does Slavery Still Exist?

This was a question put to the A Block this week by visitor Gregg Helvey, a young Oscar nominated film-maker from California. He posed the question before he presented his academy award winning film Kavi, a story about a young boy, living in modern day India, who wants to play cricket but cannot because he and his family are in bonded labour. Gregg talked about his journey in making the film, the Oscar nominating process and his mission to raise awareness of this issue.

Bee-Mergency

The Dragon had a call from our pest control man about an unwanted swarm of bees at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Our resident staff bee-keeper rushed out to collect the bees and they are now happily occupying a Dragon hive and will hopefully soon be contributing to our Dragon honey.

Prize Winners

A photo gallery of prize winners will be on view on the parents’ area of the website by the end of the month. We hope these will be an enjoyable reminder of some outstanding achievements.

Energetic Afternoon

Lynams enjoyed a fun filled, sunny afternoon of sports on Monday 4 July, with every child participating in races and activities to earn points for their colour group. (See main picture). Every throw, jump and run counted towards the final scores with the Blue team winning with an overall 1802 points. The Yellow team won this half term with a total of 1372 points awarded. Well done to everyone.

Imaginations Run Wild

The Reception children enjoyed a ‘Let’s Imagine Day’ by arriving at school dressed as pirates or mermaids. After a variety of activities, including hat and telescope making, the day finished with a party to celebrate a successful Reception year at Lynams.

Dragon Music for Youth

Dragonetti Strings and the Chamber Choir performed at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Monday, when they took part in the prestigious National Festival of Music for Youth. To be selected, they had submitted a recorded performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, which they had sung at the Sheldonian Theatre in February. Ten other ensembles, choirs and bands participated in the Infant/Junior category, ranging from 8 to 13 years of age.

Dragonetti and the Chamber Choir performed Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Vivaldi’s Gloria during the Festival. The encouraging adjudication mentioned good intonation, excellent tone quality and a well supported accompaniment from the orchestra. The Dragons returned to school later to perform the Hallelujah Chorus at the Summer Serenade – a fitting conclusion to Liz Van Tromp’s time as the Chamber Choir’s excellent conductor.

Snappy Sunday

Cherwell visited the ‘World of Crocodiles’ in Witney last Sunday where they picnicked in the idyllic sunshine on the banks of the River Windrush. The girls handled pythons, baby crocodiles and a monitor lizard, and learnt about the conservation of rare crocodile species around the world. The day ended with a rather more peaceful session of ceramics painting close by. Everyone loved the experience and would recommend the website to parents.

Gunga’s Own James Bond

Last weekend, Houseparents at Gunga were treated to some very unusual entertainment in ‘Gunga’s Got Talent’, organised by the boys and Gunga Matrons. Hymn singing, jungle antics, beautiful 'cello playing, beat boxing, stand-up comedy and a James Bond Sketch were part of the competition. The eventual winners entertained everyone with an extremely funny combination of martial arts and hymn singing.

Horrid Henry

Parents may like to know that Horrid Henry - The Movie is having its Regional Premiere on Wednesday 27 July, at the Ultimate Picture Palace, off the Cowley Road. Three Dragons took part in the filming of the movie and the charity premiere is being held on behalf of Helen and Douglas House. Tickets (£12 for adults and £8 for children) can be purchased here or from UPP Box Office or from the Helen and Douglas House shops in Summertown, Headington and the Covered Market. For more information contact Fiona This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jam Jars and Fruit

Homemade produce is always really well received at the Dragon Sale, so please think about putting aside a couple of extra jars of your own jam or chutney for the Deli Stall this year. If you have an excess of fruit or jam jars but no time for getting one into the other, then please get in touch This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and the Sale Committee will do their best to arrange collection.

Can You Help?

Parents might like to know that the family of Michael Roberts (OD 1998), currently serving in 1Rifles in Afghanistan, is involved in a wristband appeal for charity ‘Swift and Bold’ to help the families of injured riflemen. Click here to view website. Jean Roberts would be delighted to hear from any parents who could recommend famous faces to become involved with the appeal or who could participate in a stand-up fundraising evening in London. If you can help, please contact Jean Roberts on 07836 616416 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it