29 June 2025
Dear Oakley Parents and Guardians
This last short half term has been a whirlwind as our Vth form and U6 girls finished their exams while normal school life continued.
The L4 girls did themselves proud during camp week, enjoying water sports, camping and a day’s walk over the England/Wales border. They all pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and returned with many tales to tell:
We were very proud of our thespians, Arina and Petya, who took leading roles in the 4th form play, Macbeth. Petya was an outstanding Banquo and Arina played a sinister witch:
I was really pleased to see staff and girls enjoying our Oakley Summer Party last week. The burger van and ice creams were very popular and we enjoyed some impromptu musical entertainment too.
In our end of term assembly the following students were recognised:
House Colours:
Brisha, Mia Z, Lea, Maria S, Mollie L, and Tiffany
Most Commendations this term:
Kerron and Shristi
Tutees of the Term:
Shristi, Amy, Mollie L, Joyce and Christina
Junior House Cup:
Lacey
Senior House Cup:
Sai-Nam
Best Newcomer:
Arina
House Spirit:
Gabi
As well as saying farewell to some girls, it was also time to say farewell and thank you to staff who will be leaving Oakley this year. Ottilie Hild House gave us Mrs Hadley on a loan this year, a bit like Man United loan players to Real Madrid. Obviously both houses are in the Premiership. Mrs Hadley has been a lovely presence in house on Tuesday night, and, if you didn’t know, she’s expecting a new addition to her family in the Michaelmas Term. We thanked her for her service.
The Real Madrid analogy is probably best suited to Ms Perez, who has been with us for two years and has been a force of nature. We thanked her for getting stuck in and encouraging her tutees with high expectations. Ms Perez is moving to Webber House as Assistant Houseparent and we wish her well in her new role.
It was then my honour to announce the Heads of House for Oakley next year. Trissie will be the Performing Arts Monitor, Ibby will be Deputy Head of House and Alvina is our new Head of House. I am sure they will lead the others brilliantly and continue to be the best role models for our younger students.
It was great to have the house full again on the last day of term and we began with Routh Assembly. I was delighted that Oakley girls were recognised for the following:
For recognition of sustained commitment to Music alongside a high level of performance, Christina, Melody and Bernice were awarded their major school colours.
In recognition of a sustained commitment, loyalty and excellent standard of performance for Music Karis was awarded her school cap.
For recognition of her excellence and commitment to Drama over the last three years Esinam Adom was awarded her minor school colours.
For recognition of sustained commitment to Drama alongside a high level of performance, Karis and Bernice were awarded their major school colours.
In the final Whole School Assemblies on Friday, the following girls were congratulated:
L4 Subject Prizes:
Design Technology : Brisha Gurung
Photography : Charlotte Wong
Art – Textiles : Tiffany Tuladhar-Cardosa
Chemistry, Physics, Art, Craft & Design : Shristi Rai
Academic Awards:
English Second Language : Lina Sievert
Creativity, Activity and Service : Lina Sievert
And Lina deservedly went to collect the U20 Girls’ trophy for Sports Day:
COMMEMORATION DAY 2025
On Friday evening, girls helped me to decorate the Gazebo for the big day:
And then the big day arrived. The Oakley girls did us proud. In the final Prizegiving, Lina was awarded the French Prize and Molly Lau received a very special award.
As many of you will know, the School’s beloved bursar, Mrs Lesley Brookes, died this year after giving so many years of service to Bromsgrove and Winterfold. In her honour, a special award has been created and Houseparents were asked to nominate an individual who, to them, epitomised the values and remarkable character of Lesley. You can imagine our pride when an Oakley girl was the first to receive this special prize:
I could think of no student better than Molly Lau who would be a worthy recipient. From her first day in Oakley two years ago, she has fully embraced our Bromsgrove values and respectfully integrated into the community with humility that epitomises Molly's character. Without realising it, she leaves others in awe of her talents and yet her feet are firmly on the ground. She has a perceptive insight into the emotional needs of others, quietly stepping up to help those who are struggling, whatever their age and for whatever reason. She does not do this for accolades or titles but because she is a decent human being that we can all learn from. For fun, she painted her 'Guardian Angel' over one holiday and she has been a cornerstone of 201. She will support every House social endeavour. She is happy behind-the-scenes enabling others to shine. Nothing is too much trouble but usually Molly anticipates what is needed and we don't even need to ask. Molly's presence in House, post-exams has been so welcome. She is able to turn her hand to anything and I cannot think of a better role model for the younger students in House. I know that my opinion of Molly is shared by anyone who meets her and she is highly respected by her peers. A hard worker who still finds time for fun, tinkering on the piano or noodling the guitar, wise beyond her years but also wanting to learn from anyone she meets and try new things. Just like Lesley, Molly is liked by everyone and is held in such high esteem but there are no airs and graces, she is humble and genuine, strong and kind.
Congratulations to everyone who received a prize this Commemoration but also to the whole of Oakley House for surviving another busy year.
I wish you a restful summer and good luck to those moving onto pastures new. To the rest of Oakley House, I look forward to seeing you on the other side of our summer break.
Best wishes
Victoria Adams
