Farewell Ms Wickenden

Thank you and Farewell from Ms Wickenden

I have loved being part of Barry House over the last two years as an Assistant Housemaster and it has been a pleasure getting to know the boys and their families over this time.  After 7 years at Shore, I leave with treasured memories of my time in the boarding community.  From the events like the Barry House Concert, the Year 12 Farewell Night and Golden Boots to some of the Barry House weekend activities, there was always something exciting to look forward to and days on duty were punctuated by the quick wit and laughter with the Barry boys.  I will not forget the rugby nights (who can forget the State of Origin excitement?) and cooking adventures where we tried our hand at a few sweet treats alongside lots of homemade staples like pumpkin soup and spaghetti bolognaise.  The boys certainly did not appreciate how many vegetables I tried to sneak into those dishes but they could never taste them once cooked! J

Above all, it was the quieter interactions sitting in the House foyer, chatting as the boys return from sport, music or their school day that provided the most enjoyment.  The Barry boys share stories about their families, their homes and are often sitting with different year groups squished together on the foyer couches as they dissect the school week and discuss their plans for the weekend.  Invariably the boys would always throw a question my way, “And how was your day, Ma’am?” asked with genuine interest, and this speaks volumes to the character and tone of the House.  The Barry boys have been a considerate, articulate group of young men to work with and I wish Barry House, and the boarding community more broadly, all the very best for 2020 and beyond. 

I do hope to cross paths with many families on the sporting sidelines in the future.  Whilst I might be wearing new colours, I will always be looking out for the Shore boarders on the field!  

Merry Christmas.

Ed. We will miss you greatly, Ms Wickenden. You have been such a huge part of our lives over the last 2 years that it will be very hard to imagine life in the House without you. Along with Mr Jenkins, Barry House has lost two wonderful mentors this year, onto greener pastures. Thank you for everything!