Although it is only October, Netherwood seems to have had a busy start to the term.

At the first assembly of the term, the principal, Mr. D. H. Morris, announced that this year's head boy and girl would be Peter Howe and Naomi Davidson. We wish them well throughout what will be an important year for them.

The many new pupils who started in September seem to have settled in well to the Netherwood family. Our mini United Nations grows steadily with new pupils from Japan, Taiwan and Hungary.

Sporting fixtures have begun well with a visit from St. John's, Porthcawl. Two exciting netball matches saw the junior team run out winners by 15 to 14, while the more experienced senior side had a more comfortable 18-8 win.

Many of our established rugby players have moved on to other establishments this year, but our young team made a brave attempt against more experienced opposition, eventually losing by 37-10.

Congratulations must go to Genna Pawlett, Georgina Berridge, Louise Temple and Elisha Garrett who have been selected for the Pembrokeshire Under 16s netball squad. They have already played one match, drawing against Brianne.

Thanks must go to PE teacher Mrs. Shirley James who seems to spend every lunch out on the netball court with her teams.

Thanks are also due to Mrs. Candy Pattison who is Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme organiser at Netherwood. The first bronze expedition took place recently when Eleanor Murray, Matthew Gibbs, Peter Howe and Ben Smith undertook a 15-mile expedition around the Pembrokeshire coast, camping at Freshwater East. In the words of one of the team "It was an interesting experience!" No blisters were in evidence in school on Monday, so obviously their preparation was excellent.

Our three Japanese pupils, Hanae in Year 12, and Yuki and Ayumi in Year 9, took part in a day of Japanese culture as part of the Tenby Arts Festival; it's good to see that we can learn as much from our international pupils as they can from us.