Northcote's roving reporters: news from student travels

Donovan meets the Queen

Donovan Toohey of Year 11 went on the Crusaders Cricket England Tour for 3 weeks this year. They played about 16 games in various cricket clubs in the south of England. One of those games was against the Royal Household XI at Windsor Castle.

The cricket oval is in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the game was underway and Donovan was batting when the Queen arrived with Prince Phillip driving their green Rolls or Jaguar. They stopped playing and all players changed into official gear to meet the Queen individually and to have team photos taken. Play resumed as the Queen watched on.

Donovan continued batting to make 49 not out while the Queen and Prince Phillip watched on. Donovan’s innings won him the man of the match.

Sam finds the familiar in Finland

During August, Year 9 student Sam Sweatman has been on exchange in Finland. He has been enjoying his experience, making the most of opportunities to skate and to get to know his host family, and being the 'star tutor' of his English class.

His family reports that he compares the NHS experience favourably with Finland's well-respected education system! We were sent this picture of Sam outside his Finnish school, which reminded him of the entrance to Northcote. We look forward to hearing more of his adventures upon his return.