Old Pocklingtonian 2021/2022 | Page 12

DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOOL NEWS

JOHN DOLMAN SOCIETY UPDATE
In February , members of the John Dolman Society were welcomed into School for a tour , luncheon and reception with the Headmaster , staff , and pupils . The event gave members the opportunity to see some of the latest developments around School including sampling the all-new catering provision from the recently appointed Head of Catering and Hospitality , Paul Freeman-Hacker , who took over from Andrew D ’ Arcy after he retired last year .
JOHN DOLMAN SOCIETY
POCKLINGTON SCHOOL
Sheena McNamee , Director of External Relations commented “ It was wonderful to re-connect with our members and thank them for supporting the School through their donations to the John Dolman Trust . Guests particularly enjoyed talking to students and finding out how they are making the most of the opportunities and experiences available at School .”
Membership of the John Dolman Society is open to anyone who donates to the School . Members are invited to Commemoration and other School events throughout the year as well as receiving the annual John Dolman Society update .
If you would like more information about the John Dolman Society , please email Jenny Preston at Prestonj @ pocklingtonschool . com or call 01759 322626 .
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AT POCKLINGTON !
A new lunch offering , international evenings and cooking in Chef ’ s kitchen are all initiatives Pocklington School pupils have been enjoying since the refurbishment of the School dining hall last September .
The Head of Hospitality and Catering , Paul Freeman-Hacker , joined the School in Michaelmas term 2021 and has introduced a brand-new menu and food offering as well as changing how food is procured , produced and presented . As set out in the School ’ s new Food Charter , the catering team take pride in producing balanced meals that are not only delicious and healthy , but also fresh and from local providers .
When children enter the dining hall they are greeted by a daily choice of freshly prepared soup , main courses , pasta sauces , desserts and a vibrant salad bar , with speciality breads .
The catering team make use of any opportunity to bring a bit of fun to the dining hall . World Book Day saw the dining hall transformed into a scene from ‘ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ’, a chocolate milk river and waterfalls , chocolate fountains , Wonka bars … and more ! Whilst on St Patrick ’ s Day a green themed catering team served a lime flavoured drink from a drinkable river flowing from a pot of gold .
Boarding students from Spain , Germany , Switzerland , China , Hong Kong , Egypt and Eritrea have worked alongside Paul and his team to host International Suppers . Each one has focused on a different country with traditional national dishes , authentic music and themed decorations to tie in with the national flag of the country being celebrated enabling students to try a variety of foods and learn about different cultures and traditions .
NEW PREP SCHOOL LIBRARY UNVEILED
Pocklington Prep School unveiled its brand new library in September 2021 . Children ’ s author , writer and award-winning television correspondent Catherine Jacob was invited to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new space .
She also took part in a series of guest storytelling sessions for the children as part of the opening celebrations . Other guest readers included Sally Stone ( Head of English ), Toby Seth ( Headmaster ) and Steph Saunders ( Librarian ).
Suzy Ward , Head of Pocklington Prep School , said “ Our new library sits right at the heart of our wonderful School . It is a beautiful space to read , relax and learn . We couldn ’ t be more pleased with this exciting new development .”
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