Woolston Brook School

By Mark Cullen. Photographs by Cath Fowler. 22/12/24

On Thursday, 19th December 2024, the vibrant school hall was transformed into a spirited arena for our annual Christmas Badminton Tournament. This year's event was brimming with energy and camaraderie, as staff and students came together to partake in a morning filled with both competition and light-hearted banter. The atmosphere was simply electric, with laughter echoing off the walls, while festive decorations adorned every corner, setting the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be a truly memorable occasion.

As the bells of advent chimed at the start of December, it was clear that this tournament was going to be particularly competitive. The buzz around the school was palpable, with eager participants practically bouncing off the walls—both literally and figuratively— as teams were formed and rivalries ignited. In a fantastic show of school spirit, we witnessed an impressive turnout, with nearly all our staff getting involved alongside our enthusiastic students. It’s always heartwarming to see everyone come together, and this year was no exception. Friends were there to cheer each other on, making for an atmosphere that was festively merry and utterly delightful.

The student matches showcased some intense and riveting encounters. Notably, in the highly anticipated Badminton match, Noah from Year 8 faced off against a Year 11 student. The format of the match heightened the excitement; each game was set to 21 points, leading to a best-of-three showdown that had the audience on the edge of their seats. The match was a nail-biter from the get-go. The Year 11 student nabbed the first game in a thrilling bout of skill and strategy. However, Noah wasn't about to back down. He returned with a vengeance, securing victories in the next two games and ultimately being crowned the student champion. The cheers from the crowd for both competitors rang through the hall, encapsulating the spirited essence of the event.

Meanwhile, the staff matches were just as exhilarating. In a particularly thrilling final, our Mathematics lead, John McMullan, faced off against our wonderfully spirited teaching assistant, Teagan Bundy. The anticipation around the court was palpable as fans gathered, eager to witness this showdown for the coveted title of staff champion. As the games progressed, John was clearly in fine fettle. He had arrived not only ready to play but also sporting a flamboyant makeover, complete with fake tattoos and a mohawk hairstyle—an endearing nod to his Christmas fancy dress alter-ego. With his exuberant appearance and cheeky confidence, he managed to entertain the crowd while remaining unfazed by the pressure of the competition. In a rather bold claim following his victory, John joked that he had challenged himself by predominantly playing with his left hand. Perhaps it was his festive flair that had emboldened him, adding a delightful layer of absurdity to the occasion! Despite Teagan's best efforts—her impressive agility and sportsmanship on full display—John's skills ultimately shone through. He clinched victory by winning the match in two straight games, leading to a roaring applause from the crowd. Teagan, ever the good sport, sported her brilliant smile throughout the game and was the first to congratulate John following his triumph, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie that our school fosters.

While the scores and winners are undoubtedly significant, what truly mattered was the sense of community cultivated throughout the tournament. The laughter shared among colleagues, the supportive cheers from the stands, and those precious moments of joy highlighted the wonderful school spirit we cherish. As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024, we eagerly anticipate more events that will continue to unite us and inspire our students and staff alike.