Autumn Term
1st FEBRUARY 2021 Issue 1 : 4th September 2020
Dear Parents, Today, I have the pleasure of conducting the interviews for the position of Head Girl. It is genuinely one of the highlights of the year, and such a pleasure to do - more so in these rather wearying times. I am always so impressed by the calibre of the candidates. They have an interview with myself and the SLT, complete an in-tray exercise in timed conditions, write a letter of application and finally, make individual presentations to the entire school at assembly. There is a vote by the staff and student body, but all aspects of the process are taken into account; this is no mere popularity contest, and the process is exacting and robust. I doff my cap to all the girls who put themselves forward. Working with the Head Girl Team, with Miss Pitchford, is such a joy. Although the pandemic has curtailed our weekly meetings somewhat, it is always exciting to hear their ideas and take on their feedback - the meetings are steered by them, not me. They work closely with the elected members of the Student Council, they give assemblies, they greet prospective parents (or at least they did in the year BC - Before Covid), they lead the school. Although there will be time properly to thank the outgoing team, I wish to acknowledge them here: our Deputies, Steph, Grace, and Isabelle, and our Head Girl, Amy. No-one will forget the confetti cannon that heralded the end of Amy's Head Girl presentation (mostly because she had brought a dustpan and brush with her), but equally her cheerful, gentle and determined demeanour has made her a pleasure to work with. She has done a wonderful job. My thanks to this very special group of super girls, who have steered the ship steadily in the most difficult of circumstances: barely had they been elected before we were in lockdown for the first time, yet their impact on school life is undiminished. My thanks to all the Prefects and Senior Prefects, and the Captains of Sport, Music and Drama: without them so much 'stuff' just would not get done, and they have executed their duties with such vigour. From Polly's Sports' Day, to LJ's excellent contribution to Values Week, to Cameron's online readathon (and I've not mentioned a huge number of others), their initiatives have been so much fun, and just the tonic we've needed. So to everyone who has held a position of responsibility this year, my sincere thanks. They will be much missed, and the incoming team has massive shoes to fill. Please could I ask you to remind your daughters that the Head Girl Presentations will take place on Monday at 0840 promptly (via Teams) and that voting links have been sent via email by Miss Pitchford. The vote will close at lunchtime and the assembly will be videoed in case there are any technical issues. The new team will be announced on Friday at another whole school assembly. It is an exciting week ahead! I wish you all a pleasant weekend.
Best wishes, Dr Claire McShane