Head Girl’s Introduction

‘The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members’ - Coretta Scott King

This past academic year has been one of reopening and renovation for all in the College, as well as the world around us. As COVID-19 restrictions eased off, the St. Francis’ community has thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild our relationships with each other again after the pandemic. This strengthening of our community has shone through the students’ kindness and hard work all year round, and I couldn’t be more proud. Coretta Scott King, an inspiring American author and civil rights activist (though she is perhaps more commonly known to be the wife of Martin Luther King Jr.) once said, ‘The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members’. The compassion within the St. Francis’ community has grown ever more tangible over the last 10 months. An example of this was evident in the students’ cooperation and mutual support for one another during events such as the Recycled Fashion Show and Future Ready Days, or through the generous response for the Ukraine cake sale and donations in the wake of the conflict.

We started this year with a wondeful Prize Giving ceremony that did not disappoint. The achievements earned by the students were absolutely remarkable and they should all be very proud of themselves. The evening was brought to a close with an incredible speech by special guest Anna McNuff (who has now certainly become an inspiration for me!). Anna gave an awe inspiring account of her endurance running events, as well as surprising us all with some amazing rainbow unicorn leggings! - I think we all deserve a pair after the hard work of this past year.

Not long after, came the excitement and abundance of creativity of the Recycled Fashion Show. This year’s theme of Commedia dell’Arte allowed the students involved from Years 7-9 to present their masterpieces. The sheer effort and commitment put into each and every one of these costumes was inspiring. However, none of this magnificent event could have happened without the support of the whole Art Department and Year 12 students, organising and compering the show. This was a great opportunity and allowed the older students to really get to know the younger ones by working together on a special event in the St. Francis’ calendar. This year, in particular, held the chance for students to express themselves and their ideas much more openly since COVID-19. We have had a variety of different assemblies, led by students themselves, about matters that are truly important to us. From coping with Dyslexia to LGBTQ Pride. Students have been empowered to talk about their interests and lives in a safe, compassionate environment, helping them grow into confident people that aren’t afraid to put themselves out there and welcome the wider world with maturity and compassion.

Possibly one of the best examples of student initiative in the College this year was our very first ‘Oscars Day’. Organised by a Year 13 student, Robyn Norwood, each tutor group had the unique opportunity to create, edit and market their own film, aided by able Sixth Formers dressed up as our favourite celebrities! Students had the time of their lives mixing fun and laughter with creativity and imagination - skills that are so useful and essential for life after and outside of school.

2021-2022 has certainly been a year of student drive and leadership, particularly with our two Future Ready Days, which gave us all the opportunity to gain more skills in organisation, communication and perseverance. These days helped us to consider life in the 2030s. Run by the House Captains and Head of Houses, students worked in a variety of ways, such as designing websites and creating TED Talks. It was very interesting to see how each House had decided to promote their sustainable foods and communities to the rest of the College, This type of whole school event is so beneficial to us as a community. We really enjoyed creating strong links of communication and friendship with each other in the process. Friendships between year groups continued this year as music events and drama productions made a long-awaited return to the College calendar, with the Spring Concert and the Drama Department’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid’. They truly were worth the wait!

The Spring Concert was a brilliant ‘spring-back’ themed evening that showed off the magnificent musical abilities of all the students at St. Francis’, ably co-ordinated by Mrs Scott and the rest of the Music Department. The explosion of confetti at the end really sealed the evening as a success!

In March we were treated to the long awaited musical production of ‘The Little Mermaid’. It certainly did not disappoint, with students giving an amazing rendition of the classic story. Expertly accompanied by the orchestra, the cast of ‘The Little Mermaid’ sang and acted their hearts out in extravagant costumes and against the background of a fantastic set - what fun for both cast, orchestra and audience! Thank you to Mrs McDermott for all of her hard work on this show. Although this year has been one of joy and prosperity in the College - in the wider world, conflict in Ukraine has been on the news and in our mind. We know that, in times of humanitarian crisis, it is part of the St. Francis’ spirit to do what we can to help and support those in need. With close ties to many families affected by the conflict, this has definitely been at the front of many of the students’ thoughts over the past few months. I was blown away by the amount of support and love shown by the student and staff bodies at our cake sale and appeal for donations. We also held information sessions and Q&As for students to attend and learn more about the situation across Europe and what we can do to help. Again, the support and compassion from the College has been consistent and remarkable throughout the conflict; something that we should all be proud of.

On a much more positive note, we are around in an extraordinary age! Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this June, being the first British monarch to do so. St. Francis’ joined in with celebrations in style, enjoying tea parties and themed lunches to commemorate the Queen’s long lasting service to this country.

On the note of long lasting service, this year we are saying a hearty goodbye to some very special members of staff as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. We hope that their days at St. Francis’, whether it was a short time or a long time, will be ones that they look back upon with a smile, just as we will remember them fondly.

In particular, we say a massive thank you and good luck to our Headmistress, Mrs Goulding. Thank you for your support and leadership during these past 7 years - you will be dearly missed! We also say goodbye to our Year 13 cohort as they move into the big wide world of universities and employment. My Year 12 cohort has grown very close to the year above, and we, along with the rest of the student and staff bodies, will miss such a bright and loving group of students very dearly - good luck to all those leaving us this year with the next exciting part of your lives!

As this academic year draws to a close, we look forward to the next, which brings vibrancy and change in many different shapes and forms. As we say goodbye to the current Headmistress Mrs Goulding, we say good luck to Mr Nichols who will be our new Head in September! These are certainly times of exciting change, and I for one cannot wait to see what the next year brings.

Thank you and congratulations again to students and staff for a fantastic year!