Letter from Head

Letter from the Head

Welcome to this year’s edition of The Chronicle, which looks back on a year more familiar in terms of its rhythms and routines, after the disruption to the school community brought about by the ravages of the pandemic. Whilst 2021-2 was not without its challenges and restrictions, we saw the return of more traditional markers of the academic year: public examinations; occasions like Speech Day and Leavers’ Balls ‘in real life’ and the return of overseas trips. If anything, the calendar of events was more intense than ever, as the resolute St George’s staff sought to ‘catch up’ on rites of passage much missed by the staff and students alike. The whole community felt a renewed appreciation of the simpler aspects of school life: being able to socialise across year groups; to participate in music performances once more and to be able to restore the much valued co-curricular and enrichment opportunities so hard to emulate online.

This year marked the final year of Mrs Hems’ leadership as Head, and I have been so appreciative of her grace, intelligence, and vision as I take up the reins at St George’s. To lead the school during such a challenging time will have taken great determination and resilience, yet she wore this lightly and continued to keep the values of ‘Trouthe and Honour, Freedom and Curteisye’ at the heart of St George’s. As you read these pages, it will be apparent just what a fantastic job the staff and students do in keeping the school a place of learning where opportunities abound, minds are opened and horizons are broadened. I do hope you enjoy reading it. Carol Chandler-Thompson 2022