Head’s Note

From the

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Friends,

I write from a place I think few among us expected to be when we gathered for Alumnae Weekend last March: nearly a year into a pandemic that has caused so much pain and paused so many aspects of life. Indeed, the Westridge campus has been without students since March 12. But as you will read in “Distanced, Different, But Still Westridge at Heart,” so much of what makes Westridge Westridge, has been sustained by the care and perseverance of community members near and far.

The second story in this edition of Surgere is about beloved faculty member Juanita Jimenez, who will retire in June after 50 years of inspiring Westridge girls to push themselves creatively and teaching them, and all of us, about a life well lived. Reviewing the timeline that parallels change and growth at Westridge with highlights from Juanita’s tenure (page 6), led me to think about the history of our institution and the people, such as Juanita, who have left their mark here.

Our school has been through difficult times before — we have even been through another pandemic — and we have come through them together. Right now, we turn to each other for support and to maintain what is core to our mission, our school, and our hearts. In the years to come, as we reflect on what we experienced, I have no doubt that we will realize that we are wiser, stronger, and more connected than ever.

I hope to see our alumnae online during Alumnae Weekend, March 12 and 13. I have marveled at how our students, faculty, and staff have brought so much meaning to our online events and traditions this year, and I am looking forward to warmth, memories, and community that the weekend always brings.

Surgere,

Elizabeth J. McGregor Head of School