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Head Girls Speak Out EX HUMILIBUS 2020/21
Head Girls Baroness Ilora Finlay,
née Gillian Dowman (Class of 1967)
Katy Astley,
née Joubert (Class of 1999)
Priyanka Patel, (Class of 2017)
Head Girl 2020 - 2021, Jess, chats to former Head Girls, Baroness Ilora Finlay, née Gillian Dowman (Class of 1967), Katy Astley, née Joubert (Class of 1999) and Priyanka Patel (Class of 2017) about their time as Head Girl of Wimbledon High School. What did you enjoy most about being Head Girl at WHS? Priyanka - Connectivity and developing connections. Katy - The sense of belonging and feeling valued. Ilora - Influencing change and being listened to by staff and the Headmistress.
How did the Head Girl Team function when you were here? Priyanka – We were a close team and made sure all decisions were made on a uniform basis. I always
tried to recognise that everyone was there because they brought something to their role. Katy - We had two deputies and a cabinet, and we would meet regularly, so I learnt to Chair a formal meeting and made connections that have continued for life. Ilora – The school was smaller, but we still had two deputies and I am still in touch with one of them. We would meet each week for an update with the Headmistress over coffee and biscuits.
Interview by: Jess Leunig, Head Girl
What qualities allowed you to be an effective Head Girl? Ilora – I had a slightly rebellious side and I remained friends with the rebellious group which gave me some negotiation skills and taught me how to tackle problems from different angles. Priyanka – A desire and foresight to impact change and to balance friendships whilst maintaining a vision. I learnt more in that year than I had in all the previous years. Katy – I felt confident at school from the beginning and got a gold badge in Juniors in my first term.
