(Extra)ordinary Moments

With my second year at South Hampstead well underway, I continue to be struck by the myriad daily interactions which encapsulate our school spirit.

I hope all our families who joined the South Hampstead community this September have felt as warmly welcomed as I was this time last year. As the new academic year gathers pace, I have been reflecting on some of the everyday moments which reinforce my profound sense of connection with the school. Over the past six weeks, there have been so many instances which gain meaning when looked at as a whole:

• Being stopped in the corridor by our Lower Sixth students, eager to share how much they are loving their A Level courses
• Hearing stories from our Year 7 residential trip of our pupils valiantly embracing the challenge of abseiling and zip-wiring in the rain
• Watching our social action team mobilise donations to our local foodbank and children’s book project for Mitzvah Day
• Seeing the sheer look of joy when I agreed to a Year 8 pupil’s proposal to create more storage for musical instruments
• Enjoying a mesmerising Black History Month assembly with a guest storyteller and leading my own lunchtime poetry reading sessions
• Speaking to parents at our various welcome events (I look forward to our Year 8 and 11 parent welcome evenings after half term)
• Admiring our student Eco-committee’s outstanding proposals for re-developing the roof terrace
• Chatting to our Junior School pupils about the highlights of their week over hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles
• Ceding to Year 11’s humorous requests for sofas to accommodate all their friends in our new indoor garden
• Witnessing the excitement of our pupils embracing – and leading – so many varied co-curricular clubs
• Listening to our debaters tell me about their recent successes and being recognised as the ‘best school in the UK for pupil voice’
• Talking to the whole school community in assembly about how proud I am of every single girl here…

I could go on.  It is a delight to experience moments like these, and I am so proud to lead a school where such warmth, fun and purpose are a part of everyday life. I am particularly grateful to all our staff who so tirelessly instill in our girls such a unique blend of intellectual energy, kindness and enthusiasm. Thanks to them, and your daughters, I am reminded on a daily basis how extraordinary our ordinary life is here at South Hampstead. As we prepare for another busy half term ahead, I wish you and your families a very restful holiday.

I am reminded on a daily basis how extraordinary our ordinary life is here at South Hampstead.