Welcome back to school. Spring is clearly evident in our gardens and in the growing intensity of the sun. The season promises rebirth and a time of growth, thus a good time to return to school and participate in a new term and the possibilities that it holds.

Our Form V girls have begun writing the preliminary examinations and I am pleased to note that they have settled into a measured routine that will benet their eorts. The teachers are eager to track their progress through these examinations so as best to support them for the final examinations that begin in October. Our Form I to IV girls have been involved in special programmes, which include a leadership course for the Form IVs and bush school for the Form IIs.

I am pleased to inform you that after a rigorous process, and in consultation with the Board, I have appointed Tinhiko Nkuna as deputy head, Innovation. Tinhiko is an Old Girl of St Mary’s and returned to our school to teach History and join the e4 team. Her passion and vision for educational transformation has been evident in her teaching and in her role as head of Phelps House. She will lead innovation through all the educational focus areas including specically the social, generational and transformational innovation that we aspire to at St Mary’s.