The end of another school year looms as we enter the fourth week of the Michaelmas Term. In an effort to ease some pressure on the demands of the usual schedule and to facilitate opportunities for experiential learning, we began this term with a special programme. The Form V girls have been writing preliminary examinations, the Form IV girls completed a leadership course, the Form III girls have been engaged in designing and planning their fashion show, the Form II girls were at bush school for a fortnight and the Form I girls had an integrated programme for three days. The teachers were also involved in a number of professional development opportunities.

You will notice that work has progressed on the new sports facility. This may cause some disruption during the next months but we are managing the construction schedule in relation to the school’s needs. The facility will provide much-needed basketball courts on campus and will serve as a second AstroTurf in winter and an athletics facility in summer. St Mary’s has limited space and there is much pressure on facilities to accommodate both the Junior and Senior Schools’ co-curricular programmes. The multi-functional field will ease our scheduling woes and provide more equitable access for all sports teams. The next area of focus for upgrade will be the Consumer Studies classrooms and kitchens.

Today, we marked Heritage Day with a Eucharist in The Edge. It was a spiritual and deeply moving service that celebrated the transformative power and value of diversity in our school.

May I remind parents that the St Mary’s School app is continually updated with schedules and information which should help you in planning your daughter’s schedule. It also features a list of all staff and their email addresses for ease of contact.

Deanne King

Head of School