As we experience the onslaught of the third wave of Covid-19, it is worth recalling the words of Dr Karin van der Merwe whom I quoted in my letter to the community last week, “It’s time to ramp up our Covid response with patience, kindness, self-control, and self-sacrifice. These are principles that get lost in our fast-paced world. Covid is teaching us to put others before ourselves, to wait it out and to act for the human good. These are the values we would like to pass onto our children too.”

I thank our families for supporting the school’s decision to learn and teach remotely and to delay the Senior School examinations. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you on changes to the arrangements. The plan at present is to begin examinations for Form I – IV on Monday 5 July 2021. We are confident that the scheduled academic programme for Term II will be comprehensively covered by the end of term.

I have been privileged to attend the virtual National Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ (NCGS) conference this week together with six of our teachers. The conference theme has been “Belonging”, which is especially meaningful for us during Youth and Pride month. This is a truly global gathering of girls’ schools with a focus on educational research, professional development, advocacy for girls’ education and networking.

It is affirming to be amongst educators from across the world and to focus on best practice in girls’ education. The St Mary’s team delivered a presentation, which was well-received, and we have been encouraged by the shared nature of the challenges that confront schools across the globe. Some of these include issues of social justice, mental health and well-being, social media and poor levels of reading. St Mary’s is a member of the NCGS, an American organisation, and we benefit from its research, resources, and advocacy for girls’ education.

This is the last newsletter that will feature a message from Revd Claudia. I am certain that the community joins me in wishing Revd Claudia well as she begins a new chapter in her life. Claudia has been a pillar of strength in our community, and she has enthusiastically immersed herself in school life over the past five years. I have valued her counsel, her commitment to our school’s ethos, and her willingness to support all aspects of school management. Her farewell will be quiet and simple owing to circumstances but as an Old Girl and past chaplain she remains a member of our community. I look forward to announcing the appointment of a new chaplain within the next few weeks.

DEANNE KING
HEAD OF SCHOOL