A new start as we approach a new school year

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, the parched grass on Blackheath was slowly turning yellow and we were basking in beautiful sunshine. June so far has been a bit of a washout, but at least this made the prospect of sitting in the exam hall a more attractive proposition. It is a long exam season, and those girls with a subject like Further Maths in our Sixth Form will be going right until the bitter end of June. We are very proud of the girls for their commitment to their revision and we wish them all a good rest and celebration when the time comes. As we inch towards the end of term, there are many celebrations to look forward to, as year groups reach major milestones: Year 6 prom to celebrate the end of the girls' primary school education, Year 11 afternoon of bouncy fun and the Sixth Form Ball to come.

Life in school is rich and varied; outside the exams; there are many co-curricular opportunities and trips this term. Years 5 and 6 have been enjoying their residential trips and we managed to complete two out of three junior sports days before the rain began. Brave performances abounded and our oldest girls set an excellent example. Our Year 9 girls will be completing their bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions this weekend and Year 12 are beginning their UCAS applications in earnest.

Parents too have been engaging in co-curricular activities, with an excellent evening soiree event at the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich. Views were fantastic, company was great and outfits were stunning. Grateful thanks from me to our supportive team of parents prepared to give the time and effort to make these events so special; it really is a uniquely lovely quality of the Blackheath community.

Things ran so smoothly, that you may not have been aware of my absence on parental leave just before half term. Great thanks to my trusty senior team and staff for their efforts in my absence. Grateful thanks also, from me and Emma, for the kind messages and congratulations from you on the birth of our beautiful baby girl, Harriet Ailsa. A healthy 8lb 9oz, she is thriving and will undoubtedly be making her presence known as a member of Blackheath High School in no time. If I am looking a little bleary around the eyes when you see me, you will know why!