The commitment and dedication of the girls and staff has been a real high point of this roller-coaster

In my end of term assembly for the girls, I included a quote from Rumi, a poet, scholar and theologian from the 13th century born in Tajikistan. He said:

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all.”

I feel like I have had all the visitors in my guest house the past few weeks and, without wishing to exhaust the metaphors, it has been a roller-coaster. Without a doubt the commitment and dedication of staff and the enthusiasm, energy and hard work of girls have created those high points on the roller-coaster ride. It was with great joy then, that I received the news that we have been shortlisted in two categories (the only GDST school to do so this year) in the Independent School Parent Awards:  Independent Prep School of the Year and Independent Girls’ School of the Year. This really is a vindication and recognition of everyone’s strength, spirit and commitment and very welcome indeed - well done!

Having received the government guidance for September we feel incredibly optimistic that we can bring all the girls back in a safe way and with an even fuller curriculum and co-curriculum than the excellent offering we already have in the current situation. Please do stay safe with your families over the summer and we can all do our part in keeping transmission rates low and maximising our chances for a return to school for all. I cannot wait to see all the girls in person and look forward to sending out our more detailed plans next month.