Head's blog - December 2024

I would like to start by thanking the many of you who have shown a great deal of support and kindness to our community over the last few weeks as we have dealt with the tragic news about lovely Laila. Every email, card, and conversation has been hugely appreciated and has genuinely made a difference at this difficult time. Bereavement is part of our lives and many of our families are sadly affected regularly. As such, I have arranged for a specialist panel talk to support families in navigating all aspects of grief and will provide an opportunity for you to submit questions. An invite will follow to our parent webinar on ‘Finding Ways Forward Through Grief’, Wednesday 29 January, 7.00 pm.   

School life does not stop and I hope that by reading through this issue of Highlife, you will see that girls continue to make the most of the opportunities available to them. This term we hosted our first ever Sustainability Conference for students across the GDST. Thank you to Mrs Bijnens for leading this and of course the contributions from all our wonderful girls. Our fellow GDST schools gave glowing feedback about the programme!  

We have been active as ever in our Enrichment & Community events – from hosting little ones in Classics for Kids to our elders from local residential homes for afternoon tea, as well as cooking up delicious, nutritious meals for the Lewisham Food Bank. Our Year 11 have been a real credit to the school. This, of course, is just a snapshot of how busy this first term has been and I hope that you can take time to read about what lies ahead in the later years for your daughter! 

Wishing you rest, relaxation and quality time with family and friends over the Christmas break.

With best wishes,

Natalie Argile

Head