Fond Farewells – for now
An unprecedented early school closure on Friday 20th March resulted in a hugely poignant farewell for all our leavers this year.
Despite the confusion still surrounding their exams and coursework, the girls showed incredible resilience and good cheer. Deputy Head Girl, Kate, describes an abrupt and emotional last day:
‘Discovering our school careers were ending with 72 hours’ notice, after 14 years at South Hampstead for some, was not a scenario I ever imagined for Cohort 2020, more aptly now known as the ‘Corona Cohort’. So we crammed our last 6 weeks into three days of school… On Thursday, we all came dressed as our future plans: from medics to Hollywood directors, judges to geographers. On the final day, we donned our yellow shirts one last time and walked into school to the sound of a Big Band flashmob, which Tilly described as a ‘smile-filled send off.’
A lively game of ‘Bongo Bingo’ with Ms Simpson and Ms McDougall was the warm up for our final assembly. Ms Brass read us Dr Seuss’ ‘Oh the places you’ll go’, which prompted lots more tears, as we viewed photos and messages from absent classmates and teachers. Mrs Bingham and Mr Waller imparted their advice for life, and we enjoyed some quickly compiled videos and a rendition of the school song – although still struggling to hit the high notes!
Although many feel the loss of final netball competitions, debates, concerts, and of course, prom, if we hadn’t had so much fun in this tight knit community, we wouldn’t feel this way at all – so we can only be grateful. We would all like to thank our teachers and the Senior Leadership Team for all their support throughout our time in the Sixth Form – particularly now, especially to Mr Waller and Mr Foster for fielding all our A Level questions, and to Dr Osborne for her university advice. As Sophie (Head Girl) said: “It’s been bittersweet… but Friday wasn’t really the end, we’ll be back for proper goodbyes soon enough. You can’t get rid of Cohort 2020 that easily!”
To all our Upper Sixth leavers, and the small group of Year 11s who are moving to pastures new, we wish you every happiness and success. You will always be South Hampstead girls and you are always welcome back.
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So… get on your way!
The Places You’ll Go, Dr Seuss
Prints/digital downloads of photos available to order online – details sent to parents via SchoolPost.