Ladies of Letters

Our Alumnae Pen Pal scheme, connecting pupils past and present, has been flourishing during lockdown.

The initial intention was to set up correspondence between current pupils and some of our most vulnerable and isolated alumnae during the pandemic; at the time the scheme started, only those over the age of 70 were being asked to stay at home. But, as the situation rapidly evolved, and everyone entered lockdown, lots of younger alumnae joined the scheme too.  Former South Hampstead pupils of all generations are now in regular contact with our pupils, sharing their reflections on life in lockdown, making new connections through their old school.

Your pen pal initiative is really making a difference. Thank you!

‘I just wanted to follow up with a massive thank you! My Auntie Anne has benefitted from this hugely. She lives on her own in Cardiff and is in her 80s. She is so sociable so has really struggled not seeing her friends and family. Her pen pal Nina has been brilliant. They email most days and share stories about living in Finchley and tales of their school days. We have a family zoom chat on Sundays and she talks about Nina as if she’s one of her friends. Your pen pal initiative is really making a difference. Thank you!’

The animated exchanges, typical of South Hampstead, range from baking to Brecht. We have also launched an Alumnae Pen Pal club to discuss new ideas; the virtual, after school club, run by our Sixth Form Alumnae Captains, is one of a growing range of co-curricular activities taking place online each week.