Dear Parents & Carers
As another wonderful year draws to a close, I have found myself reflecting on one of the greatest privileges of being Head of the Junior School: watching our girls grow.
This year feels especially significant. As I complete my eighth year as Head, our Year 6 girls are the very first cohort I met during my first round of 4+ assessments. I can still picture many of them arriving as curious, excited three- and four-year-olds, clutching a parent’s hand, full of questions and just a little unsure of what lay ahead. Seven years later, they leave us as confident, compassionate and capable young women, ready for the exciting adventures that await them. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of their journey.
Of course, this story is not unique to Year 6. Every day, across the Junior School, I see the same transformation taking place. I see Reception girls proudly reading their first book, Year 2 pupils discovering new passions, Year 4 girls growing in confidence and Year 6 pupils leading with kindness and maturity. Watching our girls discover who they are, and who they can become, is what makes this school such a special place.
While academic success is important, I am proudest of the young people our girls become. Our Channing Characters continue to shine in countless everyday moments: showing resilience when learning feels difficult, bravery when trying something new, empathy towards friends, curiosity about the world around them and responsibility as they grow into leaders. These qualities cannot always be measured, but they are the foundations upon which happy, successful lives are built.
This year has also been filled with unforgettable moments. From the wonderful productions of The Snowman, The Jungle Book and Oliver!, to inspiring music concerts, sporting triumphs and creative projects, our girls have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, determination and joy. They have represented the school at national sporting events, maths and poetry competitions, performed with confidence on stage, achieved musical success and raised money for charity. Above all, they have celebrated one another’s achievements with kindness, generosity and genuine delight.
None of this would be possible without the remarkable partnership between our staff and families. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for working alongside us to help your daughters flourish. Together, we create a community where girls feel known, valued and encouraged to be the very best version of themselves.
As we reach the end of term, we also say goodbye to several much-valued members of staff. We thank Mr Davies (Deputy Head), Mr Westerman (Form Teacher), Miss Crossdale (Teaching Assistant) and Miss Moore (Teaching Assistant) for the dedication, care and enthusiasm they have shown during their time at the Junior School. We wish them every happiness and success in the future.
We are also delighted to celebrate with Miss Jackson, Miss Kitsis and Miss Micallef, who are all getting married over the summer. We wish them wonderful celebrations and every happiness in this exciting new chapter.
Finally, to all our girls: thank you. Thank you for your curiosity, your laughter, your kindness and the energy you bring to our classrooms and playgrounds every single day. You make the Junior School the warm, vibrant and joyful place that it is, and we could not be prouder of each and every one of you.
I wish you and your families a happy, restful summer. We look forward to welcoming you back in September for another year of learning, friendship and, above all, Girls Enjoying Success.
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School