Friday Headlines

07 July 2023

As we reach the end of term and the last ‘Friday Headlines’ for a while, I wanted to again commend the girls and staff for their endless energy and enthusiasm. As ever, we have worked hard throughout the year and in the last few weeks the girls have been able to enjoy residentials, including a wonderful Year 8 trip to Devon, day trips, a highly successful ‘Bake Off’, sports days for all age groups, a fabulous Prep Concert, another very successful EDGE talk event (participants pictured), a highly energetic House Musical in a Day and so much more.

We have also celebrated the ‘top’ years of our school in two Prize Giving celebrations. On Tuesday, Year 6 sang the poignant song from their Peter Pan production, ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ and there was not a dry eye in the house. Mrs Hartley spoke to us about the many memories of their time at EHS and it was a joy and a privilege to award their prizes and congratulate all of them on being fabulous leaders of the Prep School. We look forward to welcoming many of them into the Senior School and wish everyone all the best. 

On the preceding Friday we said goodbye to the wonderful Year 13. It was an afternoon of celebration for all they have contributed to school life and achieved over the last few years. They have been exceptional leaders and when I look at them, I see great friendships, tremendous loyalty to the school and each other, care and kindness towards the younger years, amazing creativity, and a fabulous sense of fun. Celebrating community has been a driving force of this year group from organising outstanding House events, forging Prep links, mentoring younger years academically and pastorally, to leading on a fantastic Celebration of Collective Cultures event and RAG week. Everything they do, they do so with full commitment. I never thought I would share the stage with three unicorns at the House Gala or see the teachers reenact Task Master Challenges. They certainly are a persuasive year!

We also said goodbye to some teaching staff in Friday’s Final Assembly. 

Mrs Diane Graham, Psychology
Mrs Kirsty McAllister, Classics
Mrs Ahmed, Biology
Miss Bancroft, Classics
Mrs Luong, Dance

Mrs Graham retires from teaching having been at Edgbaston High School for Girls for 14 years. We thank her for her excellent teaching, care of the girls and commitment to providing the very best learning experience for her pupils. Mrs McAllister, after eight years of loyal service, is moving to take up a position in a new school and we wish her all the best on this exciting adventure. Mrs Ahmed moves to a new teaching position overseas and we wish her a happy and fulfilling time in her new school and life abroad. Miss Bancroft and Miss Luong have helped us out at a critical point this year, and they leave with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes.

As I walk around the school, speaking to the girls from Nursery through to the Sixth Form, my heart always lifts, and I am reminded why I enjoy being the headmistress of EHS so much. Visitors to our school all say the same thing, how happy the girls are and how much the strength of our community shines through. The summer break is always welcome, but my mind already turns to the new academic year, and I look forward to welcoming new and current pupils in September. 

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable summer.

Mrs Clare Macro
Headmistress