From the Head’s Study

Head’s Study From the

Mrs Nina Kingsmill Moore MEd, Headmistress

It is such a privilege to run a school as a Headteacher, but never more so than in times of significant turbulence on a global scale and, to be given the opportunity to steer Glendower through this period in its history, has been the greatest privilege of all. All schools weather storms and have their moments in the sunshine, but this year can only be described as having had four seasons in each day. I am sure that when I look back on the year 2020, there will be a surreal sense of wonder at how the year unfurled; at times taking on a dreamlike quality. However, what I will be able to say with absolute certainty, is that my sense of pride for our girls, staff, parents and governors here at Glendower, has never been more acute.

What you will read in the pages ahead will tell its own story. Photographs of matches and events that took place when life was blissfully unaffected by any virus, swiftly followed by the rapid shift to online learning and remote teaching, where homes became classrooms, and “you’re on mute” became the catchphrase of the day.

At first there was almost a sense of euphoria as everyone adapted to a very different way of operating. This soon settled as everyone realised the enormity of the situation in our surrounding communities and on a more global scale. In true Glendower fashion, our kitchens soon reopened and began providing 150 hot meals every day for local vulnerable families, as well as NHS staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Our girls made the most delightful, heart-warming cards for each of the recipients of the meals and we were so proud of the true Glendower spirit, bringing our community together, in spite of being physically distanced.

As you will read on, the return to the classrooms began again in June, with tentative steps into bubbles, which then gained momentum, with every girl back on site by the end of the summer term. The delight on each girl’s face as she returned to school was only matched by that of her teachers’, who were equally enthralled at being back together again!

There is no doubt that what this pandemic has taught us is that togetherness is what gives our school its heart, we are a community bonded by a common desire to look after each other and nurture each other, and when we do this, we thrive. I could not be prouder of each and every girl and member of staff here at Glendower for all they have achieved in the most extraordinary of years.