MARYMOUNT MATTERS
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HEADMISTRESS' WELCOME
Dear Marymount Community,
Happy New Year! What a pleasure it is to connect with you through this winter edition of Marymount Matters. In the pages ahead, we are excited to share glimpses of the vibrant happenings within our community since our last publication.
This year, our guiding theme is 'Firm in Faith.' Embracing this theme, our community seeks to nurture an environment where individuals are inspired to support one another on their spiritual journeys. It reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and resilience. 'Firm in Faith' reminds us that faith-in its diverse forms-serves as a profound source of strength, guidance, and hope.
This semester has been marked by the joyful participation of our students in every aspect of school life. Alongside their academic pursuits, the students have immersed themselves in a wide array of activities, from exhilarating sports tournaments and the amazing school musical to the Astrophysics Club and the Creative Writing Club. The campus is a hive of activity and each day, the sounds oflaughter, learning, and creativity resonate throughout-a true symphony of school life.
We have also celebrated several wonderful community events since the beginning of the year, fostering new friendships and strengthening old ones. These occasions serve as powerful reminders of the enduring bonds within our Marymount family-connections that continue to flourish long after students graduate and leave our beautiful campus. Our students are privileged to be part of such a strong network of individuals who generously share their expertise, experiences, and wisdom. Thank you for your unwavering support, active partnership, and engagement throughout this academic year thus far. Together, we continue to build a community that thrives on shared values and collective growth.
As we move into our 70th anniversary year, a milestone we will celebrate throughout 2025, we eagerly anticipate more opportunities to come together as a vibrant community and honour the magic of Marymount that makes us who we are!
Mrs Margaret Giblin Headmistress
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024
Marymount International School London is delighted to announce and celebrate another set of outstanding 1B Diploma results for its graduating class. With a 100% pass rate and an average score of 36.3 points (global average 30 points), the Class of 2024 has performed brilliantly, and we could not be prouder of their achievements.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
This year's cohort of 58 students, the largest in Marymount's 70-year history, achieved remarkable success, with 27% achieving 40 points and above out of a possible 45 and just under half achieving 38 points or more. The School's commitment to bilingual education is evident in the 33% of students who earned Bilingual Diplomas, a testament to the diversity of the community and its long-standing commitment to multilingualism.
Headmistress, Mrs Margaret Giblin, expressed immense pride in the students' achievements, stating, "These results are a reflection of our students' dedication and agency, the exceptional teaching staff, and the supportive learning environment we foster at Marymount. The potent synthesis ofIB pedagogy and the educational vision of the RSHM has once again proved integral to our students achieving their potential. We are thrilled to see our graduates embark on the next chapter of their academic journey with such strong foundations."
As Marymount graduates move on to pursue their passions at top universities worldwide, they carry with them the values and skills instilled during their time at the school. Marymount is confident that these young individuals will make significant positive contributions to society and become future leaders in their chosen fields.
Marymount students are actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports and the arts to service learning and leadership initiatives. The school's holistic approach to education, which emphasizes not only academic rigour but also personal development, creativity, and community engagement, has undoubtedly contributed to these exceptional results.
Well done, Class of 2024!
SUMMER BBQ
The beginning of the academic year at Marymount was a delightful event, @led with lively celebrations and time-honoured traditions. The Parents' Association organized a splendid reception for both new and returning families, kicking off the school year with the distinctive Marymount enthusiasm.
Students, accompanied by their families, enjoyed the BBQ along with various games and treats. The day was a tribute to the Marymount community, and we deeply appreciate the commitment of our parent volunteers and staff for making it such a memorable occasion.
We express our sincere thanks to the Marymount parent community for their support and dedication.
<Marymount's first Careers Day was an outstanding opportunity for students to engage with professionals from various fields and gain insight into potential career paths. Organised with the help of parents, alumnae, and community members, the day provided a structured yet flexible environment for students to explore their interests.
The day started off with an advisory session where students went over the plan for the day, with particular focus on who would be attending the Arena Fair and what the event would entail. At the fair, we were encouraged to interview at least two professionals, each of whom share a similar educational background and career journey. This hands-on engagement was meant to boost our confidence and communication skills, with guidance on proper introductions and body language (like giving a firm handshake or making eye contact). We each received questionnaires to complete during these interactions that allowed us to foster deeper reflection on the careers presented and ensure that we were engaged.
In addition to the Arena Fair, the day featured breakout sessions which spanned a wide array of fields, from Film & Television to Business, Technology, and Law. One notable addition to the Biology and Technology session was a professor from New York who taught Immunology alongside a Nutritionist and Health Practitioner. This opportunity helped our aspiring medical students.
Throughout the day, we were continuously given time to reflect at the end of each session and were encouraged to ask the representatives any questions we might have. This guaranteed that we had not only learnt about the different career options but also considered our personal interests and the steps to take next. The afternoon sessions featured two key workshops designed to enhance essential career readiness. The 21st Century Employability Skills workshop, led by Quinn Brown, focused on the critical skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly changingjob market. We learnt about the importance of adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration in modern work environments. This session taught us how these skills are not only vital for specific careers but also transferable across industries, making them a cornerstone for future success.
Another standout was the Resume/CV and Interview Skills workshop, facilitated by Michelle Rosenbauer and Dr Judith Eidems. This session provided practical, hands-on advice for creating effective resumes and preparing for job interviews by equipping students with the tools and confidence they need to present themselves effectively to potential employers, giving us a competitive edge in future job searches and interviews.
This Careers Day was not just an event but a pivotal moment for many students to explore careers they may not have considered before, giving us the chance to learn about all the different possibilities outside of school. It highlighted the importance of interaction, reflection, and personal growth in career exploration, setting a positive precedent for future events.
Chatter, laughter, and refreshments flowed in abundance over two days of celebration and connection as over 90 alumnae, current staff, past staff, and guests came to campus.
Five continents and nearly 20 countries were represented at this reunion, which brought together alumnae from all the classes. Our particular thanks to the Classes of 1983, 1988 and 1993, who led the way in terms of numbers. We are so grateful to everyone who came!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP
Ifl had a day without rain at PGL, I would rate it 10/10. We got to play with our friends and even have a sleepover with them! I enjoyed The Giant Swing the most. This is how it works: we were harnessed and got attached to a metal bar, then we were pulled by our classmates to the top of the swing. Then we pulled a string to self-release and held on for the ride! I felt the soft wind and breeze fly past my ears, and it was wonderful when all my pressure (of homework) flew away from me. Isabella and I were the only ones who were not afraid nor shouting on the ride, but it was still very thrilling!
I also enjoyed the zip line, because it made me feel like I was flying. We all managed to clap each other's hands when we came off the zip line! We all got to try it twice, I tried it forward and backwards (although Drew pushed me off) she said, "turn around" and she just pushed me off the tower which I enjoyed. Then, I spread my hands in the air to represent my victory! The tower that we had to jump off was very tall, and some people really feared jumping off of it.
Before I had my turn, Bianca told me that it felt like jumping off a cliff, but I didn't feel that way. I felt thrilled and delighted to have a chance to do this. I also had a cosy, comfy room with Amaya, Stella, Isabella, and Anya, and we were very lucky to have a neat, nice, and clean bedroom. Although we had been very responsible outside during the activities, we were less so in the evenings: when Amaya did her Gorilla dance or when we invited Olivia, Emilia, and Alejandra over to our room to chat!
The journey back home was long and tiring, but all of us appreciated this residential trip.
Middle School Student
DiA DE MuERTos
The Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in several Latin American countries, but it is in Mexico where it has become a very important holiday, which all Mexicans celebrate with pride. This holiday lasts two days, 1st and 2nd November, and represents the Mexican attitude to death. On the 1st November, people remember children who have passed away. This day is called the Day of the Little Angels. On the 2nd November, people remember adults who have passed away, and this day is called The Day of the Dead. One state in Mexico where this holiday is celebrated a lot is Oaxaca. These days serve to remember the deceased, not to be sad, but to be the opposite. This holiday is very joyful and fun.
The holiday is a union of pre-Hispanic civilizations and the Catholic religion. The Aztec Empire celebrated the Day of the Dead long before the Spanish conquistadors invaded the country and merged it with Catholicism to create the Day of the Dead we know today. The spiritual holiday was originally meant to celebrate the Lady of the Dead, Mictecacihuatl, Queen of Mictlan (the underworld) and was celebrated in August.
To "celebrate" death, altars are built in the homes of each family where you can find candles, photos of the deceased, papel picado, and the favourite food and drink of the deceased. The candles represent a soul, and the glass of water serves to "refresh" the soul that visits from the afterlife. Another tradition of the Day of the Dead is to make and eat the bread of the dead. The traditional skulls of this holiday symbolize death and reincarnation, and they always smile because they "mock" death. Houses are also decorated with skeletons or calacas and people dress up and paint their faces.
On 4 November, Marymount enthusiastically celebrated the Day of the Dead, which extended to the entire school community, not just Spanish classes.
All students and teachers took part in an online quiz about the day, in which questions about the Day of the Dead had to be answered in just 4 minutes and the first 3 people who completed the quiz correctly won unusual prizes. Our community also received fascinating facts about the Day of the Dead and why we commemorate it here at Marymount. There were opportunities for self-portraits with tapestries, skeletons, and skulls, and in Spanish classes, students created paper skulls and mini altars.
In my opinion, all of these activities were very good and interesting. Personally, I learned a lot about the Day of the Dead that I did not know before. It is important that this day is celebrated at Marymount, as it is an international school and we should know and understand more about the celebrations of each culture.
"The cult of life, if it is truly profound and total, is also the cult of death Both are inseparable A civilization that denies death ends up denying life." - Octavio Paz, Mexican poet, Nobel Prize for Literature 1990.
Carla, Grade 10
RSHM LEADERSHIP
TRIP TO ROME
This October, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Rome for the annual Student Leadership Conference. We were able to visit the beautiful campus ofMarymount Rome Villa, spending time with students from both Marymount lstituto and Marymount Paris. The conference combined leadership, environmentalism, and religion. We learned about Laudato Si' and how the four groups mentioned in it (youth, poor, indigenous, and nature) are the groups we need to focus on to save the planet. We also had the chance to hear from two environmentalists. The first speaker was Anna Flavia, a Marymount graduate, who uses her writing to encourage people to create a better planet. The second speaker was Clarissa Paz, the founder ofUbuntu Nation. She raises money to help refugees in camps, giving them a chance to earn money, live in a safe place, and go to school.
Apart from hearing these two speakers, we witnessed environmentalism in action by visiting the botanical gardens. In the gardens, we learned how everything is interconnected, just as Pope Francis says in Laudato Si'. We also visited the church of St Francis, who was known for his connection to nature and animals. Additionally, we saw the cell of St Francis, where he slept. Of course, we also enjoyed a lot of delicious food, such as pizza and pasta.
Using the knowledge and skills we gained, we planned two initiatives. Firstly, during Advent, we launched the 'Samaritan's Purse' initiative. Students were invited to pack a shoebox with Christmas gifts for children across the globe suffering injustice. The boxes were an expression of God's love for them and also our love. Forty five physical boxes were created, and money was donated to ensure their safe delivery. Many students and staff also created boxes on line! Our second initiative is to raise money to support the Ubuntu Nation (part of Fraternity Without Borders). This is a charity set up to support refugees and vulnerable populations particularly in Malawi.
Through this conference, we have learnt many things and further developed our leadership skills. We had an amazing time and will be forever grateful to have been given this chance!
Grade 8 student
Our school art trip to Venice was an incredible experience that combined art, culture, and exploration. When we arrived in Venice, we took a water taxi to our hotel, settled in, and prepared for an immersive few days ahead.
The next morning, we had breakfast and met with students from Marymount Rome, which allowed us to connect with new peers, and was a great way to start the day. Our main activity was visiting the Biennale Giardini, where we spent hours walking through various pavilions, each offering a distinct artistic perspective. It was inspiring to see how artists from around the world represented their countries, and we found ourselves thinking about the layers of meaning and different forms of expression. In the evening, we were given some free time to explore Venice's streets and dine with friends, which made the evening feel genuinely special.
The following day, we visited the Biennale Arsenale, an enormous space filled with diverse, thought-provoking exhibits. The level of communication through the art was striking, and it encouraged us to consider how we might express our own ideas more fully and powerfully. Reflecting on the works, we began to understand the profound impact art can have in conveying complex messages and emotions without words.
That evening, we all enjoyed dinner together, followed by a fun outing for gelato. On our final day, we visited the Rialto Bridge and were given some time to explore and shop before lunch. Strolling along the bridge, popping into shops, and taking in the sights around us provided a sense of closure to our trip.
Overall, the trip not only offered unforgettable experiences in a beautiful city but also gave us fresh ideas on how to bring depth and narrative to our own art.
By Jessica, Ayuka, and Lente
THE LITTLE MERMAID
The annual school production offers students a transformative experience in leadership, team work, time management, creativity and personal growth. More than 90 students across all grades took part in 'The Little Mermaid' as members of the cast, back stage management, lighting, sound, hair, makeup and costume design. "The students truly run the entire show thereby acquiring vital all-round skills" says Ms Helen Szymczak, Chair of Performing Arts.
Congratulations to all who produced such a superbly energetic and entertaining show!
THOUGHTS FROM THE CAST AND CREW
"I have been taking part in our annual productions from the very start of my Marymount journey since Grade 6, and I can now say that without these incredible experiences that have taught me key techniques, which I apply to my everyday life, I would not be the confident, ambitious student that I am today. As a shy Grade 6 student taking part in the school production for the first time, the experience encouraged me to develop characteristics I could only dream 0£ From making new friends across all grades, to being able to share my ideas and opinions, organising myself and my time management I have grown not just as a student but as a person. But it does not end there, I cannot express the importance of taking part and joining a theatrical or drama study whether it is LAMDA, after school clubs, DP Theatre and theatre outings. I have learnt so much about myself and have found a true passion."
Yara, (Ursula) Grade 11
"Being part of The Little Mermaid has been a highlight of my year. One of my most memorable moments was the table read where we met everyone for the first time and formed connections that extended beyond the rehearsal space. Sharing jokes with the cast backstage and in the wings brought a sense of camaraderie that made each rehearsal feel so much more fun and uplifting. Our Director, Ms Szymczak, has been instrumental in shaping this experience. Her commitment to treating us as professionals and her dedication to creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere made this production unforgettable. Watching her vision come to life on stage is a privilege, and it has deepened my appreciation for theatre. I'm so grateful for being given the chance to contribute to this production."
Lente, (Prince Eric) Grade 11
"This is my first time participating in a production, and my experience is incredible. The musical has not only helped me to develop my singing, dancing and acting skills, but has also given me a wonderful opportunity to meet and build friendships with various people at school. It's a precious experience for me as I am a huge fan of musicals and I have really enjoyed the rehearsal process and achieving personal growth in communication and collaboration skills, increasing my confidence and understanding my responsibilities."
Xinrui, (Mersister) Grade 9
THANKSGIVING AT MARYMOUNT
This year, Thanksgiving at Marymount International School London was a day filled with gratitude and community spirit. We began the celebration with a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass led by Father Chris, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude. The festivities continued with a delicious Thanksgiving lunch featuring classic turkey and indulgent pumpkin brownies. Throughout the day, students participated in various fun activities, all aimed at fostering a sense of togetherness. There was a lively game of bench ball, creative bracelet-making, and a fun guessing game with spices. Students also had the opportunity to add their thanks to the "Tree of Thanks," decorated in house colours. All activities contributed to earning home points, making it an exciting and engaging day where students could bond, create memories, and enjoy each other's company in a supportive school community.
ADVENT CAROL SERVICE
The festive season brought an extra helping ofjoy and harmony to Marymount as the annual Advent Carol Service filled the auditorium with the familiar melodies of beloved carols. The audience, inspired by the students' spirited performance, joined in the singing, creating a moment of shared harmony and pure Christmas spirit. The service's success was a testament to the enduring words of the Gospel and to the power of music to unite and inspire, reminding all that the true spirit of Christmas lies in light, joy and hope.
Well done to the Marymount choir for starting the final week of school with glorious music and beautiful songs!
CHRISTMAS FAIR
The Marymount Auditorium was transformed as the school's annual Christmas Fair unfolded, organized by the dedicated Parents' Association (PA). The event was a resounding success, drawing together the school community to embrace the holiday spirit.
A key highlight of the fair was the tombola and the much anticipated Raffie, where participants had the chance to win a brand-new iPhone!
The fair's success was a testament to the hard work and vision of the PA, who poured their energy into creating a magical experience for everyone. Their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating the season shone through in every detail, ensuring an unforgettable afternoon for all who participated.
Our boarding community had an enriching and dynamic term, @led with activities that fostered personal growth and created lasting memories.
Boarders enjoyed a variety of exciting off-campus excursions, including a visit to see War Horse at the theatre, a high-energy day at the trampoline park, and a trip to London to explore iconic landmarks. They also embraced the autumn spirit with a visit to a pumpkin patch, where they picked pumpkins and later carved them for the whole school community to enjoy. Additionally, an escape room adventure provided an opportunity to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
On-campus, boarders thrived in creative pursuits such as art club and knitting, under the guidance of Ms Larroque-Macbeth. Meditation sessions offered a chance for relaxation and mindfulness, while sports activities like badminton and tennis kept students active and promoted teamwork. Our wellbeing programme also included cooking classes, where students learned to make delicious dishes like sushi and fresh pasta, as well as a visit from the local police liaison officer to discuss personal safety and online security.
Students took on leadership roles through the Boarding Council, organising fun activities like the "Big Sister" programme to foster mentorship, and the Fundraising Committee, which raised money for charity through baking sales. The knitting programme, which produced hats and blankets for the local neonatal unit, reflected the students' generosity and sense of community.
As Christmas approached, boarders looked forward to festive activities such as a gingerbread house competition, a Christmas lights tour, ice skating at Hampton Court Palace, and decorating the campus Christmas tree together. We are proud of how our boarders embraced every opportunity, from building new skills to forming lasting friendships, and we eagerly anticipate what the next term will bring.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GRADE 12 ART EXHIBITION AND 'ONE YEAR ON'
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Monday, 24 March 2025
Timing and location TBC
To ATTEND: tickets are free; please register by contacting alumnae@marymountlondon.com.
This annual art exhibition will be hosted off-site and is an opportunity for the whole Marymount community to enjoy a feast for the eyes as Grade 12 present their Diploma pieces to the public. The Class of 2024 and their parents are invited to this 'One Year On' event, where you can reconnect with last year's Grade 11 and all your teachers whilst enjoying the pinnacle of Marymount Visual Arts, as organised by the legendary Mr Robertson.
OPEN DAY
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Saturday, 26 April 2025
Marymount International School
To ATTEND: spaces are limited. Kindly visit the Admissions section on our website and sign up using the form provided.
Visit our beautiful garden campus for a tour of Marymount International School London, where you will meet students, staff and parents. Discover why we are so Proudly Marymount. If you wish to visit our school before then, we offer a limited number of private tours throughout the year. To book a tour, please get in touch with our admissions team through our website.
LONDON ALUMNAE REUNION
Friday, 9 May 2025, 6.30pm-8.00pm
Location: TBC
To ATTEND: tickets are free; please register via the form on email invitations coming soon.
Alumnae and faculty of all classes are welcome to this reunion in the heart of London. This fun social event also provides a space for alumnae to catch up with their friends, teachers and house parents, as well as network with one another. We would be delighted to see you there!
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION SUMMER BBQ
Saturday, 30 August 2025, 12 noon - 4.00pm
Marymount International School
To ATTEND: tickets are included in the PA membership fee for current parents and students. Please RSVP using the form in the parent communications.
ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND
Friday, 3 and Saturday, 4 October 2025
Marymount International School
To ATTEND: tickets are free; please register on the website network.marymountlondon.com/events. Alumnae and faculty of all classes - particularly those ending in '5 or '0 - are welcome to this reunion. The reunion will include a cocktail reception on Friday night and tours on Saturday. We can't wait to see you there!
APPEAL - 70th ANNIVERSARY BURSARIES AT MARYMOUNT
As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary Year, we reflect upon the enduring legacy of the RSHM Mission. Widening access to this nurturing Mission, which sits at the heart of Marymount's transformative education, is a key focus of our 70 year celebrations. In tune with our Founders, we believe that a family's financial circumstances should not be a barrier to their daughter's education. We also believe that the students leave Marymount as rounded and resilient young women, who enter the world as compassionate global citizens.
Recently, the government made access to independent education in the UK more difficult through additional taxation. For this reason, support for Bursaries has become more pressing than ever. Talent is spread evenly throughout society, opportunity is not. You too can help a talented young girl reach her full potential by contributing to our Bursary Fund through the Annual Appeal. network.marymountlondon.com/supportus (please specifiy bursaries in the comments section)
ANNUAL APPEAL
Thank you to all who supported our Annual Appeal over this past year. We are immensely grateful that we again reached our target of £40,000! We hope to increase this moving forward.
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