Marymount Matters 2023 - Summer Bulletin

Marymount Matters One in Service

Welcome from the Headmistress

It is hard to believe we have now reached the end of the academic year. At this time, it feels appropriate to pause and reflect on the many successes and opportunities for growth our students have had through the course of this year. Of note is our excellent ISI report, which celebrated our students’ academic achievements and personal growth, providing tangible external validation of the quality of a Marymount education. So much has been achieved across all facets of school life. A heartfelt thank you must go to all in our community for their efforts.

All that we do here at Marymount is rooted in the charism of the RSHM and its holistic educational approach. We use the vision ‘that all may have life and have it to the full’, coupled with the school goals as our anchor and our guide. This year has been particularly special as we gathered with our sister schools across the globe to celebrate the Year of Fr Gailhac. This has afforded us many opportunities to reflect on how we, as a collective, continue to live out his mission of service.

‘One in Service’ was our theme for this academic year, and this has been wholeheartedly embraced by our community. During our end-of-year liturgy, the Campus Ministry team shared a video of members of our community identifying the acts of service they have participated in. Students have participated in a wide range of service activities such the NHS Garden for Good (a truly cross-committee endeavour creating a garden for a women’s refuge), Saturday School and our wonderful ‘Day of Service’ for MYP students and staff, to name but a few. The SGIC continues to foster a strong partnership with St Joseph’s in Zambia, both through peer learning and fundraising. Many fundraising initiatives have taken place this year for a variety of worthy causes. In fact, through their tireless efforts, our students have raised a considerable sum of money for numerous causes, a praiseworthy accomplishment on its own.

We were delighted to open our Multi-Faith Prayer Space and to see it so respectfully used by our students and staff. Campus Ministry continues to go from strength to strength, with each Advisor group having at least one Prayer Leader. It is lovely to see so many students contribute to the planning and running of our liturgical events. Our Boarding community celebrates Mass together at the weekend and has its own liturgies, which are led by the students.

I would also like to thank the many families who supported the Marymount Annual Appeal 2022-23, which raised a wonderful £26,000. This appeal supports three main projects at the school: campus evolution, bursaries and partnerships. The majority of the funds raised will be directed to bursaries starting in September, as we have received an increasing number of applications. These students would not otherwise have been able to attend the school, so thank you for your generosity. Gifts to the Annual Appeal make a difference to all Marymount students, supporting the formation of girls who “question, challenge and contribute meaningfully as intellectual and compassionate global citizens”. I hope we can rely on your continued support next year.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all our community for your partnership, support and engagement this year. I hope you and yours have a wonderful summer break, which is restful and restorative. I look forward to us gathering again as a community for the next academic year, when the joy will continue!

Margaret Giblin Headmistress

Sister Mary Jo Martin, Magaret Giblin and Sister Rosamond Blanchet

One in Service

The concept of “One in Service” is rooted in the idea that we all have a responsibility to contribute to our communities and make a positive impact in the world. It’s about recognising that we are all connected and that our actions have the power to make a difference.

Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, mentoring a young person, or advocating for social justice, there are countless ways that Marymount students give back and make a difference. When we all come together and commit to being “One in Service,” the impact we can have is transformative.

Marymount Mission in Action (MMIA)

“Plastics in the Ocean”

Suki, Grade 7

“Over the past few months, MMIA have been organising events for Ocean Awareness Week. We decided to hold it on Friday, 2 June, our goal being to spread awareness around Marymount’s community. We did a scavenger hunt to help people learn and find out facts about the ocean. We also encouraged students and staff to wear ocean colours or dress up as animals or plants that can be found in the ocean. We collected donations from the whole school to donate to Ocean Generation. Overall, all the members of MMIA thoroughly enjoyed organising and

Ham Pond Clean-Up

Sophia, Grade 11

“In November of last year, a few other girls and I signed up for the "Ham Pond Clean-Up" as part of a CAS experience. The main goal of this event was to fulfil our responsibility of care towards our local environment. This CAS opportunity gave us the chance to earn some extra activity hours whilst also giving back to our local community by ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all the diverse ecosystems that call it a home.

“As winter approaches, locals from the Ham community are invited to help organise and clean the pond for the upcoming spring and summer season. For many years, Marymount had the honour of being invited to help with the pond’s seasonal maintenance; however, Covid interrupted this wonderful tradition. When I saw the announcement in the Marymount Bulletin that this CAS opportunity would be returning, I was very excited. At first, the idea of cleaning a whole pond in the span of just three hours seemed quite daunting and overwhelming, as I must admit I certainly am not a gardener myself. However, getting to meet new people and working with friends across

different Grades was truly such a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

“Like all the other girls who participated in this Ham Pond Clean-Up can agree, even these small actions have a big impact on our local environments and this experience has truthfully inspired us to get more involved in preserving our unique and diverse wildlife.”

Saturday School

Annie Plumridge Saturday School Coordinator

Once again Marymount has run our Saturday morning enrichment programme offered to children in Years 5 and 6 from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

The Saturday programme is organised by a group of Marymount students from The Student Goals and Implementation Committee (SGIC) and supervised by members of Marymount staff. The theme this year, as chosen by our students, was ‘The Lion King’- a very popular decision which has provided endless opportunities to explore different topics and nurture the wonderful imagination of young minds. The programme has included support and enrichment in Maths, Science, Design, English, and Drama, as well as activities involving Sport and Art. All excellent lessons were planned entirely through the teamwork, imagination, and dedication of our students.

This year, we have had a total of 19 students sign up from St Joseph’s and around 30 of our own Grade 10 to 12 students involved in the planning and delivering of sessions. At least four of these students came each week along with three or four members of staff. We had a total of ten sessions run on a Saturday morning between 9am and 1pm.

The students took part in two 75-minute lessons, separated into two groups then swapping lessons after the break. The lessons were well-structured, with a starter activity often getting the students to share ideas, an engaging and informative main activity, and a plenary which encourages students to reflect on their learning and share their work with one another.

On the very first morning, upon arriving at Marymount in the minibus, the excited chatter of children all at once broke into loud gasps and squeals of joy. This

same level of excitement was maintained throughout all the sessions, largely down to the enthusiasm of our students.

Some lesson highlights included designing and creating animal masks, performing to each other as different animals, and of course the always popular Science experiments and demonstrations. The students are always excited to be young investigators and to witness impressive and explosive demonstrations in a real laboratory. In our final session, the students all made their own shortbread biscuits and were presented with their Saturday School certificates.

One of the students’ favourite parts of the sessions is break time where they are free to explore the Marymount grounds after enjoying a tasty treat in the dining room. Football and hide-and-seek always feature!

All the excitement and freedom to be creative can occasionally result in some challenging behaviour, prompting our own students to develop some classroom management skills, assisted by supervising Marymount staff. Ultimately, our students were able to develop vital leadership and communication skills and build their confidence whilst earning the respect of the younger students.

The programme has drawn on the internationality of Marymount students, enabling them to develop key ATL skills and allowing participants from both schools to learn from each other. It has been a mutually enriching experience.

Period poverty collection

Kirsten and her peers in Grade 12 identified period poverty as a growing issue in the UK as the cost of living crisis forced families to cut back on sanitary products. These students looked to their own community first to see what they could do to help. The Class of 2023 have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue, and although sanitary products have always been freely available at Marymount, they have helped ensure all students clearly understand how they can access these products through the relevant pastoral staff. This ensures all students feel confident and can concentrate in class, regardless of the affordability of products. On top of these efforts, the Class of 2023 and other students organised school-wide collections for sanitary products which were then donated to the local food bank.

Kirsten, Grade 12

Period poverty is a growing issue in the United Kingdom that affects a significant number of women and girls. It refers to the lack of access to adequate sanitary products, facilities, and education about menstrual hygiene management due to financial constraints. It is a significant barrier to equality and has negative impacts on physical and mental health, education, and employment opportunities. In order to combat this epidemic of unaffordable feminine hygiene products, I partnered with the Kingston branch of the Trussell Trust Foodbank to help women in my local community who do not have the same privileges as those of us enrolled in Marymount.

According to a 2018 survey conducted by Plan International UK, one in ten girls in the UK between the ages of 14 and 21 is unable to afford sanitary products, while one in seven has had to borrow or improvise period products due to financial constraints. The same survey also found that over half of girls and young women in the UK feel embarrassed and ashamed about their periods, which may prevent them from seeking help or support. By presenting in assembly, I hoped to lessen the stigma surrounding menstruation and make it a more accessible topic of conversation.

Period poverty disproportionately affects those living in poverty or experiencing other forms of disadvantage, such as those from low-income families, refugees,

asylum seekers, and those experiencing homelessness. Women and girls from ethnic minority backgrounds are also more likely to experience period poverty due to cultural stigmas and language barriers. The current cost-of-living crisis and obscenely high rate of inflation mean that many women in our local community are unable to afford seemingly basic necessities. Over the course of the month of February, we were able to collect over 150 units of feminine hygiene products which have since been donated to the Trussell Trust Foodbank.

Several initiatives have been launched in the UK to address period poverty. In Scotland, free sanitary products are now available in schools, colleges, and universities, and the Scottish government has also launched a scheme to provide free period products to those on low incomes. Similar initiatives have been launched in Wales and Northern Ireland, and in England, the government announced in 2019 that it would provide free period products in all schools and colleges. However, on a more local scale, the efforts of the government have failed to address the issue, due to its magnitude.

In conclusion, period poverty is a significant issue in the UK that affects the health, education, and employment prospects of women and girls. While progress has been made to address the issue, more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality and to ensure that all women and girls have access to the resources and education they need to manage their periods with dignity and respect.

Alumnae through the Generations

Pilar (Class of 1988), Cristina (Class of 1989), and amalia (Class of 2026) are sisters and a daughter, who are alumnae of marymount london. But they are not the only memBers of their family who have Been to marymount. amalia sáenz de tejada (Class of 1945), their aunt, and nuria & fátima sáenz de tejada (Class of 2013 & 2017), their nieCes, also went to marymount new york.

what are your favourite memories from marymount?

“At Marymount, our favourite memories revolve around the friendships we formed, which have lasted a lifetime and span across the globe. Going to school was a joyful experience, where learning was enjoyable and engaging. Educational tours provided us with valuable opportunities to learn and bond with our friends. The campus offered numerous activities, and we had access to all the facilities even on weekends, which was fantastic. Engaging in theatre and sports left a lasting impression on us. Rehearsing for plays was a unique and cherished experience, whilst participating in tournaments, even abroad, created unforgettable memories, regardless of winning or losing. As Spanish natives, the Halloween celebrations, particularly the haunted house in which everyone participated, held a special place in our hearts.”

Cristina / Pilar, do you think muCh has Changed from your time at marymount?

“When you go back, even though there are obvious modernisations, the spirit has remained the same. The sense of family, the focus on the education of the whole person and the global citizenship view. The IB was a big part of it, and was ahead of its time, like Marymount education always is.

“There are many new things, like the Library, the STEAM Hubs, the Art Studios, the Dance Studio and the language classrooms. All the halls have been upgraded but it remains more or less the same, except for Main House, which is now a study and gathering area for IBDP students and teacher rooms (it was for senior boarders before).

“We must mention the dining room as well. That though good at the time it was nothing like it is now.

Pilar (Class of 1988)

Cristina (Class of 1989)

Amalia (Class of 2026)

Amalia Sáenz de Tejada (Class of 1945)

“The Sports Hall was inaugurated during our time and is very much the same, but has also had a refurbishment with gym included and more light and space upstairs than before. In this space, we feel a special connection with Amalia as our writings are in both time capsules of the Sports Hall, both from the inauguration day in 1986 and the refurbishment in 2022.

Pilar, why did you Choose to send your daughter to marymount?

“My years at Marymount were a very special time in my life and I am very grateful to my parents for sending me to this school. The quality of education, the attention and care for the girls, the values… I could not think of a better place to send my daughter. My sister and I stayed for longer as we lived in London, but I wanted Amalia to be able to experience the special place that Marymount is, even if only for a year.”

amalia, what three words would desCriBe marymount?

• “Celebratory: Marymount has taught me that there is always something to be thankful for and to celebrate with others.

• Independence: In my year at Marymount I became an independent learner and more confident in my capabilities.

• Welcoming: I felt very welcome and part of the community from the beginning.”

what has stayed with you from your time at marymount?

Some things are more obvious - the friends, the many memories - but other things are more subtle. We are Marymount girls, and with that, it means we have had an education where there is a constant thirst for learning.

The flexibility to use skills and knowledge with an open mind and adapt ourselves to new challenges

Alumnae through the Generations

the ayukawa family inCludes three marymount girls: yasuyo (mum, Class of 1989), kaya (Big sister, Class of 2022) and asuka (little sister, Class of 2025).

what is your favourite memory of marymount?

Yasuyo: “During my time at Marymount, I had countless memorable experiences as I was fortunate enough to stay from Grade 7 to Grade 12. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the school trips, known as "educational tours", where we had the opportunity to choose the country we wanted to visit. I ventured as far as Egypt, Turkey, and Israel, spending a week with friends and forging special bonds. These trips always left me with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

“I was a sports student, so I was always involved in sports teams. The Sports Hall was built whilst I was at Marymount, and I remember we started to host international schools tournaments as AIST and ISST. The Aces were so proud of their new gym! We also hosted students from overseas who came to play in the tournaments. I loved having those students stay at our home.

“One day, Mother Theresa came to Marymount. No one knew about it, until she arrived in front of us. I couldn't believe my eyes! Some teachers were crying; it was such a holy moment and a very special memory. Marymount was a place that always gave us special moments.”

Kaya: “My favourite memory of Marymount is the Music class during IB. IB Music was a small class with three students, including me. The course was very creative and the teacher was passionate in Music, which made me look at Music differently. With such a small class, I was able to get to know everyone, including the teacher.

“The students at Marymount are all academically driven which motivated me to do well along with my friends. We all helped and looked up to each other. Everyone at Marymount has an area they are strong at, whether it is academic, sports, music, or something else. It was interesting to meet people with different interests and passions. The students at Marymount are confident about themselves and what they say. They have strong opinions towards global issues and they are confident to express their opinions. Many of my friends would talk about global issues such as gender equality during lunchtimes, and there were many things I learnt.”

Asuka: “My favourite thing about Marymount is the support we receive from the teachers. Being a small school, the teachers pay attention to each and every student and do their very best to support us in our growth. Marymount is an environment where I can ask for help and speak easily with the teachers, which I find very helpful and welcoming.”

do you have any teaChers in Common?

Yasuyo: “When Kaya joined Marymount in Grade 10, Ms Holland had just retired, so we don't have any of the same teachers teaching us. However, after her retirement, my younger daughter, Asuka, had Ms Holland as a cover teacher! I was also surprised to meet Maria, whose sister used to make lunch for us. I loved her spaghetti meat sauce!”

Asuka: “All the teachers that have taught my mum have already left the school, except for one, which is Ms Holland. She has taught my mum Biology, and I still often see her around campus working as a cover teacher.”

do you think muCh has Changed from your time at marymount?

Yasuyo: “Some aspects have changed, of course. There aren’t any RSHM sisters residing and teaching us which makes a lot of difference. The school campus has modernised and upgraded, and the curriculum offers more subjects. The old Library is gone and now has new building, but the Science building is the same! The garden is still always well taken care of.

“My daughters went through the pandemic at Marymount so many activities were restricted, including the educational tours. It is unlucky they could not enjoy the full Marymount experience during that period. However, what is unchanged is the quality of Marymount girls! Students are kind-hearted, talented, smart, open minded, with strong leadership skills. At my elder daughter's graduation, I was so touched to see so many special talented ladies leaving and following different paths. It is on this ground of Marymount and with the partnership of amazing teachers that the girls have learnt and grown. Every year in May, I feel sentimental seeing the girls graduating.

“I am proud to see my school striving to maintain a good reputation and high academic ranking among other schools, producing high IB scores. I know it is not easy to do this. As a mother, I can see the school is always trying to improve and doing the best for the girls.”

why did you Choose to send your daughter to marymount?

Yasuyo: “I did not choose really; my daughters chose from all the options they had. The campus was so pretty, and they fell in love immediately. I had no objection of course. I was very certain that the experience in Marymount will give my girls a special time, and I could only imagine a positive outcome.”

what has stayed with you from your time in marymount?

Yasuyo: “Worldwide friendships. Although I am not a Christian, Marymount has taught me Christian virtues such as love, forgiveness, fraternity, and the confidence to be yourself.”

Kaya: “Time management skills. I used to struggle with deadlines, but at Marymount, I gradually got better at finishing my tasks on time. This is important even now in university, since the professors are more strict about deadlines compared to the teachers in high school.”

what three words would you use to desCriBe marymount?

Kaya: “Motivated, talented, and confident.” Asuka: “Welcoming, engaging, and safe.”

Graduation 2023

Valedictorian Address

One September afternoon, almost two years ago, we were approaching our one-month anniversary with the IB. Dr Byers had just introduced the Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessments (IAs). These were a speck on the horizon, so we were astonished by how smooth the first few weeks had been, considering the warnings we'd received from Grades above.

At first, many of us believed we could avoid the hard work that IB students have faced before us; 15 minutes of Chemistry per day, and I’d be golden. Having witnessed the challenges my older sister had faced, I foolishly believed that if I learned from her experience, I could navigate a stress-free journey. On that September afternoon, we hoped to dodge the challenges the Diploma Programme (DP) had in store for us, to shortcut around the mountain rather than the summit. The entire point of this programme flew over our heads. Looking back, I realise we cannot grow unless we overcome challenges. The DP is designed to test us and push us to grow.

Darwin called evolution descent with modification, but I like to think of it as growth under pressure. Over billions of years, organisms have grappled with Earth’s hostile and dangerous conditions. Stressors like disease and lack of resources force life to find new ways to survive. What we have to show for this struggle is a beautiful series of adaptations which made life better suited to thrive.

We, too, have evolved. We faced coursework reports and examinations. As soon as we finished something, another task was waiting around the next corner. Yet, incredibly, we managed to embrace each challenge. Growing from obstacles is something we've all accomplished during this twoyear marathon. This is our true achievement, more precious and hardearned than a Diploma. Today is a testament to the mental gymnastics of interdisciplinary learning, meaning we now notice nuanced connections

Lucine Strecker, Valedictorian

between disciplines. For example, I appreciate how self-disclosure in Psychology might explain why we tend to resonate with imperfect yet open literary characters in English or that normal distribution curves in maths are useful for modelling a variation in polygenic traits in Biology.

We’ve also emotionally matured. We're now better at metabolising success and failure. We experience the most reward when rebounding from setbacks. Didn’t you feel over the moon when after struggling with a topic, you finally improved your score? In her book, ‘Mindset’, psychologist Carol Dweck describes a study in which children were challenged to solve difficult puzzles. She says, “Not only weren't they discouraged by failure, they didn’t even think they were failing. They thought they were learning”. Of course, the instant reward is satisfying, but even more gratifying are the times we achieved our goals after experiencing failure.

I remember the words of Maya Angelou “all great achievements require time”. None of us could have guessed we'd live through a global pandemic. Yet our class has energy and heart: we are the defenders of the Spirit Cup, the record holders for most won Halloween skits. Even when we converted the DP Lounge into a makeshift nap zone, we still dominated in team spirit. I don’t know a Grade that cheers and claps for one another as much as we do.

Finally, we've grown in character. Something I love about this class is our overwhelming sense of justice. We’re constantly advocating for what we believe in and rallying for the right outcome. This is an inherent part of our Grade’s DNA, but it's also an aspect which has been stress-tested and fortified by proving that we can do difficult things. Every single one of us encountered stumbling blocks in one way or another. But we persevered. Everyone should take pride in their stamina and grit.

Lady Gaga was right when she said, “people can do hard things”. Look at how far each one of us has come. But it was not a solitary journey. Even when we felt alone, who was there to study you when we wobbled? Was it your parent? A sibling? A friend? A teacher? Perhaps it was your pet or your faith. So thank you. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Thank you for your devotion, your emotional support, for sacrificing your time and for offering your advice even when it was difficult to hear. You share in our achievement today.

And so, let’s return to two Septembers ago when many of us hoped to somehow avoid discomfort. We were not open to the possibility that we’d grow stronger for the journey. We’re tougher, smarter and wiser than we were two years ago. We’ve grown in ways we could have never imagined. It’s almost heroic when you think about it.

Some say university will be a breeze compared to the IB. But perhaps university might be harder. Or it’ll require new skills we haven’t practised yet. But this does not make me afraid anymore. And I hope it doesn’t scare you either, because we now know how to surmount challenges and discomfort. We have the security of knowing we once did something that felt impossible, and we grew.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023. I’m so happy to celebrate with you all.

Graduation 2023 Commencement Address

Let me begin this address recalling Marymount’s extraordinary accomplishments as stated in the formal inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate last November: “Pupils develop high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding across a range of academic disciplines and they readily apply their knowledge to new situations.” “Pupils demonstrate outstanding levels of respect for diversity and other cultures.” I have experienced this in you. “Pupils of all ages reflect the school’s values in their behaviour to one another, which results in a school which has kindness and respect at its heart.” Congratulations to the entire school community on this extraordinary achievement. This is the best report we’ve ever had. Yes, girls, you did it.

Mrs Giblin shared with me that, and I quote, “the Class of 2023 has shown great spirit in their unity”. In the last two years, this Grade has created lifelong friendships formed through spending time together on retreat, supporting each other through difficult times, laughing together in the joyful times, and creating fun activities for the whole school to enjoy. Congratulations, Graduates, and very well done.

I want to extend both an invitation and a challenge to our graduates. You have been given much, and with the gift of this education comes the responsibility to share with others your gifts, talents, and values. Each graduate is invited and challenged to lead, L-E-A-D, others with care to witness to others what it means to build the reign of God based on love. I’m going to share with you four foundational pillars on which to build your future. They are components that lead to a meaningful life. I use L-EA-D to list the four pillars I believe that are so important.

Legacy of Love

Jesus Christ lived to share with us a legacy of love. He is our model as a witness - total loving self-sacrifice. He created community among the apostles and taught his disciples to preach, teach, and heal others. Why did he live, die, and rise? To reveal to all humanity, for all time, God’s deep and unconditional love for us. After his ascension, Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit gives us God’s own love so that we can love others with God’s very love. The relationships we form come from God’s love within us. We all have a spark, a fire of God’s love. We are called to set that fire ablaze so that love pours forth from us. This is how we are asked to change the world by sharing God’s own love. Pray for the gifts you want the Spirit to give you. This is the dream God has for our world. The legacy of love.

Sister Rosamond Blanchet, RSHM

Encounter with, and empowerment of, others

Pope Francis says make the most of these years of your youth. Don’t observe life from a balcony. Don’t confuse happiness with an armchair, or live your life behind a screen. Dream freely and make good decisions. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don’t go through life anaesthetised or approach the world like tourists.

Make a ruckus. Cast out the fears that paralyse you. Live. Give yourselves over to the best of life. Open the door of the cage, go out and fly. And please, the Pope says, don’t take an early retirement, kid. I think Pope Francis is spot on. Encounter is about engagement and sharing your gifts with others, thereby empowering them to grow in generosity, service, forgiveness, and fidelity.

Attitude of Gratitude

We are called to be thankful to people each day. We can be grateful for the gift of life and the gift of love. Each is a gift and God remains with us always.

Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest and now deceased, was a prolific spiritual writer who spoke of the discipline of gratitude. He says, “the call to gratitude asks us to say that everything is grace. Gratitude is a choice. We can choose to be grateful even when our emotions and feelings are steeped in hurt and resentment. We can choose gratitude instead of complaint and bitterness. The choice for gratitude rarely comes without effort, but the effort is worthwhile.” We are called to be a blessing for one another. Each day, remember one person, one relationship for which you are grateful and make them different. People don’t always use the same person. An attitude of gratitude keeps us keenly aware that all life is a gift shared by God. Everything is gift. All is grace.

Dream

Create your dream and act to fulfil it. Be in touch with your gifts and interests and plan how you can develop these gifts and use them to serve others. Make a plan. Take specific steps to make your dream a reality. Keep focused. Continue to grow. Remain curious and share your dream with others. Exercise your imagination. It’s great. You can make it happen.

So I’ve presented the four pillars that are very meaningful and important, I think. And when we put the first letter of each pillar together, they spell LEAD. I invite you and challenge you to lead and live your life guided by these pillars. Even better, I invite you to identify your own personal pillars by which you aim to live a deeply meaningful life. God is counting on you. Congratulations. 13

2023 Award Recipients

The Gold Medal for General Excellence

Lucine Strecker & Mibu Tako

Sportswoman of the Year

Rachael Harris

The European Council of International Schools’ Award

Mibu Tako

The Marymount Medal

Emily Pondaven

The Four Acres Medal for Public Speaking

Chinua Onyia

The Sally Shimmon Award for Social Service

Isabella Hale

The RSHM Medal

Shara Talabany

The Headmistress’ Medal Rowan El-Henawy

College Destinations

The Class of 2023 has received the following University offers to date:

Aberystwyth University,UK

American University USA,

University of St Andrews, UK

Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Bath Spa University, UK

University of Bath, UK

University of Birmingham, UK

Boston College, USA

Boston University, USA

Brighton University, UK

University of Bristol, UK

Cardiff University, UK

University of Chester, UK

City University of London, UK

Durham University, UK

ESADE Business School, Spain

ESCP Business School, Various

The University of Edinburgh, UK

University of Exeter, UK

Fashion Institute of Technology, USA

George Washington University, USA

The Glasgow School of Art, UK

Goldsmiths, University of London, UK

Hong Kong University, Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

IE Business School, Spain

Imperial College London, UK

Instituto Marangoni, UK

King’s College London, UK

Kingston University, UK

Lancaster University, UK

University of Leeds, UK

University of Liverpool, UK

London Metropolitan University, UK

Loughborough University, UK

The University of Manchester, UK

Newcastle University, UK

New York University, USA

Northeastern University, USA

Northwestern University, USA

University of Nottingham. UK

Parsons School of Design, USA

Pratt Institute, USA

Queen Mary University of London, UK

Ravensbourne University London, UK

Royal Holloway University of London, UK

University of Southampton, UK

University of Surrey, UK

University of Sussex, UK

University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, UK

University of California, Los Angeles, USA

University of California, San Diego, USA

University College London, UK

The University of Melbourne, Australia

University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

University of Pennsylvania, USA

The University of Sydney, Australia

Wagner College, USA

University of Warwick, UK

Wesleyan University, USA

University of York, UK

Middle School Graduation

On a warm and radiant June day, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement as the school came alive with the buzz of Graduation. It was a day of celebration for Grade 8 students, a day that marked the culmination of three years of growth for the class. The Marymount lawns were bathed in sunshine, a fitting backdrop for such a joyous occasion.

Decked out in their finest attire, the students radiated a sense of accomplishment and pride. The sound of laughter filled the air, as friends and families gathered to commemorate this significant milestone.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 - we are so excited to see what you'll accomplish in High School!

Ski Trip

“This year’s Ski Trip has been one of the most eventful trips in school I’ve ever been on. I enjoyed the trip so much and grew closer to everyone through it. Marymount ski trips will always be the most busy trips and one of the most amazing experiences ever. Even through the challenges, being with my friends together made it all worth it. Getting hot chocolate on our breaks, drinking our iced tea even through the freezing weather, sledging down the icy paths, falling into the snow, and shouting at each other during lunch while playing a game of triple agent - I loved it all.”

Phoebe, Grade 11

Grade 12 Visual Arts Exhibition

On a cold and wet week in March, Grade 12 set up their exhibition pieces in the bright, modern space at RuptureXIBIT (+Studio) in Hampton Wick for an exciting evening of visual arts. Stunning sculptures and creative canvases adorned the rooms, setting the mood for absorbing conversations over themes, influences and inspirations. Visitors from every corner of the Marymount community enjoyed a truly professional artistic experience that would not have felt out of place at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way - things I had no words for.”

Georgia O’Keeffe

American Modernist 1887-1986

Shakespeare Festival

Marymount’s annual Shakespeare Festival was, as always, a masterpiece of highlights from some of the Bard’s most well-known and -loved pieces. Excerpts were included from the ubiquitous Macbeth and the tragic Romeo & Juliet. This year, Grade 7 chose to use the event as a springboard to support the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation. This Foundation supports schools in putting on their own Shakespeare Festivals to help children build confidence, public speaking skills, create new friendships, and even help them find their dream career. Over £300 was raised for the charity.

RSHM Festivals

The academic year 2022-23 saw the return of the RSHM Middle School Festivals after a three-year hiatus. The Festivals are a celebration of the RSHM network and the community of schools, staff and students that make it what it is today. Grade 6s joined fellow students in Paris for a festival of Performing Arts, whereas Grades 7 and 8 jetted off to Rome for the Sports Festival and Modern United Nations. All students were treated to a green #ProudlyMarymount hoodie which united them under one banner:

“that all may have life, and have it to the full ”!

RSHM Sports Festival

This year, I was lucky enough to participate in the RSHM festival as a member of the football B team. I can confidently say that those five days, from start to finish, were the best school trip I’ve ever been on, and I don’t think anything could ever compare to it. Not only did we get to play three different sports and compete against other schools, but we were also allowed to go on amazing sightseeing tours around Rome every day.

We had the opportunity to play volleyball, football, and basketball against eight other Marymount schools from all around the world. Additionally, we got to see famous monuments like the Colosseum and eat delicious gelato. However, that wasn’t the best part. The best part was making friends with so many people and creating wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. I loved every single aspect of the trip, but I have to admit that my favourite thing about it was, of course, eating ice cream. Moreover, the disco organised for the students was an incredibly fun experience. It became my favourite part because I made so many amazing memories there with both old and new friends, and I intend to keep in touch with them even though we live miles apart.

Overall, I had an absolute blast, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything else.

Lara, Grade 8

London Alumnae Reunion

Somerset House was once again the home of the London Alumnae Reunion for Marymount in May 2023. Over 50 guests packed Pennethorne’s Bar, a beautiful setting for a Friday drinks reception. Mr MacInerney, Ms Holland, and Mr and Mrs Wieland were just some of the staff who joined Marymount alumnae for an unforgettable evening of memories, excellent food, and much laughter.

Personal Project

The MYP Personal Project is an important component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). It provides students with an opportunity to explore their interests, passions and talents whilst demonstrating their understanding of essential skills and knowledge acquired throughout the MYP.

This year, our Grade 10 students embarked on a year-long independent project where they chose a topic of personal significance and engaged in a self-directed inquiry. They developed a clear goal, created a detailed plan, and executed their project, documenting their progress along the way. Their projects took various forms, such as research papers, product prototypes, and even a piece of knitting.

Students enhanced their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. They learnt to manage their time effectively, set realistic targets, and reflect on their learning journey. The project encouraged students to be creative, innovative, and to take risks, fostering their personal and academic growth.

Theory of Knowledge

In essence, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) exhibition is an opportunity for Marymount students to use their perceptions and perspectives to articulate how the knowledge acquired during TOK lessons manifests itself in the world around them. For our projects, we were asked to choose three objects that connected to prompts of our choice, and after weeks of refinement, we were able to present our hard work to staff, students, and parents.

In my exhibition, I focused on the following prompt: ‘What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?’ After thorough research and refinement, I settled on the following three objects that I believe embodied the specificity associated with such a prompt:

1. The IB MYP Learning Wheel of International Mindedness (above)

2. Hustlers University: a company by controversial influencer Andrew Tate

3. Appetite Suppression Lollipops: endorsed by social media personality Kim Kardashian

In my exhibition, I was able to speak about how concepts we have learned in the TOK course such as Conformity Bias, Optimism Bias, and Authority Bias actively influence how knowers (the audience to the above objects) consume and acquire the knowledge presented to them.

I found this task to be incredibly enriching, as it allowed me to use a TOK lens to understand more about the interconnectedness between the knowledge we acquire at school and the information that we (as knowers in a largely technological world) have at our disposal. I was encouraged to draw on my own engagement with news headlines and the IB Course itself to frame a large part of my discussion, and to showcase my own intellectual growth as a result of this program.

Sam, Grade 11

The Evolution of Mr Ripp

I studied Mathematics at university in order to become a teacher. However, I didn’t go into teaching straight away. By the time it came to my university graduation, I was tired of the classroom and sought my fortune elsewhere. Initially I opted for actuarial work in an insurance firm but I became bored with yet more exams; so, I went into management consultancy work. This, took me all around the UK and also some other countries; I was eventually asked to teach courses on management! I had become a teacher after all! I quickly realised that teaching was a performance art and thought I’d try my hand at acting. I studied the craft at The Academy of Live & Recorded Arts (ARLA – now closed) and performed in all sorts of guises; theatre, festivals, even some stand-up comedy. This would never be my life’s work, I knew that, and when, quite by chance, I bumped into someone who offered me school tuition work, I jumped at the opportunity to try something new. This was when I was already about 40, so trying a new career was a leap of faith.

My first tutee was a young man, and I fell back in love with teaching. After a month, someone suggested I help out at a little known school in Kingston: Marymount International School. The first time I stepped onto the campus – then under the expert eye of Gabriel – I thought I had died and entered paradise. I started tutoring a few students, then Sr Breda (whom I would later refer to as “my favourite nun” to which she would inevitably respond “you old ham”) asked me to fill in for a Maths teacher who had promptly left his post with no notice on a Friday afternoon. I was asked to stay for a week. I thought to myself, “I’ll give it a go!” My first lesson – Grade 11 – had taken a test the previous week for which I had no mark scheme and on an area of maths that had long since escaped my memory. I had never prepared for a lesson with such ferocity, poring for hours over the paper and reading around the subject to strengthen my grip on the material in hand. There was no Google then, you know! In the end, I opted to cover a different topic in the lesson, which went smoothly, and I carried on teaching that week, learning alongside the students. I must have made an impression, because the Chair of the Parents’ Association later told the Headmistress “whatever you do, keep this guy!” I was asked to stay another week, then another month, then until the end of the academic year. Finally, Sr Rosaleen (who by then had become the Headmistress) asked me whether I’d make the permanent move to teaching. I couldn’t wait to say yes: my break from the classroom had given me new experiences but had also reminded me how much I love the classroom, teaching, and teaching Mathematics in particular.

The rest, as they say, is history. I fell more and more in love with the school, the curriculum, and the community. It is the place where I fell in love, meeting my wonderful wife, Kyoko. Working with young people and in the mathematical field is invigorating and exciting, but my favourite part is being able to tell everyone what to do and having some fun along the way. Every day I was able to learn alongside my students: I learnt how to teach from them, and I hope I taught them something, too. For a small school, Marymount offers such variety in terms of colleagues and students, and the curriculum offers freedom to explore different concepts. To keep students engaged in the classroom, we would often have tangential discussions, which were just as interesting as the topic of the lessons itself. In a lesson with Mr Ripp, something interesting might happen, so it was worthwhile keeping alert!

Since I started at Marymount 33 years ago, the school has certainly become larger, but retains its personal approach to students and staff. Students are generous and kind, the gardens are still a slice of heaven. I am lucky to count Peter, the gardener, as one of my closest friends; I would often go to find him for a horticultural chat when I had a break. The calming influence of the garden is reflected in the lovely atmosphere and culture. Having ‘evolved’ from Marymount, I have continued tutoring. My daily routine now consists of tending to my allotment, working in my garden, tutoring, and translating a Japanese novel into Greek (which Kyoko and I are working on together, and hope to have published by Christmas). I have so many fond memories of Marymount, it’s difficult to recall them all, but here are two classic lines that are guaranteed to make me chuckle. When asked in an economic lesson regarding population growth “why do people have so many children”, a student once answered: “Accidents happen”. An alumna, when asked what she did to get such a high score in the IB: “I listened in class.” Marymount girls are incredible fun to teach, and I have been very lucky to have spent 32 wonderful years in such a special place.

If you would like to get in touch with Mr Ripp, please contact Adriana Williams in the Development Office (devdirector@marymountlondon.com), who will pass on your message and contact details!

Photos from Alumnae

“It was an amazing experience to go back in time, great memories last forever.”

Paulina garza, Class of 1995

PatriCia granados visiting with her family aPril 2023

“60 years post graduation from Marymount, Kingston…we both have one-year-old grandchildren! I also have three in their 20’s….We never imagined back then that we would be doing this 60 years later”

Ann Casey Pascal Class of 1961 and Nancy Newton duBusc Class

1962, having lunch at Milos in NYC

We love to hear from our alumnae. If you have any news/photos to share or just want to come and revisit the campus, please get in touch via alumnae@marymountlondon.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Here is a selection of photographs of people visiting Marymount since the summer. We want to hear from you!

mugdha and vivi, Class of 2022 visiting Grade 12 for a ‘Chemistry Clinic’ Session

of

meghna mishra, Class of 2022, visiting Marymount

kinda el ghussein, left in 1994 visiting the Memory Corner to remember her sister Raafat Al Ghoussein

Suitable for High School & up

‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anthony Doerr

My words cannot possibly do justice to this extraordinary novel, which has become the favourite book of everyone I have spoken to. Piecing together fragments of a story from Ancient Greece, we are propelled through time to Constantinople 1439, to a boy growing up in 1940s Idaho, to 1950s Korea, to a library in 2020, to an undated future world – and round, and through, and back again… linked by the common thread of humanity, books, and how a story is passed from generation to generation.

Finalist National Book Awards 2021; Shortlisted British Book Award; Winner Le Grand Prix de Littérature Américaine; Shortlisted Dublin Literary Prize; Finalist Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction.

Suitable for all ages

‘You Don’t Know What War Is’ by Yeva Skalietska

This is the diary of Ukrainian teenager Yeva Skalietska, following the start of the bombing in her hometown Kharkiv, to their escape to Ireland. It is a book everyone needs to read, regardless of age. Interspersed with photos and text messages between Yeva and her friends, it gives the most heart-wrenchingly authentic picture of what it is like to go through war – summed up in the text message exchange below: OR summed up in the text message “I’m scared”.

Winner The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Year 2022; Shortlisted The British Book Awards 2023 Children's Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

Suitable for Middle School and English B

‘The Color of my Words’ by Lynn Joseph

This short, simple read, set in the Dominican Republic under President Baranguer, will carry you gently through the coming of age of 12-year-old Ana Rosa, a writer in her soul. As you move through the book, your heart will catch in your throat and your head will swim with the colour of her words. A story of life, loss, and using what you were born to do to transform loss into meaning.

ALA Notable Children's Book 2001; Jane Addams Children's Book Award for Peace and Social Equality – 2001 Honor Book.

Written by our Director of Research, Ms Sarah Openshaw

Events

Parents’ Association (PA) Summer BBQ

Saturday, 2 September 2023, 12noon-4pmOn

campus

To attend: tickets are included in the PA membership fee for current parents and students. Please RSVP using the link in the Weekly Bulletin to parents.

This event is an enjoyable family day at Marymount, with games and entertainment for all ages, a delicious barbecue with a wide selection of global foods. This is a chance to reconnect with returning families and meet new joiners. A day of fun in the (with any luck) sun.

IB Diploma Evening

Monday, 9 October 2023 - On campus

To attend: registration is free for this event. Register on the school website, or contact our Admissions team on admissions@marymountlondon.com

Find out more about why the International Baccalaureate is the gold standard for higher education worldwide, and how it could benefit your daughter’s future.

If you are unable to come to this event, the team offers a limited number of private tours throughout the year. Get in touch today using the email above!

Advent Carol Service

Friday, 6 and Saturday, 7 October 2023 - On campus

Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 6.30-7.30pmOn campus

To attend: tickets are free. Register on the school website, or contact Adriana Williams using the contact details below.

Open

Saturday, 23 September 2023 - On campus

To attend: registration is free for this event. Register on the school website, or contact our Admissions team on admissions@marymountlondon.com.

Visit our beautiful campus for a tour of the school where you will meet students, staff and parents and discover why we are so proudly Marymount. If you are unable to come to the Open Day, the team offers a limited number of private tours throughout the year. Get in touch today!

To attend: we are proud to open this event to a limited number of alumnae, past parents and past faculty. Register on the school website, or contact Adriana Williams using the contact details below.

Formerly known as Lessons and Carols, the Advent Carol Service is a beautiful celebration of the Advent season, with music, singing, and readings from the Marymount community. We are delighted to open this event to our wider community. As this is a popular whole-school event, please note that priority will be given to current Marymount students, their families, and faculty.

Alumnae Reunion