As I reflect on the first few weeks of the new school year, it’s clear that our students have already embraced the spirit of boldness that we set out to inspire. We’ve kicked off this academic year with a series of events and activities that truly embody our theme of being bold.

Our journey began with the Parent Welcome Events, where we saw our community come together with enthusiasm and openness. It was a bold start to building connections that will strengthen our school community throughout the year. The excitement continued with New Friends Friday, an event dedicated to helping our Junior School families forge new friendships and feel welcomed. This event exemplified boldness in action, as our new students stepped out of their comfort zones to make new connections. I always tell parents that it’s a wonderful sign that their daughters are so engaged and absorbed in the event that they’re off enjoying time with new and old friends only reappearing when they want some more cake!  It showcases that from our very youngest students in Year 3, they are already developing their independence and how seamlessly they’ve settled into the new year.

The inaugural Co-Curricular Fayre for Years 7-9 was another highlight for me, showcasing a variety of activities and clubs. Our students displayed curiosity as they explored new interests and boldness as they committed to pursuing passions outside of the classroom. This Fair was a testament to the courage it takes to try something new and challenge oneself. I can’t wait to hear more about what they get up to over the coming term. 

Our busy schedule of sports fixtures has also been a celebration of boldness. Our students have shown remarkable spirit and determination in a myriad of different arenas, representing our school with pride and embracing the challenges of competition with enthusiasm.

The first (of many) residential trips of the year, the Year 10 Edale trip provided another opportunity for boldness. As students embarked on this adventure, they embraced new experiences, faced challenges head-on, and demonstrated resilience. The trip was a powerful reminder of the personal growth that comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

It is so pleasing for me to see our students already embodying our value of being Bold as I set out in my first assembly of the year. During our time together, I explored with them how boldness means being brave, using our voices to create positive change, and embracing risks. We drew inspiration from the Olympics with figures like Simone Biles, who prioritised her mental health amidst immense pressure, and Zhiying Zeng, who pursued her Olympic dreams later in life.  Nada Hafez’s achievements in competing in the fencing while pregnant and Cindy Ngamba’s advocacy for refugees and the first medal winner for the Refugee Team further illustrated the power of boldness. Their stories highlight the importance of perseverance and self-belief, embodying the bold spirit we encourage in our students. We also celebrated Taylor Swift’s trailblazing success in the music industry and Kamala Harris’s resilience in her groundbreaking career.

Moreover, I highlighted the example of the peaceful anti-racism protests we saw over the summer holidays, which showed the collective strength of our communities in standing against hate. These events remind us of the importance of standing up for what is right and supporting one another with kindness and unity. I reminded our community how important it is that we support each other here at BGS and that we must always be respectful of each other’s differences and always show empathy. For it is those differences that make us stronger as a community. Finally, I reminded the students about the bravery of women in Afghanistan fighting for their rights by singing about the removal of their rights. Their courage underscores the importance of using our voices respectfully and purposefully.

As we move forward, I am sure our students will continue to embody the spirit of boldness in their daily lives. Whether it’s by pursuing their dreams, supporting one another, or standing up for justice, my desire is that they strive to make a positive impact and embrace the challenges ahead. I believe this quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg serves as a powerful call to action for all of us as we strive to build an inclusive and supportive community. Let her words inspire us: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Together, let’s commit to making a positive difference and encouraging others to be part of this bold transformative journey.