On the afternoon of 7 June, it was wonderful to welcome back so many alumnae to celebrate their 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-year anniversaries since leaving St Helen and St Katharine.
The most recent 2015 year group were the largest contingent, numbering 33 in total, which was an astonishing turn-out given the relatively small size of that year group. It was also wonderful to see healthy numbers represented amongst the other three year groups.
The afternoon began with welcome drinks in Old School Hall, where big hugs and smiles could be seen all around as alumnae enjoyed reconnecting after many years. It was equally delightful to welcome back some long-serving former staff, who had taught quite a few of the assembled crowd. Mrs Cynthia Shebbeare, formerly Teacher of French (1988-2005), Mrs Cassie Nash, formerly Head of English (1990-2020), Mrs Jackie Armstrong, formerly Head of Chemistry (1995-2018), and Mr Clive Morris, formerly Head of Mathematics (2002-2023) were all mingling with the alumnae and evidently enjoying each other’s company.
There followed a short address by the Headmistress, Mrs Dougall, in the Yolande Paterson Hall. Mrs Dougall expressed her affinity for the Class of 2015, who had been in their final year when she joined the school as Headmistress ten years ago, remarking that she remembered them fondly as a year with some formidable characters. She revelled in connecting with them once more before her upcoming retirement from St Helen’s this summer.
Before the visitors went on tours of the school, they assembled on the steps outside Old School Hall for a group photograph. With a passing shower that spurred on proceedings, the alumnae were soon exploring the old familiar parts of school as well as discovering some newer buildings with the current prefects acting as tour guides. As part of the school tours, the alumnae visited the Archives, where photographs from their respective eras were out on display. Flicking through yearbooks and school magazines, perusing whole school photographs as well as leavers photos and sport team pictures to pick out friends, brought back many memories and amusing stories amongst the various groups.
After the tours, our visitors returned to the Atrium for a much-needed afternoon tea and refreshments. It was delightful to hear the chatter and laughter amongst the groups. In particular, it was heartening to learn from the Class of 1985 visitors afterwards that they set-up a WhatsApp group during the afternoon to stay in touch and meet up more regularly. We are thrilled the Reunion was a catalyst for the renewal of friendships. The SHSK Society strives to support and nurture such connections amongst its alumnae community, and we hope that all those who joined us enjoyed the event, and we look forward to seeing them in another decade if not before.
