Alumnae Newsletter
Spring 2022

Alumnae News

I'm delighted to have welcomed so many alumnae back to Maresfield Gardens this term. It was wonderful to see you at our Alumnae Reunion and to hear your diverse and successful careers stories at our 'Careers In…' sessions. Thank you for continuing to share your expertise with our students, and helping to inspire the next generation. I look forward to seeing you at South Hampstead again soon.

Headmistress, Victoria Bingham

Alumnae Reunion 2022

On Sunday 13th March, we welcomed back over 180 alumnae and former staff to our annual reunion.  Former pupils spanning six decades reconnected for a morning of ‘school days’ sessions followed by lunch; some had travelled from as far as America, Canada and Abu Dhabi to see their school friends again. In March 2023, we will celebrate decade anniversaries for all alumnae who left South Hampstead in a year ending in 3. If you'd like to be a class rep and help us bring together your contemporaries, please contact us

View reunion photos
Farewell to Staff

This term, we said goodbye to much loved Junior School staff. Lucy Szemerenyi, Junior School Deputy Head for 11 years, is moving to a role at a new primary school; Head Chef Ellen Gahan retires after 18 years of cooking for our pupils. Both join our community of Honorary Alumnae in recognition of their contribution to the South Hampstead community. 

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Careers Speakers

Thank you to all our alumnae who came back to speak about their careers. 25 alumnae and parents shared their expertise at our recent careers sessions. Students also heard from Neuroscientist Laura Watkins, Sports Psychologist Osiro Imoedemhe, and Model Bella Glanville. 

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In the News

Congratulations to our alumnae who continue to achieve success across all sectors, including figure skater Lilah Fear, who represented Team GB at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.  

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Mrs Nina Schaffer

We were overwhelmed by the condolence messages sent in by alumnae when former Geography Teacher Nina Schaffer passed away in January. We have published a selection of messages and memories online. 

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Motivational Mondays

Thank you Laura Watkins (Class of 1992) and Rebecca Goldenberg (Class of 2003) for sharing their career stories in our Motivational Monday series on our website and LinkedIn. If you would like to feature, please let us know.

Read more
Podcast Episodes

Alumnae Karen Pollock, CBE (Class of 1992) and Professor Abi Gewirtz (Class of 1983) spoke to the GDST Alumnae Community this term. Abi is a child psychologist and recorded a Raise Her Up podcast; Karen spoke about her role as CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust for the Alumna of the Year 'In Conversation' series.

Alumnae Awards

GDST's Alumna of the Year Awards are now open, recognising the many varied achievements of our former pupils. Please celebrate the success of your school friends by nominating them for the award. 

Nominate here
Frankfurther Sisters

Thank you to Beate Planskoy (nee Frankfurther) who spoke to pupils about joining South Hampstead as a 9 year old Jewish refugee from Berlin, along with her sister - the renowned artist, Eva Frankfurther.  

Read more about Eva
New Bursary Awards

This September, we will welcome 14 new pupils to South Hampstead whose fees have been fully funded by our community. Thank you for your support; you can find out more about our Towards 150 initiatives here.

Support us
'Class of' Bursaries

In 2019, we launched our 'Class of' bursary initiative, encouraging year groups of former pupils to fund bursaries. There are now four cohorts supporting the scheme, with more alumnae joining every year. 

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A Lasting Legacy

The Minerva Circle recognises all who have made a commitment to South Hampstead through a legacy gift or pledge, and we look forward to inviting all members to our Jubilee Tea Party in May. We also are delighted to announce that GDST has partnered with Farewill, and anyone in our community can access their free will writing service.

Find out more
Friends Reunited

We're so pleased that former students are rekindling school friendships through our alumnae network. If you'd like to re-connect with a lost school friend, please contact us

Read more
1950s' Archives

We're delighted to have received a valuable addition to our archives: an immaculate scrapbook by a former pupil, chronicling life at South Hampstead in the 1950s. 

Read more
Partnerships

We're proud to extend our partnerships in the local community. Our Saturday Sparks programme welcomes pupils from local primary schools; our work with the Royal Free Charity includes fundraising as well as volunteering opportunities for our students.

Resplendens 2022

Are you involved in sport or wellbeing? If so, we'd love to profile you for the next edition of Resplendens, our annual alumnae magazine. Please get in touch to tell us more about your professional or personal involvement. 

Contact us
Keep in touch

Boost your networking and keep in touch with us by updating your contact details on our online portal and following the SHHS LinkedIn page. You can also join the GDST Life Alumnae Network connecting you with the wider GDST community and giving you access to GDST alumnae career specific networks, online resources and discussion groups.

Leadership Event

Want to learn more about leadership skills and meet like-minded alumnae? Our friends at Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST are hosting a business breakfast at GDST's head office on Wednesday 27 April, 8am.

Register here
Hybrid careers event

What can you do to build your career in a hybrid world? On Thursday 28th April at 6.30pm, Careers Consultant Joanna Gaudoin speaks about the future of work at a GDST City Networking Group event. 

Register here
Dates for your diary
27 AprilBusiness Breakfast - Leadership in a Changing World
28 AprilHybrid Career Rebot - A GDST City Networking Group event
1 MayAlumnae of the Year - nominations close
26 MayJubilee Tea Party
6 OctTowards 150 Concert

South Hampstead stats

180+

guests attended our recent Alumnae Reunion

28

careers talks from alumnae and parents

1,300

following the SHHS Alumnae LinkedIn page