School community revels in uplifting Foundation celebrations
The day began with Senior and Junior School presenting the 2023 Foundation Meeting with a stunning display of musical and artistic talent.
David Griffiths, Principal, welcomed pupils, families and Friends and Clerk of Committee, Margaret Bryan, gave a brief recap of the year’s highlights from governors’ point of view. David Griffiths summarised his highlights, gave thanks and presented flowers to Margaret, to Rachel Capper, Head of Junior School, to Bridget Perks, Deputy Principal, and to Vanessa Charters, Foundation Office.
The congregation stood for the traditional hymn, Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.
The College Leadership Team gave their recap of the year and paid moving tributes to their time at The Mount. Rosie talked about life in the Junior School, and encouraged all pupils to truly take every opportunity that comes their way. “Never be limited by anyone else’s expectations or ideas of what you can achieve,” said Rosie.
Izzy shared the school’s recent sporting successes, praised the school’s caterers (who earn a fond mention every year) and the teaching staff for their support, both academically and with general life skills, such as when Dr Passmore, Director of Music, showed her how to put the seats down in her car, which prompted a hearty laugh from the audience. This was followed by welling eyes as Izzy revealed that College was her favourite time at The Mount, and urged younger girls to, “cherish every day you have at The Mount, because it really does go by too quickly.”
Angel spoke fondly of the boarding community and wishing every one a bright and promising future, expressed, “May you continue to express your talents, make new friends and hold dear the memories we have created together.”
Ruby compared her time at The Mount to climbing an actual mountain, such as she had done in Iceland for the Borealis Expedition, professing, “To the younger generation of Mounties, don’t be afraid to put on those hiking boots because it’s the best decision I ever made.” Sophie talked about academic achievements and role models, noting poignantly, “The Mount has become my family and home over the last seven years. I know the relationships I have formed will last a lifetime.” Eleanor affirmed, “I know for a fact that the things I have achieved and continue to achieve would not be possible without the support, the motivation and the kindness that exists within this room. The Mount provides the opportunity for us to fall in love with challenges to create our own opinions and build the images of the world that we want to see.”
The Senior Choir gathered to fill the chancel for a flawless rendition of Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Mount Old Scholar, Rosie Al-Adwani (2008) gave the guest address, sharing with the audience, “Whilst only at The Mount for two years, this time had a huge impact on me.” Rosie is a philanthropy manager at British Red Cross, has worked around the world and is passionate about travel, sustainability and the natural world. She praised three things that a Mount education encourages girls to do: flourish in a calm and caring environment; make a difference in our ever-changing world; think and live adventurously. Rosie’s international travel and adventures were possible because The Mount had set her off on the right foot, and even though she suffers from anxiety, it has not prevented her from taking on new adventures.
Senior Choir was joined by Junior Choir for a skin-tingling performance of the traditional hymn sung in the round, Dona Nobis Pacem. The Junior choir stood at the front with Mrs Passmore while Senior girls filed into the side aisles of the nave, encircling the congregants. As they began to sing, literally in the round and the sound filled the space; one parent described the feeling as “a musical hug”.
The presentation of the Awards was read by Mrs Perks while Rosie Al-Adwani gave prizes to their respective recipients. Awards include school awards, subject awards and MOSA awards, which are gifted by The Mount’s Old Scholar community.
The Senior Choir reprised S.LaBarr’s Where the Light Begins which they had also performed at the Northern Lights Concert, and For Good by S.Schwartz.
The College II presentations were read by Head of College, Mrs Goudriaan, while each girl stood to receive her gift from Rosie. A final joyous performance by the choir was G Barlow’s popular song, Sing and the Meeting ended with all singing the hymn, God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again and the school reciting the text, Qui Fidelis Est In Parvo.
Family Day
Everyone moved back to the School grounds and girls changed into home clothes. Pupils and staff had lunch in the Dining Room while parents and other guests had picnics on the lawns. Each year group hosted their own entertainments and enjoyed the stalls of other years. Festivities included ping-pong jars, welly-wanging, coconut shy, beat the goalie (not the digital version!), glitter tattoos, guess the lyrics and face painting. A stall was fundraising for the Namibia trip in two weeks’ time and Graham’s Ices were in demand for their delicious treats. A gymnastic showcase and swimming activities were well received, but the star event was the taiko drumming by Head of Estates, Jez Stretch and his fellow percussionists.