Class of 2021 gathered for a 5-Year Reunion Lunch at school

A five-year reunion was held for the Class of 2021 on Saturday 5 September at St Helen and St Katharine. The afternoon commenced with a drinks reception, which was followed by a short welcome from the Head, Mrs Rollings. Next, the guests were invited into the Refectory for an informal two-course lunch which featured the ever-popular katsu chicken followed by chocolate brownie. After a social lunch and the obligatory group photo, Mr Hunt, Senior Deputy Head, led the visitors on a tour of the school starting with the relatively new Sixth Form Centre, which appeared to wow them when compared with their Sixth Form space whilst at school. The tour passed by the Food and Nutrition room in Hayward House and continued through the Jean Duffield Building, entering numerous form rooms, and dropped in on the newly refurbished Year 11 Common Room, where the alumnae happily gathered under the 'always a HelKat' sign! The tour proceeded through Main School, stopping to look at the specially selected photo display of the year group's time at St Helen's and finished off with a visit to Chapel. 

It was interesting to hear about the careers these amazing young women are embarking on. Amongst the gathered alumnae were trainee solicitors, an aspiring barrister, a newly qualified teacher, a trainee language therapist, a political policymaker, a medical statistician and pharmaceutical industry graduate trainees to name just some of the fascinating and varied career paths represented. 

The afternoon was a wonderful occasion to welcome back a year group who had missed out on some of the traditions of leaving St Helen's in 2021. Navigating the upheavals of the Covid years in their Sixth Form had made their final years at St Helen's far from typical. Whilst this year group may have missed out on some of the highs, such as the Leavers' Ball, as well as perhaps the lows of sitting A level exams in their Upper Sixth year, their sense of togetherness and camaraderie seemed undiminished by their unconventional final years at the School. The afternoon's activities provided much laughter and many opportunities for joyful reminiscing. 

We thank all those who attended the reunion and look forward to keeping in touch with them and welcoming them at future events.