The annual Senior School Prize-Giving was held on Wednesday 17th September at Cadogan Hall.
Attended by 900 people including parents, pupils, governors and other distinguished guests, it celebrated the achievements and efforts of students from Year 7 to Sixth Form.
The Headmistress, Mrs Lucy Elphinstone, addressed the audience first in a passionate speech on courage and perseverance, and the need for girls to learn how to fail well and never to give up (click here to download her speech). Mrs Marie Winckler, new Chair of Governors, introduced herself and spoke of her sense of honour in taking up the role, and Caroline Welby, who is an Old Girl of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square, and wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke movingly of her travels through 32 countries and encounters with inspiring women. She urged the girls that no experience is wasted and that happiness lies in simply being the person God wants you to be.
The prize-giving by year group was interspersed with an array of musical talent organised by our Director of Music, Miss Helen Vickery. Especially impressive were the performances on violin and piano of Grace Wormald and Cecilia Ettedgui, and the bright wall of song from the senior choir. The dramatic highlight of the evening was a performance of Sighs of Hope by 17 ballerinas, a piece commemorating the Great War specially commissioned for us by our ballet teacher, Valerie Hitchen, and choreographed by Jenna Lee of the English National Ballet. It was a particularly moving performance.
After the Prize-Giving, we held a special celebratory reception for our Upper Sixth leavers who are heading off to university this term. We look forward to hearing how they are getting on and hope they will stay part of the FHS community for many years to come.
