The QM Family Celebrates

The marquee was set, the grounds looked beautiful and the final rehearsals were done to ensure that Speech Day 2024 was a wonderful day to remember. It certainly did not disappoint!

Our end-of-term celebrations began a week before Speech Day with an impressive schedule of events for the QM Family to enjoy; the Junior Drama Picnic, the Art Exhibition, Sports Day and the Head's Invitational Music Concert all set the scene perfectly for the term's finale, Speech Day, on Saturday 6th July.

The day began with a particularly poignant Service of Praise and Thanksgiving. Chaplain shared his advice during the service, the Head and UVI Prefects gave readings, and a real highlight of the service was a sensational and very fitting performance of Parry's I Was Glad from the QM Chamber Choir.

Proceedings continued with the Prize Giving Ceremony in the Garden Marquee. The marquee was a sight to behold as the entire QM Family joined together to recognise the achievements of the QM girls over the last year. The formal welcome was given by Chairman of Governors, Terry Burt, followed by the Head's Address. This again was another particularly poignant moment of the day as we bid a fond goodbye to our Head, Sue Baillie, who will shortly be leaving QM to start her new role as Head of Woldingham School. Mrs Baillie's speech highlighted one of her favourite sayings, “Have courage, and be kind,” which has resonated deeply within our community. It will continue to influence our school’s culture and be remembered by our students long after her departure.

Our Guest of Honour this Year was Lisa Turan, CEO of the Child Brain Injury Trust, who shared her inspirational story and told the QM girls not to be afraid of taking the road less travelled when pursuing their dreams. Our Guest of Honour then received this year's prizewinners as we celebrated our girls' many achievements, both in and out of the classroom over the last year. The prizegiving was punctuated with a wonderful performance of Landslide by the Leavers' Choir.

The final speech of the day was the Head Girl's vote of thanks. Head Girl Harriette took us on a metaphorical journey to the summit of a mountain as she reflected upon seven wonderful years at QM. Her peers, who all wore red ribbons as a sign of their journey through the school, were moved to tears and joyous laughter as they approached their final moments as QM girls.

The formalities of the day were followed by a drinks and canapés reception in Wenlock Library for Years I - LVI and their families, whilst the leaving UVI girls and their families were treated to a spectacular formal meal from the QM Catering Team in St Margaret's Chapel. The efforts of the Catering, Estates and Housekeeping Teams in facilitating such an incredible day do not go unnoticed.

After Speech Day had drawn to a close, the marquee was prepared for the evening's Sixth Form Summer Ball. Brightly coloured pom poms set the scene perfectly for the 'summer festival' theme! This year's Ball was made possible by a committee of QM parents, governors and staff; thanks to their precision planning, it was a fantastic evening.

We sincerely hope that our girls, especially our leaving Upper Sixth girls, enjoyed their celebrations. They work hard and their success over the past year is certainly well-deserved. A huge thank you to the QM Family for their unstinting support of the school over the past year. We wish you all a restful summer break.

Photography by Insight Photographers Ltd