Connecting current pupils with the School's alumnae

As a school that has seen off devastating fires, wartime bombardments and near-closure in its 120 year history, the 'QM spirit' is never more showing than in times of emerging need. At all-girls school Queen Margaret’s, a new pen pal scheme has been introduced which aims to foster community spirit by connecting current pupils with the School’s alumnae, ‘Old Margaretians’. The scheme is designed to bring friendship and cheer to those who could find themselves in a very lonely and isolated position over the coming weeks as a result of COVID-19.

The scheme was inspired by Queen Margaret’s Year I girls writing letters to residents of a local care home (pictured) who were delighted to receive the notes at a time when their own families are not able to visit. The idea to extend this to Old Margaretians was only launched on Friday and already nearly 50 Queen Margaret’s students from across all year groups have signed up to be a part of the initiative. The students represent a range of nationalities, including one girl from Spain, where COVID-19 has hit particularly hard.

Many Old Margaretians have signed up to receive emails from current QM girls - from Scotland, America and Australia - the oldest one recounting that she remembered the School from the 1940s when it was based at Castle Howard.

Sue Baillie, Head at Queen Margaret’s said: “We are hoping to connect our network of Old Margaretians with a group of volunteer students for a 'pen pal' style email exchange. Of course they will have plenty in common – sharing stories of life at QM whilst maintaining an essential connection with the outside world through these uncertain times. My hope is that this could be the start of some truly inter-generational and lifelong friendships within the QM Family”