www.alumni.fhs-sw1.org.uk
Alumni Events 2023
Prior to the reception, on the previous evening, the School
held a legendary event in the FHS calendar: the annual
Leavers’ Dinner.
The excitement was palpable as the Class of 2023 and staff
gathered in the playground, donned in a fabulous array of
black tie finery, before making their way into the Senior Hall
for the dinner.
All enjoyed a fantastic speech from Head Girl, Carolina and
Deputy Head Girl, Isabella in which they discussed fond (and
often hilarious) memories of their year group’s seven years
at FHS. Class of 2023 alumnae, Sabrina and Bianca also took
to the stage for a brilliant speech about the many weird and
wonderful happenings during their time at FHS,
This was followed by a hugely poignant speech by former Joint
Heads of Sixth, Mrs Banks (her last ever, after 21 years at the
School) and Mrs Wilkes, in which they shared their fondest
memories of each girl in the Upper Sixth and shared words
of advice for the world beyond School from each member of
staff present. We were then treated to a surprise interlude
by Mrs Floyd, Mr Mercer and Miss Vickery with an acapella
performance of 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life',
matched later in the evening by an equally glorious rendition
of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' by Mr Croft.
Next came Mrs Banks’ speech, and there wasn’t a dry eye in
the room as she looked back over her time at FHS, followed by
an equally emotive speech by Mrs Elphinstone.
We wish the Class of 2023 the best of luck with everything life
must hold and look forward to welcoming them back as our
youngest alumnae cohort in years to come. We would also like
to thank Mrs Banks for being such a pillar of our community
and brilliant Head of Sixth, and wish her the best of luck in her
next adventures.
Class of 2023 Leavers' Reception
and Dinner
On Friday 12th May, our Class of 2023 leavers gathered for
an incredibly poignant final Leavers’ Service, marking the
end of their time at FHS and their transition into treasured
members of our Alumni Association. The service, held at St
Mary’s Church, Bourne Street, celebrated the achievements,
memories, and aspirations of our Class of 2023, as they
prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The service commenced with two beautiful performances:
Grace Wharton and Caley Collins singing Taylor Swift’s moving
tune ‘Never Grow Up’, and Teresa De Oliveira De Munoz De La
Espada and Eloise Burkey performing Randy Newman’s ‘You’ve
Got a Friend in Me’ on the cello and piano, respectively.
Following an impassioned rendition of the School Anthem,
‘Except the Lord Build the House’, the service featured
readings by former Heads of Sixth, Mrs Wilkes and Mrs Banks,
the outgoing Head Girl, and Deputy Head Girls, Carolina and
Bella, and former Headmistress Mrs Elphinstone. Girls were
then invited to receive a lit candle from their Sixth Form tutors
as a sign of love and commitment to them as they embarked
on their lives beyond FHS, which also symbolised welcoming
them into our Alumni Association.
Following the service, the Class of 2023 and their families
gathered in the Senior Hall for one final drinks reception to
celebrate their final days at FHS.