Letter to Year 6

On behalf of the Year 13 2019, Gigi D. and Niamh H. (out-going Deputy Head Girls) have written a letter of advice to Year 6 pupils, who will be joining Year 7 in September.

Dear Year 6,

When I (Gigi) first arrived in Year 7, I was terrified, all these big long corridors, tall Year 11 girls carrying 20 million folders filled to the top with papers and not knowing anyone. I told myself to be confident and walk in with a huge smile on my face like I knew exactly what I was doing. I needn't have been worried, I saw the girl next to me liked Imagine Dragons, I liked Imagine Dragons so we got chatting and are best friends still to this day.

You will have lots of exciting, fun and incredible memories from your time at Senior School, one being the annual Sixth Form revue which, for our year, included sketches, dance routines, songs and singing teachers. Other amazing things you will experience are the dog show and all the Lourdes Fundraising fortnight excitement, sports days, music concerts, school plays and musicals (we’ve done Chicago, Annie and Little Shop of Horrors most recently!) and lots of phenomenal science opportunities.

I wish someone had told me that I shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes, particularly in Year 7. While it’s pretty cheesy, they are the things that you genuinely learn from. St Mary’s is a wonderfully diverse community in many ways; some will be musical, some scientists, some dramatic, some sporty and some academic. Remember at school, you are exploring who you are, your interests and don’t forget you will find amazing friends, keep them around you.

Wherever you go next year, remember the following:

· Smile at everyone on your first day!

· Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

· Everyone is in the same boat, nerves are completely normal!

· Enjoy every moment!

We hope this letter will give you courage and guidance in the next stage of your academic life.

Lots of love and good luck,

Gigi D. and Niamh H. (out-going Deputy Head Girls)