Dear Friends,

I hope that you and your families have managed to enjoy a peaceful holiday and I send you every good wish for health and happiness in the New Year.

Our wonderful staff ensured that the run up to Christmas at LEH was as joyous as usual, and this year we were able to share some of the fun with you via our Twelve Days of Giving emails. We were thrilled that so many alumnae joined us virtually for the Alumnae Carol Service and delighted to receive your positive comments and kind donations following the event.

I can't say that the Christmas holiday was a particularly relaxing one for me and our Senior Management Team, with the government sending out constant emails and instructions that seemed to change every hour. We spent much time and effort putting plans in place for a Test and Trace system for the start of term, which was then delayed as schools were told to close. Term has commenced with lessons taking place entirely virtually, and tuition in school only available for critical workers' children, of whom we have over 20 compared to just a handful during the first lockdown. All pupils have settled into their new routines with equanimity and resolution, and we are doing our utmost to keep them mentally and physically strong. This is indeed a challenging time for us all.

In light of the introduction of another national lockdown, the Alumnae team will be keeping you up to date on events at the school and will look for ways to host a varied virtual events programme over the coming weeks. One of the few positives to come out of this wretched crisis is that by moving our activities online, we have been able to open our events to members of our community across the world. It has been wonderful to be in touch with so many of you and we love hearing your news. Your support means much to us and this sense of togetherness makes being part of the LEH community such a comfort and joy.

Please stay well and keep looking forward to better days ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Heather Hanbury
Head Mistress