FROM: THE HEADMISTRESS
Friday 30th May 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians
A school, like a family, goes through highs and it goes through lows. When we go through lows, we ride
through the storm together. Likewise, when we go through highs, we celebrate together. It is with pride and
joy that I can bring you the first newsletter of this term from a real mountain top of great success from our
girls.
Speaking of mountains, our C Block girls have just completed their outdoor education trip to Nyanga. It was
hard, but without exception, every girl gave of her best, without complaint. The girls worked well together,
encouraged and supported each other, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, every girl in the
group made it to the summit of Mt Nyangani. Hiking is an incredible mental game, pushing through real lows
of pain to get to the high of seeing just how strong you really are in body, mind, and spirit. Our outdoor
education programme is something we believe in because we see lessons learnt by young people; stretching
our limits helps us to build resilience and grit. The C Block girls are proud of their achievement, and we as a
school are proud of them and celebrate them as they step out as women of stronger character. My sincere
thanks to Mr Francois de Kock for planning and running the trip and thanks to the staff who accompanied
the girls.
One of my highlights of every Winter term is our annual Kidzcan fun run. This year, we had a fantastic
turnout and managed to raise nearly $24 000 for Kidzcan. Thank you all for your generosity and for the
difference you have made for the children and families battling through childhood cancer. Being in a position
of strength gives us the opportunity to lean back and help somebody else up. Our Kidzcan fun run is always
a reminder that, as a school of young leaders who have reached that position by the strength of others, we
must, when given the chance, have a mindset of pulling others along with us.
Our D Block have also just been on a trip to Great Zimbabwe. Mrs Harriet Nel, with her passion for History
and for education, has once again created a wonderful opportunity for our youngest pupils to be immersed in
the rich, vibrant culture of our nation’s past. I am so grateful to Mrs Nel, and also to Mrs Robb, Mrs Shumba,
Mrs Kamba, and Ms Vosloo for traveling with the girls.
This past weekend afforded us a wonderful opportunity to commemorate Africa Day. The girls produced a
concert showcasing not only their own talents but also celebrating the wealth of diversity in our heritage. Our
Deputy Head, Mrs Shumba, produced a video clip for assembly reminding us that the many voices of Africa
are strengthened through unity.
Aside from the frosty mornings, one of the reasons we love the Winter term is the sports, which are always
exciting to watch and to play. Like all good things, they do come with some risk, and so from next week,
mouth guards will be compulsory for all players participating in hockey training sessions and fixtures. Please
make sure that if your daughter is going to be playing hockey that she is equipped with all the PPE she needs
so that she won’t be disappointed on match day by having to sit out. We are looking forward to a good season
on all sporting fronts and I wish all our basketball and hockey girls the very best of luck.
We were privileged to have Africa’s leading expert in social media law, Emma Sadlier, join us for a few days
to address our parents, pupils, and teachers on the legalities of social media posts and advise on how to protect
ourselves in the digital space. Emma travelled from South Africa for the event, and I think that everyone who
attended her talks left feeling they had learnt something new and that they are more equipped to flourish in
an increasingly digital world. Thank you for the parental support (for those who attended the talk in Harare),
and I would encourage everyone to educate themselves on digital etiquette, both on a personal and a corporate
level.
As I mentioned, Peterhouse Girls is on a real high at the moment. The praise and glory as always goes to our
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose provision and love sustains us in valleys and whose humility keeps us
when we are on mountains. Wherever you find yourself, the mercy of our Lord is sufficient for the troubles
you face today (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May God bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, give you peace and bring you all back safely
on Monday morning.
Kind Regards
Mrs Claire Hough
Headmistress