A letter from the Editors

Can we invoke that Muse of the lesser-known domain of Editing to sharpen the discernment of our collective eye, and reveal to us the reasons why in so much first copy the preferred form of punctuation seems to be the exhausting exclamation mark? We (yes, here the editors seem to be cast as classical poets), apparently, can; or at least we managed to invite some force to produce through us this modest, unpretending, divinely inspired publication.

Ever since the first, thoroughly Olympian, although less imaginatively named ‘full-committee meeting’, the editors have had the luxurious task of delving into the creative ideas of our sub-editors and the varied experiences of fellow students from all years to draw out and spin them into something magazine-shaped and pleasantly weighty, and ideally legible. This has been our aim; and in the time from that initial gathering to this magazine’s adulthood, we hope we have brought it up conscientiously.

We wish to make a special mention of an innovation to the magazine committee this year, in the form of independent designers Annecy Attlee and Hannah Blows, whose beautiful and beautifully exacting design vision has taken so much work from our shoulders; we loved the original design.

Before consecrating, with appropriate sacrifices, this tome to the goddesses of school literature publications, there are further acknowledgements. Eminent professional designer Nick Parkinson, the full Year 12 magazine committee and Mrs Venn we thank for their input.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

Hayley Flood, Sanjana Bhalla and Maggie Lund

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The Head Girl's Report

This past year at JAGS, as Head Girl, I began to appreciate the infrastructure of the school, and the huge amount of time and effort that so many people put in, so that it not only runs smoothly but improves upon itself, meeting the challenges brought by each new influx of girls. We have had half a year enjoying the new dining hall, classrooms and drama studios and the school is already looking towards the next project, a new music centre to share with the community. It was during the Alumnae lunch in May that I realised how much the school has evolved; it was fascinating to hear the stories of a different generation growing up in the same buildings - who knew the maths block used to be the sports hall?

The year has been filled with events organised by pupils, such as the fashion show and the multicultural evening, raising funds for many good causes. A lot of hard work goes into organising these events, which was evident in the end result: a fantastic, colourful display of the talent within our school. As Head Girl, my duties included organising events, from the School Council to the Leavers’ Ball. One of my most memorable tasks was teaming up with Dulwich College and Alleyn’s to put on the annual Foundation Schools’ Talent Show, with the invaluable help of my deputies, Caitlin Burtonshaw and Phoebe Newman. It was daunting having to put on an evening of entertainment, but seeing the results of our efforts made it all worth while.

This year I also learnt more about the surrounding communities involved with JAGS and the opportunities that JAGS gives to volunteer on the Saturday Literacy Scheme, the hospital trolley shop at Kings College Hospital, the Leonard Cheshire Home, Turney School and other local primary schools. It was amazing to see the happiness and confidence of the volunteers grow, as well as the people they are working with.

Aside from helping you to give back to the community, JAGS gives you the opportunity to find something you excel at. The assembly hall gives equal appreciation for excellence, whether it be for grade 8 trombone, a Gold award in a Chemistry Olympiad or coming home with a heavy medal haul from a national swimming competition.

During a time when young people receive a fairly rough ride, JAGS serves as a constant reminder of the creativity, ingenuity and positive energy that young people have to give. So get off Facebook and sign up on the drama board, to the music and the sport, because there is nothing to be afraid of and everything to gain from having a go. We are here to be educated and after all the Science, English, sport, organising charity events and practising for house music and much more, the thing I’ve learnt about is myself and it is that through enjoying what is on offer and learning from experiences you begin your journey of self discovery.

This year won’t be without its challenges, so good luck to all of you, whether you’re starting new in Year 7 or about to go on to your final year, and especially to your new Head Girls Julia Wedmore, Grace Johnson and Charlotte Parks-Taylor.

Laetitia Lloyd-Davies