In assembly on Monday 22 February, with the country celebrating excellence in sport with Amy Williams’ victory in the Winter Olympics, Headmistress Mrs Marion Gibbs reflected on the importance of the team around Amy, all adding expertise to create the individual success.

There is a parallel: we recognise what goes into team and individual achievements at JAGS, in sport, in academic or other pursuits, and the strength of the encouragement and training girls receive here, inspiring them to reach for the top.

Year 13 A level artist Sophie Walker has been awarded the prestigious Painter-Stainers’ School Prizes 2010. (You can read about this in a separate news item.)

Sports news: Many congratulations to Year 8 Natasha Sinha who has been chosen to compete in the British Swimming Championships for the 100m butterfly in March.

Congratulations to the Cross Country teams who competed in the London Schools’ Championships before half term. The junior team won the competition convincingly and the Intermediate and Senior teams both came 2nd.

The following girls were presented with their medals and certificates:

Junior team – Grace de Rome (1st individually), Sophie Parkes (2nd individually), Natasha Sinha (3rd individually), Ashleigh Campbell, Georgie Hay, Greta Sharp.

Intermediates – Katie Snowden (1st individually), Senior – Julia Wedmore (2nd individually), Rebecca de Rome (3rd individually).

Over half term, Katie Snowden, Julia Wedmore (and Hannah Edwards from Alleyn’s) won gold in the team event at the Surrey Cross Country Championships. Individually, Julia came 3rd in the U20 age group and Katie was 1st in U17.

Sophie Parkes won the Kent County U15 Cross Country Championships and Grace de Rome came 3rd. Fantastic achievements!

Fixture results from before half term:

A Year 7-13 team won the Alleyn’s Invitational Swimming Gala and are through to the finals in April.

Well done to all these players.