Welcoming our alumnae back to school for a reunion is always one of the highlights for me at NGHS, and Saturday 11 May was no exception.

The lead-up to the event is always exciting, catching up by email and in person with those who will be attending.

On the day itself, the Dining Hall was all set up with archives displaying school photos, magazines and prizegiving brochures from the past. I was thrilled this year that over 75 former students spanning from the Class of 1955 to the Class of 2004 returned to school alongside former teachers Mr Campion, Miss Messenger, Miss Trueman and Mrs Thomas.

 

 

There was a buzz of joy and excitement as the alumnae arrived from across generations and gathered for the much-anticipated reunion. The air was filled with nostalgia and laughter as memories were shared, friendships rekindled, and stories exchanged.

Our current Head Girl and Senior Prefect Team took our alumnae around school on tours of familiar buildings, Milford, the Senior Hall, Lecture Theatre and A, B & C Blocks. From the classrooms where lessons were learned to the mysterious dungeons, every corner held memories waiting to be revisited. With each step, alumnae compared their recollections to the present day, reminiscing about how it was in their time here. Our Sixth Formers loved listening to their memories and stories as they wandered through the corridors sharing laughter and anecdotes.

 

 

After the tours it was back to the Dining Hall for a delicious two-course lunch and a welcome speech from Head, Julie Keller. She spoke about the continued sense of unity among the NGHS family, and the nostalgia of the day. Amidst the lively chatter, conversations turned to cherished memories, with alumnae eagerly exchanging photos and anecdotes from their time at NGHS. It was a delight to hear their stories and insights, discovering firsthand the impact the school had on shaping their lives. Many of the alumnae echoed sentiments of gratitude, expressing how NGHS instilled in them a deep sense of confidence that has stayed with them beyond their school days. It’s very clear from hearing this, that the spirit of NGHS endures not only in its physical presence but also in the indelible mark it leaves on the lives of its students, past and present.

As the day drew to a close, there was a sense of satisfaction knowing that so many alumnae had relished their time stepping back into NGHS. I am really grateful to each and every one of them for taking the time to return, reconnect, and reminisce with us. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome even more alumnae back for future events, especially to celebrate our 150th anniversary in September 2025. In the meantime, enjoy our photo gallery below:

NGHS Reunion May 2024

If you would like to stay connected, I would encourage you to update your details HERE so we can continue to keep you informed of upcoming gatherings and celebrations, mentoring opportunities and networking events. It’s a privilege to play a role in ensuring that as many alumnae as possible are invited to reconnect with school.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Best wishes

Aisling Hooper
Philanthropy and Alumnae Manager