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11 September 2026 – Issue 2

HEAD’S REVIEW Head’s Introduction

Sisterhood, which runs through everything we do at Roedean, could not have been more evident than over the last ten days. From the girls excitedly sharing holiday news in the corridors, to boarders’ activities at the weekend, to established girls welcoming new girls from all over the world into their circles, and older girls guiding new ones to lessons or tutor rooms in our sometimes confusing buildings, everywhere you looked you could see the girls pulling together and supporting one another. This sisterhood, which is also often quiet and unseen in small gestures and kind actions, is, however, incredibly obvious in Roedean’s House events. This was certainly the case in three large-scale events over the last week. Last Friday’s House Shout was followed by the House Mascot Race, which saw the Houses working in teams to crack cryptic clues, before sending their mascots dashing off to different places around School to collect information, which would eventually spell out ‘House Sisterhood’.

House Colour Run

Then on Wednesday, the House Colour Run saw the House teams working together with the sole aim or making everyone else their House colour with powder paint! It was brilliant fun, but also had a deeper purpose – to solidify bonds and build new connections that may last a lifetime! Congratulations go to our entire school community – we are delighted and proud this week to be named as a finalist in the Independent Girls’ School of the Year category of the prestigious ISOTY national education awards. This is an outstanding accolade – well done! On Saturday, we are looking forward to welcoming prospective families to Open Day to be toured around the School and to feel the strong sense of purpose and Roedean’s deep-rooted ethos. Thank you in advance to all the girls and to the staff for the important role you have on Open Day of sharing what it’s really like at Roedean – the School’s authentic nature will doubtless shine through. After this, I wish you all a wonderfully restful weekend!

1st XI – Hockey vs Brighton College

HEAD’S REVIEW

Unsung heroes in the spotlight Each week, many wonderful things happen at Roedean, about which many in the school are perhaps unaware; this section of the weekly review is dedicated to ‘unsung heroes’, in order to draw our attention to these people and remind us that our community is special. Jemima (Yr11) – for singing Gratitude so beautifully in this week's Chapel services [Miss Hart]

Unsung Staff hero in the spotlight Miss Hart – for writing the excellent clues for the House Mascot Race on Monday [Dr Barrand]

House Colour Run What better way to pull together than trying to make everyone else your House colour! It was pretty messy, but just brilliant fun!

Miss Greatrick – for her incredible and fast work on creating a spreadsheet with magical coding formulas for the Weekend Trips – thank you so much! [Miss Barnett]

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11 September 2026 – Issue 2

HEAD’S REVIEW

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11 September 2026 – Issue 2

HEAD’S REVIEW

11 September 2026 – Issue 2

Chapel – Power for Good After an introduction to acknowledge that this week marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Miss Hart led a Chapel service focusing on the Power of Good.

When I think about it, they've taught me more about power than any famous leader ever has, because their power isn't about position, it's about impact.

When you think of a powerful woman, who comes to mind?

Recently, I came across a list called 20 Sentences Women Wish They’d Read Sooner in Life. Three of them really made me stop and think. The first was: Notice the people who bring out your favourite version of yourself.' As soon as I read it, I thought of Rachel's Committee. These women bring out a version of me that is braver, wiser, and more confident. They remind me what I'm capable of and encourage me to keep growing, even when things feel difficult.

You might think of famous women. Athletes. Politicians. Leaders. Campaigners. Women with influence, status or a platform. When I was your age, that's probably what I would have thought too. But as we get older, we realise that some of the most powerful women in our lives don't appear on television, don't have thousands of followers, and won't ever be written about in history books. They're simply women who have chosen to use their power for good. A few months ago, I attended a conference. Three friends of mine happened to be attending too. These are women I have worked with at different points in my career. We all do very similar jobs in different schools and, over the years, each of them has become important to me in different ways. If I was facing a difficult decision, I might call one of them. If I needed advice, I'd often speak to another. If I was considering a new opportunity or celebrating a success, there would always be someone at the end of the phone. They didn't know one another and my friendships with them had all developed separately.

I think that's part of what Roedean means when we talk about ‘Strengthened by Sisterhood’. It's not simply about having friends; it's about having people who encourage you to grow into your authentic self, challenge you to be brave, and help you become more than you thought possible. The second quote was: 'Action is the antidote to anxiety. I suspect many of us spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting until we're confident. Waiting until we're ready. Waiting until we're certain we won't fail. Nevertheless, if I've learnt anything from the women around me, it's that confidence rarely arrives before action. It usually arrives afterwards. The girls who achieve remarkable things are not always the ones who feel fearless; they're often the ones who decide to take the next step anyway. They understand that growth rarely happens inside their comfort zone. They

In May this year, we all happened to be at the same conference. For the first time, these three women met, and very quickly they realised something. They were all playing a similar role in my life. They were all offering support, encouragement, and perspective when I needed it most. At some point during the conference, they jokingly announced that they were now officially known as 'Rachel's Committee'. The name stuck. What I love most about this story is that these women choose to invest their time, wisdom, and encouragement in someone else's success. They're incredibly busy people. They have demanding jobs, families, responsibilities, and challenges of their own. Yet somehow, they still make time to share advice, offer perspective, encourage growth, and challenge my thinking. Sometimes they're mentors. Sometimes they're cheerleaders. Sometimes they help me see opportunities I might otherwise have missed. And sometimes they're simply a safe space. Page 4

audition, they volunteer, they apply, they speak up, they try. One of the greatest powers we have is the power to act, even when we're unsure. Sisterhood isn't built simply because we attend the same school; it is built when we understand one another's stories. One of the greatest gifts we can give someone is our attention, and one of the greatest acts of courage is sharing a little of ourselves with others. The final quote that struck me was: 'Reach out to people just because they crossed your mind.' I think this might be the simplest and most powerful lesson of all. Most of the support I receive from Rachel's Committee starts with something incredibly small: a message, a phone call or a quick check-in. These moments seem insignificant, but often they're exactly what somebody needs. A reminder that they're not alone, a reminder that somebody believes in them, a reminder that somebody noticed. That's real power. So my challenge to you this morning is simple: become somebody else's committee. Be the person who encourages, be the girl who celebrates another person's success, be the one who sends the message, makes the call, or reminds somebody what they are capable of. The most powerful women are not the most famous. They are the women who leave the people around them stronger than they found them. They are the women who help others flourish. That is power for good.

HEAD’S REVIEW

House Mascot Race Hot on the heels of House Shout last Friday, on Monday this week, the girls enjoyed another House competition. The House Mascot Race was a new House event – pulling together as a House unit, the girls had to crack clues, then the mascot had to run to the place, collect the numbers, and return to share the information. Would you have been able to work out these Roedean places? stay, When war came close, Roedean found a place to . In a Lake District town far away Today Sixth Form students learn, live and thrive, alive. Find the building whose name keeps that history here, Before shelves of books and quiet study were found year. the ghout throu s The whole school gathered for event her, toget ne everyo ht broug ions Assemblies and occas rn learners. Find the former Main Hall, transformed for mode Generations of pupils searched for knowledge here, With reference books and learning always near. Though its purpose has changed over the years, still appears. Find the school's original Reference Library that d, Beneath covered walkways generations have passe past. an's Roede with pupils 's today g Linkin These arches once led worshippers on their way, To a chapel that now stands closed each day. Once a place where pupils would exercise and train, Its purpose today is quite different again. care, Health, wellbeing and life skills are explored with there. is r answe your and Find the PSHE Hub Many thought cricket was only for boys, Yet Roedean girls helped challenge those voices. A trailblazing school that took up bat and ball, Find the pavilion that celebrates it all. Music, drama, dance and song combine, . As performers step beneath the spotlight's shine life, to come s storie and r gathe nces Audie Find the venue alive with creativity and delight.

When all the clues were collected, the numbers were decoded as letters, and the final challenge was to unscramble the anagram – the letters created the phrase 'House Sisterhood'. The girls loved working together to crack the clues, as well as dashing around Roedean to collect the information. Well done to House 4, who finished first, followed by House 3, then 1, then 2. Great fun!

Dr Barrand

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11 September 2026 – Issue 2

HEAD’S REVIEW

Hockey vs Brighton College

Hockey vs Bede's

2nd XI The 2nd XI lost 2-8 to Brighton College, in a game which was much more competitive than the scoreline suggests. The first half saw Roedean start strongly, with lots of possession in midfield and some dangerous attacks being built. Brighton hit back and scored with their first attack, and added two more quickly, before Molly pulled one back and the first half eventually ended 1-5 to Brighton. The second half was a much tighter affair, with Roedean again enjoying lots of possession, and being more organised in midfield and defence. Up until the final five minutes, the second half score was 1-2 to Brighton, with Farwa scoring for Roedean, but Brighton also scored a late breakaway goal to end the match.

Mr Smethurst

1st XI – a Thrilling Start to the Season The 1st XI got their season off to a fantastic start with an exciting 2–2 draw in a closely-fought opening fixture against Brighton College 2nd XI. From the first whistle, the girls showed excellent energy, intent, and determination. Roedean settled quickly and were rewarded for their positive start with the opening goal, giving them an early lead. Brighton College responded strongly and managed to find an equaliser through a penalty corner at the near post, with the ball just managing to evade defenders and keeper, before hitting the backboard. The girls responded brilliantly, showing great character and composure to work their way back into the game. Their persistence paid off as Roedean scored again to restore the lead and set up a thrilling final period.

With both teams pushing for the result, the intensity continued to build. The entire team defended resolutely and looked dangerous going forward, but with just one minute remaining, Brighton College found a way through to score the equaliser and make it 2-2. While conceding so late was undoubtedly disappointing, the performance was full of positives. The girls demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and a real willingness to compete from start to finish. There were plenty of encouraging signs for the season ahead, with the team showing that they are capable of playing with confidence and strong purpose. It was a hard-fought draw and an excellent first outing for the 1st XI. There is plenty to build on, and the season promises to be an exciting one!

Mr Campleman

U13A – a Fantastic Start to the Season! The U13A got their season off to a brilliant start with an impressive 6-0 victory in their opening fixture against Bede's School. From the very first whistle, the girls played with energy, confidence, and real enthusiasm, setting an excellent standard for the season ahead. The team started brightly and quickly established control, moving the ball with purpose and creating plenty of opportunities in the attacking third. Their hard work was rewarded with an early goal through Ines, and from there the girls continued to build momentum. A further five goals followed, with four different goal scorers getting on the scoresheet (Maya, Scarlett, and Eleanor) including a fantastic hat-trick for Ines. It was particularly pleasing to see the team’s willingness to work for one another, with excellent passing, movement off the ball, and some strong defensive work, ensuring that the opposition were kept at bay. The girls showed great composure throughout and continued to play positively right until the final whistle. A special mention must go to the four girls making their U13A debuts: Christina, Maya, Eleanor, and Harriet. They all settled into the team brilliantly and contributed to a superb opening performance. A 6-0 win, four different goal scorers, a hat-trick, and four successful U13A debuts – what a fantastic way to begin the season! There is plenty more to develop, but the girls can be extremely proud of the start they have made. A very exciting season lies ahead!

Mr Campleman

U13B The U13Bs won 2-0 at Bede’s in their first game of the season. A goal was scored in each half, one by Shalom and one by Emma, and the girls had their first experience of playing a competitive fixture together. They have lots of potential and lots to work on, but this is a positive start to the term.

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Mr Smethurst

11 September 2026 – Issue 2

HEAD’S REVIEW

Hockey PreSeason Gets the Season Underway! The Hockey Pre-Season got the new season off to a fantastic start, with excellent numbers of players attending across two energetic and enjoyable days. It was brilliant to see so many girls back on the pitch, demonstrating tremendous enthusiasm, commitment, and effort as they prepared for the challenges and excitement of the season ahead. Across the two days, players worked hard on developing their individual skills, teamwork, and understanding of the game, with plenty of opportunities to learn, improve, and, most importantly, have fun. The positive attitude shown by everyone was particularly pleasing, and there was clear improvement throughout the preseason as the players challenged themselves and supported one another.

U13E Hockey vs Hurst On Wednesday, the U13E team had their first hockey match of the season – for many, it was their first ever hockey match! It was a terrific game and every player worked their socks off. We went 1-0 up after a fantastic goal from Florence, Hurst fought back and managed to equalise just before half-time. It was all to play for in the second half, and unfortunately Hurst scored swiftly after to take the lead. We didn't give up and drove the ball up the pitch with determination. Evie managed to score a great goal to equalise with 5 minutes to go! Luna kept us in the game was some amazing saves in goal. The final score was 2-2. Well done to all who took part, congratulations to Luna for being named Opposition's Defensive Player, and Ivy for being Attacking Player. A special shout out goes to Luna, who volunteered to step in as goalie, despite not playing it before and having a great game!

Mrs Hammond

The final day concluded with a wonderful picnic, bringing together players, parents, and coaches to celebrate a successful start to the hockey season. It was a fantastic opportunity for the whole hockey community to come together, reflect on two excellent days, and look ahead with excitement to the fixtures and opportunities that the season will bring. A huge thank you to all the players for their outstanding effort and enthusiasm, to our coaches for their time and energy, and to the parents for their continued support. We are looking forward to an exciting season ahead!

Mr Campleman

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11 13 September October 2026 2023 – Issue 26

HEAD’S HEAD’S WEEKLY REVIEW REVIEW

Rosh Hashanah: A Time for Renewal

U15 County Netball Selections Huge congratulations to Chloe (Yr9) and Heidi (Yr10) for being selected for the U15 Sussex County Training squad this season – we are so proud of you, and your places are thoroughly well-deserved.

Mrs Hammond

As the Jewish community prepares to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we wish all those observing the festival of Shanah Tovah – a happy and good New Year. Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'Head of the Year', marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and is one of the most significant festivals in the Jewish calendar. It is a time of celebration, family, and community, but also of reflection: it is an opportunity to look back on the year that has passed and consider how we might approach the year ahead. One of the most distinctive sounds of Rosh Hashanah is that of the shofar, traditionally made from a ram’s horn and blown during synagogue services. Its powerful, distinctive call is often understood as a kind of wake-up call: an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider how we might grow and change. Rosh Hashanah also begins the Ten Days of Repentance, sometimes known as the Days of Awe, which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is a period for reflection, making amends and considering how we can move forward with greater purpose and kindness. These themes of reflection, responsibility, and renewal have a particular resonance in a world where many are hoping for greater understanding and peace. Food also plays an important part in the celebrations. Perhaps the best-known tradition is eating apple dipped in honey, symbolising the hope for a sweet year ahead. Families and communities may also enjoy other symbolic foods, with customs varying across different Jewish traditions and cultures. Whether or not we are marking Rosh Hashanah ourselves, its themes – reflection, renewal, reconciliation, and hope – offer something we can all recognise: the value of taking stock, learning from the past, seeking to put things right, and an opportunity for a fresh start.

U13A Netball vs Ark Alexandra

Shanah Tovah – wishing all those celebrating a happy, peaceful and sweet New Year.

After only one training session, we took it slow in the first two quarters, settling into our new combinations. In the second half, we calmly transferred the ball through court and gave our attack lots of opportunities.

Ms Boobis

On Tuesday, the U13As had the first match of their Sisters in Sport national shield competition.

We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Head’s Weekly Review, please email: aws@roedean.co.uk

The final score was 22-1 to Roedean. Well done to the whole team for a fantastic performance, and special mention goes to Meadow, who was Opposition's Player, and Shalom who was Coach's Player. I'm looking forward to seeing you take to the court in the next round!

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Mrs Hammond

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