Queen Margaret’s has been shortlisted in the Community Outreach category of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.
The School earned its shortlisting following a number of community initiatives by staff and students during the coronavirus outbreak. It launched a pen pal scheme which pairs current pupils up with Old Margaretians so that they can write emails and enjoy phone calls, sharing their experiences of the school and discussing how they are feeling.
Jane, an Old Margaretian, commented: “What I find truly inspiring is that, in the midst of all this, Queen Margaret’s is not only caring about the Old Margaretians but reaching out to us as well – I am immensely grateful and touched.”
Other acts of community kindness included Art Technician, Sally Wade, and Director of Boarding, Tania Davidson, who used the Art Department sewing machines to make scrubs for the Yorkshire branch of ‘For The Love of Scrubs’. Emily Hope, Year V, used her moped to deliver essential medical supplies to the elderly and vulnerable, and Kitty East (Year IV) helped her family to cook over 17,000 meals for NHS staff as part of the ‘Food4Heroes’ initiative.
Head, Sue Baillie, said: “We have been so inspired by the lengths some of the Queen Margaret’s family have gone to to help during lockdown. We know that our community spirit is what makes Queen Margaret’s the very special place it is – to see this being extended far beyond the boundaries of Escrick Park, and for it to be formally recognised by the award shortlisting, is truly heartwarming.”
The winners of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2020 will be announced in October.