Newnham College and St Mary’s School join to plant a tree on International Day of the Girl

On a sunny morning, alumnae of Newnham College, Jo Burch, current leader of the Cambridge Group of Local Alumnae, and Sister Gemma Simmonds of the Congregation of Jesus, visited St Mary’s Junior School to plant a wild cherry tree in honour of the International Day of the Girl and the 150th Anniversary of the college. 

With help from members of the Junior School’s eco-council, the tree was planted in a bright spot at the end of the garden. The cherry tree commemorates the relationship between the school and the college – both strong supporters of women’s education and rights since the 19th century – and Gemma’s congregation, which was also founded by Mary Ward, our foundress and early pioneer of women’s education.  

 In Jo’s words:  

'As former Newnham students, Gemma and I are thrilled to be celebrating the College's 150th Anniversary by planting a tree with girls who may be the Newnham students of the future'.  

The girls look forward to seeing the tree blossom next spring and all the wildlife that it will attract.   

This tree is one of a network of 150 trees being planted by alumnae across the world for the anniversary. Follow this link to view the interactive map. You can find more about the project here. To find out more about the Day of the Girl at St Mary’s, follow this link.