The Junior School has been enjoying a beautifully re-imagined library space since September, following an extensive renovation project over the summer holidays, which was funded thanks to the generosity of our parent organisation ‘Friends of WHS’ who raised funds at their Glitter Ball in 2024 for both Junior and Senior School libraries (with the latter now benefitting from a calm and welcoming Neurodiversity room) and also for the National Literacy Trust.
On Friday 24 April, pupils and staff were delighted to welcome alumna Dr Sheila Kanani MBE (Class of 2001) to school as she officially opened the Junior School library.
Dr Kanani is a planetary physicist and award-winning author and science communicator – her book ‘Can You Get Rainbows in Space?’ winning the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize in 2024.
The visit began with a STEM-focused assembly for older girls, where Dr Kanani shared insights into her career in space science and astronomy. She spoke about the wonders of the universe – talking of her love of Saturn and Venus – Earth’s ‘evil twin’- and her experience of the recruitment process to be an astronaut and the recent Artemis II mission. She also spoke to pupils about her forthcoming children’s book, 10 Extraordinary Ideas that Shaped Our Universe, which will be released later this year. Sheila encouraged pupils to remain curious, ask questions and consider future careers in STEM fields – and expertly fielded some thought- provoking questions from the audience.
Following the assembly, selected pupils from Reception to Year 6, along with the school’s library prefects, enjoyed a special reading session from Dr Kanani’s own book ‘This Book Will Make You a Scientist’.
Class representatives from across the Junior School parent community then joined for the official opening which involved a ribbon-cutting ceremony with librarian Miss Sharp and Head Mrs Fryer.
With 2026 the Year of Reading, the new junior library is sure to play a central role in nurturing a love of reading across the school.