London Calling: December 2025

Tue Dec 23 13:25:56 GMT 2025

December 2025

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4jfR46T&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

Season’s greetings from One Waverley Place!

We’re wishing everyone in the greater ASL community the happiest of holidays from One Waverley Place—where not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Well, that’s not entirely true, but it is Winter Break, and our students are scattered all over the world, resting and celebrating after a fantastic first semester! The last few weeks on campus have been filled with spirit days, festive celebrations and cultural exchange, and twinkling lights bringing holiday cheer to campus. Please enjoy this video <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4jfR46T&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> of Semester I highlights, backed by a fantastic rendition of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” as performed recently by the Grade 7–12 combined choirs and the high school string quintet.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3MLwKhx&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

A slice of ’70s ASL: Tracy (Havens) Katoski ’76 shares reflections on teen years in London

As ASL prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, and we look back on 75 years of outstanding education and life-changing experiences in London, we are honored to share alumna Tracy (Havens) Katoski ’s personal history of her Grade 7 through Grade 9 years at ASL. Tracy is an author, with her recent mystery novel, A Death in Normandy <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4aqjFUG&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, now available for online purchase. Read on <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3MLwKhx&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> for a slice of ASL and London life in the early ’70s!

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4s3H4l1&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

A message (and request) from the high school English department…

For 20 years, ASL’s Harkness tables have held more than just chairs. They’ve held laughter, witnessed the occasional “poetic tear,” and—if we're honest—probably bear a few scrawled initials or bits of long-forgotten gum. Around these tables, we passed ideas, asked questions and shared stories. As we celebrate 20 years of Harkness pedagogy at ASL, we’re inviting alumni to pull up a chair once more and share a memory. Watch our short video <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4s3H4l1&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, add your story using this form <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fforms.gle%2ff4WzRNdodwPxQy8j7&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, and help us remember what it felt like to sit around the table together.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fevents-calendar&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

Two January events in London!

Alumni, will you be in London at the start of the new year? Bring some sparkle to your January by joining friends, classmates and teachers at our annual London pub social on Wednesday, 7 January, 6–8 pm at the Warrington in Maida Vale—it’s always a great time, and alumni from all eras are warmly welcomed, as are plus-ones! RSVP <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fasl.org%2fpubnight&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>.

Then, on Saturday, 17 January, we’re joining a special, first-of-its-kind, all-ISST alumni social to bring together graduates from all eight ISST <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.isst-sports.org%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> schools for an evening of festive drinks and nibbles at ASL alum Jonathan Woollard ’00 ’s bar, Amuse Bouche <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2famusebouchelondon.com&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>. All eight heads of school will be in attendance, and all alumni are welcome—no ISST sports participation required. RSVP <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4oZ7ulv&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4snbxLp&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

Parents of alumni celebrate the season in style

Bruce House was filled with holiday spirit two weeks ago as parents of alumni gathered for their annual holiday social at the home of Head of School Matt Horvat (ASL 2023-present) and his wife, Susan Fine. It was a lively evening of reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and sharing memories—all brought together by a lasting love of ASL. Once an Eagle (parent), always an Eagle (parent). View photos <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4snbxLp&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> from the event.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2fgiving&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

’90s alumni led the way with Giving Tuesday contributions—but it’s not too late to give!

As 2025 draws to a close, there’s still time to show your Eagle pride! While our ’90s alumni won the Battle of the Decades again this year, there’s still time for everyone to make a difference <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2fgiving%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> with a gift to the ASL Foundation’s Annual Fund.

Your support strengthens exceptional teaching and learning and helps provide financial aid to more than 220 students—making our community stronger. Every gift, of any size, has an immediate impact, and US taxpayers can take advantage of year-end giving by donating <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2fgiving%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> before 31 December. Thank you for supporting our Eagles.

We love hearing what our Eagles are up to! Submit your own class notes <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fget-in-touch%2fclass-notes&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, or email alumni at asl.org <mailto:alumni at asl.org?subject=Class note> to keep us in the loop.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2ffacebook.com%2fstepfg&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>
Aoife Meehan ’93 has just become executive director of Step Forward Global Initiative (SFGI) <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2ffacebook.com%2fstepfg&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, a brand-new NGO and not-for-profit organization building civic technology to help eliminate the visibility gap between male and female political candidates. Aoife’s classmate Ram Salman ’93 will also serve as a board member! SFGI’s work will amplify women candidates’ voices, platforms and policies all around the world. One never knows: an ASL alum—or many!—may be running for office… Congratulations on this exciting new role and organization, Aoife!

Taylor Maddalene ’08 had baby Asher back in June, and he is officially big enough to rock his ASL Eaglet onesie! Taylor adds, “We have a WhatsApp group of eight of us who went to ASL together and are still really close, and I shared this with them yesterday—we always talk about how lucky we are to have each other and to have had the time together at ASL.”

(Please reach out to alumni at asl.org <mailto:alumni at asl.org> if you have a little one on the way and are looking for a onesie of your own!)

Rachel Walker Govenar ’08 welcomed her second child, a daughter named Gigi, this July and recently relocated to Dallas, Texas. She and her husband also have a 2½-year-old son, Hugo. Rachel works as an in-house attorney in the FinTech space and would love to connect with fellow alums in the area—Texas friends, please don’t hesitate to reach out <mailto:racheljwalker at icloud.com>!

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3YzrQXs&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>
Retired high school English teacher Peggy Elhadj (ASL 1996–2021) , member of the ASL Book Club, writes, “The meetings with the ASL Book Club are full of lively, insightful and enjoyable conversation. I recommend joining a book club meeting for anyone who enjoys books, talking and sharing ideas with a fun group of people.” View a list of recent books <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3YzrQXs&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> read by the ASL Book Club and a link to join next month’s meeting at ASL on 28 January (the club will read The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai).

<mailto:editors at thecoventgardener.com>

Jeannine Saba ’93 , a local independent magazine publisher (whom we profiled <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4s1zcAR&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> in London Calling last year!), is delighted to be continuing her monthly Magazine Club, a hands-on publishing program for young creatives aged 9–17. The club, which includes three current ASL students, has now published its first edition of The Explorer , and meets one Saturday a month for guided, creative sessions led by the team behind The Covent Gardener <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fthecoventgardener.com%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>. Anyone interested in learning more can contact editors at thecoventgardener.com <mailto:editors at thecoventgardener.com>!

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fget-in-touch%2fclass-notes&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

What’s bringing you joy this holiday season? Let us know with a class note!

Are you celebrating the holidays with Eagle friends or family? Spreading your wings and visiting somewhere new? Starting an exciting new job, business or course in the new year? Let us know! We love sharing alumni updates as class notes—you can always submit them online <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fget-in-touch%2fclass-notes&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> or email alumni at asl.org <mailto:alumni at asl.org> to share your latest (or brag about friends/family doing cool things!).

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fcalendly.com%2fasl-alumni%2falumni-tour&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>
This month, we enjoyed fly-bys from: Rekha Jois ’07 and her family, including Sandhya Jois P ’07 ’11 (ASL 2006-25) , Antonio Reis ’25 , Victoria (Hollington) Hamadache (ASL 1985–2025) , Tommy James ’25 , Mohamed Attia ’01 , Jemma Granite ’25 , and Gus Bhatia ’25.

Will you be back in St. John’s Wood soon!? Book your own alumni tour today. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fcalendly.com%2fasl-alumni%2falumni-tour&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

	* Wednesday, 7 January 2026: Alumni pub social, London
Alumni, will you be in London at the start of the new year? If so, please join friends, classmates and former teachers at our annual pub social, 6–8 pm, at the Warrington! RSVP <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fasl.org%2fpubnight&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>.
	* Saturday, 17 January 2026: All-ISST alumni social, London
After more than five decades of friendly international competition and cooperation with our friends in Paris, the Hague, Brussels, Zurich, Vienna, Munich and Frankfurt, we’re putting on a big January social event with alumni from all eras and all eight schools (participation in ISST sports absolutely not required!)—and all of our heads of school will be there! Join us for drinks and nibbles at ASL alum Jonathan Woollard ’00 ’s bar, Amuse Bouche <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2famusebouchelondon.com&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, 6–9 pm! RSVP <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4oZ7ulv&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>.
	* Tuesday, 28 April 2026: New York City social
Save the date for our popular annual NYC social for alumni, parents of alumni and former employees! More details to come.
	* Tuesday, 5 May 2026: London alumni quiz night
Save the date—and start memorizing facts!—for our yearly alumni quiz night here in ASL’s Mellon Library. More details to come.

	* Friday–Sunday, 4–6 September 2026: ASL’s first Milestone Reunion weekend (in London!)
50th reunion: Class of 1976 (with ’75 and ’77!): RSVP <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fasl.org%2f1970s&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>
40th reunion: Class of 1986, More details to come.
10th reunion: Class of 2016, More details to come.
	* Class of 2016: Your classmate Emily Gossett has been working with the alumni office to plan a New York event sometime in June 2026 to celebrate your 10th reunion, ahead of the class’s milestone reunion in London in September! Keep an eye out for more information on both.
	* TBD, fall 2026: Class of 2001 reunion weekend, London – Please stay tuned for more information about new dates and how to register your interest in attending!

The ASL Book Club meets monthly on campus, and is open to alumni and parents of alumni! Read the club newsletter <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3YzrQXs&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>, which contains RSVP links for upcoming meetings and information about what the group is currently reading.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslalumnistore.com&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

Check out our alumni merch offerings!

ASLAlumniStore.com <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslalumnistore.com&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> is our one-stop, US-based online shop for all of your ASL alumni merch wants and needs! We will launch more products as we go along, but for now, check out a wide selection of shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, accessories, and clothing and onesies for your little Eaglets, and send photos of you repping your Eagle pride. For alumni not based in the US, this website will work for you, too, though shipping costs and taxes vary by region. Happy shopping!

Network with fellow Eagles!

ASL Connects <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslconnects.org&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> is our ASL-exclusive platform for finding professional contacts and mentors, joining and creating groups based on shared ASL experiences, viewing and uploading photos, planning events, promoting your business, and more! Join more than 1,000 fellow Eagles by registering <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslconnects.org&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> today.

Plus, remember to add ASL <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fschool%2famerican-school-in-london%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> as an education experience of yours on LinkedIn, if it isn’t there already, to help fellow alumni find you and connect! Join our ASL alumni group <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fgroups%2f161244%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> on there, too, while you’re at it!

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2faslconnects.org%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fvisiting-asl&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2facademics%2fhigh-school%2fstudent-advising%2ftranscripts&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fget-in-touch&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<mailto:alumni at asl.org>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2famericanschoolinlondon&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fasinlondon%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fschool%2famerican-school-in-london%2f&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

Got this email as a forward? Sign up <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fasl.org%2fsubscribe&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1> to receive our future emails!

Privacy Policy <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.aspx?pid=247&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

|

Unsubscribe <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.aspx?pid=233&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

The American School in London <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org&srcid=61140607&srctid=1&erid=-955682206&trid=28973742-1681-4135-93dd-f7aa99697be1>

One Waverley Place, London, NW8 0NP
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://heinrich.co.uk/pipermail/family_heinrich.co.uk/attachments/20251223/4f3f5102/attachment.html>