London Calling, October 2026

Thu Oct 29 13:44:13 GMT 2026

October 2026

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4ewfc40&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Mark your calendars: ASL’s 75th birthday celebration!

On Saturday, 17 April 2027, we’re bringing the entire community together for a special Founder’s Day celebration to mark 75 years of ASL. Festivities will include a lively BBQ and a gala dinner, offering Eagles from across the generations a chance to reconnect and celebrate all things ASL. Whether your time here was recent or many years ago, we’d love to see you there!

Find out more. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4ewfc40&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

As we reflect on the past 75 years, here are just a few of the moments that have helped make ASL what it is today:

	* In 1951, the American School in London opened its doors in founding headmaster Stephen L. Eckard ’s Knightsbridge flat, with just 13 students. He believed that London itself should be a classroom, regularly taking students out to explore the city, and sometimes driving the school minibus himself.
	* In 1956, President Harry Truman addressed ASL’s Grade 9 class at the School’s Grosvenor Square location.
	* More than 50 years later, in 2009, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited ASL’s Farmer Family Gymnasium to meet US Embassy staff and their families. President Obama even left what he called a “presidential smudge” in the visitors’ book, thanks to his left-handed signature.
	* When a fire destroyed the School’s red and white basketball uniforms in 1969, the athletics department had to find replacements in a hurry. Black and orange were the only colors available in the quantities needed, and they’ve been a part of ASL’s identity as our school colors ever since.
	* In 1973, Elton John performed in the gym—twice!

These are just a few of the stories waiting to be discovered in ASL’s history. Click here <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2ftimeline&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to dive into the timeline.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3WQpFRI&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Celebrating ASL today, planning for tomorrow: highlights from the State of the School

From strong academic results to plans for the future of the campus, this month’s State of the School gave the ASL community plenty to celebrate and look forward to.
A few highlights of ASL today:

	* A truly international community : This year ASL welcomes 1,425 students, representing 66 countries and speaking 59 languages.
	* Outstanding AP results : The College Board has recognized ASL for having the strongest AP results among schools in the UK and Europe. These results are valuable for students pursuing higher education on either side of the Atlantic, replacing A-level scores in the UK and earning students college credits in the US.
	* Continued demand for ASL : Returning family enrollment stands at 93%, reflecting the continued strength of the ASL community amid a changing landscape for private education in the UK.

Alongside these achievements, ASL is looking ahead to how it can continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for future generations of students.

What changes could be on the horizon for One Waverley Place? Read on <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f3WQpFRI&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to discover which areas are being considered for expansion, and what happens next.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4i8J7BD&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Looking ahead: ASL’s Five-Year Strategic Plan
What will an ASL education look like in the years to come, and how can the School continue to evolve while staying true to what makes it distinctive? Two years into ASL’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, we explore the priorities shaping the School’s next chapter, from academic innovation and student well-being to financial sustainability.
In a conversation with Head of School Matt Horvat (ASL 2023–present) and Chair of the Board of Trustees Hahnah Seminara (P ’24 ’27 ’30) , we look at the thinking behind the plan, the work already underway, and how ASL’s alumni community can play a part in the School’s future. Read on. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4i8J7BD&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4ic94Ad&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Your memories, our history

In honor of ASL’s 75th birthday, the PCA is launching ASL Story Box <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4ic94Ad&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>, a collection of stories celebrating our school’s community, history, and legacy. This year, we will be gathering and recording stories about what makes us us. Whether you’re an alum, former parent, or employee (past or present!), we want to hear from you.

It could be…

	* What you loved most about ASL
	* A teacher, friend, or coach you remember fondly
	* A memory of an ASL tradition, milestone, or historic moment
	* Just three words that describe what ASL means to you

And finally… What do you hope to see for ASL over the next 75 years?

If you’d like to participate, please fill out this form <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4zdkmKq&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to register your interest. If you’d like more information, would be interested in helping us collect and record stories, or have someone in mind whose story you think we should hear, please email pca.storybox at asl.org <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fpca.storybox%40asl.org&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>.

Help us spread the word! The more voices and perspectives we capture, the richer and more complete our shared history will be.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4zfEVWU&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
Jeannine Saba ’93 , publisher and editor-in-chief of The Covent Gardener and The Mayfarer, invites friends of ASL to discover the latest issues, released this month. Eagles can enjoy free access to the digital editions and a limited number of print copies. We’re delighted to see two members of the ASL community featured in this month’s issues: Aram Karakchian ’28 , and Ala’a Al-Rayes ’94 !

Click here <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4zfEVWU&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to read.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4iJU24P&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
We’re thrilled to announce our 2026–27 Innovator-in-Residence <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4iJU24P&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>, ASL alum and biotechnology founder and CEO Jacob Nathan ’19 ! While in Grade 12 at ASL, Jacob laid the foundations for Epoch Biodesign, his plastics and textiles recycling startup, and chose to forgo his place at the University of Chicago to build Epoch in London. Epoch uses AI-driven process design and biotechnology to recycle complex, blended materials into sustainable building blocks, and has raised capital from leading investors. We’re delighted to welcome Jacob back to Waverley Place and look forward to his work with students and employees across the School.

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4dVF8ph&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

This month, we enjoyed fly-bys from: Paul Kacik ’87 and Anita Bardsley ’85 , Doug Johnston ’82 , Sue Halesworth (ASL 1977–89) and Kaye Neely , John Foglesong ’98 , and Anindita Majumder ’26 !

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%2fbit.ly%2f4dVF8ph&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>.

	* Sunday, 8 November 2026: Young alumni dinner, NYC
Calling all recent ASL graduates in New York: Join us at Tacombi for dinner on us, with Head of School Matt Horvat, and faculty special guests Marisa Wilson and Tony Bracht. We’d love to reconnect and learn what you’ve been up to! RSVP here. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4A2Wycy&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
	* Tuesday, 10 November 2026: 21+ alumni social, NYC
Alumni, parents of alumni, and former employees are invited to join us for our annual ASL alumni social in New York. Come on over to GMT Tavern for a fun evening with fellow Eagles! Plus ones are welcome. RSVP here. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4iKXLPG&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
	* Monday, 23 November 2026: ASL Speakers Series – NuVuX: Agency and Iteration, London
How can schools harness AI and emerging technologies to make learning more engaging, creative, and student-centered? Join us at ASL for the next event in our Speakers Series, which this year explores Educational Enhancement & Innovation, a pillar of the School’s Five-Year Strategic Plan <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4zfYMoG&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>. Ramzi Naja, Head of Strategy at NuVuX, will explore how student agency, design thinking, and iterative learning can help education respond to a rapidly changing world. The event begins at 6:30 pm at ASL and is open to the entire community. Register here <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4zlgfwg&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to join us.
	* Tuesday, 24 November 2026: Young alumni Thanksgiving social
Are you a recent ASL graduate who will be in London for Thanksgiving? We would love to see you back on campus for a chance to catch up with former teachers and classmates. We'll have some treats and refreshments on hand, so stop by, say hello, and enjoy some time back at Waverley Place! RSVP here. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4inTMai&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
	* Wednesday, 9 December 2026: Parents of Alumni reception, London 
Calling all parents of alumni: Will you be in London in December? We’d love to welcome you to Bruce House, Head of School Matt Horvat’s residence, for an evening social. Get ready to reconnect with ASL families from across the decades… Save the date! RSVP here. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4yMdseo&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
	* Wednesday, 6 January 2027: Alumni pub social, London
Alumni, will you be in London at the start of the new year? If so, please save the date to join friends, classmates, and teachers at our annual pub social. This year’s event will take place at the Clifton <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fcliftonnw8.com%2f&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> from 6-8 pm. RSVP here. <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f48iLzzz&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>
	* Saturday, 16 January 2027: ASL’s first-ever Literary Festival, London
Save the date for the ASL Literary Festival, celebrating writers, poets, and authors in our community, with headliners, workshops, and hands-on activities! This year’s Big Read will be Homer’s The Odyssey. There are plenty of ways to get to know this epic tale ahead of the festival: read a translated version of the poem, try a graphic novel, or watch a film adaptation. So get stuck in and see if you can resist the song of the Sirens! If you are an author, writer, journalist, poet, screenwriter, or just someone who is interested in being involved, the co-chairs of the festival would love to hear from you at pca.litfest at asl.org <mailto:pca.litfest at asl.org>.
	* Saturday, 17 April 2027: 75th anniversary celebrations, London
Save the date! We’re celebrating 75 years of learning, friendships, and memories! The day features a BBQ and a Gala Dinner. Whether you’re an alum, the parent of an alum, or a former employee, come celebrate this milestone with the ASL community. Find out more here <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f4ewfc40&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>.
	* Tuesday, 4 May 2027: Alumni quiz night, London
Join us from 6-8 pm in the Mellon Library to test your trivia knowledge! More details to come.
	* Friday–Saturday, 8–9 October 2027: Class of 2001 reunion, London
Class of 2001, save the date for your 25th (+1) reunion! We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. Stay tuned for more details.

The ASL Book Club meets monthly, 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%2f4xYi2Wz&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>, 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=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Check out our alumni spiritwear offerings!

ASLAlumniStore.com <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslalumnistore.com&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> 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.
(PS: Have you bought some ASL spiritwear!? Send photos of yourself rocking it to alumni at asl.org <mailto:alumni at asl.org>—we’d love to see!)

Network with fellow Eagles!

ASL Connects <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2faslconnects.org&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> 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=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> 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=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> 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=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> 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=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2faslconnects.org%2f&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fvisiting-asl&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2facademics%2fhigh-school%2fstudent-advising%2ftranscripts&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org%2falumni%2fget-in-touch&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<mailto:alumni at asl.org>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2famericanschoolinlondon&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fasinlondon%2f&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

<https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fschool%2famerican-school-in-london%2f&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

Got this email as a forward? Sign up <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fasl.org%2fsubscribe&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c> to receive our future emails!

Privacy Policy <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.aspx?pid=247&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

|

Unsubscribe <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.aspx?pid=233&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

The American School in London <https://bbox.blackbaudhosting.com/webforms/service/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.asl.org&srcid=63491348&srctid=1&erid=-850292891&trid=7656dc13-9ce2-4d79-8ed0-57c33a809f2c>

One Waverley Place, London, NW8 0NP
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://heinrich.co.uk/pipermail/family_heinrich.co.uk/attachments/20261029/90e5a074/attachment.html>