Our hearts are heavy to share the passing of two former staff members, Jane Boonstra (November 16, 2024) and Christina Ireland (May 17, 2024). 

Jane Boonstra taught thousands of students during her long career at ASH, starting in our Elementary School in 1966 - 1971, moving on to teach Middle School students for 20 years from 1971 to 1992. She went back to teach in the ES for a final 6 years before retiring in 1998. Jane witnessed the history of the school unfold from its beginnings in The Hague, through to the move to Wassenaar campus. Jane was the wife of former ASH MS Principal Bert Boonstra and mother to ASH alumni Allison '86 and Peter '81 and grandmother to ASH alum Justine '20. She was also closely involved with organizing ASH ski trips for many years and supervised the famous 'Scramble' alongside Principal Boonstra. Jane's life was deeply connected with ASH and its community, her memory living on in the hearts of all who knew her. Our deepest sympathies to Allison, Peter and their families as they navigate this emotional time.

Christina "Steina" Ireland is part of a cohort of some of our earliest staff members, starting her career at ASH in 1965 as secretary to then High School Principal Richard Vaughan. She continued her career at ASH until 1979, continuously working as the High School Secretary. She organized faculty/staff trips to London every Thanksgiving and often did faculty/student trips to Russia. Her son Richard attended ASH for all of his high school years and graduated from ASH in 1970. After leaving ASH, Christina moved to London and remarried as Christina Barnes, living there until her passing this year. Our deepest sympathies to her friends, family and loved ones who mourn her loss.