I like my colleagues across the School very much. It would be rather awful to work with people I didn’t like.
Each is a true expert in their own field, and, whether they be teaching, pastoral, administrative and operational, all are integral to the care and individual needs of our pupils.
It is hence sad to say goodbye to any colleague who chooses to stop working in our School, but, invariably, they do for the right reasons. I am pleased that many will not entirely leave.
We therefore say a fond farewell at the end of the year to some whose service to the School and its pupils has extended over decades* and some who have integrated themselves so easily into the operation of the School, that one is surprised to find that they have only been here for a short while.
*The hairstyles may have changed, but their hearts and minds, each committed to the successes of our children, have not!
Mrs West in 1996
Mrs Jill West has taught fine art at Cransley for 40 years. Her gentle creativity and care-filled crafting of the finest and most delicate of skills has enabled children to create extraordinary images filled with self-expression, form and visualisation. I often stand in awe of our pupils’ work, and it is one of my greatest pleasures to stop and stand to see the artwork on display and understand the journey taken to reach that final piece, usually outlined in exquisite sketchbooks. Her legacy will live on the walls and mantlepieces of all of our homes as parents.
Mrs West will continue to see our Year 10s through to their GCSEs and support Mrs Chester as she takes over the teaching duties for both Textiles and Fine Art next year.
Mrs Gilmour in 2000
Mrs Ros Gilmour was described by a colleague recently as one of the funniest people you could ever meet, and I cannot agree more. There is arguably no finer complement, and she is adored by all. Professionally Mrs G has taught languages for over 25 years, resulting in most Cransley linguists communicating abroad with curiously Celtic accents, and more recently coordinating the provision for pupils with particular needs for whom she was a champion.
Mrs Gilmour will continue to work in the administration and delivery of our GCSEs as an Access Arrangements coordinator and exam invigilator.
Mrs Wagstaff in 2006
Mrs Jane Wagstaff has taught French and Spanish for 20 years and is fondly thought of by staff and pupils alike. She has tirelessly and successfuly promoted the learning of languages at Cransley at a time when the subject is fading in many schools. As an experienced teacher and caring form tutor and friend to many colleagues, she will be much missed.
Dr Paula Boomer has been teaching Biology and Geography over the last three years and will be moving to Weaverham High School to teach all of the Science subjects. A keen advocate of all matters scientific, and promoter of International Science Week, Dr Boomer has been a brilliant part of our small but mighty science department, and will be much missed for her innvation and passion for the subject.
You may have noticed that Mr Lee Colclough has not been around the Estate for a couple of months, and certainly his warm character, incredible knowledge of many things and willingness it share it with anyone, has been much missed. We wish him every success in his new position, working closer to home.
We have had the wonderful privilege of working alongside the brilliant Mrs Charlotte Lane teaching Year 3 for this year only - she will be returning back to Switzerland, as planned, and we wish her and her family every fortune with the relocation ahead. I wouldn’t hesistate in employing Mrs Lane permanently, if I were to have the chance.
And finally, after only three years, Mrs Kathy Matthews, our School Secretary will be taking the opportunity to travel the world extensively with her family, with some eviable trips ahead. I have been instructed by her to point out that she is NOT retiring. Kathy has been the first point of call for so many of you each day, doing so with symapthy and efficiency, and has been integral in introducing new systems as well as maintaining those administrative duties within our well-run office. I know there is a reciprocated fondness between her, staff, parents and pupils alike.
As fond as we are of our colleagues, and as brilliant they are in their roles, such departures bring opportunities to recruit or develop new talent, and we have done just that. This will be the subject of a future Journal entry, once all safer recruitment procedures have been completed. Suffice to say, I am delighted with the range and talents of candidates making applications.
Cransley School clearly is a very attractive place to work, and I am keen to maintain that at all costs.
Richard Pollock
Headteacher