As I hope some of you will have worked out by trying the quizzes, this week marks a significant moment in the life of our school. Maureen Bernadette Lippett retires after 38 years distinguished service.
Anyone who has had any contact with Maureen will have been immediately struck by her infectious enthusiasm and genuine concern for the best interests of her pupils. Her commitment and natural talent have led her to being an outstanding and inspirational English teacher and a highly effective year coordinator. It has also been typical of Maureen’s wholeheartedness that this term she put all her considerable energy and expertise into her role within the EAL section.
This may be apocryphal but I am told that Maureen gave up teaching art early in her career to protect her nails, which are now legendary!
Maureen has influenced the lives of thousands of children not only through her teaching but also through the quality of the pastoral care which she has provided to pupils and their families. She has also been involved a range of residential activities both in this country and abroad; most notably she established our long standing link with the Ingrid Jespersen Skole in Denmark.
The esteem in which Maureen was held as a year coordinator is reflected in the role she adopted as a mentor to others new to the post; Ms Page, Ms Henshaw and Ms Andrews all benefited from working with Maureen and seeing her as “guide, philosopher and friend”.
Over the course of 38 years Maureen has seen many changes both at the school and in the education service generally. Whatever the circumstances she has maintained her professionalism and determination to work within the system to do her best for our community.
Maureen is a larger than life character who has been a fantastic colleague. She is not someone who could ever be replaced “like for like” but will be remembered by us all for her many wonderful qualities. I am sure she will enter into retirement with the same vigour she brought to her work.