Staff Leavers

Fond Farewells...

Mrs. Elaine Hayes

To quote the famous song from the film “Love Story” “Where do I begin... To tell the story of 31 years at Bolton School?” Perhaps, at the beginning: September 1985. Over the years, many changes and developments have taken place at Bolton School and are far too many to note! However, many traditions still remain; the Year 10 Christmas Post and the Prefects’ Panto are always eagerly anticipated and enthusiastically produced. I would not like to calculate how many kilograms of cakes have been sold in the numerous cake sales which are regularly held! Educationally, there have been the changes from linear O and A Levels to modular GCSEs, A/S and A levels (with and without coursework) returning back now to a linear system once more. I wonder how many years it will be before someone thinks how innovative modular examinations are and re-introduces them again? On a personal note, I decided I wanted to be a teacher after my first day at Primary School; whilst studying for O levels, I realised what an interesting and powerful subject Mathematics is and that this was the subject I would like to teach. I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at the school, preparing students for their various examinations and sharing in their successes. It has been a pleasure to teach pupils who are talented and enjoy learning and to work with colleagues who are so committed and able. I have been very fortunate in my career to go to work every day and to do a job one loves, is very rewarding. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the ancillary staff for all the hard work they do behind the scenes; the nurses for all the ‘TLC’ they give so willingly; the Dining Room assistants for sustenance they provide at all the right times as well as the cleaners, ground staff and maintenance team who look after the beautiful buildings of the school. I do wish you all the very best for the future. Make the most of every opportunity presented to you. Keep smiling and remember - “Maths is easy until the student makes it hard!” To finish quoting the song from “The Sound of Music”: “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen” - Goodbye and Good Luck!

Mrs. Catherine Woodward

As an Old Girl, it was a dream come true to come back and teach at Bolton School. I found it a bit strange being allowed into the staff room and not having to knock and wait. Now, I’m ‘allowed’ to call members of staff by their first name! This year’s Christmas was particular special with the angels and I found it quite emotional to be singing the School hymn again. It has been an absolute delight to teach the girls here and the staff have been so lovely and welcoming.

Mr. Dave Berry

I joined Bolton School in the summer of 2012, arriving from Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School. I have spent four happy years here and am grateful for the support I have received from Senior Management and colleagues in the Psychology Department. I am leaving to take up the position of Head of Psychology at Oldham Hulme Grammar School. It was not an easy decision to leave. I will miss the students, who are a delight to teach, and the very talented staff. I will always look back on my time in the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions fondly and feel fortunate to have been offered the position in the first place. I wish everyone at Bolton School the best of luck for the future.

Miss Francesca Fraser

September 2015... 12 years after I had left; here I was, back at Bolton School, teaching alongside those who taught me! As an Old Girl it was amusing to see how little had changed since my school days (Caecilius still est in horto!). The novelty of being allowed in the Staff Room does wear off quickly! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, teaching both RS and Classics from years 6-12 and I would like to thank all the staff who made me feel welcome. My greatest thanks must of course go to the girls, who have inspired me daily and made lessons such a pleasure, with their intelligence, kindness and humour. They have worked so hard, but we have also laughed constantly! I’m very excited to start this new chapter in my teaching career, but will always keep a special place in my heart for the girls who made this first year so special. Valete puellae!

Mrs. Hilary Stone

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching at Bolton School. It has been a great experience to work in such a well-resourced place that offers students excellent opportunities. Colleagues, especially in the History department, have been supportive and a pleasure to work with and I wish students and staff well for the future.