A View from the Common Room

Neil Ward (Staff 2008–present)

Although it would be naive to think that we have seen the last of the impact of the global pandemic here at Fettes, this year has seen us make the welcome transition from the tight restrictions of 2021 to something almost resembling normality.

As teachers, the most welcome change has been the removal of masks in the classroom. These had been a significant barrier when trying to read the room for understanding, spotting those subtle expressions which tell you that you have made a breakthrough or, in some cases, identifying a misconception that exposes a greater misunderstanding. Lessons have felt more fluid, reminding us of why that face-to-face time is so valuable. Events such as the mile relays, coffee concerts and whole school musical have returned and new events such as the Middle School Science Challenge have emerged, all providing opportunities for us to appreciate the talents of the students and enjoy creating those unique experiences that make this place what it is. Having the whole school together in the Dining Hall at the end of Spring Term for prize-giving felt like a special moment, likewise when the first hymn was being belted out in Chapel by the whole school.

One of the loveliest aspects of the loosening of restrictions has been the return of visitors to campus. Whether it be having parents and OFs on the sidelines at sports fixtures, face-to-face parents’ evenings or welcoming back old friends to celebrate the retirement of colleagues.

This year we are saying goodbye to several of our longest serving and most respected colleagues.

There is a change at the top in the Prep School, where Adam (Prep School Headmaster 2003–2022) and Jill Edwards (Staff 2008–2022) sadly depart after 19 years of service. Adam has guided the Prep School through many changes, not least the construction of William House, and student numbers have risen consistently during his tenure due to his dedication to building a school based around the principles of family and kindness. Many will remember him for his “door always open” approach and others for his passion for sport, historical knowledge and love of music, so apparent as they rocked along to one of his assemblies. In that same time, Jill has driven the Modern Languages department forward, leading numerous overseas trips, countless French lunches and selflessly offering her breaktimes to provide extra support to students. Together they have brought up their family in the heart of the school and included everyone in their extended family.

With a passion for her subject demonstrated not just in the classroom but on field trips, in Chapel talks, and through her notoriously gory anatomy lesson in the theatre, Sharon Lewis (Staff 1995–2022) has been the Queen of Biology for longer than most of us can remember. She has led the science faculty by example with the high standards that she has set, her insistence on academic excellence reaching far further than just the Oxbridge and medical candidates in her care. The invaluable support and inspiration she has given to countless Fettesians over the years, not just in her academic role but also in her pastoral role in Kimmerghame and Craigleith, will not be forgotten.

Regardless of how much involvement they had in the musical life of the school, all Fettesians of the last few generations will remember fondly the curious mixture of fear and excitement that came over them as Mr Goodenough (Staff 1998–2022) whittled down the number of singers in Congers until only a brave few were left standing (“Anyone standing by the wall…”). After 23 years of service, mostly as Director of Music and a few as Carrington Housemaster, David leaves us to focus on his own performance. We wish him all the best and thank him for all the spectacular experiences he has provided us with over the years, from joyful coffee concerts to mesmeric choral performances and Leavers’ concerts.

The final leavers I am going to mention, like those mentioned above, need no introduction. Chris (Staff 2001–2022) and Liz Collister (Staff 2007–2022) leave us after 21 years of incredible service to the school. As Catering Manager and latterly Operations Manager, Chris has been behind the scenes making sure every Fettes event, from the simplest to the grandest of occasions has run like clockwork. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the Fettes calendar and almost psychic ability to spot potential problems before they occur has allowed Fettes to run at the pace it does without hitch. Liz, like Chris, has given an enormous amount to Fettes over the years as Assistant Houseparent in Craigleith, providing incredible support and care to so many Fettes students in their most challenging and stressful year at the college. They will both be sorely missed.

So, as we help our students navigate through their first set of external exams in three years, we can finally look forward to finishing the year in the proper Fettesian manner – Founder’s Day. For a far more significant number of the staff and students than usual, this will be their first experience of this wonderful celebration. Expectations will be high and I am sure that it will be one to remember.