Cloisters autumn 14

The Newsletter of the Old Girls’ Association

No. 5 Autumn 2014

A Year of Reunions!

Class of 1972 reunion

Class of 1958 annual reunion

Class of 1972 reunion

Class of 1994 twenty year reunion Class of 1994 Class of 1969 forty-five year reunion

Class of 1994 twenty year reunion

Class of 2004 ten year reunion

Class of 2004

Class of 2004 ten year reunion

It has been a pleasure to witness so many fantastic, happy reunions this year!

The leavers of 2004 and 1994 enjoyed a champagne reception, meal and catch up down at the Grammar School along with the LGS cohort from their year group.

Meanwhile, the 1969 and 1972 leavers met at LHS where they enjoyed a chance to see how the school has changed since their day!

The 1958 leavers now meet at least once each year, and earlier this year enjoyed another opportunity to share their news and reminisce.

If you would like to get together with your year group and need our help, please contact the Development Office: events@endowedschools.org - 01509 638921

Clare walks Over The Moon for breast cancer charity!

At 11.30pm on 7th June this year (when you were probably tucked up in bed, fast asleep) Clare Burnett (was Wynn; 1990-97), was embarking on the challenge of her life!

Breast cancer charity Walk the Walk organises an annual event - The Moonwalk - to raise money and awareness for breast cancer causes. In 2012, Clare took part in the ‘Full Moon’, a 26.2 mile overnight walk. This year, Clare signed herself up to the ‘Over the Moon’ challenge - a 52.4 mile overnight walk which must be completed within 14 hours to get a medal and 15 hours to officially complete!

Clare was keen to push herself, “I’ve never been someone who has wanted to just go faster, so I thought that really testing my endurance would be a good challenge.” She followed the 12 week training plan provided by the charity, which meant walking increasing distances every Saturday and Sunday. “It really did take over my life!”

We asked Clare to talk us through her experience of training for and taking part in the event: The atmosphere at the Moonwalk is always incredible; thousands of people walking the street in decorated bras is a sight to behold! The first lap was busy, lots of people to talk to and plenty of company; going out on the second lap and passing walkers coming towards the last few miles of their Moonwalk was brilliant there was a lot of mutual encouragement going on!

There were a lot of tears for the final 4 miles, as I was so exhausted. When my husband caught up with me (he came along as a cycle marshal and was allowed to do the final 4 miles with me) I burst into tears, telling him I was so

pleased to see him because I had “been on my own for so long”.

The hardest point was when I realised I still had 2.2 miles to walk and only 37 minutes left on the clock - I knew I could finish the distance but that I wouldn’t get a medal.

News of Old Girls Martha Bean (1998 - 2005), whose father taught cello at LES for 18 years, is set to release her debut album early next year. Her single ‘A Piece of This World’ is available to download from iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp.

Martha performing The Dress Thief, the debut novel by author Natalie Meg Evans (was McKay; 1972-79) was published earlier this year. Natalie’s writing has won her several accolades, including the Harry Bowling prize in 2012 and a nomination for the coveted Daphne du Maurier Award. You can read her blog by visiting www.wordyhood.com

Although the training was hard, and the event itself even harder, I never considered giving up. I wrote a training blog and I think one post in particular explains why I did the walk and how I felt about taking part and completing. Here’s an extract: I asked myself “why?” a lot today... it was by far the most difficult “mind over matter” training walk I have ever completed. I sobbed for a while after a lady in a blue car beeped her horn and shouted “good luck, keep going!” out of her window at me... I found myself thinking a lot about why I’m doing this, why I’m putting myself through all the training. I realised that I’m doing this because I can, because I am lucky enough to be fit and healthy and able to push myself... and I’m doing this for all those people out there who can’t, who are suffering so much more than a few blisters and sore, tired legs... cancer doesn’t always kill, but it sure as hell makes people put up a fight, and the money I’m raising can only help in that fight, hopefully helping to make things a little easier.

In total Clare raised £1220.64 - having set herself a target of £500 she says she was “quite literally ‘over the moon’”!

To read more of Clare’s blogs please visit http://wtwalk.org/multichallenges2014/clareburnett To find out more about the Moonwalk, please visit http://www.walkthewalk.org

‘Clare’s emotional journey comes to a triumphant end!’

Laura Dickinson has just returned to Loughborough High School, but this time she is seeing it from the other side! She is the latest addition to the Classics Department, teaching part-time and spending the rest of her time with her three year old daughter, Izzy.

Julie Paillin (1992-1999) has recently become a franchisee of ‘Baby Sensory’ and holds regular classes in the Loughborough area. Being selfemployed has enabled her to spend quality time with her baby daughter and still manage to do the school run for her eldest! For more details visit http://www.babysensory.com/en/ClassDetails/ Loughborough Julie leading a Baby Sensory class

Staff Spotlight: Pippa Kent

Pippa Kent joined the High School in 1990 as Head of Classics; she became Assistant Head in 2007 and retired earlier this year after 24 years at the School. Pippa's daughter, Julia, was also a pupil at LHS.

It seems incredible that I was at the High School for almost quarter of a century! When I arrived, the staff were very friendly and I had the fortune to work with many wonderful Classics colleagues, including Beryl Stringfellow, Alison Henshaw, Rachel Burn, Sarah Parton and Gerard Stevens, and of course all the LGS Classicists too.

Much has changed at LES over the years. There is now joint sixth form A level teaching in many subjects – something which I was keen on in order to help ensure the survival of Greek. Although I had only taught girls in previous schools, I very much enjoyed teaching mixed groups. Tony Payne, the Head of Classics at LGS, immediately suggested we joined their Classics trips and they proved to be very successful. Some of my most enduring memories are of events that happened on trips, but probably best not to go into detail here...

...it seems incredible that for the first ten years of my teaching career there were no emails, electronic documents or even photocopiers!

I have had several roles in my teaching career and one of the most rewarding was when I was joint Head of Careers with Beverley Lott. It was a real pleasure to find out more about all the different career areas and advise students on where they could access information – something which is much easier now, thanks to the internet.

Jazz Assi

Computers have made a huge difference to schools and it seems incredible that for the first ten years of my teaching career there were no emails, electronic documents or even photocopiers!

Jaspreet Assi (known as Jazz) who was Head Girl, left LHS in 2009 and returns to cover Hannah Wyatt’s maternity leave. Jazz studied Modern Languages at the University of Nottingham and has spent time studying in the Netherlands, and working in Munich. On Hannah’s return, Jazz plans to move to London

1925-2014

...seven years was definitely too long to do staff cover!

In 2007 under Biddie O’Connor I became one of two Assistant Heads, alongside Sue Jackson. My main areas of responsibility were staff cover, performance management and inset, and the training of graduates and NQTs - jobs which were both rewarding and challenging, though seven years was definitely too long to do staff cover!

I have many fond memories of staff and pupils at the High School – ski trips and Duke of Edinburgh with staff Chris Todd, pantomimes, bearding for the tableaux - to name but a few. I was fortunate to work under three very caring and efficient Heads, Julien Harvatt, Biddie O’Connor and Gwen Byrom: under their leadership the High School has continued to flourish and grow.

It is with sadness that we announce the death of former Loughborough High School Headmistress, Miss Pamela Hadley.

She passed away on July 27th 2014, three days before her 89th birthday.

Miss Hadley was Headmistress at LHS from 1961-1977 and is pictured below (centre) with her successor Miss Harvatt and her predecessor Miss Andrews.

Angela Goodacre Donnini, who attended LHS during Miss Hadley's headship remembers her well:

I am enjoying retirement and have taken up Pippa with her walking and French daughter Julia at the conversation so far, and 2014 Leavers' Ball intend to ski as much as possible. I would welcome contact from any former students - my email address is kent.pippa@yahoo.co.uk. I will have the time to reply now!

Pippa Kent

The Development Office welcomes back some familiar faces!

Earlier this year, the LES Development Office was pleased to welcome back two Old Girls, both of whom have joined the team as Development Officers.

Miss Pamela Hadley

“I will always recall her gown billowing as she strode through the hallway, and her signature coif, always immaculate. I can imagine that we were a frustrating lot for her; despite her earnest attempts to introduce us to important thinkers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer during morning assembly, we would inevitably choose donkey rescue or puppy welfare as our own assembly themes. She taught the Upper III class ancient history as a means of getting to know every girl in the school - a formidable task!”

Were you a pupil or member of staff during Miss Hadley's headship? Please share your memories with us, using the contact details on the back page.

LHS Staff News In July we said a sad but fond farewell to several retiring members of staff...

Harriet Galpin

to continue her career.

Harriet Galpin attended Fairfield and LHS before leaving in 2010 to take up a post as boarding house assistant and sports coach at St Mary’s School in Calne. She comes to the Development Office fresh from studying Molecular Biology at the University of Sheffield.

Both women are excited to be back and are already really enjoying meeting former pupils and staff and getting to the know the three schools even better!

You are invited to

The LHS Annual Carol Service and Tableaux on Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm A unique feature of these services is a series of tableaux, which depict works of art telling the Christmas story. The main participating year group is year 13, together with the Cantamus and Cantilena Choirs.

Please request a ticket(s) by emailing

a.cox@leshigh.org (please write ‘carol service’ in the subject line) or by writing to the address below, clearly stating: your name, address, contact telephone number and crucially, the date you wish to attend.

The School Secretary, Loughborough High School, Burton Walks, Loughborough, LE112DU.

Pat Melenaphy joined the English department at LHS in 2003 after a long career in the state system.

An exceptional teacher, he inspired students with his love of literature. Perhaps his greatest contribution to school was the energy he spent writing the school pantomime, helping the 'actors' to rehearse and narrating events to a captivated audience. Pat’s kindness and hard work is a loss to both the department and school community.

We were also sorry to lose Sylvia Bell, whose subject expertise and experience were greatly valued by her colleagues in the physics department. Sylvia always went the extra mile for those who needed her help, both staff and girls.

Sylvia she was a wonderful person to work with and her warmth and sense of humour will be missed.

Liz Foulds retired from the music department after 12 years of service to LHS and the foundation.

Always willing to help others, but never one to take herself (or others) too seriously, she will be much missed….not least for her ‘Gangnam style’!

Jackie Partridge left LHS this year after 8 years’ service, joining us from the Bristol Old Vic where she had forged a successful career, combined with running her own business. She quickly proved to be a valued member of the team and an excellent teacher of textiles.

Pippa Kent retired in 2014 after 24 years at LHS. AS Head of Classics, Pippa did much to develop her department and has also made a huge contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school, participating in numerous Classics trips, senior ski trips, staff pantos and DofE expeditions, to name but a few. She has also been an active member of the OGA and a tirelessly efficient and well-respected Assistant Head. Her legacy to the school is vast, her service unfailing. There is no doubt she will be much missed.

Gwen Byrom; LHS Headmistress.

ProfileDr. Katie Morris Dr. Katie Morris, who attended Loughborough High School between 1992 and 1999, studied Psychology at university and went on to complete a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is married with one son and has recently set up her own practice - Purple House Psychological Services. Here, Katie shares with us her memories of LHS, an insight into her job and how she feels the High School inspired her to follow the path which has led her to this point.

Memories of my early years at LHS seem to be dominated by the school’s unhealthy obsession with socks! Yes, you remember, SOCKS. Whether they were pulled up, shoved down, rolled down, whether they were correctly named...If I were to walk round the school now, I’m sure my ears would ring with the sound of a teacher shouting “SOCKS!”.

I expect if you asked my school friends to describe me back then, they'd probably say something along the lines of “humorous”, “bold”, and "a little rebellious”. At school I was more interested in extra-curricular activities than study, and enjoyed hockey, gymnastics, swimming and generally hanging out with friends. I remember loving house music competitions and have great memories of the year my sister conducted us (Burton) singing ‘Thank you for the music’ by ABBA! My economics teacher, Mrs Grey, embodied the most important quality of a teacher - belief in your students - and had such a positive impact on me throughout my studies. She nurtured my lack of natural aptitude for economics so much that I ended up achieving an A grade. I have fond memories of many teachers, including the PE teachers, Mrs Singleton and Mrs Baker, and my English teacher, Miss Wassell.

I chose psychology as a career when I realised that what I really loved about studying English Literature was understanding the motivations Katie (middle of the left-hand group in dark gown) in an LHS tableau!

and personalities of the different characters. After leaving school, I took an undergraduate degree in Psychology, followed by a master’s degree in Neuropsychology.

After completing my doctorate degree I became a Clinical Psychologist.

I work with people with a wide range of psychological difficulties, but I specialise in working therapeutically with children and adults who have experienced trauma. My job is very varied, and involves carrying out assessments, therapy, consultancy and training. I would say that essential skills for the job I do are: deep empathy and care for people in distress, analytical thinking, a passion for psychological theory, capacity for selfreflection and resilience.

I left the NHS because I wanted the freedom to structure a service in the way that fits with my professional philosophies. In particular, I wanted to break free from the constraints of a medicalised model of mental health. Importantly, I also wanted the freedom to work flexibly, so that I could spend more time with my young son.

Setting up my own service has been a fantastic experience. I have acquired many new skills related to running a business - e.g. finance, administration, recruitment, management, clinical governance - and I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. I have found that the best aspects of running my own business are autonomy and “internal locus of control” (as we psychologists say). Much of the stress I used to experience due to public sector politics has all but disappeared.

My family is important to me; the flexibility of working for myself has been great as it’s meant that I’m never away from my son for more than a few hours. On the flip side, running your own business obviously brings its own pressures. For me, these don’t outweigh the benefits however, and I would definitely recommend it to others, especially if you have a particular profession that you know will be in demand.

The hard-work ethos of LHS is hard to shake off and is actually something I’m very grateful for. It has meant that I’ve always had high standards in terms of how I carry out my work and what I want to achieve. Sometimes I’ve had to challenge this in order to create a healthy work-life balance, but on the whole, it’s helped me get to a place in my life where I’m happy, content and feel very blessed.

For anyone wanting to set up a health-related service, I recommend the Private Practice hub as a great web resource http://www.privatepracticehub.co.uk/. The ‘Good Small Business Guide’ is also an essential read for anyone going into business.

Katie Morris (1992-1999) www.mypurplehouse.co.uk

Fancy an LHS Cuppa?

The Old Girls’ Association is pleased to offer you the opportunity to own an LHS OGA mug! These are available for £5 if collected from the LES Development Office (on the LES campus) or £7.50 including postage.

Future Events November Thursday 27th Evening drinks in Sheffield at the Popolo Bar & Lounge

December Monday 1st & Tuesday 2nd LHS Carol Service & Tableaux (see page 3 for more details)

March Saturday 21st LES Loughborough Dinner, Burton Hall, LGS. Please visit the shop at www.olaoga.co.uk, email: events@endowedschools.org or call 01509 638920 to order or for more information.

Could you contribute to the

For more details on any of these events, please email: events@lesdev.org or call Harriet Galpin 01509 638921

newsletter?

Memories, a book review, tales of travels, career choices, opinion pieces…whatever you have to say, we want to hear it!

Please direct any comments or contributions to: Laura Dickinson Email: oganews@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01509 881095 or Write: 114 Main Street, Willoughby on the Wolds, Leics. LE12 6SZ To change the way you receive the newsletter, contact the Secretary, Jenny Woods lhsogasec@gmx.com