Farewells

During this year we bade farewell to Mrs Jo Beatty (Alumni & External Relations Officer) and Mrs Sarah Hebbs (Admissions Officer), two friendly faces who would have been familiar to many families that have passed through the College. Mrs Viv Monk-Hartley also moved on from her role as an Accounts Administrator. Ms Katharine Moore (Teacher of Art) also headed for pastures new and we wished Mr Rhydian Stokes (GAP Assistant) well as he left St Edmund’s to complete his initial teacher training.

As you will see from the tributes over the following pages, we said farewell to many more much-loved faces from the St Edmund’s Common Room throughout the academic year. Whilst it is always sad to say goodbye to such talented colleagues, we wish them nothing but well in their future endeavours, and it is undeniably exciting to see many move on into retirement or to take up posts at other prestigious schools.

Mr Paulo Durán

Paulo joined the College in September 2009 as Deputy Head and Registrar, before taking up the post of Headmaster in September 2012. I worked with him throughout his Headship, and it was a privilege.

Educated in London, Paulo, despite his name, sees himself very much as a London native and is immensely proud of his Spanish and Portuguese roots. He often regales those in his company with stories and anecdotes about lesserknown areas of London and possesses a wealth of knowledge about the history of the city.

Prior to his arrival at St Edmund’s, Paulo had worked in several London schools but always felt truly at home in the College and often waxed lyrical about the special and unique nature of St Edmund’s. He truly appreciated its Catholic ethos, its remarkable history and its genuine sense of family and community.

As both Deputy Head and Headmaster, Paulo rejuvenated the school in many ways. Firstly, as Deputy, he introduced the Leavers’ Service, the Scholars’ Service, and the Academic Dinner for Rhetoric II at the end of their final year.

As Headmaster, it is thanks to him that the profile of the College has been raised within this locality. During his Headship, the strange stone building on a hill, ignored by many, became well known and its popularity increased. It’s true to say that he put “Edmundia” on the map!

He also had the History of the College, written by Father Nicholas Schofield, published so that our school’s history could be shared with pupils and their families, past and present. Still today, this wonderful book adorns many a coffee table.

Paulo definitely has an eye for detail and for him appearance matters. He sought to update and refurbish the College and it is thanks to his vision that there were many successful changes in the school environment. These include the modernisation of the Refectory with its two-tone leather “banquettes”, chairs and glossy wooden tables, and the Wall Panels detailing the History of the College in the Ambulacrum. He also oversaw the modernisation of classrooms with new technology and smartboards, the creation of a Drama space in the Douay Hall, the new Science block, and the Coffee Shop for Rhetoricians, all of which enhance the school we share.

He also raised the profile of co-curricular Music and Drama and moved the annual College Production to The Spotlight Theatre in Broxbourne, where it has been a resounding success year on year.

Paulo can also be credited with hosting many events held to commemorate the 450th Anniversary of the College with aplomb. As a school, we will never forget the remarkable experience that was the celebratory day trip to Douai when we set off “en masse” at 4.30am, and the

Farewells

wonderful St Ed’s Fest which brought the 450th anniversary celebrations to a fitting conclusion. Once more, Paulo had the vision and, with support from all corners of our community, he made it happen and realised a dream. I know the memories of that year will live on in our minds for a long time and always be etched into the College annals.

A great supporter of the whole community, Paulo also commissioned a play, “Quarry”, which recalled the life of Andreas Frohlich, a former pupil who died in a concentration camp in World War Two. The play was recorded and performed by our pupils with the help and blessing of Andreas’ family in 2016. The play was excellent and was one of the most moving and thought-provoking experiences shared by its actors and audience.

In 2018, to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, he led the “There But Not There” project at the College, placing a “Tommy” outside the main building at the front of the College and perspex silhouette installations in the College Chapel to commemorate and pay tribute to the 82 past Edmundians who had fought in the campaign and served their country.

Paulo was also instrumental in establishing our link with the Stella Maris schools in Madrid, led by the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (DCJM) which enables their pupils and staff to share in the Edmundian experience and this continues to thrive.

Paulo moved on from St Edmund’s in August 2019 and has now joined the International school system. Having worked firstly in Spain, he is now enjoying a new role as Headmaster of two schools in sunny Cyprus. I thank him for all he has done for the College and the legacy he has left. I hope that he will not be a stranger and come back to visit soon.

Mrs K Macdonald

Mr Adrian Petty

Adrian arrived at the College in September 2001 as an enthusiastic History teacher, full of life and ambition. He quickly made his mark and soon progressed to become Head of Talbot House, where he remained for several years. His passion for pastoral care is second to none and he always had the student’s best interests at the heart of everything he dealt with. His unflappable nature meant that he quickly saw a solution to any problem that arose. In his time as a Housemaster, he made quite an impression and years later, he still never fails to remind people of the number of times he won the Grand House Challenge… much to everyone’s annoyance! During this time, he was also a committed member of the boarding community, running trips and activities such as Model United Nations. He went on to become an Assistant Head and in September 2016 was promoted to Deputy Head Pastoral, following Mike Barber’s retirement. He took up this role with ease and continued to make an impact; although, I do remember him telling me on more than one occasion, that his favourite role had been as Housemaster of Talbot House!

So, what will Adrian be remembered for? There are far too many things to mention but here are a few… he has an amazing memory; it never fails him. He doesn’t do at all well on an empty stomach, this is to be avoided at all costs. You knew it was summer when he arrived at the College in his linen suit. He had different and very particular mugs that he used for morning coffee and afternoon tea (Earl Grey), although his PA, Juliet Edwards, would only ever make him one cup every half term!

Adrian is a ‘larger than life’ character and fills a room with his infectious laughter, which could always be heard down the many corridors of the College; you would usually hear him before you saw him! I have very fond memories of our time working together and I am very grateful for his support and encouragement. It is fair to say, there is no one quite like ADP! He leaves us to take up the post of Headmaster at Saint Nicholas School in January 2020, which is so welldeserved; I am sure he will continue to thrive!

Mrs L Dunhill

Mrs Karen Salter-Kay

I was fortunate to work with Karen for many years up until her retirement in 2019. Her passionate, welcoming and caring personality was evident from the start. Karen took the lead in driving the Cocurricular Music programme and instrumental / vocal tuition at the College. Her fervour for all things Choral was evident. I

watched Schola grow over many years, to the point where it was felt we needed a Junior Schola to enable us to fit the Senior Schola into the Recital room for rehearsals!

There was always a great atmosphere in Schola gatherings – if a bit noisy at times! Many of Karen’s students were happiest whilst singing; there was a clear Edmundian ethos, and pride in belonging to the choir. Karen’s drive and love of seeing so many children involved in performing music was paramount and made our music tours and events momentous occasions, creating special memories for all involved.

Two particularly memorable events are the 2008 concert that was held as a tribute to the departing Nigel Howard. Nigel had been in the music department and a College organist for 40 years. The concert was an especially ambitious collaboration of all musicians and singers, past and present, to honour Nigel's retirement. A total of 120 students took part, plus many other OEs and members of staff. On a more poingnant note, I will never forget the Faure’s Requiem sung by Schola at Father Pinot’s funeral mass. The Paradisum sung by the youngest Schola singers was a special spiritual moment.

Karen was evidently nervous before a performance, but this was not surprising; she conducted performances (including the Faure Requiem) - in a joint Concert with St Edmund’s College, Oxford and St Edmund’s School, Canterbury - at Pontigney Abbey, a very special event indeed.

Performing in Westminster Cathedral for the launch of our 450th anniversary celebrations was an equally awesome occasion, as was the trip to Madrid to our link school Stella Maris. We performed in the Stella Maris Chapel, as well as a giving a full concert with Choral and orchestral items on the programme. The day trip to Douay for a 450th service in Douay cathedral was not without its memories too –towards the end of the service it became evident that catching the ferry back to England on time was tight –Karen watched Schola gradually file out in front of her as she continued conducting with students then quickly marching and then running to their coach!

Karen’s inclusive approach came to light in her teaching too; often, the class was turned into a Blues band or a Rock ‘n’ Roll experience with instrument parts differentiated to allow every child the chance to play bass or drumkit, for example. She led from the keyboard with great strength and her communications with pupils were personalised and encouraging. She was a musician with diverse skills often supporting on the Clarinet or Saxophone in the Jazz band and smaller ensembles.

For many years, Karen has been synonymous with the huge success of our College musical productions. It was under her watch that the decision was made to relocate these to the Spotlight Theatre in Broxbourne, where Karen knew that our most talented students could achieve even higher standards of performance. Over many years, Karen was able to put on some of her favourite musicals of all time, including ‘Bugsy Malone’ in 2007, ‘Oliver’ in 2008 and her beloved ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2010.

Karen’s commitment to the Catholic Faith was deeply rooted, evident in her attention to the liturgy and dedication to the College Mission; she was always very proud to have the choir and instrumentalists perform in our beautiful Chapel. We wish her a very happy and welldeserved retirement with her husband Ian and daughter Katheryn.

Mrs C Noble

Ms Alison Dunning

Having joined St Edmund’s as a teacher of Languages, with a specialism in German, Ali became Housemistress of her beloved Talbot House in 2008, a role which defined her tenure in Edmundia. It was whilst working as a tutor under Ali’s stewardship that I learned what truly outstanding pastoral care looks like. Her unwavering loyalty to her team of tutors, commitment to her students and determination to see every Talbotian realise their full potential was, frankly, inspiring to work with.

With Miss Dunning at the helm, Talbot fast developed a reputation as the fun and happy House, but one where students always learned the value of hard work and were always encouraged to go above and beyond in their care for those in the community. Her weekly House assemblies would always begin with the cheeriest of ‘Good morning’’s and end with the now legendary quip: ‘Happy Friday everyone’. And whilst what was in between would always contain a naff joke or two, there was always a strong sense of unity, ethos and purpose woven into every word.

There were certain times of the year when Ali would come into her own and always take her Dunning-ness up a level.

The Talbot Bake-Off became an annual event and raised awesome sums of money for some incredible charities. Sports Day always appealed to her fierce competitive spirit, and lead to rallying battle cries in House assemblies. But it was during Charity Week that we would always see Ali at her best. Who can forget the fancy dress costumes? The lobster, the unicorn, the ‘own cloths day’ get-up! What’s more is that she was always the first to volunteer to get gunged or splashed to raise money for those in need and teach her students about the importance of charity.

It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to Ali at the end of the 2019 Trinity Term, but with much excitement that we saw her relocate to Devon to take up her Deputy Headship at Exeter School. I know that the entire Common Room will join me in wishing her every success, and thanking her for making Edmundia a happier and more caring place.

Mr L Woodward

Mr Mohana

There are many great people who are known by just one name: Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo, to name a few. However, St Edmund’s had its very own one-name legend of the Maths department; Mohana. So good they named him once.

Mohana was one of Mrs Rhona West’s first appointments when she became Head of Mathematics, and she was delighted to obtain an exceptional mathematician for her department. Little did she know that she would also be securing a great friend and an extra set of grandparents for our children. He has since his first day referred to her as ‘Boss’ and probably always will.

To be taught by the ‘Mo man’ was an experience in itself. Renowned for his prep setting, students were always horrified at first by the high expectations placed upon them, but many quickly learned that if you put the work in then you have Mohana’s total support and commitment to getting you the very best grades, an outcome that was very likely given the grades that his classes achieved. He spent his own free time in boarding giving extra prep workshops for those in need regardless of whether he taught them or not. experience to the College and along with Jason Hounsell exposed the Rhetoric students to the inequities and delights of the sub-continent. On the trip, Mohana is a force of nature and font of knowledge that belies his ‘senior’ age.

There are few teachers at the College who when they announce a world tour are inundated by requests to meet up from ex-pupils, yet this is the case with Mohana. When he jet-sets around the globe he lets it be known where he will be and he is inevitably greeted by students from his past. Be it, Eastern Europe, Asia, or the Far East he always seems to be the subject of many social media photos, sitting alongside students who still feel that they owe him so much. This is his legacy, a man who will go into retirement (until he gets bored!) with his wonderful wife Usha, hopefully knowing that he is loved by peers, friends and students alike.

Mr G West

Mr Julian Stypinski

Julian joined the College as Head of History in January 2001. Known affectionately by many students as ‘Stypie’, he has been passionate in his teaching of history throughout. His personal interests shone through in his teaching of the American Civil War and military history, where his near encyclopaedic knowledge ensured that the students were not just educated, but also entertained with innumerable stories and anecdotes. Such is his commitment, that he even planned a holiday around spending time looking at several battlefields of the American Civil War to help to develop his teaching; something which added yet more flair and interest to his lessons.

Beyond history, Julian also developed the Politics Department, and his interest in politics was reflected in the Debating Society, which he ran for First Division students. He was always ready with a testing question for the students during debates, and his volunteering system is certainly memorable. Julian has been a tutor in Poynter, Rhetoric Talbot, and most recently in Challoner House too, and his level of care for each of his charges was always evident; but he was also firm too, as any students who were slow in getting their planners signed could testify.

He will be missed here by students and staff alike, and we wish him all the very best as he goes off into retirement.

Mr D Brett

Mrs Jamie-Ann Murphy

Jamie-Ann joined St Edmund’s in 2012 and in her time at the College made immense contributions to St Edmund’s RE department, religious life and boarding community. She departed in December 2019 in order to relocate back to Ireland with her husband, Conor and son, Conòg. On the final day of the Michaelmas term, as the Common Room gathered to bid Jamie-Ann farewell, her line manager and close friend, Ms Anne Moloney, offered up the following Ode to Mrs Murphy:

A little poem about Mrs Murphy For six years she worked here at St Edmund’s College, Demonstrating her skills and sharing her knowledge. She’s been a truly fantastic teacher of R.E. So here are some facts about Mrs Murphy, Working with NQTs, and putting them at ease, as their mentor. The students are her life and were always at her centre. A fellow chocoholic, and a party planner, So long as there were sweets in any manner. The students adored her; an excellent role model, An amazing work ethic, she made the mind boggle! She has moved away with her small family, To the place she calls home, that is more green and hilly. Her assemblies were always so creative, the one with the masks is now so relevant and one to behold, And that legacy will always be told. She gained the name of the Refectory ‘Trolley Queen’ Cleaning and clearing trays behind the scenes. She embraced all her duties including the Boarding, which she found duly rewarding! We said farewell and goodbye to someone special, Hard shoes to fill, leaving us with an empty vessel. Caroline began her teaching career at St Edmund’s as an NQT in 2012. She taught everything! She taught Geography – her real subject, and History which she grew to love, and ICT – which we loved in the Geography Department, as she could help us with the VLE for ever more. She had pastoral responsibility for Rudiments and Grammar Douglass students, as well as being an important boarding tutor.

Caroline is innovative, interesting, creative – and was immensely dedicated to the school and its Geography Department. Her classes were interesting at every level and you would always find children asking questions, performing weather forecasts or making new revision models. She had high standards which were reflected in her results and her contributions to the Teaching and Learning group. Caroline had two lovely children, Felicity and Leo, whilst at the College. Unfortunately for us, she and her husband decided that family support was needed, which led to her relocating back home to Northern Ireland. She has continued to teach and is currently working as the Head of Travel and Tourism, whilst continuing her Geography teaching. Lasting memories involve a David Attenborough Christmas Jumper and a qualification to teach netball, a fantastic trip to Port Talbot in a storm, cakes and map reading in Newbury, beach huts in Clacton, ice creams on Brighton Pier, a perfectly organised desk drawer a full set of colouring pencils, board markers and post it notes – all Geography teacher essentials. Mrs N Pitman & Mrs T York

Miss Elizabeth Tucker

Lizzie joined the Geography Department in 2016 as a dynamic, young, creative Head of Department, taking us all along with her in the whirlwind of change. Following in the footsteps of John Morley and Mike Lewis, Lizzie’s passion and dedication came at time when new GCSE and A Level

courses were introduced nationally and she helped both teachers and students throughout this challenging period of transition. She changed the curriculum and brought back the idea of textbooks, which had gone out of fashion in the 2000s, and bought each classroom colouring pencil sets! She led lots of fieldwork activities and brought Geography to life for many students (riding camels in Morocco, walking the highline in New York, nearly being hit by lightning on the Isle of Arran, and of course, many rainy trips to the coast, counting pebbles).

However, she wasn’t just a Geographer. Lizzie’s other passion in life is sport and in particular, football. She played a key part to weekend fixtures and was often seen running around with her tracksuit and trainers on. In her time at the College, she took on extra responsibilities as Line Manager to the Games Department and helped cover the entire school in powder paint in her very popular Colour Runs for Charity Week. Her other major role within the school was in tracking and supporting the Poetry students in increasing their grades which she devoted much time and effort to, and worked wonders with underachievers across the board. She was a key member of the Breakfast Club in the common room, where she demonstrated her devotion to Geography with beautifully coloured revision sheets.

Lizzie has moved on to a senior management role at a school in London. She is a true city girl and often shared that passion with us both, always showing us the hidden case studies of her hometown on guided walks.

Mrs N Pitman & Mrs T York

Mr Mark Connor

Mark was an exceptional Science teacher who bounced quite literally into Science. As Director of KS4 Science he brought many ideas and developed the new AQA GCSE course at the College. He was passionate about Biology and education and would draw on his vast experience to deliver concepts in a fun and interactive way. There would always be pictures, models and experiments hanging from the ceiling in his laboratory – his way to explain the Biological phenomena – but it got results and the students loved his alternative methods and explanations. Mark displayed great talents in sport and PE and quickly joined the sports department to help with the delivery of PE and Games. Mark had a strong desire to get the best out of students and would regularly set up revision clinics to make sure the students understood science to their full potential. Mark was an asset to the science department and we wish him well as he takes up a promotion in his new school.

Miss M Towns

Mrs Kerry Evans

Kerry Evans left St Edmund’s after three years, having joined us in 2016 as a teacher of English. Kerry quickly became a popular and highly respected member of the St Edmund’s community, and an asset to the English Department. Her positive attitude and optimistic disposition made an immediate impact. Kerry was able to convey her love of literature to her students and, as a result, her lessons were inspirational and examination results impressive. She displayed a dedication to helping students fulfil their potential, regularly and willingly arranging to give one-to-one guidance to students who needed further explanation. Students appreciated her caring and supportive commitment. There were many occasions when Kerry gave up her time to ensure students had the best chance of success; when an A-Level examination was scheduled for an afternoon during half term, Kerry met the students in the morning for a reassuring revision session. Parents valued her updates on how their son or daughter was progressing, and these invariably included offers of further support. Kerry is a team player and was often the first to volunteer when new initiatives were introduced and when help was needed to complete extra tasks. She was a tutor in Talbot House and participated in all the activities with enthusiasm. Kerry was also involved in the Debating Society as a Period 7 activity which gives students an opportunity to consider and express their views on a range of topics, a valuable skill. Kerry left us to move to a school in Surrey when her husband was appointed to a headship there. Our loss was certainly their gain.

Emily joined the College in September 2011 to take up the position of a Physical Education Graduate GAP. She immediately made her mark and was a real team player amongst the staff. She immersed herself in the St Edmund’s way of life right from the off. She joined the CCF, was a member of the boarding community, assisted with the Duke of Edinburgh programme and became an integral part of the PE department. Once her first year was over with the College, she stayed to complete her teacher training and was a dedicated member of staff for a number of years. On the Games field, Emily had boundless energy and was always trying to get the best out of the students. Whether it was learning their left and right for netball by using the doing Hokey Cokey, or persuading the students she was part of the group Spell Bound who featured on Britain’s Got Talent when it came to making a gymnastics routine. She was always challenging the students within hockey and setting them mini challenges in the lessons to hit the cross bar or score a goal from the tightest angle. Students valued her feedback and flourished under her guidance. Emily also taught hockey in the prep school, which was a great success. Emily’s pastoral care of her tutees was faultless, she knew all of her tutees inside out and ensured she found different ways to motivate each of them. Her tutees would work with her to lead inspirational morning prayers in the Chapel, with one highlight being recreating building a church and its meaning. Emily was committed to Poynter House where her competitive nature was clear. Sports Day was a particular highlight for her, where she was known for her slogans which included ‘Going for Goring’ or ‘Doing it for Dunhill’ Emily committed to assisting with numerous school trips from sports tours to Spain, Holland and France, American exchange to Nashville or staying more local for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. She always ensured that all trips ran smoothly, and that student enjoyment was paramount. Emily’s light hearted jovial nature, and her commitment to teaching will be truly missed by all at the College. Miss A Hebdon Margaret is a kind-hearted and thoughtful friend and colleague who retired from teaching in January 2020. Over her long career at St Edmund’s, she performed and excelled in her many roles, such as a teacher of Psychology and Religious Education, Head of Department and Trainee and NQT Mentor. Both Anne Moloney and I are extremely grateful for Margaret taking us under her wing, showing us the ropes and sharing her wealth of experience. Although younger students would have been on their best behaviour for the woman wearing her signature leopard print coat down the corridor, she was always held in the highest regard and respected by students and staff alike. She was a fantastic educator, and the profession was sad to see her go, yet her passion has moved on. She is now a very successful counsellor in London offering support and guidance on a wide range of issues. Annie reports that she is still an avid fan of 80’s music and her partner in crime at concerts and meeting celebrities. She also has some brilliant photos including those with Cerys Matthews and Kevin Rowland! Many of the staff still keep in touch and always enjoy a good chat and big hug. Ms A Moloney & Mr N Eliasson

Mrs Andrea Brady

As anyone who has ever tried to run a department can tell you, a school without an efficient Examinations Secretary is a bark adrift. She is one of life’s Unsung Heroes whose Sisyphean labours are rarely acknowledged, toiling away in her garret, grappling with the endless administrative demands and the labyrinthine regulatory minutiae imposed by “The Boards” – until something “goes wrong” - a euphemism for when a colleague has messed up something in the entry system. With a shrug and smile, Mrs. Andrea Brady would proceed to mop fevered brows and apply her renowned diplomatic skills to charming the bureaucrat concerned into rectifying the “administrative error” and all would be well.

I know this because Andrea’s hideaway office was often my first port of call while the birdies were still tweeting… Andrea already had strong family connections with the College when she arrived in 2004 as an invigilator; her husband, brother and cousins are all Old Edmundians. She inherited the role of Examinations Secretary from the equally redoubtable and efficient Ken Hall in 2009, jobsharing with him for a year until his retirement, so was thereby already initiated into the arcana of the profession, but the ever-changing regulations and swapping of boards meant that the process of assimilation was never complete. She retired in August 2019 and is fondly remembered by all who worked with her – which, of course, meant virtually everybody in the school, examinations having such a central function - not just for the grace, skill and affability with which she as a colleague carried out her numerous duties, but also as an indefatigable baker whose delectable creations often graced the staffroom coffee tables to celebrate some birthday or event. I should add that a risqué sense of humour and a hearty laugh did much to oil the wheels of daily interaction… We wish her every joy and contentment in her deserved retirement.

Mr R Moore

Nick Cairns

Nick began his teaching career at the College in September 2014; he quickly showed himself to be a talented chemist and established himself as an asset to the Science department. Nick always had an experiment up his sleeve to share with his classes to explain complex concepts. His teaching methods were varied and inspiring, his classes would leave the lesson asking themselves …. ‘if that happens’ then why does this happen …. There was always a hook at the start of his lessons. His enthusiasm for teaching and learning was infectious both within the Science department and in boarding. He soon became the person to contact if you were ever experiencing issues with an Excel spreadsheet, as he would always have the ability to find a formula to fix any problem. He has a positive attitude and a can-do approach to most things, including when Talbot’s Housemistress would ask for tutors to dress up in the Charity theme. Nick would be leading his tutor group to raising lots of money in a variety of ways. He was a valued member of the St Edmund’s community – a true Edmundian. He is missed but we wish him well with his promotion in Spain. Miss M Towns

Mrs Deborah Wilkinson

Debbie Wilkinson joined St Edmund’s as Head of Garvey’s (Girls’ Boarding) and a Teacher of French in September 2015. She very quickly established herself as a much-loved figure in the Common Room, and a kind and caring influence in the boarding house. Always extremely firm, yet unwaveringly fair, in steering the ship that is Garvey’s, the girls in boarding would come to thrive under Debbie’s leadership. You will struggle to find an advocate for girls boarding education as committed and empathetic as her. She lead by example in teaching her students about the virtues of hard work, whilst always encouraging them to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to them. In the classroom, Debbie was a popular Teacher of French, who believed passionately in the benefits of learning about other languages and cultures. Her good cheer and sharp wit made her lessons enjoyable and therefore productive. She departs St Edmund’s to become Head of Boarding at Surval Montreux Girls’ School, on the banks of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. We wish her nothing but well in her next adventure.

Mrs Lisa Barley

Lisa joined the Learning Support Department at St Edmund’s College in 2012, after relocating back to the UK from her home in France, where she and her family had spent the previous four years. As a Teaching Assistant, Lisa supported

numerous students through their school career and was a welcome addition to any classroom. Her ability to inspire and encourage students whilst maintaining humour and a sense of fun, will be remembered by all those she has worked with.

During her seven years at the College, Lisa was part of many trips, concerts, and events. The Elements induction camp to start the year, the German cultural trip in the summer and a number of musical trips both as supervising staff and a member of the choir. Lisa always took part in these trips with enthusiasm and energy, even when faced with the prospect of spending the night in triple bunkbeds that she was too tall to be able to sit up in during the Elements camp each year. Those that have been on trips with Lisa, know she will be the first in line for the theme park rides and will struggle through the numerous ice cream and waffles that need ‘taste checking for safety purposes’! Throughout her last 3 years at St Edmund’s, Lisa studied for a degree in Youth and Childhood studies which she successfully completed in 2019. Following this qualification, she was presented with the opportunity to complete a PGCE at a primary school in West Hertfordshire and her time at St Edmund’s came to an end. Completing her teacher training during a global pandemic has been an interesting introduction to the role, however she has taken this in her stride and looks to move into her NQT year this summer. We wish Lisa all the best with her future career and know she will be an asset to the teaching profession. Mrs N Wells

Ms Gemma Fanning

Gemma Fanning joined St Edmund’s in January 2017 as a Teacher of EAL. In her two and a half years at the College, Gemma played an integral role in the restructuring of the International Department, as well as making invaluable contributions to life in boarding. With her colleague Lee Hawkes focussing his attention full time on developing and growing the Summer School as its Director, Gemma would go on to become Head of EAL, where she would flourish in supporting the College’s provision for its overseas students for whom English was not their first language. Gemma’s department fast developed a reputation for working closely with its students and showing immense empathy in building their confidence in speaking, reading and writing English. The multicultural nature of the department was something that Gemma embraced and celebrated, creating a vibrant working environment, which was holistic, supportive, inclusive and enjoyable for students from all backgrounds. More than anything else, this is the legacy that Gemma leaves behind at St Edmund’s.

Gemma also held responsibilities in boarding, where she continued to offer outstanding pastoral and academic support. She was always proud to support the Catholic life of the College and was actively involved in the Chaplaincy. She was a popular member of staff amongst students, but also in the Common Room, who will miss her good cheer. Gemma departed Old Hall Green at the end of the 2019 Trinity Term, to embark on a Spanish adventure and take up the role of IB Diploma Co-Ordinator at King’s College in Madrid. ¡Buena suerte, Gemma!