Salvete

Senior Common Room Notes

It is with sadness that we have to report the death of our friend and colleague Sue Taylor, the wife of Peter Taylor who died in 2004.

The following is an extract from a reading given by Professor Bill Chambers at Sue's funeral.

"Sheffield was the first stage in her professional life later spent in Reading at the Abbey and Oratory and York at St Peter's and Clifton Pre-preparatory School. I think it fair to say that these schools have dominated her life; they have not been places of employment but places regarded by Sue (and Peter) as extensions of their home and their families. They have given their lives as House Tutors at School and Dronfield Houses and as Teachers to generations of young people at the start of their personal and professional lives in a totally selfless way. This of course is why there are so many former colleagues here today and why St Peters and CPS have so kindly supported the family through recent tribulations. This is why so many colleagues and former pupils have become lifelong and loyal friends."

Sue's fantastic contribution to the school will be remembered in the CPS magazine.

Head Master's tribute

Richard Smyth

In the long history of the School, each and every Head Master has made their mark and Richard is no exception. After five years at the School, his tenure will be remembered for an improved and exceptional staff, record examination results, a much improved campus and a clear long term vision for the School.

This clearly communicated vision for St Peter's has been based on education values that he and the Board feel very strongly about - the importance of an all-round education, forming as well as informing pupils; the importance of promoting integrity and values in pupils and staff; the strong emphasis on first class teaching by first class staff and, finally, a strong recognition of the special nature of St Peter's with its unique combined day and boarding community.

Supported throughout by Nicole, Richard has promoted that vision personally through the emphasis he has always placed on first class teaching in the common room, his transparent treatment of colleagues and pupils, and the very strong support and encouragement he has given to the extra curricular programme.

Richard has been particularly successful in recruiting and promoting staff to develop a very strong senior management team, and bringing in a number of new staff demonstrating the qualities the School needs. In his dealings with pupils, parents and staff, Richard has always been prepared to make decisions and stick by them. Everyone has known where they stand and he has commanded respect. Equally, he has been sensitive and considerate to, and supportive of, staff and pupils with personal problems.

Richard's commitment to St Peter's has never been in doubt and has been further demonstrated by his attendance at all manner of functions and events. He has always taken the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of pupils, and recognise the work of staff. He and Nicole have been appreciative and appreciated hosts on numerous occasions. Richard has also worked hard to promote better relations with our neighbours, for example in relation to onstreet parking and major construction projects.

The Board has very much valued Richard's contribution on occasions when he has had to speak publicly on important issues involving the whole School, and two examples, in particular, come to mind. Not long after joining us, Richard was heavily involved in our successful application for closure of a public right of way which bisected the School campus and which had serious issues for our security. Our application for closure went to a Public Inquiry and generated a considerable amount of local feeling. Richard spent several hours under cross-examination and coped admirably with some hostile questioning. Last year, Richard gave a talk on drugs to parents at an Open Evening. His experience of the issues involved and heartfelt concern was very obvious to everyone there. Those who had anticipated a difficult meeting came away impressed and reassured.

A great strength is the Christian ethos which Richard has quietly brought to parental and management problems. Under Richard, the academic success of St Peter's has continued and the quality of our staff, and of our boarding and day house provision has improved.

We thank Richard and Nicole for their contribution to the life and work of the School, and wish them and their family every happiness in the future.

Dr. T Coker

At the beginning of this year, Dr Coker joined St Peter's staff as the new Head of Drama. Despite his subject Dr. Coker has not always held this ambition. Fora while, when younger, and despite his lack of scientific talent, he cherished the dream of becoming a vet, and subsequently an opera singer; indeed Dr. Coker read music at university, and became a contemporary opera singer. This lead to further degrees in Music as Dr Coker simply "enjoyed being a student". After a great deal of composing, Dr Coker's ideas began to lean towards the theatrical, prompting him to begin studying for a Doctorate in Musical Theatre. He claims to have no idea as to why he became a teacher and says that he "sort of fell into it". His description of his first job at Huddersfield Tech is that it "passed the time". However, he sees Drama as a creative process, and he enjoys it immensely.Dr Coker is married to Alix and has a young son named Milo. His favourite actor is Michael Cambon, but when asked which actor he would like to play the part of himself Dr. Coker chose Peter Sellers, describing him as "quirky". Dr. Coker has a phobia of spiders and an intense dislike of Turkish Delight ("it's like eating raw jelly") and musicals, a statement quickly followed by the exclusion of My Fair Lady, which is one of his favourite productions. In his spare time Dr. Coker reads, composes, enjoys the theatre and eats sushi. We wish Dr. Coker and his family all the best for the future and we look forward to seeing more exciting and challenging Drama at St Peter's.

Elie Binks and Cabby Naismith V Year

Miss L McCartan

Miss McCartan joined us this year after replacing Mr Mike Jones to become the Head of the IT Department. Before arriving at St Peter's Miss McCartan taught in a state school, Her first impressions of life at St Peter's are favourable and she describes the staff as "incredibly friendly and helpful" and the

pupils as "beyond brilliant".

Born and raised in Dublin, Miss McCartan, one of a pair of twins had little idea of what she wanted to do in the future, although after studying at the Dublin Institute of Technology she decided to enrol in a career in teaching, leading her here, to St Peters.

Outside of the classroom, Miss McCartan has a keen interest in caving (a hobby she happily took up whilst studying at university) and enjoys participating in regular caving holidays - her favourite destination being a particular cave in Romania, unfortunately, she can't remember it's name! She is not an animal lover, with a particular dislike of cats, "they're just evil"!

Miss McCartan stated firmly that her favourite food is chocolate ("obviously!") but she detests anything minty. When asked "what makes you laugh?" after a slight pause she answered "the pupils of course". We hope in a good way!

We welcome Miss McCartan to St Peters and hope that her time here is long and jolly.

Sarah Coidan V Year

Mr N Miller

Mr Miller joined the Geography Department as maternity leave cover for Mrs Hall. However, as Mrs Hall decided not to return to teaching in order to bring up her new baby Mr Miller found himself in the job longer than expected.

Mr Miller originates from a rural village near Cambridge and was schooled at the famous Marlborough College in Wiltshire. As well as teaching his subject Mr Miller had hopes of getting the boys here interested in trampolining, one of his many hobbies which include writing, building PCs and cooking.

Mr Miller's employment record is truly impressive and includes positions such as Legal Editor, Solicitor's Clerical Assistant and teaching in Paris and Sri Lanka. His previous job was at Queen Margaret's School in Escrick.

Mr Miller believes teaching to be "fun but hard work."

So far Mr Miller has enjoyed his time here at St Peter's, perhaps with the exception of Winter Timetable as when asked about what he would put in Room 101, he replied "teaching on Friday afternoons during winter timetable".

We wish Mr Miller well during his stay at St Peter's.

Mr L Taylor

Mr Taylor joined us this year in order to teach Economics and Business Studies. In addition to his academic interests Mr Taylor also has a range of hobbies ranging from climbing to playing games on his Xbox. When asked the question why did you apply for a position at St Peters he responded saying the school had a very good reputation and he found York to be an extremely pleasant city.

When questioned on what he perhaps found most difficult about his new job Mr Taylor made the point that the hardest thing to get used to about life at St Peters was Saturday school.

Before his move Mr. Taylor taught at Warwick School, a five day week establishment. During the interview we asked Mr Taylor to sum himself up in three words. The words, which he chose carefully, were short and permanently angry. As pupils of Mr Taylor will be aware, he has a strong dislike of chewing gum and likes it when people ask genuinely interesting questions in class. Even though Mr Taylor has only been with us for a short period of time he has already had best and worst moments. He recalls - "one of my best memories to date is not losing any games in the rugby season". However his worst moment is quite unfortunate as it involved being shot in the back by a certain member of Linton House. Fortunately, he has fully recovered.

We are sure Mr Taylor will have a long and successful career at Peter's. Editor's note - Mr. Taylor will take over as Head of Economics from Andrew Severn who retires this year).

Cherisse Brown & Rachael Hopper UIV

Mrs J Williams

Mrs Williams joined St Peter's Sports Department in September 2008, having previously helped out as a tutor in The Rise for a year.

Originally from Lytham St. Anne's in Lancashire, she has always had a passion for sport. After school Miss Williams attended the Chelsea School of PE and continued onto The University of Brighton where she took a B.Ed in PE and English.

Mrs Williams has had a great deal of experience in teaching, including Henley on Thames High School, a Newcastle inner city comprehensive, Ciggleswick and Read School. Her longest stint of employment was 5 years at Giggleswick, and when she returned with Peter's for a hockey match, it was clear to everyone the she was somewhat of a legend there with both pupils and staff alike.