Celebrating 40 Years of Paddy Stephen at St Peter’s

We couldn’t miss this opportunity to recognise, in just a small way, the big impact Paddy has had within the St Peter’s community over the years and the long standing connections he has maintained with our Old Peterite’s. So many of you shared your kind words and stories of Mr Stephen, including a fair few that we certainly can’t put in print!

“Paddy was highly supportive of me from moving from Queen’s to the Manor in 4th & 5th year. Paddy was someone I looked up to, eternally grateful for the help he gave me, on and off the field. I count him as a true gentleman and a life and heartbeat of the school.”

Samuel Hitchenor

“Paddy is a legend - I will always remember how he made us do press ups in Biology for talking too much. I will never forget the respect that he had for us and us for him.”

Jack Williamson (2010)

“Paddy is a one of a kind. The amount of time he continually puts in outside of school helping with the Panda’s Hockey, OP Cricket and OP Rugby is priceless and pupils continually come back to play, because of him. Since leaving school, Paddy has always been there to listen and offer some words of wisdom regarding any situation.”

Chris McTurk,

(2010)

“I’ll always remember, in 1984, it was a Tuesday double Biology lesson when it was the Varsity match and both number 8s were OPs…we watched the whole game, no teaching. A great guy and a legend of St Peter’s”

Nigel Muirhead (1988)

“Paddy helped me and my daughter get an A in Biology A Level and my wife a B, such is his longevity and commitment across all aspects of school life. Outside school he is always a true friend.”

Nigel Durham (1988)

“At the end of our under-14 season I was presented with the scorecard in the picture. Paddy, took the effort to get the scorecard. replicate it by hand, get it framed and present it to me at the end of the year. Touches like that differentiate good teachers from exceptional ones and though I have many memories that are funny, embarrassing, etc. I will always remember Paddy for this one. On my wall in my office today still.”

Timothy Cooper (1989)

“My favourite memory of Paddy is of him hobbling around Rosslyn Park on a broken ankle to help coach the team and support us through the tournament, because that’s how much the school’s sport means to him.”

St Peter’s School Head

Boy

Congratulations and Thank You Paddy for 40 years at St Peter’s School!

now as for their dad 35 years ago (and hopefully with better results)!”

Charlie Roberts, Parent and Old Peterite (1993)

“A simply outstanding, teacher, mentor and friend. Paddy goes the extra mile for his students, be that giving them extra lessons at lunchtime or after school to help them achieve their academic potential, giving up school holiday time to take them away on tours and do pre-season rugby training, or the personal touches he does for individuals to celebrate important events/achievements. If there was an ‘all-time greatest teacher’ award, Paddy would get my vote. In sum, Paddy is a once-in-a-lifetime, cross-generational legend!”

Olly Gardner (1992)

“Thank you, Paddy for all the great memories, you are a true legend of the school. You were so kind, encouraging and supportive throughout my time at St Peter’s and I think the fact you took time out to have the scorecard made & framed for me when I scored my 1st century in 1984 which I still have fond memories of today, was an amazing gesture. Thank you again, you legend.”

GuyWilkinson(1987)

“It’s amazing to think I’ve know you for over 20 years, since my family moved to York and I joined St.Olaves aged 11. You went on to play a massive part in my life over the 7 years that followed. You taught me how to play rugby, hockey and cricket all for the first time (still can’t keep my bat straight!). We made great memories on rugby tours to Northern Ireland and South America. In Grove you created an environment that was rare, trusting us to have fun while getting the work done. Outside of school, your kindness and hospitality has always known no bounds. Congratulations on 40 stellar years of selfless dedication to teaching sport, your subjects and life lessons to the thousands of students that have been through St Peter’s. Look forward to our next pint, as always.”

Ed Parker (2011)

As a general testimony I would say that from the moment he joined the school, Paddy has shown commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication well beyond the norm. His encouragement of the pupils and selfless contribution to student sporting activities and wellbeing has been greatly appreciated by me and so many of my peers. To this day Paddy remains a friend and it is always a pleasure to catch up, even though he did describe me as ‘an amiable yet bumbling buffoon’ in one of my school reports!

Cheers! PhilBreirley(1986)

“40 Years… Blimey! As a student, I didn’t quite have the privilege of being taught by Paddy. The exceptions being on the games field, obviously, and also that one time he covered my 3rd Form art lesson. I would describe his artistic talent closer to that of Van Helsing than Van Gogh but hey, that didn’t stop him from giving out questionable tips to myself and my friends. As a son however, I have well and truly had the privilege of being taught by Paddy. His love for us and his belief in us never falters, and for that I will always be incredibly grateful. Here’s to the next 40…”

Eddy Stephen (2015)

“Paddy is an inspiration and a father figure to so many. I know this because former pupils tell me every time I see them. That said, he is my dad. He is an inspiration to me, a rock for our family, and someone who always has time for everyone. As a family we are so proud of his achievements over the last 40 years… and rumour has it there’s a few more years to come.”

Nick Stephen (2013)