This year’s
Farewells
Daniela Djokovic Teacher of French and German Madame Djokovic, or DD, joined the MFL department at WGHS in January 2011. A passionate linguist, Daniela soon settled into life at the school enjoying all aspects of what it had to offer. Daniela was not only enthusiastic in the classroom but she also valued the extracurricular activities and was always ready to volunteer to help with DoE or with an overseas trip. We know Daniela would like to thank all the girls she had the privilege to teach, and all the students she had the pleasure to chat to in the corridors, over the years. Her thanks also go to the many parents who have been so supportive over the years. Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité!
We've had some amazing staff come through the WGHS gates over the year, bringing a wealth of talent and experience as well as many happy memories.
Danny Sheehan Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Department Danny joined the RPE Department as HoD in September 2015 from All Saints’ Catholic High School in Sheffield, and helped to cement the Department as a vibrant, exciting and innovating part of WGHS life. As a dynamic practitioner of RPE, his love of the subject and drive to see our students do their best was a joy to collaborate with. Danny was also an integral part of the school’s HPL initiative, sparking enthusiasm about its benefits in both staff and students, and would always do his utmost to help see the school on its journey to become a High Performance Learning World Class School.
Paul Franks Teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
From an extra-curricular perspective, Danny was a dedicated Sixth Form Tutor, and happily led the Girls’ Football Team at lunchtimes as well as taking the mini-bus out for EDGE excursions - and he always maintained a healthy sense of humour after going up hill and down dale! This was also particularly evident on his trip to Rome with the Classics Department where his knowledge of churches and church history challenged and stimulated the students. On a personal note, Danny was a constant source of support and encouragement before, during and after my two periods of maternity leave - he made it effortlessly easy for me to slip back into the school’s hustle and bustle, for which I will always be very grateful. At Christmas 2019 both staff and students were sad to say goodbye to Danny, who took up the post of Head of Religious Education at his alma mater, All Saints’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Mansfield. We know he was sad to leave too, but at least he got to go out to the Brass Group’s refrain of Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ in his last assembly, which we all know was a particular favourite of his... We wish all health and happiness to him, his wife Katie, and children Amelia, Olivia, and Matthew. Mrs Keegan-Phipps
78 WGHS REVIEW
“
His love of the subject and drive to see our students do their best was a joy to collaborate with
”
Paul joined the WGHS RPE Department in January 2020 following Danny Sheehan’s departure. As a teacher who had previously taught RPE and History at both WGHS and QEGS, Paul was very familiar with the Foundation’s staff, students and ethos. He always strived to get the best out of our students with challenging and interesting lessons and I know he will be missed by us all. He started and regularly ran a club at lunchtimes, called ‘The Only Way is Ethics’, which was well-attended and enjoyed by our Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 girls; following its success, it is something the RPE Department hopes to continue with our Student Leaders in the next academic year. In July 2020 the Department is saying goodbye to Paul; we thank him for all his hard work and wish all health and happiness to him and his family for the future. Mrs Keegan-Phipps
