STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2018-19
This range of roles is quite a portfolio and shows us what a range of talents Mrs Brown has. I am sure Mrs Brown would not mind me saying that she has a certain restlessness about her – she likes new things and new ideas and is always looking for a new challenge. She wants to have an impact on others’ lives – in addition to all the above, she has for instance also shown a huge commitment to charity fund raising – and I have no doubt that, as she moves on to the next stage of her life, it will be full of new and exciting challenges, and I am equally certain that many of these will be about improving the lives of others. Whatever direction this might take, we would all wish to thank you, Mrs Brown, for making such a huge impact over nearly two decades at Kingswood.
Mrs Skinner also joined Kingswood in 2001, initially as a nurse in the Medical Centre whilst she was still working in the Children’s Ward at the RUH, and then from 2007 she became our senior resident nurse with overall responsibility for medical care in the School. This role is so very important in a school with a large number of boarders, many of whom are many miles from home. It takes a very special person to fulfil the varied responsibilities of this role. Warm,
caring, utterly professional, wise, resilient… Mrs Skinner is all of these, and much more. Students and staff alike trust Mrs Skinner implicitly – and that is so important – but we see someone who, without any fuss, has committed herself wholeheartedly and selflessly to all of our welfare. The Medical Centre plays a rather larger role than many may imagine; it is, for some, a real haven at challenging times – and it is only this because Mrs Skinner makes it in a welcoming and utterly non-judgmental way. This is pastoral acre of the highest order, of course. A couple of years ago Mrs Skinner had her own health problems which required an extended period of absence from school. I hope she feels the School cared for her at that time in the same way as she has cared for so many of us. Mrs Skinner, your impact on Kingswood has been phenomenal and we wish you all the very best in your richly deserved retirement.
Mrs Patterson has been at Kingswood one year longer than Mrs Brown and Mrs Skinner, joining the School in 2000 as a Biology teacher, though if we add in the two years Mrs Patterson spent here as a Sixth Form student, then her overall tally is an even more impressive - 21 years! Throughout that time she has taught Biology throughout the School and with consummate success; she has always been a teacher who not only has excellent subject knowledge, but who seeks to understand how you learn and how she might succeed in you getting the most out of your yourselves. As with her outstanding tutoring, she has a natural warmth, is very approachable and displays a high level of dedication. There is a most significant legacy here, but of at least equal significance is the huge impact Mrs Patterson has had on the School’s approach to sustainability in its broadest sense. With a background in environmental science and a passionate commitment to sustainability, Mrs Patterson was
the driving force in the school in this very important area. The School’s reputation for being a sector leader in this area was very much built on Mrs Patterson’s vision, drive and enthusiasm. I remember when I arrived here in 2008 being immensely impressed by the School’s commitment in this area, and especially by the level of student engagement. This has been crucial to Mrs Patterson’s vision; working hard, yes, and offering opportunities, but very much encouraging students to take the initiative and make the difference. This in itself takes quite considerable energy and resolve, but the product is there for us all to see. Although in the past couple of years she has handed over the leadership in this area to Mr Musgrove, her support and commitment have remained. This means so much to Mrs Patterson and we are immensely grateful to her for her commitment. Mrs Patterson now reaches the end of a distinguished Kingswood career; I am sure the future will see her following her passions with the same commitment, but just in a different environment. Thank you so very much, Mrs Patterson, and all our very best wishes for the future.
Our final leaver to whom I wish to pay tribute today is Miss Beale.
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