Staff Valete This year we said goodbye to five members of staff who retired. Between them they have given over 150 years of service to the School. Geraldine Hurl
assemblies, debating, dressing up as the
of the team; his calm nature and patience
Head of Economics
Queen or teaching 24 girls to follow a recipe
were always a vital counter balance to the
For 28 years Geraldine was a hugely
for mock apricot tart as it was made during
somewhat manic art studios! A specialist
valued teacher, colleague, and friend. She
the war. We wish Barbara great happiness in
potter and accomplished painter, Allan’s
joined in 1986 to establish Economics as
her retirement and lots of time to pursue
experience proved essential time after time.
part of the Sixth Form curriculum. Her
her many interests including her new
We wish Allan all the best as he leaves
enormous success as a teacher was due to
grandson Daniel.
NLCS to pursue his expanding painting and
a combination of her deep knowledge and
decorating business.
understanding of the subject and her ability
Helen Turner
to make those in her care feel valued and
Head of Sixth Form (ONL 1976)
Margaret Olechno
secure. Geraldine always said that ‘when
Helen joined the staff at NLCS in September
Purchase Ledger Administrator
she grows up she wants to become a vet’
1982 as a member of the English Department,
Margaret initially joined NLCS in the
so is planning to volunteer at the local vet’s
having left as a pupil only six years earlier.
Housekeeping Department in 1979, becoming
surgery in her retirement, as well as spend
Helen became an inspiring Head of English
Administrative Assistant/Secretary in the
more time on her art, to become involved
in 1995 who was able to guide and persuade
Bursary in 1986, joining a team of just three
in wildlife conservation and the village
a diverse group of characters by sheer
staff. She was a loyal and supportive member
community shop.
intelligence, charm and warmth. Her lessons
of the bursary staff and gave most of her
always were legendary; no ICT or
working life to the School. She was one of
Eric Nicol
inter-active white boards to get in the way
the longest serving members of staff having
Head of Chemistry
of the text – just the book and, of course,
served 35 years. She contributed significantly
Eric joined the Chemistry Department at
Helen’s extraordinary depth and breadth of
to the school and she always gave 100%. We
NLCS in 2003 and was a very highly regarded
knowledge and her unique talent for drawing
will miss her.
teacher, tutor and head of department. As
out the best in her students. Her patience
a form tutor and classroom teacher Eric
and kindness are legendary: nothing was too
Lynne Roberts
was popular thanks to his gentle humour,
much trouble for her. Helen will be greatly
Secretary to the Bursar
capacious knowledge and utter devotion to
missed as she continues to nurture young
Lynne joined NLCS in July 1995 as Secretary
his subject. Girls throughout the school knew
people as a foster carer.
to the Bursar, providing secretarial support
honifbrockle. Year 11 students are devoted to
Geraldine Webb
Her range of skills, vast knowledge of the
his book, the Essence of Chemistry. He left
Year 2 Form Teacher
school and vibrant personality meant you
many friends at NLCS, excited about seeking
Gerry joined the staff first as part of a job
could always rely on Lynne when
out new challenges and opportunities.
share in Year 5, taking a permanent position
the job needed to get done. She will be
in 2005 and has lovingly taught Year 2. Gerry
greatly missed.
of Boris the Pixie, and the unpronounceable
and working closely with the Governing Body.
Barbara Ruben
was a wizard in the classroom, her lessons
Year 6 Form Teacher
pure magic – turning her Year 2 girls into
Suni Vadgama
Barbara joined the Junior School in
mathematicians, young writers and
Science Technician
September 2003. Barbara has had many
award-winning artists. We wish Gerry well
Suni joined the Chemistry Department
connections with School dating back to being
for her exotic travels and many exciting
23 years ago from her role at Brighton
a parent when her daughter Naomi began in
new ventures.
University, and brought her considerable
the Junior School in 1987, with her daughter Ellie starting in the first ever Reception class.
expertise and effortlessly calm and organised
NON-TEACHING STAFF
Barbara was the most wonderful teacher -
approach to NLCS. Suni plans to use her retirement to do voluntary tutoring in a
generations of girls have benefited from her
Allan Hardcastle
range of Science subjects, needlecraft and
care, encyclopaedic knowledge and numerous
Art Technician
property development.
talents. She was always prepared to turn her
Allan joined the Art department at NLCS
hand to anything from thought provoking
in 1994 and soon became an integral part
ON L i n e m a g a z i n e
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