Hail and Farewell
Miss Ayres, Chemistry The boarding houses at Reading are unique, and I’m more than loving being a part of the action! I’ve been welcomed into the boarding family with open arms and I really appreciate how supportive everyone is of each other, especially the upper years. Recently I experienced my first water skiing trip, and now I cannot wait for the fun that the summer months will bring!
Mademoiselle Fondu, MFL Reading School has really exceeded my (great) expectations. The building itself is impressive but the best thing is working with such supportive teachers (avec parfois un petit grain de folie). Then there are, of course, the boys – and all the witty or unwitting French puns they come up with on a daily basis. How lucky I am to be working here with you all. I know it’s cheesy, but my name’s ‘Fondu’. What did you expect?
Miss Hooker, Maths The welcome I have had at Reading School has been fantastic; I am struck by the relaxed but productive relationships between staff and students and impressed by the quality and calibre of my students and their work. Becoming an East Wing Boarding Tutor has enhanced my participation and perspective. I am very pleased to be here and look forward to contributing to the life of Reading School in general and Maths in particular.
Mr Lloyd, English To dub myself a ‘new arrival’ seems a little disingenuous. This is not my first venture into the world of Reading School. As a student I was School House Captain, before going on to study at Manchester University. On my return, I have been welcomed by familiar faces, routines and traditions, not to mention an incredibly talented department. My affection for the school is undiminished from my new vantage point, on the other side of the staff room door.
Mr Steadman, PE Before coming here I was a Professional Rugby player at Bristol Rugby. With the School’s history and academic prowess it was a little daunting moving to a new place and coming to teach at Reading School. However the staff and pupils have been very welcoming and made my transition into teaching one that I have really enjoyed. The boys at this school are unique and are always a pleasure to work with and teach.
Dr Tabtab, Economics I consider myself fortunate to have joined a world-class institution with superb academic results! The support I get within the Department is tremendous. Members of the Common Room are congenial and accommodating. To top it all, pupils come to lessons eager to learn and equally enthused to contribute. It has been a fulfilling year – happily, teaching is a-buzz with committed professionals who continue to inspire young minds to aspire!
Señora Trujillo Delgado, MFL I taught English and Spanish in Spain at secondary level for 10 years before moving to the UK. In the UK I taught Spanish as a foreign language at Thames Valley University, Reading Adult & Community College, Kendrick School and UTC Reading before joining Reading School. I am a very enthusiastic and passionate teacher and this seems to combine well with the talented and intelligent students and the engaging environment at Reading School.
Dr Materlik – Subject Leader for German Joined: 2006 Moving to: Cologne International School
Madame Pang - Subject Leader for French and Spanish Joined: 2008 Moving to: Our Lady’s Abingdon
I will miss my fantastic, inspiring and highly entertaining pupils. I might be exhausted when I arrive in school, but I will be wide awake and buzzing the moment they enter the classroom. Watching Felix Clutson, who was registered blind, play hockey with his mates was definitely one of my favourite moments, as was the A-level drama performance in 2006 and my year 8s this year singing ‘Je ne regrette rien’. Give me a book, I would probably fill it. I guess that’s what you become a teacher for.
Although I am looking forward to my new role, I have to say that Reading School is really not an easy place to leave. I have had fantastic colleagues and students here and I am dreading the day when I will say goodbye. To all of you boys whom I have taught and who have motivated, challenged, amused, annoyed, impressed, helped and educated me, I want to say a big thank you. You are what makes my job so enjoyable and I wish you all the very best in your future studies and careers. A bientôt.
Mrs Willoughby – Head of Art and Educational Visits Officer Joined: 2005 Moving to: Cologne International School
Mr Norgaard – Head of Geography Joined: 2006 Moving to: Lord Wandsworth College
I will miss the camaraderie of all the staff, Milly the dead bird in the art department, and Giles (the sleeping boy sculpture who used to live in reception). My most memorable moment is being carried by my wonderful team mates to the finish line in Tough Mudder. And of course you –all the wonderful art boys at Reading School. Many thanks for all the great memories.
Reading School will always be very special to me. I have been honoured to teach and work alongside incredible boys and have made amazing friends amongst the staff. My abiding memories are the various trips and Comenius exchanges I have led and I am happy to leave the School with a strong Geography department. I am particularly proud of our international success in the GA Quiz.
Mr Bywater – Maths Teacher Joined: 2011 Moving to: A school in Kuwait
Mr Dawes – Head of Economics Joined: 2000 Moving to: Leighton Park School
I will miss long summer nights on the field playing massparticipation games with the boarders. My favourite memories will always be of the boarders’ water-skiing trip, and watching everyone struggle with the dreaded first corner.
I have had so many great memories at Reading School but two in particular stand out. The first is the cricket tour to St Lucia in 2004, especially the carnival and the day trip to St Vincent. The second is the Y8 German trip to Traben Trarbach in 2006.
We also bid farewell to: Mrs Cavagan (1992-15), Mr Tucker (2001-15), Mr Mogridge (2002-15), Dr Pike (2003-15), Ms Sheriff (2005-15), Mr Patel (2008-15), Mr Ivanovski (2014-15), and Mr Gunasekera (2015-15). 46