NEWS & CONGRATULATIONS

Midwinter Memories

I n December we asked the ON community to send us their ‘Midwinter Memories’ of the RGS. We hoped that those memories would provoke the nostalgia and love of the school which was also encapsulated in our Christmas card. As a result of the ‘Midwinter Memories’ campaign, we raised further funds for the Bursary Hardship fund through generous donations by ONs. We’d like to say: thank you.

Please enjoy a selection of these moving, funny, colourful snapshots on our website here. www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/rgs-family/ rgs-bursary-campaign

Corrections Issue 111

In Issue 111 we featured an obituary for Gavin Deane-Wake (70-80) who died suddenly in October 2021. We omitted to include Gavin’s photograph and we are incredibly sorry for this oversight on our part. Gavin is missed dearly by his family and friends, and we send heartfelt condolences, in particular to his wife Joanne Deane-Wake and sister Sheila Crowe.

There is an error on page 34, the obituary to John Douglas. He died September 2021 not 2022.

Retiring Staff

We said fond farewell to two veterans of the RGS English department. Having struggled with health issues, Dr Simon Barker (Staff 85-22) decided to retire from the RGS as Head of English. It is difficult to adequately describe Simon’s incredible impact on the RGS. Since joining the school 37 years ago, he has taught, inspired and nurtured thousands of young people who have passed through the school.

Dr Chris Goulding (Staff 03-22) has also retired having served in the English department for 19 years. With experience as an author, an actor on TV’s Coronation Street and a playwright, he was involved in the designing of the Miller theatre and led a number of school Drama productions. We thank both staff for their phenomenal contributions and wish them well in a happy retirement.

Michael Graham (Staff 77-22) our incredible Maintenance Supervisor has retired after 45 years at RGS. In that time Michael has repaired and rebuilt endless parts of our building, his work impacting thousands of our students. Three cheers for Michael, and the many other support staff who quietly make a massive difference to the facilities and experiences our students enjoy.

We also said our heartfelt thanks and farewell to Dr Marie Slack (Chemistry Teacher and Staff 14-22), Pete Shelley (Economics Teacher 96-22), Clare Lyon (Caterer and Staff 12-22) and Alison Gravely (Receptionist and Staff 15-22).

Finally, Jill Graham (Performing Arts Manager and Staff 05-22) and Paula Conningham (Classics Teacher and Staff 05-22) who both joined RGS on the same day 17 years ago! Both have been part of the beating heart of our school and will be missed by all colleagues and students.