STAFF LEAVERS 2020 In 2020 we said goodbye to some much loved members of staff.
DANNY SHEEHAN
SARAH LOFTUS
Head of Religion, Philosophy& Ethics Department
Deputy Head of Pastoral
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. 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
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!
It is with a heavy heart that we said farewell to Mrs Sarah Loftus, our wonderful Deputy Head of Pastoral Care, at the end of this academic year. The whole school community will feel this loss keenly. Sarah joined Wakefield Girls’ High in 2004 for a maternity cover in the English Department before settling in as a permanent member of staff, becoming Head of Year 12 and 13 in 2010 and appointed as Deputy Head, Pastoral in 2014. Clearly the Heads responsible for these appointments had great judgement. During Sarah’s time here she has always shown a steadfast commitment to the school and to the girls’ wellbeing and care. Her dedication may be the main factor that has won the respect of so many pupils and staff, however it is by no means her only contribution. As a (newish) head, many challenges that arise are novel and can be initially disconcerting. At such times, leaders need a team around them who know the school, its staff and its students and Sarah has provided calm, wise counsel on so many occasions. She has a wealth of experience and is unflappable. In her role - and actually, in life - she has been proactive, hands on, forward thinking and selfless. She is certainly a glass-half full individual and always looked to bring the best out of our students, and a situation. Sarah’s mark on WGHS will be longstanding. Exciting initiatives from the Happy Cafe, Odd Socks Day, Falcon Friday to Wellbeing Week are all thanks to her. And who would have thought that so many teenage girls would love to sit on a Thursday afternoon learning cross stitch for their EDGE activity? I feel it was more about spending time together with an opportunity to have a good natter to the girls than the stitching. Indeed, who could forget her ‘Old Woman of the Week’ assemblies whereby she had us all on the edge of our seat, waiting to find out about the next inspirational, rule-breaking woman. Examples of such women include Hedi Lamarr, Frida Kahlo and Kathrine Switzer. Such initiatives are a testament to her energy and warmth at school. However to requote Maya Angelou as used in a recent assembly I suspect that her more lasting legacy will be the memory of how she made people feel. Students sense staff who really care for their wellbeing, and they knew Mrs Loftus was firmly in this category. Her approach to school life - bringing joy and laughter to each day - really helped to shape not only the student experience of Wakefield Girls’ High, but also the staff experience, too. I will miss her greatly, but I know, so too will a great number of students and colleagues. We wish her a very happy next chapter of life as she begins her early retirement and hope that she will visit often (with her cross stitch basket!).
Heidi-Jayne Boyes 36
