Today marks the end of an era at my children’s school. After 14 years of dedicated service our Reception Teacher and Deputy Head, Sarah Beswick, is retiring and on the same day our inspirational Head Teacher, David Ball, is retiring too. Between them they rack up 33 years of service to the children, school and community of Rowde, Poulshot and the Devizes area.
As a governor, I’ve got to know both of them beyond any normal parent-teacher relationship and the more you get to know them, the more you understand their ethos and passion; Sarah’s is to give children the best start possible to their schooling life and to provide the smoothest of transitions from play to more formal learning. David’s has always been to develop the whole child and to recognise talent and excellence whether a child is great academically (or not), a great sports person, musician, dancer, cook or whatever. Between the two of them (and of course the other great teachers in our school) they have sent hundreds of children, many who are now adults, into the world equipped to find their place and to be a success!
And as we were looking towards the end of their time with us we heard stories from parents, teachers and pupils about the influence they have had on their lives. Teenagers and young adults who were taught by both over the years remember them vividly, the lessons they learnt and the impact they had on their lives. And in the 5 years that three of my own children have been under their care I am amazed at not just the dedication that both of these two have for their pupils but also the impact and vision they have had that has brought our school and children to where they are today.
So as I think about Sarah and Dave, I’m thinking too about the people who have had an impact on my own life and helped me to where I am today: Mary Barker, my nursery school teacher; Mr Burton, my Design and Technology teacher; Tim Pyatt, my first boss at Motorola; Dave Powell, another great Motorola boss who had a massive impact on my career, Jill Hughes who inspired me to do what I now do. We have been surrounded by people who have taught us, coached us and inspired us in our early years and even yesterday.
So as this year ends and we look towards 2012, pause and reflect upon those who have helped you to be who you are today. Be grateful for the input they gave you and for the results you’ve achieved. Be mindful too of how you can pay that forwards to others who will benefit from your advice and experience.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Season and an exciting and vibrant 2012.
Live and love life!
