Week 14 - Page Two
FAREWELL TO MRS NOVELL AND MRS DEMPSEY
We are sad to announce that Mrs Dempsey and Mrs Novell will be leaving us this Christmas. They have made such a wonderful contribution to our St Stephen's community and we wish them well. We will miss them.
And, it's goodbye from her ... here's Mrs Novell's final report for our newsletter on her beloved School Council, followed by a reprint of our recent article on her twenty five years at St Stephen's. After being with us for a quarter of a century, we couldn't just let her go without reminding you of her time with us. It is the most fitting tribute we can give to this most special of teachers.
Along with many other things, School Council has not been able to take place since pre-COVID. So it is with great excitement that we can announce our newly formed School Council which is comprised of pupil-elected representatives from all classes from Years Two to Six. In my own class alone, I was so impressed by the number of children who stood and delivered such powerful speeches. It was a hard choice to make and I was glad I did not have to make it! I am sad that I will not be here after Christmas to see this new School Council flourish and contribute to the decision-making of our school, making it a better place for all but I know they will be an important part of our democratic process at St. Stephen’s.
TWENTY FIVE FABULOUS YEARS!
We can't actually quite believe it (because she doesn't look old enough) but our Mrs Novell has been teaching at St Stephen's for twenty five years. Such an anniversary needs marking, so here is a little story from the lady herself and tributes from colleagues, past and present, who have worked with this most extraordinary of teachers. Over to you Lisa ...
When I arrived at St Stephen's in July 1996 for a two-week induction, little did I know that I would still be here twenty five years later!
I didn’t exactly make the best impression on my first day. I ended up fainting in the toilet and having to tell the lovely Mrs Coutts I didn't feel too well. I’m sure she was wondering what sort of new recruit had been hired and how long would she last. My arrival also coincided with the wonderful centenary celebrations of the school.
In those days, St Stephen’s was a three form entry Junior School and we took the majority of our pupils from Orleans Infants (as it was then). Paul Briten was the headteacher (you may still find some of his Mastermaths textbooks in the maths cupboard!) and Steph Roberts was the Deputy Headteacher. Between them, they had served St Stephen’s for more than sixty years! I remember another teacher telling me she had been there for thirteen years. I was in awe, thinking, "I'll never stay here that long!”
I have been fortunate enough to have had many career opportunities at St Stephen’s, including year group leader, Inclusion Manager, acting Deputy Head Teacher and Staff Governor. I also set up School Council with another teacher, Cathy Clarkson, in about 2000. Indeed, I sat in on a School Council meeting when the children interviewed candidates for the role of new headteacher. After the interviews they recommended the appointment of Miss Stubbs (as Mrs Bachour was then known). As we all know now, they made the right choice! A very wise and thoughtful decision.
Starting my first proper job, I hoped I would get on with everyone but I did not expect to make lifelong friendships. I am still in touch with many past colleagues and one of them in particular, the lovely Mrs Young, has become one of my very dearest friends. St Stephen’s is a special school to work at and the staff are so lovely and care deeply for the children and each other. One of my favourite staff socials was organised by the wonderful Keith Cheetham, who worked as a teaching assistant at the time. He used his talents to organise an amazing evening in the hall of haute cuisine and we all dressed up in black tie, ate like royalty then danced the night away.
I have so many happy memories of working at St Stephen’s and it is hard to summarise twenty five years but some of the occasions that stand out for me are school journeys, where you can really get to know the children. There have also been so many dress up days over the years – in my time I have dressed as an ancient Greek, ancient Egyptian, numerous book characters and even worn school uniform! One of my favourite themed days was an International Day where we dressed up as air stewardesses, pilots , airport staff and so on, and each class had a different country they had to ‘travel’ to so they had a passport, luggage and departed from an ‘airport’ then ‘flew’ in an ‘aeroplane’ (set out in the hall with chairs and aisles ). It was such a memorable and fun day organised by one of our talented ex-colleagues, Kate Zakomornaya.
Working in a church school has meant a lot to me and I have always cherished the close links we have with St Stephen’s Church and I even got married there in 2006 with the then vicar and Chair of Governors, Andrew Watson, marrying us! What made it even more special was that I invited my lovely class at the time to attend the wedding ceremony and I was so touched at how many attended with a parent. It is being part of this community that has led to me having such staying power!
I think what brings it home that I have worked at the school for so long is when pupils I taught come back to work here, such as Mr Dale and Mr Allan, but also when children of pupils I taught attend the school! Or when I am out and served in a pub or restaurant by ex-pupils! It is always so lovely to see them again. I remember all the faces and many names, but sometimes get muddled about year groups and classes. However Steph Roberts, our old Deputy Head teacher, had no such trouble. I once went to the Isle of Wight with her for the day to plan a school journey. We visited a pub in the middle of nowhere for lunch and as soon as she walked in she recognised the bartender as an ex-pupil. Renowned for her astounding memory, she then listed all the pupils who had been in his year group – I was in awe! Sadly, I do not possess such a memory but can remember so many lovely faces and characters, even if I can’t always recall their names!
I feel immensely proud to have worked at this special school for such a big part of my life. While I have witnessed countless changes throughout the years, the ethos of the school has remained the same and the children who attend are extremely lucky to have such a strong start to their educational and life journey.
Here's a little pictorial round-up of all things Mrs Novell, past and present. As you can see above, the children of 3DT, Mrs Novell's current class, also wanted to join in on the celebrations!
Liz Bachour: We are so lucky to have Lisa in our St Stephen's community – she really is like part of the very fabric of our school. She cares deeply about the children and staff and will go the extra mile for all. Her leadership of PSHE is outstanding which again is driven by her wish for children to be safe, happy and healthy. It is testament to her leadership that our new curriculum was already in place before the recent statutory changes in PHSE. That's so typical of her, always thinking ahead and putting our children first. She is a very special teacher. Thank you, Lisa! Many congratulations on your twenty fifth anniversary at St Stephen's.
Louise Young: Congratulations Mrs Novell on twenty five years at St Stephen's. I can't believe that it is that long, as that means we met a quarter of a century ago as young, inexperienced teachers, just starting on our teaching careers! I knew as soon as I met you that you were going to be a very special teacher and friend and I was not wrong. The number of children and staff whose lives you have enriched and blessed over those twenty five years is countless and St Stephen's is incredibly lucky that you have chosen to dedicate your teaching life, thus far, to this school. Dedication is a very fitting word for you, as whatever role you have taken on, over your years at St Stephen's, you have approached it with the same dedication and commitment. Your sense of fairness, energy and thoughtfulness has made you hugely respected by staff and pupils alike. And with your wonderful sense of humour, you have brought much fun and laughter to the staffroom and we have shared many a giggle over the years.
Lisa, huge congratulations on this landmark. I look forward to being a part of your next twenty five years and beyond, whatever that may bring!
Hedy Harrison: Lisa, I have absolutely loved working with you and will miss you enormously. You care so much about every child and have made such a difference to so many over the years. My own two children sadly did not have you as a teacher but they do remember you fondly. I will miss our chats and laughs but I'm sure we will see each other soon, if not in person, then in our Zoom yoga classes.
Karen Raymonde: Back in the dawn of time, when giants roamed the Earth and had dinosaurs as pets, Mrs Novell was assigned to guide me and help me through my first year of teaching. So began a friendship which, I am sure, will last forever. Lisa is the most caring, encouraging and professional colleague anyone could hope to work with. She has always supported me and has an unfailing ability to find the positives in tricky situations and to help me, and others, through such times. I still remember seeing her teach her first class of Year Six children when I joined: this was an outstanding practitioner at work and one from whom I learned so much. Kind, gentle, consistent and firm with her pupils, Lisa always gets this balance just right. To Mrs Novell - a true giant - you are a star teacher, colleague and most of all loved friend. Thank you for everything you have taught me.
Shelagh Coutts: I remember Lisa arriving at St Stephen's as a newly qualified teacher. Little did I know then that behind that youthful exterior was a very mature and dedicated teacher who has become a loyal friend to so many of us at St Stephen's. I remember all her class going to her wedding, it was such a lovely gesture.
Nicola Collins: The words I would select to describe Lisa would be: truly caring, humble, kind, deeply considerate and loyal. Lisa has been one of the kindest and loveliest colleagues I've ever worked with! I've had the privilege of working with her since I started here many years ago and it was even more of a pleasure when we were recently able to job share in Year One. Lisa was one of the first people I met at St Stephen's and I won't forget the immediate impression I had - she made me feel welcome and part of the St Stephen's family from day one. Her lasting impression of kindness is something I will never forget and a quality that, no matter what is happening around her, she always emanates. Thank you Lisa for showing me the way with PSHE, being a true friend and being a wonderful Year One partner!
Hannah Dempsey: Lisa is a great friend and colleague. Even though we have only officially job-shared for two terms, it already feels like we have been doing it for years - in a good way! I value Lisa's wise advice, consistency and integrity. But of course I have known Lisa for a number of years both as a friend and a colleague so none of this is a surprise. Lisa is my shoulder to cry on and my friend to laugh with and I am proud to call her my friend.
Carol Fletcher: Although, sadly, the complications have COVID and the limitations of busy lives has meant that I have not seen Lisa for some time, I will always count her as a loyal and compassionate friend. In that friendship and also as a colleague, one attribute has always shone out untarnished and that is her integrity. So, congratulations Lisa on your silver celebration, for being there for so many of us at St Stephen's School. You are pure gold.
Mel Howes: I have been so privileged to work with Lisa for the last twenty three years. She has always been an inspiration and such a valued member of the team. I have been lucky enough to work with her as part of a year group team and have so many fantastic memories of our times together, from welcoming the new Year Three's back when we were a junior school; to getting up in the early hours of the morning to go on a day trip to France with Year Five; to Friday afternoon in Year Three for clubs time. Not to mention countless Christmas productions! Such a talented teacher.
Karen Norton: I have had the privilege of knowing Lisa both as a parent and a colleague. Sixteen years ago Lisa, then Miss Blyth, taught my daughter Rose in Year Six. She was a lovely, kind and supportive teacher, with a calm and reassuring manner which was just perfect for the final year of St Stephen's, preparing the children for the move to secondary school. Rose has fond memories of her time in Year Six, particularly the school trip to the Isle of Wight, which she remembers as lots of fun, playing games on the beach. Several years later when I joined the St Stephen's staff, Lisa was so welcoming, friendly and helpful and always a complete joy to work with. I am lucky that I continue to see her weekly at my yoga classes and we can keep in touch in this way. Congratulations Lisa on twenty five years at St Stephen's!
Christine Adams: Lisa is one of the kindest and most caring people I know. When I found out this year that I would be working with her I was delighted. Not only is she fun to work with, she is sympathetic and supportive, always ready to listen if you're not having a good day. We have children of a similar age, so have been able to share the delights and frustrations of motherhood. She always embraces event days and this year has been an excellent White Rabbit and Greek goddess!
She is very passionate about PSHE and her kind and warm nature instantly puts the children at ease. St Stephen's has been very lucky to have Lisa for the last twenty five years.
Finally, she is ageless and I can't believe she is old enough to have a former pupil now working at the school!
Alison Pidgeon: Well how time flies - impossible to believe that Lisa has been at St Stephen’s for 25 years!
My daughter Grace (now twenty five) vividly remembers Lisa as a lovely teacher who she credits with inspiring her to discover the entertainment, escapism and pure pleasure to be found in books. Having known Lisa as both a parent and colleague, I can only say that she has always been the most caring, compassionate and above all professional teacher. Here’s to many more years together at St Stephen’s!
Sian Mackenzie: Lisa has been an absolute delight to work with this year. Her vast knowledge, experience and wisdom has helped me in many a time of need. My year would not have been the same without her!
Sherralyn Rainey: I've known Lisa as both a wonderful colleague and a parent. So, I know what she's like from both sides of the St Stephen's fence and it's pretty awesome. She was our son Milo's Year Five teacher (he's twenty four now). He remembers her as 'a great teacher.' That is a short but oh so fitting epithet for her. To be in a classroom with Lisa is a treat. When a child speaks she has this lovely way of tilting her head as she listens and fixing upon them the most encouraging of looks. It really gives children the confidence to express themselves. Whatever they say is treated with the utmost support and in this kind and caring manner she gives them the confidence to speak up and have a go. She is so wonderfully positive, diligent and determined to bring the best out of each and every child. And, lucky for us, this care and attention is also extended to her colleagues. Lisa's an all round corker! Oh, and she's great fun too. Congratulations Lisa - twenty five years not out. We're so lucky to have you.