If you’ve had cause to enter James Peacock School as a pupil, parent/carer, staff member, governor or visitor during the past 20 years, you’ll have encountered Mrs Powell in the office. Now, as she prepares to leave the school for “pastures new,” Mrs Powell would like to share her thoughts.
“One sunny day in April 2001, a lovely neighbour knocked on my door and told me she had seen an advert for the position of clerical assistant at James Peacock School and had thought of me. Forever grateful to you Wendy Shelley!
“I was interviewed by Mrs Gifford, the Headteacher, Mr Fowkes, the Chair of Governors (and my former French teacher) and Mrs Mounser, the Office Manager and was appointed to start on 4th June 2001.
“My daughter Sarah was in Year 1 and there were only 5 classes in the main school! Oh my, how things have changed since then. Long gone are the handwritten registers – a red one for attendance and a buff one for dinners! Long gone too is the counting and balancing of money for school dinners, trips and photographs.
“In 2005 I was joined in the office by Mrs Deakin and together we became the ‘front of house’ team for James Peacock. It’s been an absolute privilege for us to help so many families settle their children into their first nursery or school place and reassure them that their children are safe, happy and in the best learning environment.
“Without a doubt, the best part of my job has been getting to know the children, seeing them grow and learn and develop their own personalities. It seems very strange when some of them come back to us now for a few shifts in Breakfast or After School Club before they go off to university!
“James Peacock School has given me 20 totally wonderful years. My thanks to all the staff throughout the years for your support and to the wonderful Ruddington community that it has been my privilege to serve.”
On hearing the news, several parents/carers have taken to social media to acknowledge the amazing job Mrs Powell has done and wish her all the best for the future.
In my role as Treasurer of the Friends of James Peacock, I’d also like to extend best wishes to her on behalf of myself and the Friends Committee for all the support she’s given us. We will all miss her.
Barbara Breakwell