Farewell To Linda

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FAREWELL TO LUCY

Class teacher, science club supremo and dramatic dressing up artist – the curtain is coming down on Lucy’s run as a beloved Lower School teacher

“I remember very clearly the day I came to KAS for my interview, thirty-three years ago. It was sunny, with a blue sky and, as I came through the gates, I could hear music coming from two practice rooms (which are now Nikki’s and Karen’s offices). My thoughts were “How lovely! I think I could be happy here…”

I heard about the job through a lovely friend, Jane Townsend (a former KAS teacher). She and I sang together in the Crouch End Festival Chorus. One day, she suggested I apply for a job at the school at which she taught. I shall be ever grateful to Jane for pointing me in the direction of KAS.

Previously, I had taught at two very challenging schools: one in Tottenham where I was teaching secondary science, and the other, in Hackney where I had converted to being a primary teacher. I was ready for a change.

I enjoyed my rigorous interview day. In those days you had five, separate interviews. I tried not to get my hopes up but was delighted when Francis phoned to offer me the job as a Year 5 class teacher.

In my first term at KAS I couldn’t stop smiling. It was as though, from a teacher’s perspective, I had ‘died and gone to heaven’. I had a lovely class and was fortunate enough to have Chris Potter as my parallel teacher and mentor.

I have loved teaching Years 4, 5 and 6 and appreciating the incredible development which takes place with each child during each of these years. The residential camps, both in residential accommodation and under canvas, have given me fantastic experiences, allowing me to get to know the children and colleagues in a more holistic way. Whilst at camp, I also managed to overcome my fear of heights to abseil and to whizz along a tree top flying fox. The children

Lucy as gangsta granny

Year 6 Camp 2018

were very supportive when they realised how terrified I was!

I love being part of the Lower School ‘Team’. It is like a very loving family. I feel blessed in the Lower School head teachers I have had: the marvellous Mike Young, divine David Weale and now the brilliant Karen Thomas! Chris Potter and James Griffiths have been wonderful deputy heads.

I will sorely miss teaching the children. I do love being a class teacher. I am not brilliant at remembering names, but I do remember precious details about each child I have taught. I generally recall my classes according to the theatrical production we have performed together. This is eccentric of me but, as an ex-actress, Drama has always been very important as something I can share. Science is equally important to me and I have loved teaching the subject and being the co-ordinator for Lower School. I have had such fun working with heads of Science for Upper School, Donovan Whitfield and Phil Price, with our Science Club members.

As a class teacher, your parallel teacher becomes a very important ally. Highs and lows are shared with each other and I have been blessed with tremendous people from whom I have learnt so much as well as sharing our common teaching practice, with a lot of laughter.

People ask me what I am going to do when I retire. It is time for me to spend more time with my incredibly supportive husband, Kollyn. We will be heading to North Devon more often and there are a number of friends and relatives whom we would like to visit – which might involve a trip to The States and New Zealand! I love to sing, dance and keep fit, so will continue with Crouch End Festival Chorus and my adult ballet classes – and Pilates. I am already gardening with Friends of Priory Park which is a ‘thank you’ for the park helping my well-being during Lockdown.

I am very excited for KAS that it is the school’s 125th anniversary next academic year. I was editor for the Alfredian Centenary Magazine (1998) and spent a lot of time researching the school’s history in the Archive Room. KAS has had a rich and diverse journey through its 125 years which is greatly to be celebrated. I have already offered my assistance to KAS Archivist, Sheila Hanlon, as I hope to be a part of sharing my love and knowledge of the school with others.

So, as one says in theatrical circles, I have no intention of making a ‘clean exit’ from KAS - I will be back!”

Dressed up as a Victorian School Mistress with her class

Lucy Bailey

Lucy on the field