Farewell to Some Much Loved Teachers

There were laughs, hugs and tears yesterday in the Island School staff room as colleagues bade farewell to leaving teachers.

Among the staff leaving is English Teacher Mike Turnbull, after 16 years at the school. Vice Principal Jenny Hodson said, “He is someone who really really cares about his students. Their wellbeing really matters and he can tell you about all of them. He has been a fantastic colleague to us.”

Jon Clarke was described as a passionate man who he has played a major role in sport at Island School. He brought with him a spirit of participation and devotion. While in his charge the rugby team has been league champions 3 times and in 2002 they were unbeaten.

“As a maths teacher he is always there for the kids, giving them time and helping them to understand. He believes in innovation and is always implementing new ideas.  Island School is losing an excellent teacher.”

With a combined tenure of 44 years, PE Teacher and Activities Co-ordinator Derek Bailey and Head of Music Jo-Anne Trevenna are part of Island School’s history. Colleagues described Ms Trevenna as “an excellent educator whose music concerts have made Island School the envy of the ESF.”  Mr Bailey, who has been a teacher at Island School for 27 years, was given an emotional farewell from colleagues and friends followed by a standing ovation as people paid tribute to one of the most respected members of the teaching faculty.

The leaving staff 2015-2016: 
Physics Andrew Couch
Chemistry Charlotte Astridge
English Daniel Stamp
PE Derek Bailey
Music Jo-Anne Trevenna
Biology Joanna Rickards
Maths Jon Clarke
English Kirsty Reid
English Mike Turnbull
History Rhian Thomas
English Samantha Amber
Assistant HE Counsellor Suman Sachdev
Mandarin Wendy Lai
Business Studies Yung Lee
Educational Assistant Karen Coulson
Educational Assistant Sonia Sharma