Long-time members of staff at Rydal Penrhos were recently recognised for their amazing commitment and dedication with Long-Service Awards.
Long-serving teachers and staff play a vital role in creating and maintaining the amazing spirit and community at Rydal Penrhos. Like the bricks-and-mortar on which the school is built, our long-serving staff give Rydal Penrhos its unique identity and character.
Thankfully, the Rydal Penrhos staff team had the opportunity to recognise the most senior among them as Long-Service Awards were issued on Friday 26 May 2023, only hours after the culmination of an entertaining and good-spirited Sports Day, which saw Snowdon and Osborn crowned champions.
Executive Principal Mr Waszek presented the awards following the evening’s staff BBQ event; a welcome opportunity for staff to relax after an incredibly busy half-term both in- and outside the classroom.
The Long-Service Award recipients were:
- Phil Pritchard – 20 years
- Claire Chamberlain – 20 years
- Nicky Head – 22 years
- Alison Gibbs – 22 years
- Pete Williams – 23 years
- Caroline Williams – 25 years
- Louise Devilleforte – 25 years
- Kathy Flynn – 29 years
- Mike Farnell – 36 years
- Phil Kearney – 36 years
It is worth noting that Mrs Williams, Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs Devilleforte, and Mr Williams have been members of our school community since the merger of Lyndon and Rydal Penrhos Preparatory School at the turn of the millennium. Sadly, the latter will be saying goodbye to our school at the end of the year, as will Mrs Head, our Head of PE. Rydal Penrhos would like to thank both and wish them the very best moving forward.
Special mention must be made of our two longest-serving members of staff, Mr Kearney and Mr Farnell. Both have embodied the values of our community as they have gone about their excellent work over many years. Mr Kearney’s role in our catering setup and Mr Farnell’s input as both a teacher and UCAS and Careers Advisor have greatly benefitted several generations of pupils.
It seems only fitting that Mr Farnell, the joint-longest serving member of staff, has now taken on the prestigious role of President of the Rydal Penrhos Society, our alumni association. Hundreds, if not thousands, of our former pupils have studied under his tutelage.
The entire Rydal Penrhos community holds immense gratitude and admiration for not only our exceptional Long-Service Award winners, but all our teachers and staff, who work tirelessly to support our children and young people. Thank you, team!
