E-Echo
It was with great sadness that we were informed on
Tuesday that Kathleen Mills had passed away.
Kathleen had been a teacher at CNS for 25 years and when I joined as
Headteacher she was Sixth Form Coordinator working under Neil Frost as Deputy
Head. Kathleen was one of those people
who everyone liked and respected; staff, students and parents alike. She always had a smile on her face,
reflecting her positive outlook on life, and would do anything for our students
and her colleagues; nothing was too much trouble.
Kathleen lost her husband only a few years ago, and had
her own health concerns in the following years, yet her stoic approach to life
ensured that she always continued to approach her job with the utmost
professionalism. Although her death did
not come as a surprise, given her illness over the last 6 months, it does seem
unjust that such a dedicated and lovely individual never got the opportunity to
enjoy her retirement and spend time with her family and the grandchildren she
adored.
We are extremely grateful for what Kathleen Mills gave to
us both as an institution and as individuals.
It is testament to the impact that Kathleen had on students' lives,
particularly in the Sixth Form, that within hours of her death, many
ex-students have contacted the school and other colleagues to express their
deepest sympathies, but also to share their wonderfully positive recollections
of Kathleen. As such, her long standing
colleague, Trevor Gower, is compiling a student centred book of condolences to
pass on to Kathleen's family.
Kathleen Mills will be sorely missed by her colleagues,
both past and present, and especially in the Sixth Form and History Department;
it is clear that so many colleagues respected Kathleen both at a professional
and personal level. Neil Frost has
always said to me that he could not have wanted a more loyal deputy when he ran
the Sixth Form, and also how many colleagues saw Kathleen as something of a
surrogate mother at work.
On a personal note I will always remember her as someone
who radiated warmth wherever she went regardless of her own thoughts and
troubles. Indeed even when she was very
ill she was still thinking of the school.
Our thoughts are with her family during this very difficult time.
Jim Nixon
Headteacher
Parent Governor Election Reminder
Just to remind parents that nomination forms for parent governor
vacancies must be returned to the school no later than Monday 7th
October.
If anyone wishes to know more about the role please contact Polly
on 506242 lj.poliakoff@ntlworld.com
Dr Poliakoff
Chair of Governors
