The end of the Spring Term saw Shiplake College bid a fond
farewell to three much-loved members of staff; Mr Jon Brownley, Miss Claire
Guilbert and Mr Mike Edwards. All three teachers have given a tremendous amount
of time and dedication to the College, and it is with sadness yet great
excitement that they leave the Shiplake cohort, as both staff and students look
forward to seeing their many achievements yet to be made.
The most notable departure is that of Mike Edwards. Mike committed
23 years to the College, during which time he pioneered numerous sporting
successes, and was instrumental in establishing Business as one of the
College’s most popular Sixth Form subjects. Sport was especially close to his
heart: indeed, Mike himself has admitted that coaching and umpiring cricket on
New Field will be a memory he misses most about Shiplake. He will also be
remembered for his unparalleled dedication and commitment to the OVS. Mike
shared more than a few priceless moments with the College, but, of them all,
being invited onto Barbados radio whilst managing a cricket tour was
particularly memorable, especially as the host did not make an appearance until
the show was on air!
With over 30 years of teaching under his belt, Mike takes an
early retirement to enjoy a ‘gap decade’, using the time to travel, train for a
Mexican swim trek and improve on his golf handicap. He is also looking to get back into writing, and is currently working on a book outlining some of the most famous fashion atrocities of the 1970s and 1980s.
In addition to his teaching, Mike will of course be remembered for his unparalleled dedication and commitment to the Old Viking Society. There is no doubt that Mike's endless contributions of time and energy have helped us to reach the strong position we are in today, and Mike's legacy will live on as the Society continues to grow in the years to come. Whilst we are certain that
his legacy will live on in the years to come, Mike jokes that he is ‘waiting
for the announcement of a boat named after me!’
The Shiplake community also says goodbye to Mr Jon Brownley,
who leaves after nearly five years at the school. Having joined the College as
Teacher of Theology and Philosophy, Jon also had the position of Orchard’s
Assistant Housemaster. Jon will take memories of the sun beating down on
Shiplake, sunny days on the river, house tug of war and the family feel of the
College with him as he and his family relocate to Chester. Jon is looking for a
different challenge in a larger school, but remains ‘extremely grateful to
Shiplake for providing such a wonderful environment in which I could start my
career.’
And lastly, the College also sees Miss Claire Guilbert leave
its ranks to return to her native France. Having been at Shiplake to teach
Languages, Claire leaves to return to France to teach primary education there.
Not having English as a first language could be a barrier for some teachers,
but Claire performed with aptitude and confidence, being incredibly generous
with her time. Students will remember her fondly as an active and encouraging
teacher, with seemingly endless supplies of chocolate!
The Headmaster has commented that he feels ‘extremely lucky
to have worked alongside such committed and enthusiastic individuals, and we
wish them all the best for the future.’