Kingsley School

TWO teachers from Kingsley School in Bideford have retired after long careers.

They are Liz Preece, head of the Junior and Pre School Departments, and Gill Violet, the reception class teacher.

Liz said: “I have enjoyed all my teaching throughout my career, both in secondary and junior schools, but am now looking forward to my retirement from the profession.”

However, she pointed out: “I am sure I will be just as busy, following other interests.”

Liz began her career as a geography teacher at Guildford Comprehensive School following three years at teacher training college.

Then she moved to the Midlands to teach various subjects, including rural science, again in a comprehensive school.

After getting married and bringing up two children she returned to teaching in junior schools.

She spent many years at Forches Cross Primary School in Barnstaple before moving to Grenville College in Bideford, where, after three years, she was appointed Head of the Junior School.

Following the merger of Grenville with Edgehill College she was appointed as head of the new Junior and Pre School Departments of the new Kingsley School.

Retirement will give her more time to focus on her other interests.

Liz said: “I love singing and am chairman of the North Devon Choral Society. I also play the organ and train the choir at Christ Church in Braunton.

“I very much want to spend more time outdoors, walking rather than driving, in an attempt to become fitter.

“I would like to travel and visit far off places, so will be looking for volunteer travelling companions.

“I am going to enjoy being able to see my growing family more often.”

A school spokesman said: “Liz has devoted her career to the education of children, both in junior and senior schools.

“She has been a super head teacher for the newly formed Kingsley School and now deserves a well earned rest. We will miss her very much.”

Gill Violet began working with children some 40 years ago, when her two daughters were young, in a privately run playgroup.

She bought the playgroup in 1974 and continued running it, with help, until the late 1970s.

In 1979 she was approached by Sister Ambrose, who was then headmistress of Stella Maris Convent in Bideford, to lend a hand in running the nursery for a few months.

Those few months turned into 13 years, during which time Gill studied and gained her Montessori Nursery-Infant Teaching Diploma.

She took over as head of the nursery department in 1989, while at the same time assisting with all three infant classes.

Between 1992 and 2004 she left education due to her husband’s health and their business commitments.

But she returned on a temporary basis in 2004, by which time the convent had merged with Grenville College.

Gill said: “Since that time I have worked full time in pre-school and, more recently, been the reception class teacher at Kingsley Junior and Pre-School.

“I will now be putting my feet up and enjoying some well deserved family time.”

A school spokesman said: “Gill has spent her life teaching children and giving them a good start in their education.

“She has been a fully committed member of the team and will be missed by all children, parents and staff. We wish her a peaceful retirement.”