This week, following the sad news of her upcoming departure from Shiplake, we had A Conversation With… Mrs Claire O’Toole. Claire has been one of our part-time receptionists since October 2015 when she joined the College with a shared role with Mrs Suzette Smith.
What does your average day entail?
When I arrive at 7.45am, I open up the reception offices and more importantly, turn on the coffee machine, ready for Mr Davies’ arrival. As the pupils arrive, the Year 13s drop their car keys in for me to look after until the end of the day. I then contact Mr Curtis or Mrs Higgins if I’ve not received any of the keys that haven’t been handed in. After 8.40am, I register any pupils leaving or arriving and deal with absence requests of behalf of the Headmaster. I assist Human Resources with job applications that have come in and monitor various spreadsheets throughout the day. When the late afternoon comes, I do everything in reverse; I return keys, turn the coffee machine off and lock up on my way out.
What were you like as a schoolgirl and what was your favourite subject?
Let's just say that I spent more time outside my Headmaster’s office than I should have, so I laughed when I got this job because I am now based outside the Head’s office!
What is your favourite aspect of your job role?
I love meeting people and working with my colleagues. I meet such different people of all ages and nationalities etc, and I love getting to know people because I’m really nosey!
What do you enjoy doing outside of School?
Most of my friends and colleagues know that I’m passionate about belly dance. It’s my absolute favourite past-time and I’ve been doing it for 15 years. I also enjoy dress-making, and have been doing so for more years than I care to count! My mum was a seamstress so I learned from her from a very young age.
What is your favourite event on the Shiplake calendar, and why?
The most memorable event was this year’s prize giving ceremony. I never get the chance to get away from my desk so I was really happy to be there when Gregg delivered his big news. Also the Christmas party is such a nice occasion to be able to celebrate with my colleagues as friends instead of as teachers.
What has been your most memorable moment at Shiplake College?
Belly Dancing in the Great Hall was fabulous! It was a private event for a charity called Belly Dancing For Life, which is an amazing charity that works to safeguard women who have been abused. The charity gives these women a channel to express themselves – such a worthy cause!
What does the future hold for Mrs O’Toole?
Well, I will be concentrating on my dress making for a while after I leave Shiplake in a few weeks. I will then be working in a lovely coffee shop and will be developing the barista skills that Mr Davies will miss so much. The coffee shop is local to my home, so I will be able to spend more time making dresses and making coffee, and less time in the car! I will miss Shiplake dearly, however.
