Autumn Term Staff Leavers 2019

The College said goodbye to a number of teaching and support staff last term. We wish them all well with the next stage in their lives and are sorry to see them go, but we are thrilled to welcome them into the Old Viking Society and look forward to welcoming them back to the College again soon.

Mr Jim Reynolds

Mr Reynolds departs Shiplake after five years to join the Biology Department at Epsom College. During his time here he was a tutor in Welsh House and was Head of Biology for the last three years. He coached rugby and took a lead in the weekly Hub meetings, discussing extracts from the Bible. Mr Reynolds reflects on what he will miss: "The common room of teachers is fantastic, as is the whole Shiplake atmosphere. I'll miss the rugby teams and the A Level Biologists especially. I look forward to hearing how Welsh does in the House singing and in the Baldry Trophy. I have many fond memories and my family and I will all miss the Shiplake Community massively and will stay in touch."

Mr Paul Green

Head of History Mr Green joined Shiplake in September 2016. More recently he became Master of Scholars, overseeing the Academic Scholars in particular, and last year introduced the scholars' pin badge. He also re-established the Clay Pigeon Shooting Club, one of the College's earliest and most popular societies, and put Shiplake back on the map in national schools' clay pigeon shooting competitions. Mr Green is relocating to Australia with his family.

Mr Ross Johnston

Head of Geography, Mr Johnston leaves Shiplake after five years. He will be particularly missed as an instrumental member of the CCF, specifically the Army section. He also led the climbing co-curricular activity and was part of the Wednesday Lower School carousel of activities. Mr Johnson, who recently became a father, is relocating to Australis with his family.

Mr Aled Elmore

Mr Elmore was at Shiplake for just over three years. In addition to teaching Physics, he has been an honorary muso (Mr Curran's words), a part of the RAF section in the CCF, and an U14/15C rugby team coach. Mr Elmore is leaving to be a teacher of Physics and Resident Tutor at Reading Boys' School. He says he will miss "the staff band, kayaking with the CCF, the food, supportive staff, the library, staff football and touch rugby, and performing in the music productions and concerts."

Mrs Marion Cousins

Mrs Cousins worked at Shiplake for 19 years and was first employed by the Science Department as a Technician. Since 2011, at the early stages in the formation of the Lower School, she has been Lower School Matron and has looked after a huge number of our pupils. Mr Crisford, Head of Lower School, adds: "Under her care she has provided kindness, warmth and a friendly face for the boys to chat with. In addition, it would be hard to put a figure on the number of odd socks she has reunited with their owners and I know only too well how fond our Year 7 and 8 pupils are of their Matron. I know the whole Shiplake community will miss her dearly but we wish her every success and happiness as she begins her well-deserved retirement." Mrs Cousins adds: "I have enjoyed all the years I have worked at Shiplake but especially the last nine years as matron in Lower School."

Other Autumn Term Leavers

The College also said goodbye to the following staff during the course of the Autumn Term. Mr Mark Long was a member of the maintenance department for 16 years; he has moved to be a Maintenance Manager at a care home. Mr Roger Howell has retired after 16 years as a member of the cleaning team. Miss Karen Stickland, Everett Matron, leaves Shiplake for a career break after 18 years. Mrs Jennie Miles-Thomas, Burr Matron, departs after 11 years to enjoy retirement. Mr Paul Novell, IT Manager for one year, has gone travelling. Mrs Fiona Robinson, Marketing and Communications Manager, has taken up the role of Communications Manager at Eton College after two years at Shiplake. Mr Sam Sugars, who graduated in the summer, has now completed his 3-month marketing internship. Mr Rob Shrimpton, teacher of history, has also left after the end of his one-term contract.