Hellos and Farewells

At the start of the Spring Term, the staff common room warmly welcomed a number of new teachers to the College. We look forward to seeing them in action in their respective subjects!

Additionally, following on from the end of the Autumn Term, we take the opportunity to say farewell and thank you to departing staff members.

Staff Joiners January 2023 

Mr Peter Jasper 

Mr Jasper joins us as the College’s new Head of Physics. Mr Jasper has most recently been working at a school in Tilehurst, serving as their Head of Physics and prior to entering teaching, he worked in the financial sector as a financial analyst. Incredibly passionate about his subject, we are sure that he will be a terrific addition to the science department.

An interesting fact about Mr Jasper is that he is a campanologist and was in action at Windsor Castle for the late Queen’s jubilee, as well as her funeral.

Mr Simon Gower 

Mr Gower joins the College as teacher of business studies. He joins us from Oakbank School and enjoys all kinds of fitness, sport, and music.  

Having played in a rock/indie band for 10 years, we suspect Mr Gower will fit into the Business Studies Department very well!

Mr Bob Jones 

Mr Jones joins Shiplake as Welsh Housemaster and teacher of mathematics, having previously worked at Wellington College. He lives on site with his wife Lauren, their two children Savannah and Ethan and their labrador, Indiana Jones.  

Mr Jones enjoys all outdoor activities including kayaking, canoeing, indoor climbing, mountain biking, swimming, and Duke of Edinburgh. 

Miss Laura Wood 

Miss Wood joins as our newest member to the Learning Development Department, replacing Mrs Vicky Palli Evans.

Miss Wood joins us from Sonning Common Primary as a class teacher and Science Lead. Miss Wood’s background will be a huge asset as she takes on the role of Learning Development teacher.

Staff Leavers December 2022 

Mr Neil Adam 

Mr Adam arrived in September 2022 to cover mathematics for a term. In Mr Adam’s first week with us, his lessons were observed by Head of Department, Mr Richard Curtis. What followed was a truly inspirational lesson. Meticulously planned, with productivity and engagement found throughout, Mr Adam proceeded to deliver such lessons time and time again.  

Throwing himself into Shiplake life, whether hymn singing or relaying test match cricket scores to Senior Management; in such a short time, Mr Adam made a massive impact and we wish him well in his new venture at St Swithin's School in January. 

Mrs Vicky Palli Evans 

Many members of staff will comment on Mrs Palli Evans’s undeniable commitment to her students, often going above and beyond to help even the ones not directly in her care. Additionally, many students have benefited from her outstanding pastoral care. Mrs Palli Evans leaves to join the Learning Support Department at Abingdon School.

Her pupils have fond memories of her literacy lessons, especially using Literacy Planet or spearheading the Word Mania challenge last year, not to mention the huge number of pupils who had tremendous fun during her Cookery Club sessions.

When asked what they will miss most about Mrs Palli Evans, apart from her kindness, caring and understanding nature, and fun lessons; the infinite supply of KitKats and infamous chocolate stash topped the list. 

Mr Lindsay Colman-Weller 

Described by Head of Science, Dr Liz Chare, as the consummate professional, Mr Colman-Weller has been with us at Shiplake for close to six years having joined in April 2017. A teacher and Head of Department, and on the activities front, a keen mountain biker, Mr Colman-Weller embraced life here at Shiplake College. 

The science department has always been able to rely on Mr Colman-Weller, whether it was for an honest second opinion, or providing expert support and guidance to his colleagues. An incredibly hard act to follow, we wish him all the best in his new venture at Reddam House.  

Mr David Rose 

We were sad to say farewell to Welsh Housemaster Mr Dave Rose at the end of the term. Mr Rose has been at the heart of the Shiplake community since 2014 and along with his wife Zoe and their two daughters, has left to take on a new challenge at St John's International School in Belgium.

As well as a big Southampton FC fan, Mr Rose was a keen member of the staff cricket team and coached football and cricket. He was an integral part of the fabric of Shiplake and terrific at building great rapport with the boys in his House and was committed to celebrating their achievements. His quick humour will be missed by pupils and staff alike and we wish him and his family well on their next exciting adventure abroad.

Mrs Lesley Spiers

While Mrs Spiers hasn't been with us for long, she has quickly made herself a very well-known face around the College and will be missed by all of those who have worked closely with her. In particular, her baptism of fire in coordinating the Ardmore Language School camps over the summer was a remarkable success and a huge part down to her energy, sense of humour and can-do attitude.

What has impressed everyone is her positive, humourous, and no-nonsense attitude in her role. That is who she is and a big part of why we are so sad to see her go.