After six years work at St Chrysostom’s School Fay Jones, acting Head of School, leaves at the end of term to work as an educational consultant. We assure her of our prayers, wish her well in her new work and thank her for the hard work and inspiration she has brought to St Chrysostom’s School at a time of significant change for the school. Here Fay reflects on her time at the school:
It’s hard to put my finger on just what is so special about St. Chrysostom’s Primary School. You feel the ethos the moment you walk through the door. Every member of the school lives and breathes it. The building itself, awash with colour, houses a learning community enthused by culture and inspired by challenge. Our wonderful children are so engaged in the world around them and motivated to achieve their very best by a team of the most dedicated and caring staff.
Almost six years ago, I decided to leave my previous school in Staffordshire to teach children living in inner-city Manchester. I had been invited to several interviews, but knew as soon as I stepped in to St. Chrysostom’s what a truly special place it was. I began work as a class teacher in Year 4. That year, I remember my class thoroughly enjoying an English project on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ which is why watching our current Year 5’s amazing performance of ‘The Tempest’ on 11th July at Victoria Baths made me smile for many reasons.
During my second year at Chrysostom’s, I became Assistant Head and the following year Deputy Head. As Deputy, I especially enjoyed my work as Special Educational Needs Coordinator as I had the opportunity to work closely with children and their families in a more holistic way, and to also develop new systems and processes within school that would enable every pupil to achieve to their full potential.
Year 6 children present Miss Jones with their version of the school logo
However, my most recent role, as Head of School has given me the most enjoyment! I have enjoyed developing teachers and new leaders, leading the implementation of a new and exciting curriculum, and developing further our inclusive and open ethos. Celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity is vitally important and is something that is reflected in the ethos of St. Chrysostom’s Church: I will always remember my first visit to Church with my Year 4 class and Father Ian’s words to us – ‘All Are Welcome.’ And welcome all truly are.
We are so lucky to have such fantastic diversity in our local community, and this is something that I know all at Chrysostom’s will continue to treasure. I am so very proud of the hard work of our children, staff, community members and governors and will miss everyone dearly. Exciting times will always lie ahead for St. Chrysostom’s and I feel privileged to have been part of such a wonderful and special place.
St Chrysostom's Church News and Views 