Guernsey Press

We do have new head teacher, insists Sark

SARK'S Education Committee has 'put the record straight' on the appointment of a new head teacher.

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SARK'S Education Committee has 'put the record straight' on the appointment of a new head teacher. Chairman Peter Cole said that Michael Conyers would take up the post on Monday 20 February.

The declaration was made after growing speculation in the island that Mr Conyers was not going to take the job, having postponed his original starting date at the beginning of the year, and that the school's leadership was in jeopardy.

He is the replacement for Christopher Sanderson, who was sacked last summer.

But not everyone in Sark believes the committee's assurance.

It said that although the school had been subjected to a number of teaching changes in recent months, it was confident that the atmosphere had remained excellent and focused on teaching and learning.

This can only improve with the security of the new head teacher, it said.

'During the temporary change of regime, the school has continued to run very smoothly and happily,' said Deputy Cole.

He reiterated a statement made before Christmas that Mr Conyers had been allowed to honour commitments at the school he was leaving.

He said that the new head teacher confirmed in correspondence on Monday that he was still coming.

But Evelyn Nightingale, whose granddaughter attends the school, remained dubious that all was well. 'Claiming the atmosphere is happier is very misleading and quite frankly incorrect.'

She said the general feeling among parents was that Mr Conyers could not come a moment too soon. 'The school really does need a headmaster.'

Teaching underwent a series of changes during the term following the dismissal of Mr Sanderson and his wife, Hilary, who was the Class 1 teacher.

Mrs Nightingale claimed that a significant majority of parents who supported the Sandersons still felt very bitter about the dismissals.

She said the number of pupils at the school had dropped from 60 to 42 since their departure.

While some were school leavers and others had planned to move, she claimed at least 10 had been taken out by parents unhappy with Education's management.

'Three families consisting of nine children have left the island for schooling in Guernsey.'

Deputy Cole said the number of pupils had dropped to 48 and there was no indication of any discontent.

'Some families, including temporary residents such as foreign workers, have moved off the island, children of 11-plus age have gone to UK schools and one child reached leaving age.'

When the Sandersons were dismissed, Class 2 teacher Sandra Hunt stepped up as acting head and supply teacher Helen Magell took over Class 1 while Education recruited replacements.

Mr Conyers and Class 1 teacher Deborah Bowers were appointed in October to start this month after what Education described as overwhelming interest in the positions.

A family accident forced Mrs Hunt to stand down at the end of October. During her absence, Christine Audrain, a former head teacher in Jersey primary schools, took over her class.

Jan Guy, who was head teacher for 12 years until she retired in September 2001, took over as acting head.

'During this period, the school continued to run smoothly and happily as you would expect with the professional skills of not one but two former head teachers to call on as well as two other first class, dedicated teachers,' said Deputy Cole.

He said all the usual extra-curricular activities such as the Christmas concert took place as planned.

'Parents particularly commented to me on the high standard of the children's behaviour and performance in St Peter's Church at the carol concert and of the artwork by Mrs Audrain's class,' he said.

He also responded to claims from a parent that bullying was getting out of control.

'All schools, including Sark's, have to deal with bullying from time to time and are vigilant in watching for and responding to any incident. Any current incident would be dealt with by a range of strategies,' said Deputy Cole.

Mrs Bowers took up her post at the beginning of this term. 'She is proving to be an active, competent member of the team.'

Mrs Hunt also returned and Deputy Cole said she was welcomed back by her staff, the pupils and the whole island.

'She is a well liked and respected teacher.'

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