Pride of Guernsey: Valerie Winn

‘Valerie Winn is an absolute gem at La Mare de Carteret High School,’ said her nominator, Rollo de Sausmarez.

‘As a pastoral lead, she’s been like a guardian angel for the kids. She’s not just there teaching, she’s there caring.

‘Attendance is up, and you can tell the teachers have that extra pep in their step since she’s been training them.

‘But what’s really amazing is how she’s been preparing the students for the big changes with the Guernsey Secondary School Partnership Transformation Programme.

‘Change is tough for anyone, let alone kids. But with Valerie at the helm, it’s like they’ve got this super support system behind them.

‘It’s like she’s taken education and wrapped it in a warm hug. The focus isn’t just on academics, it’s on nurturing the whole person.

‘That’s the kind of education that changes lives.

‘In a nutshell, Valerie Winn is the heart and soul of La Mare de Carteret. She’s not just a pastoral lead, she’s a leader in kindness, support and the kind of education that lifts people up.

‘She’s more than deserving of the Teacher of the Year award, she’s the kind of teacher every school needs.’

As pastoral lead, Valerie is responsible for nearly a third of the student body from Years 7 to 11, supporting student wellbeing.

She has been teaching science for more than 15 year as well as training teachers.