Valete
GOODBYE
guiding and supporting the individuals with great
insight, professionalism and patience. She will always
champion what she believes in and was an excellent
Chair of Common Room. Kerry has also run and
accompanied many trips. In Madagascar, as the group
leader she was presented with the internal organs of
the freshly slaughtered sheep by her hosts – a terrible
conflict between not wanting to offend the villagers
and being vegetarian!
In the SCR Kerry has become known as the resident
wine aficionado, running fabulous tasting evenings
– so thoroughly prepared and great fun – Kerry’s
way of doing most things. In retirement she intends
to travel and spend more time in France expanding
her knowledge of wine and has signed up for French
language courses, probably so she can talk more about
wine! We shall miss her wicked laugh, her warmth
and professionalism. And the pupils will miss a
fantastic teacher.
Helen Tebay
Rachel McCullagh
Kerry Pitcher
Chris Tavaré
Every four years Chris would do an assembly to the Middle School
to coincide with an England versus Australia Ashes test series. One
video clip he would show featured IT Botham smashing the ball to
all parts of Old Trafford in one of the most famous centuries ever
made. Chris was batting at the other end that day and his 78 was
probably as crucial to England’s win as Botham’s. This innings sums
up Chris’s qualities: selfless, understated and supremely talented.
The other thing that really struck me is that he wanted everyone at
school who played cricket to enjoy it. He would watch, coach and
advise all ages and all standards.
In the classroom Chris was quietly methodical in the way he
approached teaching. He was a meticulous lesson planner, someone
students liked and trusted because they knew he had their progress
as his most important priority. His commitment to the pupils was
replicated in the way he tutored. Nobody could be in any doubt:
During his 24 years as a teacher here he exemplified these very
same attributes. As a Biology teacher, Middle School tutor and sports Chris cared.
coach he showed a level of dedication, commitment and care for his
Going back to that assembly, there was one moment that said
students that everyone admired and respected.
something about him and his relationship with the pupils. In the
middle of all Botham’s destructive hitting there is one solitary clip
As 1st team cricket coach and Master i/c Cricket, his expectations
of Chris nudging one off his legs for a single – the whole assembly
were high. Players had to be committed to playing cricket seriously,
would cheer and Tav would smile.
along with wanting to improve individually and as team players.
Alex Smith
132
VA L E T E
Kerry joined Sevenoaks and the Biology department in
September 1999 on a part-time, temporary contract.
This of course clearly couldn’t last! She was soon
made full-time and permanent. Nineteen remarkable
years later she has decided to hang up her board pens.
In that time Kerry has become a truly valued and
respected colleague, and to many a true friend. In
the early days Kerry coached girls rugby with Wendy
Heydorn, which was a huge success. She became Head
of Biology in 2008 and quickly settled into running
the department. Many staff and syllabus changes have
kept her on her toes.
Alongside her academic roles, Kerry was an amazing
tutor – first in the Middle School for ten years and
then as a Sixth Form tutor for six, where she was
incredibly effective and generous with her time,
(née MacGregor)
With excellent French and Russian, Rachel quickly
made her mark in the classroom and then as Head of
French, and her skill and dynamism made her highly
popular with her students. She started a French
culture club, bringing theatre to the school and taking
students to see several plays and films. During her
short time at the school, she also helped lead both
French and Russian exchanges. A caring and dedicated
Sixth Form tutor, Rachel was generous with her time
for all the individuals in her care.
Rachel’s enthusiasm and energy quickly made an
impression with her colleagues too; she was soon
organising staff trips to curling, singing in the
choir, and speaking at the staff culture society. Her
lively, positive and smiling disposition will be long
remembered by all and we wish her family all the
very best as she throws her considerable energy into
bringing up her son Felix in Southampton.
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2017-2018
Alison Maynard
133