MAUREEN CONNOLLY
Every school changes over the summer when experienced teachers leave and new teachers arrive. Yet, by the end of September, a department usually feels settled and unvarying, like nothing has been altered for years. This coming September, however, I can’ t believe that we will have any of these feelings. The Physics department without Maureen Connolly will be like Newton without his apple tree.
After 35 years of teaching at Sevenoaks, Maureen has collected a wide array of additional titles, including ABHM, netball coach, tutor and ToK teacher, and has accompanied countless trips. Her subject knowledge and enthusiasm are irreplaceable, and staff and students alike will miss her impact on the school. When I have spoken to any colleague that she has worked with, they are full of praise for her dedication, kindness and willingness to go beyond the call of duty to help our students. Just last week, there was a queue of students outside the Physics office, wanting to wish her well in her retirement and thank her for teaching them; some of these saying thank you were from two years before, showing the lasting impact she had made on them and their class. It has been noticed by everyone in Physics when covering a Sixth Form class of hers, that they are always our most supportive, engaged and closely knit groups. There is something that she does that builds this kind of atmosphere, but no one, including her, knows exactly what it is.
MIKE BARGERON
It’ s hard to imagine the Sports department without Mike Bargeron. A quiet force of excellence, Mike has shaped the sporting culture of the school through his dedication, humility and world-class expertise. His participation in the Paris Olympics in 2024 stands as a remarkable achievement: one that inspired not only our shooters, but staff and students across all disciplines. To have an Olympian among us has been a privilege; to have one so modest and generous with his time, even more so.
Mike’ s influence on shooting at the school has been transformative. He introduced the three-position discipline, raising standards and aspirations. His mentorship of Izzy and Rafe, two students who went on to represent Great Britain and England respectively, speaks volumes about his ability to nurture talent and instil belief.
But Mike’ s impact goes far beyond medals and selections. He has been a calm, thoughtful presence in the department, a mentor to colleagues and a role model to students. His quiet determination, dry humour, and unwavering professionalism leave a legacy. As he moves on, we lose not just a colleague, but a true inspiration. We are grateful for all he’ s given and proud to have shared in part of his extraordinary journey.
James Emmitt
The department will be a quieter place, as we will no longer be greeted by‘ Morning Campers!’ and later be told that we are‘ cruisin’ for a bruisin’’( in a strong Scottish accent) when we tease her about being a part-timer, but she will be sorely missed and we all wish her a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.
James Tate
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