APS News 28

AbingdonPrep News is the newsletter of Abingdon Preparatory School, Josca’s House, Kingston Road, Oxford OX13 5NX Tel: 01865 391570 www.abingdon.org.uk/prep Editor: Annabel Gaskell Abingdon School is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales Company No. 3625063. Registered Office: Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DE Registered Charity No. 1071298 Sadly, we say goodbye to Trudi, who has been central to the life of APS for over 25 years. During this time, she moved through different sections of the school from Pre-Prep, where she was class teacher for Year 2, and then Year 4, adding the role of Junior Section Lead to her portfolio. In the past she has also been responsible for the delivery of a full PE curriculum, giving many the confidence to take their first strokes in the school pool. Trudi’s energy and unstinting passion for her job, have inspired current and past pupils to achieve their potential and encourage those who needed a little extra support, to believe in themselves. It’s rare to see a photo of Trudi, as more usually she would be found behind the camera, but here she is on one of the Y4 Ridgeway overnight trips with her boys. We would like to wish Trudi the very best for her future as she moves away from full-time teaching for a while in order that she can focus more fully on her family and have time to consider a change of direction after 30 successful years as a teacher in full- time education, the majority of which have been here at APS. AbingdonPrep Fond Farewells Trudi Hibberd Follow APS on social media: • instagram.com/abingdon_prep • twitter.com/abingdonprep • facebook.com/abingdonprep Tom P We were delighted that Tom P and Erika were able to step into the breach when Sam left at Easter. Tom and Erika regularly work at Tilsley for the Foundation but between them have managed to juggle the varied role of gap student. We have been hugely grateful to them for their cheerful nature, flexibility and willingness to support pupils and colleagues alike. From fixtures and sports lessons to help with After School Club and duties, they have experienced the full breadth of life at APS and we have thoroughly enjoyed them being part of our team. Erika We also said adieu to Year 4 teacher Alison who is now on maternity leave. We send all our best wishes to her and her husband for the imminent birth of their baby. Alison Heaton We are also sad to say goodbye to Steve Hibberd. Steve has been at Abingdon Prep for 20 years where he has acted as Head of PE, Games teacher, Latin teacher and form teacher. Steve Hibberd Many of the boys will have been taught by Steve on the games field and in the pool, and he has had much success in this area. We thank him for his efforts over the years. We send our very best wishes to Steve and his family for their future.