Reflections Mag FINAL.indd - Handcross Park School

Mrs Jill Franklin. (HXP 2004 – 2009)
Firstly an apology that this article was omitted from last
year’s edition of Reflections. How could we possibly
overlook someone who made such an amazing impact
on Handcross Park during her four years and two terms
as a Year 4 teacher. Jill was a wonderful friend and
colleague to all who worked with her. She was knowledgeable,
warm, friendly and also a terrific teacher
Those children who were lucky enough to have Mrs
Franklin (formerly Mrs Hancock) as their class teacher
were very lucky indeed and without doubt, would
have benefited enormously from their time spent with
her. MrsFranklin will also be remembered for her role
as Brown Owl, organiser of the highly successful
Annual Brownie Bazaar and for conducting the Junior
Choir amongst many other things. We all miss her very
much and wish her continued success and happiness
in her latest role of Vicar’s wife and a supply teacher in
the Swanage area.
- Warren Hilton
Nicola Lawrence. (HXP 2003 – 2010)
It will come as no surprise to most of you to hear me
describe Nicola Lawrence (formerly Nicola Finlay) as
highly popular with everyone she came into contact with.
That is, of course, providing that you managed to get a
word in edgeways. Mrs Lawrence was well known for
her eloquent use of the English language and also the
electrifying rate at which she delivered it. If you were lucky
enough to be in her company there is little doubt that you
would end up laughing. Nicola’s sense of humour was
outstanding and her laughter infectious. Having been
appointed to the role of Head of English and Year 8
Tutor in September 2003, Mrs Lawrence was about to
move into the realms of Senior Leadership when her
desire for an overseas adventure over came her and
she ultimately landed a terrific position at the Jerudong
School in Brunei, where she and her husband Vince,
are working hard and having a wonderful time.
Mrs Lawrence was an outstanding teacher and tutor
and every child that had the good fortune to be taught
or Tutored by her, has been truly privileged. Thank you
for everything, Nicola and best wishes for the future,
wherever that may take you.
- Warren Hilton
Christina Gheradi. (HXP 2001 - 2010)
Mrs Gheradi joined the school at a time when Latin was
not a popular subject and in fact, many Prep-Schools had
made the decision to drop Latin from the curriculum.
That was not to be the case at Handcross Park and I
say with great pleasure that Mrs Gheradi breathed
GOODBYE TO STAFF
life into the subject by using a new introductory
scheme called, ‘Minimus’, and in no time at all Latin
and Classical Studies were once again a big hit with
the children. Under her expert guidance the subject
moved from strength to strength and this was reflected
in some excellent results in Common Entrance and
Public School Scholarship. Her Roman Days, where
the children attended school dressed in Roman
costume and learned so much about life in Ancient
Rome, were highly educational and also great fun. Mrs
Gheradi’s contribution, albeit part-time, was much
appreciated by all of her pupils and we as a school
are very grateful for her efforts. We wish her all the
best for a long and peaceful retirement, although she
continues to teach some Latin privately.
- Warren Hilton
Celia Berggreen. (HXP 1991 – 2010)
I originally met Celia Berggreen when I first came to
Handcross Park about twenty years ago to work as ‘Head’s
Relief’ for Sue Harper. We discovered we had several
mutual friends from our days of living in Brighton and
soon became better acquainted during our break-time
chats. She was by then Deputy Head of the Pre-Prep
department, leading by good example through excellent
classroom practice and the kindness and sensitivity
shown in her relationships with both children and
staff. She had a wonderfully dry sense of humour,
whichgot us through many a difficult situation and
lengthy staff meeting! When she decided to step down
from her role as Deputy, she was a great support to me
when I took up the reins, which made the transition as
smooth as it could possibly be.
As well as being an outstanding Reception and Year
One teacher, inspiring a thirst and love of learning
in generations of pupils, Celia was also our P.E. and
Science Co-ordinator, organising exciting and stimulating
Sports and Science days for many years. Amongst
her many, perhaps more hidden talents was her
ability to keep an audience of children (and adults!)
spellbound when telling a story, and also her skill as a
writer, both of fiction and even lyrics, as was evident in
Mrs. Harper’s leaving song!
We will all miss Celia very much, but would like to thank
her for everything she has done during her years at
Handcross Park and wish her every happiness in her
well-deserved retirement. We look forward to hearing
about her future ventures and ever-growing brood of
grandchildren, when we meet as ‘ladies that lunch’ in
the school holidays!
- Sue Goodall
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