Newsletter 2009 - Francis Holland School

Her teaching life was all spent in London firstly at Notting Hill and Ealing High Schooland then, for the last 25 years at Francis Holland. As she had demonstrated in her earlieryears Sheelagh was exceptionally well organised and efficient; she was Head of the Mathsdepartment for many years and Senior Mistress from September 2000. She was a wonderfulteacher, who always took time and care to make sure the most able had challenging work to doand the less confident were encouraged and supported. She would prepare endless additionalwork sheets in order to provide practice questions on whatever topic needed attention. As afellow maths teacher I found her an excellent colleague; on many occasions I would seek heradvice about a teaching strategy or ask if she had additional resources for a particular topicand she never failed to help.Later on in her time as Senior Mistress I found her to be supportive, helpful and wise.She would never allow or offer an irrational response but always would talk calmly andlogically through any situation. Sheelagh was someone with whom I would often discussa knotty problem knowing that I would get a balanced and reasoned reply. Her workon the timetable and other school arrangements was characterised by thoroughnessand professionalism; always she would work tirelessly until she had achieved what sheconsidered the very best outcome.In other areas of school life the same strengths were revealed. She was an attentive andsupportive Form Tutor for various year groups within the school and particularly good withthe new girls in year seven. She took part in and helped organise skiing holidays and otherschool trips abroad. She was involved in numerous different activities including running theDuke of Edinburgh Award Scheme with Mrs Margetson, and, in her earlier years, helpingwith the Katherine Low Fairs. The school sponsored walks of recent years would never havehappened without her enthusiasm and brilliant organisation.One of many memories I often recall is of her last day at school. In her usual reserved andmodest way she did not want a huge send off but she did agree to a staff farewell. As part ofmy tribute I quoted from something written by her previous headmistress. It too describedher enduring qualities; intelligence, wholehearted commitment, generosity, thoughtfulness,kindness, ‘consistent in attitude, ready to listen and judge charitably”. Sheelagh was surprised!And yet this is the person we all knew and miss enormously.Sheelagh’s funeral was held in Northern Ireland. The Memorial Service will take place at2.30 pm, on Sunday 22nd November at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 182 Boston Road,Hanwell, LONDON W7 2AD. Everyone is welcome.OLD GIRLS’ NEWS1920-1930The Lady Devlin (Madeleine nee Oppenheimer) (left 1924). Her son writes thatshe will be celebrating her 100th Birthday on August the 5th 2009. She has six children, 21grandchildren and at least 35 great grandchildren.