Foundation Magazine 2021-2022 | Mount Kelly

STAFF VALETE
STAFF VALETE
CAROLINE WILSON
HEAD OF ENGLISH
(PREP)
Caroline worked at Mount House then
Mount Kelly between 2010 and 2021.
Rather surprisingly she first made
waves in the DT department, quickly
moving on to slightly more familiar
ground in the English and French
departments.
She swiftly became a much loved
English teacher, providing a formidable
duo with her friend and colleague Sally
Butcher. Caroline was known for her
enthusiasm and passion for poetry
and prose and her way of encouraging
children to bend the rules! Caroline
wrote and produced a number of
memorable plays including The Ballad
of Charlotte Dymond, A Brief History of
the USA and Year 8 Go Over the Top.
Caroline was also a good linguist
and taught French and Spanish
for a number of years at the Prep.
Her very silly French songs were a
favourite amongst the children as were
her dancing snowmen who would
conjugate Avoir to music.
DR KEVIN WILSON
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
It is with great appreciation and
sadness that we bid farewell to Dr
Kevin Wilson as Chair of Governors.
With a career in financial services and
his own consultancy business, along
with many years of volunteering in
various governorships, Dr Wilson
brought invaluable experience and
expertise to Mount Kelly. Dr Wilson
was instrumental in embedding the
unity of the Foundation following the
merger of Mount House and Kelly
College, and his thoughtful, sensitive
but firm leadership ensured the
School emerged from challenges,
including lockdown, stronger and
more purposeful. We thank Kevin for
all his hard work and commitment
over the last four years and wish him
and Joanna every happiness in the
future.
OBITUARY
SAM LANCHBERY
ART TECHNICIAN &
HOUSEKEEPING
(COLLEGE)
Sam Lanchberry was one of those extraordinary people who always thought of others before herself. She began working
at Mount Kelly in 2009 at the Adventure Centre working alongside her good friend Rachel Driver. A ‘Jack of all trades’,
Sam studied ‘Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design’ at University. As a creative soul she continued to explore
ceramic design and took over the ceramics room when she added the role of Art Technician to her housekeeping routine.
Keen to teach, she joined us on LOTC weeks, Art research trips and she ran a series of Creative workshops. Whether
helping a struggling GCSE artist to realise their intentions or making props for the school play, everything was done with
a smile and encouraging words.
Sam was an avid participant in all our Charity bake sales and an essential hostess during our End of year Exhibition
opening nights and Visiting Artist exhibits. Of course, her creative streak really flourished at Christmas when she
masterminded the decoration of the Christmas Tree for the festival held annually at St Eustachius. Knowing where all our
historical artwork is hung and making sure it was not wonky was one of her highly underestimated skills.
Sam: always cheerful, always ready to join us in fancy dress, arrange and assemble a display, listen to the pupils and
search for that missing sketchbook or sympathise with adolescent dramas.
Sam was very much a devoted part of our team, the Art studios and the School. Although she would have been reluctant
to acknowledge it, she touched the lives of many while at Mount Kelly, staff, pupils and parents alike. Sam Lanchbery
has left an indelible mark on us all.
Caroline ran the debating club for many
years at the Prep, coaching the children
in the art of confident public speaking
and clear, thoughtful argument. She
also ran a very popular Beginners’
Russian Club, Greek Mythology and
Just Dance, the latter a rather unfair
match for puzzle club and origami on
a Friday evening.
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