DEDICATED TEACHER LESLEY WALTERS SAYS GOODBYE TO THE BAY AFTER 36 YEARS

Much-loved teacher Lesley Walters, who has taught generations of Island schoolchildren, has retired from The Bay CE School after 36 years. She joined Sandown High School in 1988 as a PE teacher, before then becoming the Head of PE and later Director of Specialism. Lesley has been in the leadership team throughout the school’s journey from Sandown High School to Sandown Bay Academy – and now The Bay CE School. In 2005, Lesley successfully bid to get Sandown High School ‘Sports College’ status, something that contributed to so many sporting successes from ex-pupils, including Jess Andrews who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and goalkeepers Simon and Stuart Moore. The school has a fitness suite named after ex-student Louis Attrill, who won a gold medal for Rowing in the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Everything Lesley did was for the students and the local community in Sandown. She organised countless spectacular events such as The Baylink Olympics where over 1,000 children from The Bay area got together to compete in a mini Olympics. Her focus was always on the personal growth of young people and nurturing young minds. Staff recently got together to celebrate Lesley’s achievements and listened to messages from present and past colleagues. Students paid their respects by giving her a guard of honour as she left the site on her last day. Lisa Creggwood, Assistant Associate Headteacher, has said:

“Even though our school name may have changed several times, Lesley’s dedication to the school, staff and students has not wavered. Lesley, you have been a great support to thousands of people over the years and I hope that you can take a moment to feel truly proud of all your accomplishments.”

Gareth Bricknell, Head of PE, adds:

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“I sincerely hope that you understand the immense impact that you have had on the thousands of pupils and teachers over the last 36 years and that you can feel proud of not only what you’ve done today, the last 36 years, but what you leave behind you… you are simply a legend!”