10 July 2015
Nichola Turner, the current head teacher at Trinity Primary School, has been appointed as the next head of Grouville.
Mrs Turner, who has worked at Trinity for the past 15 years including five as head, will take over in January 2016. The current head teacher, Pam Pitman, retires at Christmas.
Mrs Turner said "It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work at Trinity and it is an extremely hard place to leave. It represents the very best of schools, filled with children who have a deep love of learning and want to achieve their very best. Although it was a hard decision to make, I feel it is the right time to move on and face new challenges.
"I would like to thank my staff and the parents, who have been incredibly supportive during my time as head. I will take with me many memories that I will treasure forever."
Mrs Turner’s current school has one class per year group. Grouville is larger, with two classes of children in each school year.
Outstanding contribution to education
Education Sport and Culture Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “This is fantastic news for Grouville School and a great appointment. However, I can’t let this moment pass without saying a heartfelt thank you to Pam Pitman for her outstanding contribution to education over the past 38 years. Her passion for teaching is obvious as soon as you meet her or visit her school."
Mrs Pitman began her teaching career in 1977 at First Tower School. She has worked at a number of other schools including St Luke’s, St Martin’s, St Mark’s, where she set up a nursery unit, and Trinity. In 2002 she became the head teacher at St John’s School and in 2006 she moved to Grouville to take up the headship there.
Mrs Pitman said "Congratulations to Mrs Turner. I have no doubt that she will be a wonderful head teacher of Grouville School and I know that the whole school will give her their support. I have to say that she is very lucky to be joining such a fantastic school community. Grouville School is a wonderful place to be – together the children, staff and parents have created an authentic community of learning and respect where children grow and develop to be the best they can be.
"I am so proud to be head teacher of Grouville School and I know at Christmas time it is going to be very difficult saying goodbye and there are going to be so many people I will want to thank. I feel privileged and very grateful to have worked with so many amazing children and adults over my 38 years."
Director of Education Justin Donovan said "I would like to add my congratulations to Nichola Turner and wish her well in her new role. We will start the recruitment process for her successor as soon as possible. I know the school and the education service will also want to thank Pam Pitman. She is an impressive, popular and highly respected head teacher who has put children firmly at the centre of everything she does."
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