17 July 2018
A teacher who has dedicated almost forty years of her life to ensuring children in Jersey have the ‘best education’ has described her job as ‘the best in the world’.
Suzanne Conoops has retired following 39 years working as a teacher in Jersey, 22 of which were as the headteacher of Plat Douet School.
Mrs Conoops, who has taught the parents of 27 current students, is only the fourth head teacher in Plat Douet’s 50-year history. But her passion for the job will continue in a part-time role as a senior advisor to schools with the new Children, Young People, Education and Skills department.
“I aim to continue to be an advocate for all of the children of Jersey and their teachers,” she said.
“Jersey is a unique place. I’ve been fortunate to have had a great education as a child and the best job in the world as an adult. All of the current and future children in Jersey deserve the very best education and I’m confident that my successors will ensure that this happens.”
Mrs Conoops, a member of the Ahier family, began her education as a pupil at St Saviour’s Primary School in 1962.
“I knew from the age of five that I wanted to be a teacher and many of my views on education stem back to my primary school days,’ she added.
Following that dream is something that she always encourages her pupils to do.
“I always tell the pupils that it is most important to be happy – however you’ll almost certainly have to work hard to be happy and follow your dreams. I hope that I’ve inspired many children who are now adults and parents themselves to be the best that they can be as responsible citizens in an ever changing world.”
Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois said: “Thank you and congratulations to Mrs Conoops for almost forty years of dedication and passion shown to the teaching profession and inspiring so many students over those years. Mrs Conoops has been successful in creating a strong workforce and developing future leaders of our schools, having previously worked with seven of Jersey’s current headteachers and deputy headteachers, while at Plat Douet School.
“As a leader, teacher and headteacher she has been a role model and inspiration to students and staff and we are fortunate that she will continue to share her valuable experience as an advisor in the new Children, Young People and Education department. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the current deputy headteacher Phil Walker who is taking on the headship at the school, from September, and wish him all the best in his new role.”
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