Well-known and 'irreplaceable' Staveley school teacher retires

Sharon Cowell has ‘taught and inspired’ hundreds of children in the Staveley community during her career at Speedwell Infant School.

Staff and pupils wanted to give Mrs Cowell a huge send off but were forced to alter their plans because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Headteacher Jane Moore said: “She has been a loved and respected teacher throughout her time at Speedwell, and has taught and inspired hundreds of young children in the Staveley area over the years.

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"We wanted to have a big celebration, inviting current and past children, parents and staff to school, but were unable to do this.

"So, we gathered recorded memories from current and past children, parents and staff to collate into a book of memories for Mrs Cowell.

"The warmth and love received in the memories and messages for Mrs Cowell’s special book were amazing, and a testament to the dedication and love she has given to the Speedwell community over the last 33 years.”

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On Friday, July 17, the final day of term, the Lime Avenue school held a virtual assembly using Microsoft Teams as a way of safely celebrating Mrs Cowell’s dedication to the school despite the pandemic.

"Each class in school sang a song they had prepared for Mrs Cowell, and we all sang our favourite school song together,” Mrs Moore added.

"We then presented Mrs Cowell with her book of memories and thanked her for being an amazing teacher.

“Everyone at school wishes Mrs Cowell every happiness in her retirement, and we look forward to being able to welcome Mrs Cowell back to school as a volunteer in the future.

"The whole school community would like to thank Mrs Cowell for dedicating her teaching career to Speedwell Infant School, she is irreplaceable and will be hugely missed.”

Mrs Moore presented Mrs Cowell with the book of memories and other thank you gifts last Friday after the virtual celebration event.

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