Rhyl headteacher's assistant gets school award

Dec 10 2008 By Justine Bailey

A HEADTEACHER’S right-hand woman has been recognised at national level for her dedication to her work and the school as a whole.

Jean Poole, who is PA to Catherine Britton at Blessed Edward Jones High School, was one of 34 PAs from across the country who were presented with certificates at the annual SecEd Headteachers’ PA of the Year awards ceremony at the Landmark Hotel in London.

Ms Britton described Jean, who has been at the school for 25 years, as a truly remarkable woman.

"She works tirelessly for the good of our school and never forgets the value of the people in it," she said.

"She makes others look good without ever taking any credit for herself, but she is always there in the background. Whenever someone has done a really good piece of work or made a speech or presentation or any of the wonderful things that teachers do, you can guarantee that it always ends with a quiet, ‘Thanks Jean’.

"We all rely on her, me more than anyone, and she never fails to deliver."

Pete Henshaw, editor of the education publication, SecEd, added: "The spirit of these awards is to recognise the role that people like Jean Poole play in our schools.

"The standard of entries is fantastic so to have made the finals and be recognised as one of our PAs of the Year 2008 is a real testament to the work Jean does and the invaluable contribution she makes to her school and her headteacher day-in, day-out."