Purbrook Park School bids farewell to much-loved staff member after 28 years
After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Mrs Diane Howell has retired from Purbrook Park School. Diane joined the school 28 years ago and, in her most recent role as Emotional and Wellbeing Manager, became a trusted source of comfort and guidance for countless pupils and families.
Colleagues describe her as the calm centre of the school — always ready with a listening ear and a warm smile. To mark her retirement on Friday 24 October, staff gathered for a tea party in her honour, sharing memories and laughter from her lengthy career at Purbrook Park School. As she left the site for the final time, pupils lined the corridors to form a moving guard of honour.
Headteacher, Paul Foxley, said, “I honestly do not think I’ve ever met anyone as kind, thoughtful and resilient as Di. She has this incredible ability to see the world through the eyes of a pupil, to really understand what they need, how they feel, and how best to help them. Everything Di does is centred on the wellbeing and happiness of the child — it’s who she is”.
He added, “Di is calm in a storm, strong when things get tough, and always, always putting people first. She has this way of making you feel supported and grounded, no matter what’s going on around you”.
“Thank you for your kindness, your humour, your unshakable sense of right and wrong, and for the countless ways you’ve made Purbrook Park School, and all of us in it, better teachers and better associate staff”.
Diane plans to enjoy more time with her family — and, no doubt, the occasional well-earned lie-in — after nearly three decades of early starts and busy corridors.
Enjoy your retirement Mrs Howell, you deserve it! From all the pupils and staff at Purbrook Park School.