This summer, Combe Down C of E Primary School in Bath will be saying goodbye to a loved, admired and well-respected member of their teaching team. After 18 years of service to the school and community, Ms Paterson has decided it is time to retire and she will be greatly missed by staff, parents and most of all by the children.
“Over the years, Ms Paterson has had a phenomenal and lasting impact in all she’s done and achieved,” said Mrs Gascoigne, co-head at Combe Down Primary school. “Her love of music and the performing arts has always shone through, not just in her own incredible talents, but in her dedication and enthusiasm to giving pupils enriching and empowering opportunities.
“She has inspired so many young hearts and minds to find love, satisfaction and expression in music, which is a powerful tool and often referred to as a universal language. Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a 19th Century English writer and politician. once said, ‘Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.'”
“Educators love to give children the tools and skills to flourish and grow,” added co-head Mrs Bird. “For 18 years, Ms Paterson has empowered and championed children in finding the tools and skills within themselves and has instilled life-long passions that have the ability to build and realise dreams. She’s a remarkable person as well as a nurturing teacher and we must thank her from the bottom of our hearts for all she has done at Combe Down Primary.”
“At Combe Down, we believe music is a vital part of the creative curriculum we provide and that every child should receive high quality music lessons and experiences,” said Mrs Gascoigne. “Music touches hearts and minds, it celebrates and challenges, and it connects us and moves us. For many, music will simply be a source of joy, comfort and companionship throughout their lives. For some it is a spiritual experience.
“It’s the same way that we teach children literacy and numeracy to prepare them for life beyond our school, we must also give them the musical tools they need so that they can engage in music-making and enjoyment in the future. We have been so blessed to have Ms Paterson as part of our school family for so long. It is down to Ms. Paterson’s expertise, passion and dedication that our children love singing. She leaves huge shoes to fill.”
www.combedown.com