At the end of the 1980s, Dawn and Sue came to work at Thomas Alleyne’s High School. Typically, in jobs today the average length of service is 4 years and 4 months. For Dawn and Sue it has been very different.

They probably never planned to be a part of our staff team, supporting staff and students, for over 30 years.

They have witnessed our school change but also stay the same. They have seen students of our school go from being members of our sixth form to returning as teachers and senior leaders and seen ex-students returning to the school as parents.

They have turned up, even on some days when others may have struggled to come to work. Their humour and commitment has always been inspiring and their friendship enduring. 

Sometimes, as with all jobs, days are long and work challenging. Yet, even on cold wet days when they start their shifts as others head home, when corridors are muddy and the school nothing like the way they left it the night before, they pick up their kit and start again.

It is due to the work of our site and cleaning team that school is ready for us to start afresh each day.

Progress, opportunity and individuality is our school motto and tenacity and mindfulness two of our values. Sue and Dawn epitomise this.

If you read this Sue and Dawn, please know that those moments when you stopped to ask us how we were, when you made us laugh or smile and when you  ensured that the place where we spend so much of our lives, was clean and ready to learn in, has had a huge impact on Thomas Alleyne’s High School.

Long service of over 30 years is extraordinarily rare and we are grateful you spent it with us. 

We wish you all the best.