A WOMAN who has been a member of the canteen staff at the same school for more than 40 years was among the winners at the 2023 North Wales Education Awards.
Hosted by radio presenter Phil Ashcroft at the Oriel Hotel in St Asaph on November 10, Gaynor Roberts won the "lifetime achievement" prize, having worked in the canteen at Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay almost since it was founded in 1981.
Gaynor, 78, was described by Phil Ashcroft as the “star of the show”.
Last year, she was presented with flowers, a certificate and a gift to mark 40 years of service at Ysgol Y Creuddyn in Penrhyn Bay.
“The highlight of my career has been working at Ysgol Y Creuddyn and seeing all of the children every day, happy and enjoying their meals,” said Gaynor, who added that chips are her favourite thing to cook for the pupils.
Gwenno Davies, of Ysgol Y Creuddyn, said: “Gaynor has been here almost since the start. She's the longest-running member of staff here at Ysgol Y Creuddyn and is a very valued member of staff.
“We all think the world of Gaynor. Being a former Ysgol Y Creuddyn pupil myself, I've known Gaynor as a member of staff when I was a pupil here, and as a co-worker now, and she hasn't changed a bit.
“She doesn't like a lot of fuss, but she very well deserves all of the fuss that we can give her.
“I can't think of anyone better to win this award after so many years of working with our young people and staff here.”
Dylan Roberts, of Ysgol Aberconwy, was named “secondary school pupil of the year”.
He has performed in London’s West End theatre, and is due to undertake his next performance as the Artful Dodger in a production of “Oliver” next July.
When he was in Year Seven, Dylan was “year captain”, meanwhile.
Though he could not attend Friday’s ceremony, Dylan’s aunt, Hayley, accepted his award on his behalf.
She said: “Dylan is just a really, really lovely lad. He's very polite, and goes above and beyond for everyone.”
Dylan said: "I would like to thank all the people around me who have given me these opportunities which I’ve been able to pursue.
"I’ve been able to support G4 on stage at the local theatre, act as the Artful Dodger within the Oliver performance, and also perform on the West End stage in London as part of Pauline Quirke Academy’s ‘Troubles a-Brewing’.
"I like to help others. I’m class representative again at the moment. I would describe myself as nice, kind and a good listener. It is important to be the best that I can be now so I can do the best I can when I’m older! Be yourself, be amazing!"
Paul Woodhouse, who left Ysgol Bryn Elian in Colwyn Bay to become assistant head of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi in Holyhead in September, won the “secondary school teacher of the year” award.
He was celebrated for his commitment to helping business studies students realise their potential, by actively encouraging their participation in organisations such as Women in Finance.
By advocating for their involvement in such groups, he has provided them with valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to resources that can greatly benefit their career development in the finance industry.
Additionally, his efforts to partner Ysgol Bryn Elian with a charity brought with it new furniture and IT equipment.
Paul said: “I am honoured to receive the prestigious title of secondary school teacher of the year.
“This award is not just a personal achievement, it is recognition of the commitment of many teachers, support staff and, of course, the incredible students in Ysgol Bryn Elian and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.
“I believe that education is not just about communicating knowledge, but about fostering growth, instilling confidence, and inspiring lifelong learning.
“I have been fortunate enough to be allowed to take risks both within and outside of the classroom, and provide students in our community with endless opportunities to start their careers.”
Ysgol Eirias, in Colwyn Bay, was the winner of the “secondary school of the year” award.
It is among a group of “Pioneer Schools” focused on teaching methods and staff development and training, having applied to Welsh Government to be part of the process of improving the education system.
As part of that movement, the school introduced a new curriculum for Year Seven pupils in 2022-23.
In 2022, Ysgol Eirias was also named among the Sunday Times’ top 10 “Parent Power” high-performing schools in Wales.
Zoe Evans became head of the school in September, replacing Sarah Sutton, who had served Ysgol Eirias for more than one-quarter of a century.
Having herself joined Ysgol Eirias 25 years ago, initially as a maths teacher, Zoe said: “It's been a really good evening, and it's nice to have a nice vibe about teaching and education.
“It feels brilliant to win this; it's great to have this recognition.
“It's just about seeing the children be happy and thrive, doing the best that they can do and succeeding in life. We push the children to achieve their best, and to be the best they can be.
“I've learnt an awful lot from Sarah. I've always been inspired to work with and help children, but the methods I use on the leadership side have been influenced heavily by her.”
Eleri Dennis, of Ysgol Y Creuddyn, was the winner of the “teaching assistant of the year” prize.
Working in Ysgol Y Creuddyn’s pastoral office, she was said to have “revolutionised” this area of the school, having put new counselling procedures in place.
Gwenno Davies, accepting the award for Eleri in her absence, said: “We're extremely proud of Eleri's success. It's a pleasure to work with Eleri; we are like one big family.
“Eleri's very much there for our young people. She always takes their side, and makes sure they become the best possible versions of themselves in and out of school.”
Ian Gerrard, of Ysgol Aberconwy, was named “headteacher of the year”.
Now in his 10th year as the school’s head, he has developed financial plans to save the school from closure in the past, and has enhanced its connections with the wider Conwy community.
He said: “The best part of the job, for me, is definitely going to work every day and seeing happy, smiling faces from the children.
“I always say that a headteacher is only as good as the team of people around them, so this really is an award for the school and staff, and for all of the children that we work with.
“It's always nice to celebrate success. It's not about me, it's about the team around me, and it's a good opportunity to celebrate the school and all that we've achieved.
“It's an interesting and challenging role at the moment, but the thrill is really seeing the children develop and enjoy the things they do in school, and see them grow into the next stage of their education in the Sixth Form or beyond.
“As a school, we do so many things and work with so many people. It's lovely to see people at the end of Sixth Form going on to university.
“I look back on recent years and think of the things that the school have achieved in dealing with things like the pandemic.
“It's been really challenging times, but I think we've really served our community well in that time.”
Held on behalf of the Free Press, the Journal and the Pioneer, the awards highlighted and honoured the achievements of teachers, support staff, pupils, and students across North Wales.
Excell Supply was the headline sponsor of the North Wales Education Awards for 2023.
Other sponsors included Castle Green Homes, Wrexham Glyndwr University, and Bangor University.
North Wales Education Awards 2023 – Full list of winners
Primary School Pupil of the Year - Corey Hughes / Jacob Allman-Whitehouse / Ioan Evans
Primary School Teacher of the Year - Jodie Martin
Primary School of the Year - Ysgol Y Foryd
Secondary School Pupil of the Year - Dylan Roberts
Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Paul Woodhouse
Secondary School of the Year - Ysgol Eirias
Early Years Education Award - Jumping Jacks Day Nursery
Support Worker of the Year - Liah Williams
Teaching Assistant of the Year - Eleri Dennis
Head Teacher of the Year - Ian Gerrard
Specialist Provision School of the Year - Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn
Lifetime Achievement Award - Gaynor Roberts
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