College News

Leaving QE

At the end of this academic year, on July 9, students and staff at QE will bid farewell to eight colleagues who are retiring.

Mel Ithurralde came to the College as a young Maths teacher in 1978 and is leaving after 35 years; Carole Lea, the Principal’s PA, has been at QE for 25 years as has Cleaning Supervisor, Mary Sharkey. Rita Smith, Director of Art, and Gary Hope, Head of Theatre Studies & Drama, both started working at the College in 1991 and are retiring after 22 years – 15 of Gary’s 22 years were as Head of English.  Sue Webster, Head of Psychology, has 20 years’ service,  Biology teacher, Margaret Williams, has been at QE for  19 years  and Terry Blackett has taught Art at the College for 17 years ;  Bob Gill is retiring after 4 years of being part of the Business Studies Team.

Principal, Tim Fisher, says:

‘I would like to thank those who are retiring for all their hard work, dedication and service to the College. They have made a real difference to the lives of so many young people and I wish them well in the future. I hope they enjoy the extra time they will now have for themselves and their families.’

Pictured left to right:

Gary Hope, Rita Smith, Terry Blackett, Sue Webster, Mary Sharkey, Carole Lea, Margaret Williams and Mel Ithurralde.