IN BRIEF
NEW HEADTEACHER
APPOINTED FOR THE FIRS
PREP SCHOOL IN CHESTER HEART AWARDS
HONOUR NHS STAFF AT
THORNTON HALL HOTEL
The Firs Prep School in Chester, which recently won
Wirral Life’s Independent School of the Year award, has
appointed Rosemary Blackburn as its new headteacher.
She will take over at the independent prep school from
September this year. Nearly 300 people gathered at Thornton Hall Hotel to
celebrate and honour the outstanding care, treatment
and support that staff at Wirral Community Health and
Care NHS Foundation Trust deliver 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.
Mrs Rosemary Blackburn is currently deputy- headteacher of Hoole
Church of England primary school. She has extensive experience
of primary education having previously worked at several primary
schools in the Cheshire area. Mrs Blackburn said: “I am honoured
to have been chosen as the new headteacher of The Firs Prep School.
It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the
fantastic team at the school and continue to lead an inspirational
and very happy primary school. Throughout my career, I have been
committed to the education and development of children. I am
also a great believer in inspiring children to learn and that a happy
environment will ensure that pupils meet their full potential. Primary
education is essential and is the foundation for all learning and pupil
growth. I look forward to working with the pupils, staff and parents to
build further on the school’s current significant success and prepare
children for the next step in their educational journey. Ensuring that
they move into the right school for them.” They were joined by Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell,
the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Peter Woods and Mayor of Wirral Cllr
Geoffrey Watt and Mayoress Mrs Anne Watt. BBC Breakfast presenter
Sally Nugent was compère for the night.
When not working, Mrs Blackburn enjoys playing Lacrosse for the
Liverpool ladies and she has represented North England and Welsh
universities as well as spending time outdoors. She is originally from
the Wirral and now lives in Chester and is married with two children.
Director of the Firs Prep School Chester Tim Longman said: “From
the start we were extremely impressed with everything Rosemary
could bring to this important role. She encapsulates all the qualities,
skills and experience we wanted to see in our new headmistress.
Her vision and leadership, combined with a passion for education
and a real desire to do the best for every single pupil in our school,
impressed not only the Advisory Board but teachers and pupils alike.
We very much look forward to welcoming her in September.”
8 wirrallife.com
It was a fitting occasion to celebrate the work that goes on in the Trust,
also thanking those who achieved long service awards for 25 and 40
years of dedication.
Chief Executive Karen Howell said: "Watching the video clips of
staff talking about the colleagues and teams they had nominated for
recognition brought a tear to my eye.
"From teams that provide specialist care for vulnerable breastfed babies
to staff who have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of sepsis. A
volunteer who has helped transform our Information Technology help
desk, to inspirational leaders who have ignited passion and dedication
across services.
"And our ‘People’s Heart Award’ winners, West Kirby Community
Nursing Team, who were described by a patient as ‘true angels’. It really
was a wonderful evening and a reminder of why all of us who work
in the NHS do what we do, and the positive difference we make to so
many people’s lives."
The staff awards night would not have been possible without the
kind generosity of the Trust’s sponsors including Elerbanks Limited,
Yellowfin, Hill Dickinson, SCC and The Innovation Agency. Special
thanks also to Assista Consulting, and LT Print.