The Alleynian 713 2025

Kate O’Connor by Paul Fletcher

David Canham by Jack Seymour and Frances Pope

Valeria Folletto by Patrick Savage

Kate joined the College in January 2022 bringing her sunny Californian disposition alongside an exemplary academic background from Stanford and Oxford, a wealth of teaching experience and, most importantly, a joy for reading and a skill for instilling that passion in others. Kate was only with us for eight terms but packed in a huge amount ranging from serious academic teaching to the fun fortnightly Library update videos enjoyed in form tutor periods. Kate’s academic background in literature and the theatre led her to run a ‘Page to Stage’ Liberal Studies course studying current London stage productions, and an Advanced Elective on Problematic Shakespeare. Year 12 and 13 students were able to benefit from Kate’s scholarly and engaging teaching style and to enjoy several trips to the West End to see performances of Othello and A Mirror. Younger students in the Lower and Middle Schools were also enthused to read following her many initiatives including the launch of Reading Passports in the Middle School, the Book Doctor service whereby students could list their interests, and the “Doctor” (Kate) would magically supply a curated choice of reading, and genrefied Padlets and Sways with hundreds of personal recommendations. The fortnightly Library update video was often a highlight of form tutor periods, whilst a constant stream of social media reels kept our Twitter and Insta followers informed and amused. Perhaps inspired by one of her heroes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who said “whatever you choose to do, leave tracks”, one of Kate’s greatest legacies is her passion for inclusivity that continues to influence the libraries’ policies. To ensure that every member of the College was represented in our collections, Kate built on earlier work to diversify our book

Valeria has made a massive impact within the MFL Department in her year at DC. Her Spanish lessons have been stylish, dynamic, entertaining and relentlessly focused on the best outcomes for the pupils. In addition, Valeria has given generously of her time in providing those confidence-building morning break and lunchtime speaking and writing sessions to her public examinees. Beyond the classroom, Valeria has been a member of the leadership group of two Spanish trips. Here again, she has given selflessly in providing those enriching cultural experiences to the pupils. As colleagues, we have appreciated Valeria’s cheerful and supportive nature, her impish sense of humour as well as the warmth of her company and her generosity of spirit at morning coffee and lunchtime; she has become a wonderful friend to many. And let us not forget her regular attendance at the Tuesday evening MFL Spin Club. As in the style of her classroom, Valeria’s dynamism and energy have been to the fore in the Spin Studio. Valeria goes to St Christopher’s School, Bahrain with the love and best wishes from the wider DC community. She will be much missed in South- East London. ◎

David loves everybody and everybody loves David. Conversation with David while walking through the College is difficult. He offers hellos and good mornings to any student in his peripheral range: he genuflects to courtesy. Perhaps shaped by his army background (David has contributed to CCF at the College), everyone is greeted with a smile and respect. More often than not, a thank you follows: sometimes thank yous come from thanking him for thanking you for thanking him… creating an infinite regress of thank yous in which eternal gratitude is expressed forever. David’s contribution to the College is characterised by generosity. He offers weekly break time revision clinics, runs GeogSoc, supports the boarders as a visiting tutor and has been the acting house- master for Spencer — all alongside his full teach- ing timetable. He is also a talented artist and calligrapher. David is one of those rare teachers who uses a visualiser; he enjoys putting pen to paper to draw beautiful and detailed diagrams of physical processes. He is a storyteller and brought together his knowledge of fantasy fiction and geographical issues during the Year 7 Free Learning Day to spark the pupils’ imaginations. A book is also in progress, containing hand-drawn maps and fictional worlds. Perhaps this is what prompted his Year 11 form to buy a star in his name — in his favourite constellation — as a parting gift. David is ambitious to do well (if his Linkedin screentime is anything to go by); he moves on to take the role of Head of Department at Winchester College. Thank you, David. No, no, thank you. ◎

stock and instigated policies to make sure everyone would feel that there were books in our libraries that they could relate to. A further example of “leaving tracks” is the #ReadWithPrideUK Twitter/X relay, co-founded by Kate, that involves school libraries around the UK posting photos and messages of support during Pride month every June. Kate left us to take up the post of Head Librarian at Francis Holland School, Sloane Square, but we are delighted that we will continue to keep working together on shared projects such as the Trinity School Book Awards and Read With Pride. ◎

204

THE ALLEYNIAN 713

VALETE

205

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker