Farewell to Mrs Walters

Mrs Walters, Assistant Headteacher at The Bay CE School has retired after 36 years at the school. She joined Sandown High School in 1988 as a PE teacher, then Head of PE, Director of Specialism and she has been in the leadership team throughout its journey from Sandown High School to Sandown Bay Academy and now The Bay CE School.

In 2005 Mrs Walters successfully bid to get Sandown High School ‘Sports College’ status; something that contributed to so many sporting successes from ex-pupils, including Jess Martin who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Simon and Stuart Moore, successful goalkeepers. The school has a fitness suite named after ex-student Louis Attrill, who won a gold medal for Rowing in the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The Sports College legacy has led to the school continuing to top the Isle of Wight sporting leagues today.

Everything Mrs Walters did was for the students and the local community in Sandown. She organised countless spectacular events such as The Baylink Olympics where over 1000 children from the bay area got together to compete in a mini olympics. Her focus was always on the personal growth of young people and nurturing young minds.

Students paid their respects by giving her a guard of honour as she left the school. We are sure that there are so many students and ex-students who have felt the impact of all of the hard work and dedication Mrs Walters has put into the school and the local community over the last 36 years. We will all miss her very much.

Lesley has given her all to this school and we hold her in the greatest of respect.

Emma Bowden, Headteacher

Even though our school name may have changed several times, Lesley’s dedication to the school, staff and students has not wavered. Lesley, you have been a great support to thousands of people over the years and I hope that you can take a moment to feel truly proud of all your accomplishments.

Lisa Creggwood, Assistant Associate Headteacher

What has always amazed us is your constant ability to work so incredibly hard for the students and school. You demonstrate the utmost professionalism and integrity in everything you do both inside and outside of school. You have been and will continue to be a role model for us all here at The Bay, as we continue to strive for excellence.

Stuart Johnson, Head of PE

I sincerely hope that you understand the immense impact that you have had on the thousands of pupils and teachers over the last 36 years and that you can feel proud of not only what you've done today, the last 36 years, but what you leave behind you... you are simply a legend!

Gareth Bricknell, Head of PE