Greta's Great!

From hundreds of nominations, Greta Lowther, our treasured primary school support teacher, has recently been awarded the annual CfBT Lifetime Commitment Award, presented for demonstration of enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism at the third annual CfBT Staff Awards Ceremony in Reading.

Greta joined Kings Monkton School in Roath in 1987 after 17 years in the ambulance service. She initially worked as a part time nursery teacher when the nursery was first opened and went on to work in the Reception and Year 2 classes. Aged almost 73 and having passed the age when most people are thinking of enjoying a well earned rest, Greta now works every day, mostly in a voluntary capacity, simply for the pleasure of helping staff and especially the children.

Principal Nick Dorey commented:

“Greta is a national treasure! Although only employed here in a very part-time position, she lives for the school and contributes to every facet of school life. We simply couldn’t do all we do without her. The staff, the pupils and the parents all love her.”

Originally from Usk, Greta now lives in Rumney and while she has certainly seen many changes over the years, she has continued to be an enduring support to the teaching team in the Primary school in many ways. A typical day starts with her opening the school at about 7.00am to prepare to run the pre-school club when she also finds time to open the windows of classrooms on hot days before the teachers arrive – and this is after she has been to the gym or done a few lengths in the pool!

Besides her gardening, one of Greta’s other passions is ballet (having received an offer to train with the Royal Ballet as a youngster) and she always finds time to help with the ballet class after school. This is all in addition to being the chairperson for our Parents’ Association with all the extra time and service to the school that that entails. Her devotion, commitment and service to all aspects of school life are truly immeasurable.

Mrs Harmer, Head of the Primary school said:

“As head of the primary, I don’t know what I would do without her; she will cover absences at a moments notice, go on any school trips, serve coffee and hot dogs during parents’ evenings, wash up mugs in the staff room and will then tell me not to over do things when I’m looking tired!”

Greta received a certificate and trophy from CfBT Chair of Trustees John Harwood and made a short speech to the assembled crowd saying:

"I would like to say how very honoured I feel to have been nominated for this award. I've worked at Kings Monkton for 23 years, starting in the nursery then performing a supporting roll when the foundation class was introduced. I'm now involved in all primary classes in many ways, mainly hearing the children read and accompany all classes on trips. Because of my long association with school I pass on its history and the ethos of a school like ours. My position as chair of the PTA and secretary of the Old School Association has been long standing. I do my best to support in any way I can, staff, parents, pupils past and present. I really appreciate being nominated for this award in recognition of a job which I thoroughly enjoy. I'd like to thank all at Kings Monkton School."
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