Thursday, September 24, 2009 3www.whitehaven-news.co.uk Cleator Crack
Shelagh set to bring her
love of outdoors to class
THE new head teacher of
Montreal wants the school to
become the "buzzing hub of
the community".
Shelagh Hughes brings 20
years' teaching experience
to her new role and has al-
ready set about making her
own stamp at Montreal and
cementing the Church of
England school's status in
the community.
"I believe that good rela-
tionships with parents and
the wider community are vi-
tal in ensuring that children
are supported as they move
through their school life,"
says Shelagh.
"I see the school as form-
ing part of a huge commu-
nity, bringing together the
staff, children, their families
and the church."
Shelagh's new job is her
first as head teacher having
previously worked at Bea-
conside Primary, in Penrith,
as both acting and deputy
head teacher.
"I'm originally from Cum-
bria and although my stud-
ies and eventually my job
took me away from the area
for a number of years, I was
itching to get back.
"When we lived away, we
used to come on holiday up
to Cumbria," says Shelagh,
"and now we live here, my
family sees it as a permanent
holiday!"
She now lives with her
husband and three children
just outside Lorton, near
Cockermouth, where, as a
family, they enjoy outdoor
pursuits including fell walk-
ing, camping, swimming and
mountain biking.
It's a love of the outdoors
that Shelagh is keen to in-
troduce to day-to-day learn-
ing at Montreal.
"I have a strong belief that
children learn best when
they are having fun and are
engaged in practical, real life
activities.
"I intend to use the out-
doors and our school
grounds as much as possible.
I don't believe in keeping
children couped up in the
classroom all the time.
"I like to take them outside
� where they get a chance to
make a noise and make a
mess � and that's where their
real passion and character
can come out."
And Shelagh says she has
been made to feel more than
welcome by the Montreal
community.
"I'm really enjoying my-
self so far.
"It is a fantastic team here
and I have been bowled over
my the welcome I've re-
ceived.
"Everyone has been so
helpful, friendly and happy
to lend a hand."
So what does Shelagh have
planned for her first few
months in the job?
"This a very good school
already and Brenda Holden
(the previous head) and the
staff have done a wonderful
job and have achieved a great
deal of recognition.
"For the moment, my top
priority is maintaining the
high standards that have
been set here, while adding
my own stamp on things to
keep the school moving for-
ward."
BY ANDREW CLARKE
WARM WELCOME: Shelagh Hughes, the new head teacher at Montreal Primary School, with pupils
Picture: Mike McKenzie
Cleator Crack: 01946 595126Chance to
meet police
DROP-IN police surgeries
are being held in Cleator
Moor for you to pop in and
have a chat with PCSO Alan
Willison.
The surgeries will be held
at the Town Council building
at Cleator Moor between 2-
3pm. The next three dates for
your diaries are: October 28;
December 2 and January 13.
This is a chance to discuss
issues that concern you and
ask any questions.
Coffee with
two Joans
THE annual Coffee with the
Joans, part of the World's
Biggest Coffee Morning, will
be held on September 25 at St
Bega's Church, Bowthorn.
The event, which also in-
cludes a raffle, white ele-
phant stall and small art
show/sale of local artists, is
to raise cash for Macmillan
Nurses and will be held from
10am-3.30pm.
Blue Skies needs you
VOLUNTEERS are needed for the
Blue Skies Mental Health Support
Group.
The Cleator Moor organisation
meets every Tuesday and Thurs-
day at Cleator Moor Town Hall
between 11am and 3pm.
They offer support and advice
for anyone who wants to have a
chat.
"We always have various activ-
ities planned and would welcome
anyone who either needs the com-
pany or some support," said Chris-
tine Robins, treasurer and oper-
ations manager.
"We are also looking for vol-
unteers for the group, so contact
us if you would like to be a part of
Blue Skies either as volunteer or
something more."
The Blue Skies Support Group
is now run by a few committee
members � Christine, Joan Hully,
who is chairman and a founder
member, and four others.
They are organising day trips as
well as other events and activities
during coffee sessions.
These will include card-making,
picture frame decorating and pos-
sibly guitar and computer lessons
if there is enough interest.
In the future there will be other
trips � they just need to gather
enough interest.
The group's AGM will be held
on October 14, 6.30-7.30pm, at
Cleator Moor Town Council.
They are currently applying to
local Neighbourhood Forums for
funding for events as well as
money to send members on
courses and training sessions.
Volunteers are required either
as committee members and/or
people to help man the coffee
mornings and be there for activ-
ities and day trips.
"We want to put something back
and to bring a service to a place
where there is not much out there
for people with mental health is-
sues," said Christine. "Especially
somewhere like West Cumbria
where the suicide rates are
greater than in much of the coun-
try."
The group would like to thank
everyone for the support and help
that they have been given in the
last year.
For further information tele-
phone 01946 814566/814632.
BY GILLIAN ELLISON
18 High Street,
Cleator Moor
Telephone:
01946 810371
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