Teacher retires after 33 years at Prep School

Published: 22 February, 2011

Plymouth College Preparatory School said a fond farewell to maths teacher, John Wayne, just before half term.  The joint deputy head and director of studies had been at the school for 33 years.

His retirement was marked by an emotional special assembly in the chapel, in which Year 6 children presented 'The twelve faces of Wayne', a light-hearted sketch of all the roles John has held during his time at the school. The Prep School deputy chair of Governors, Mrs McKinnel, and teachers Mr Cottrell and Mrs Avery, gave heart-felt tributes.

John was born in Somerset but moved to Plymouth when he was just one year old.  After ten years of working in engineering, John retrained as a teacher and joined the Prep School in 1978. A successful sportsman, he coached rugby, cricket and football and ran the chess and stamp clubs.  He was housemaster of Pusey and organised the annual French trip.

"John is the essence of the perfect school master", said Plymouth College Preparatory School Headmaster, Chris Gatherer.   "He heads into a happy retirement with the enormous satisfaction that there are thousands of people in the world whose lives have been enriched by his inspired guidance."

John, who lives in Roborough with his wife Lesley, is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and playing golf.  A staunch Arsenal supporter, he hopes he will now be able to attend more matches!