farewell mrs plano

It is with great sadness today that we bid goodbye to a much-loved, cherished and valued long-serving member of staff: our Sixth Form Secretary Julie Plano. Julie has been at the core of Sixth Form life for so many years, and such a vital cog in operations and support for both students and colleagues, that things will feel very strange indeed without her when we return after the break.

For myself, when I first started working with Julie 13 years ago, I met a friend for life, an empathetic and supportive colleague, a second mother, an occasional taxi driver for myself and mine, not to mention a dab hand with a sewing machine who has tailored many of my clothes!

Thanks so much Julie for all the support, the advice, the companionship, and the laughter. It's been a privilege to know you, but we will keep in touch.

Mrs Wall:

Julie has been an integral part of the school and the Sixth Form for a remarkable 27 years. In that time, she has supported four Heads of Sixth form and ensured that, collectively, they have been able to support thousands of students as they move through Year 12 and Year 13. She has always been a friendly face for students and staff – supportive and caring. We wish her a long, happy, healthy retirement, but we will miss her enormously.

Mr Neale:

Myself and the Sixth Form Team will miss Julie so much. Her contribution to the school has been immense, and I have loved working with her and listening to her words of wisdom, particularly over the last year and a half. Thank you Julie, and enjoy a well-earned retirement!

Mr Kearns:

One of the best colleagues that I have EVER worked with and a good friend. She has supported me throughout my teaching career and I would never have survived without her. One of the kindest, most helpful, and most organised people I know, and loved by staff and students alike.

Sixth Form wouldn't be what it is now without her input, and life just won't be the same without her. I'll miss her terribly.

Mrs Lyons (retired former head of Sixth Form):

I think Julie and I first worked together in 2003, when former Head Mr Spinks asked us to completely recreate the Careers Convention. We couldn’t have done it without Julie’s attention to detail, creativity, and imagination. We walked around all the exhibitors and the rooms, and we were both so proud!

From 2004/5, we worked tirelessly together with Mr Kearns in Sixth Form on strategies for moving forward and upgrades to Sixth Form facilities. We discussed each initiative and Julie would literally run with the ideas, updating the I.T., and adding her own professional approach and flair to everything she did.

Julie has supported what must be in the region of thousands of students with their UCAS applications, and her attention to detail has been a huge asset to the process.

Having a great range of skills and qualities, Julie has been an absolute asset, not to mention pastoral support, to the Sixth Form team, to the students, and to colleagues. She has had an amazing career.

Sending my thanks for the time we had together, and for everything you’ve done for UGS and for everyone around you.

Enjoy every minute of your retirement Julie, you deserve it!

Goodbye and good luck Julie from all at UGS. You will be very much missed!