A teacher who has worked at a Mickleover school for 33 years has been rewarded for her dedication with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.
Jan Woolley has worked at Murray Park Community School since 1989 and has been a keen fundraiser helping to pay for a new minibus and a range of resources and equipment for various departments.
Staff at the school in Murray Road put her name forward to the Honours Committee in recognition of her achievements and she was invited to a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
It was the first event at the palace for three years and despite the torrential rain it was attended by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal.
Miss Woolley said: “It was a really great event, despite the weather. We had the opportunity to wander through the grounds – which are spectacular – and speak to lots of different people from a variety of backgrounds who, like me had been nominated by friends or colleagues.
Jan Woolley at the Royal Garden Party.
“Unfortunately, we did not get to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, although we did see them, but a lot of the visit was spent inside the marquee dodging the rain showers. It was an experience I never thought I would get an invite to, and I am incredibly grateful to those who nominated me.”
Miss Woolley, who has enjoyed a 40-year teaching career, worked in schools in Burton, Uttoxeter, Stafford and Tamworth before joining the Mickleover school.
She spent more than 18 years on the Parent Teacher Association, leading several fundraising drives including the organisation of two whole school sponsored walks and several summer fairs.
During her time working in the PE department, she ran several school teams, the highlight of which was when the school U16 netball team played in the National Schools Netball Final against some of the best teams in the country.
Jan and niece Sarah Woolley.
She has been instrumental in setting up school trips abroad, including skiing and water sport breaks as well as trips to Euro-Disney.
In 2017, Miss Woolley became the staff representative on the school governing board and in the same year became Head of Careers, helping to develop opportunities for all students.
During lockdown, she set up a food bank for families who were struggling financially and provided much needed support over the summer and Christmas holidays.
Head teacher Nicola Caley said: “Some of the staff here at Murray Park have worked here for several decades, showing a dedication to the school and its children which goes above and beyond the call of duty.
“Jan has made a real difference to the lives of countless Murray Park children and it was very nice to see her putting herself first and enjoying a day at Buckingham Palace, despite the rain.”
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