It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Clare Blackshaw's death on 31 August. Clare had a very long history with Victoria School and was wholly committed to the welfare and education of the pupils. Clare began working at Victoria as a teacher and gained promotion to the role of Assistant Head Teacher. Upon her retirement, Clare was appointed as Clerk to Governors of the newly formed Federation Governing Board, a role she held right up until her death. Although a very busy role, Clare also was extremely active on the committee of Friends of Victoria and over the past few years, fulfilled the role of Treasurer. Clare was active in preparing for and attending every Spring Fair, Summer Fair, Christmas Market and Santa Special. She liaised with Phab Camps for the children, and coordinated tickets to the Zoo, Circus and various special events for pupils and their families. Even this was not enough to fill her time. Clare was also a very regular volunteer , helping our young people with their reading and language development. Outside of school, Clare was a longstanding member of St Laurence Church and its choir. Clare passed away after a short illness. She will be very much missed for her great gentleness, dignity, hard work, generosity, care and concern for our young people. We will pass on details of her funeral (which we are hoping to live stream) and a collection in her memory, as they come to hand.