SCHOOL LIBRARY RENAMED IN MEMORY OF FORMER HEAD TEACHER

6th May 2016

Acting head teacher Ian Winter left with John Brooker and Rachel Brooker outside the renamed school library

Students at North Walsham High School will remember their former head teacher every time they go to the school library – after it was renamed ‘The Caroline Brooker Library’ in her memory.

Family, colleagues, students and friends of Mrs Brooker, who died on New Year’s Eve, were present at a ceremony to rename the library, which was the first building project overseen at the school by her when she became head teacher in 2005.

Mrs Brooker’s husband John and youngest daughter Rachel unveiled the new name plaques, and were presented with a book containing all of the messages of thanks and condolence which were left by staff and students on a ‘memory tree’ which was set up in the library after she died.

Addressing the ceremony, head boy Andrew Weston said, “The library was the first building that Mrs Brooker made plans to build. Despite going on to build other important additions for the school, such as a variety of new science labs, a new ICT suite and of course the Atrium, this library is essentially where it all began.

“We believe this library is a key landmark of what Mrs Brooker stood for. She was always encouraging reading, and for students to get a new book if ever they were seen passing by.”

Head girl Jodie Weller added, “Mrs Brooker knew the importance of reading and how it can influence a student’s life educationally, but also creatively. Books, poems and novels can open up a variety of worlds and different possibilities for any student.

“She made students across the school feel like they could dive into the deepest rivers or climb the tallest trees, just by supplying us with this very library. The school will be forever thankful for the work and commitment Mrs Brooker put in to make this school great.”

Acting head teacher Ian Winter said, “The library was one of Caroline’s passions, and it is entirely appropriate that her name should be above the door, so that future generations of students will know just what a huge contribution she made to this school.”