from the principal
Kate Mason
the times when students have opened my mind and heart… the way that students always ask me how I am… the 'knock
on my door' when students have an idea or need some help… the impossible questions students sometimes ask… the
sense of achievement when students complete a challenge or get the examination results that they deserve…
As I look back over my time at KEVICC, there are many fond memories of students, staff and of those who have become
involved on the College one way or another. There is so much to celebrate. Thank you all for everything that you have
done to make KEVICC such a special place.
Leaving a school where you have spent sixteen years of
your working life is inevitably an emotional prospect. This
is certainly the case for me. I can remember my first days
at KEVICC in 1998 as a Drama Teacher and Assistant Princi-
pal as if it were yesterday.
Much has changed in schools during my time here. Of
course times change, but the pace of change is unprece-
dented, particularly in recent years. It has been an interest-
ing educational landscape through which to navigate the
College, always ensuring that we do the best that we can be
for our young people. As I leave, I am proud that KEVICC is
officially a good school and I believe that the work we have
begun in developing our co-operative nature will take our
school to the next level – the most inspiring and successful
place for everyone in our community to learn.
What has remained the same throughout these years
has been the joy of working with our students. They are
amazing. I will miss being part of a community of young
people… witnessing nervous year 7 students growing into
confident and articulate sixth formers… the moments of
celebration when 'the penny drops' in learning… seeing
the talents of our students develop… witnessing the times
when students' hearts and minds open to new ideas… and
As much as we would like to think otherwise, the fact remains inescapable that there is
only one absolute guarantee in life: the passing of time. Circumstance may disrupt the
best-laid of plans, but the progression of hours to days to years is a constant we can either
take solace in or despair of – to take comfort in ageing or to dread it.
Fortunately, the diminishment of youth is a process we, as teenagers, have the luxury of
not needing to worry about; yet we are still so very young, with so much more to learn and
a lifetime ahead of us.
'Seize the day,' Marty Rubin said, 'then let it go.'
In the time elapsed between these issues of The Courier, a great deal of capricious ac-
tivity has taken place: one Principal leaves, leaving a legacy for another to assume the
position; the world has shrunk as KEVICC students inhabit many different corners of it in
an expanse of educational excursions (Paris, Berlin, London); year 11s celebrate the dawn
of Sixth Form at their Leavers’ Prom; and loads of people had really sore feet doing the
Ten Tors…
One certainty can be established amongst all of this – KEVICC is so fantastically busy,
and this magazine stands as a terrific monument to that fact. I am proud to contribute,
truly.
Liam Heitman-Rice Press Team editor
press team editorial
KEVICC staff pay their own tribute to Kate on page 35
and on this page we would like to pay tribute to a special advisor to and friend of KEVICC
Helen Ireland born 23 October 1957 died 25 March 2014
