Meet our Staff

We're proud of our teachers
Abbey School is proud to employ teachers who are specialists in the field of primary or nursery education. Many members of staff have dedicated their teaching life to the development of educational programmes and curriculum subjects specifically designed to enrich the lives of young children.

Skills of developing self-confidence
Abbey teachers are aware that children succeed by gaining self-confidence and self-belief. Furthermore, once this can be firmly established in a young mind, the benefits progress to all areas of development and growth in academic success is measurable and beyond doubt. This is where the skills and knowledge of teachers dedicated to early education, coupled with informed and supportive parents, is of paramount importance to the early development of young children. This is also why our teachers achieve such truly remarkable successes for our pupils, in every field of development, whether academic or extra-curricular.

Policy for staff recruitment and training
Pupils attend The Abbey School from birth to 11 years of age. In order that we can achieve our aim of providers of good quality education our staff are recruited with care from suitably qualified and experienced applicants. Members of Staff employed by Abbey School have relevant educational qualifications and receive appropriate and regular in-service training with regard to all advice from QCDA (Qualification and Curriculum Development Agency) and Ofsted (The Office for Standards in Education), regarding the health and welfare of children, all National Curriculum requirements and best current educational practice. Many staff undergo upgrading and development of their qualifications to the mutual benefit of both themselves and our pupils.

Meet the Staff:

Mrs Sylvia Greinig

Principal

I arrived at Abbey School 1979 after 9 years as the Principal of a prep school in North Yorkshire. My particular expertise is developing educational programmes for young children, having been a school Principal now since 1970. In the late 80's and early 90’s, I was a National Curriculum Moderator in the South West Region for Key Stages 1 and 2, and spent the six years between 1997 and 2003 as an Ofsted Inspector of early years.  

The main focus of my work lies in helping children to learn how to learn, and amongst everything else we do in our industrious and cheerful primary school, this is something we encourage in all our pupils. My desired outcome for Abbey School is to develop independent learners. My role is to set about seeing that we do this throughout the time a child is with us so that they join their secondary school with appropriate skills and the confidence to tackle whatever comes their way.

While studying at Exeter University with the psychologist, Teri-Anne Hornby, I became interested in the work of the world-renowned philosopher, Professor Matthew Lipman, and particularly in his concept of Philosophy For Children (P4C). Finally, 1996, I travelled to New Jersey, New York, USA, to study with him and his assistant, Professor Ann Margaret Sharp. We all need to learn how to think, and watching thinking skills develop in young children is a revelation!

Miss Fleur Greinig

Head of Pastoral Care

I am the school Health and Safety Officer and Head of Pastoral Care. I gained a BA.Hons. degree in Geography and then studied at Bristol University for my Masters Degree in Policy Research, which comes in very handy in a primary school!

After gaining my MSc. I became a lecturer at the University of the West of England and initiated a new department responsible for introducing life skills to adults with learning difficulty. We achieved many memorable successes and many happy work placements with such companies as Asda, for several of our students. At UWE I was also on the interviewed panel for applicants to the Social Work degree, and assessed students end of year and end of degree work.

In school academic subjects are imperative, but life skills are also significant and I teach our pupils life skills including staying safe, first aid, sign language, touch typing and ICT. We want our pupils to be happy in school and to grow up contributing to society. Our buddy system and our qualified first aid pupils already demonstrate this when, in teams, they offer peer to peer assistance during playtimes – a pleasure to see!

Mrs Kirsty Porter

Administrator

I joined Abbey School in 2006 and as School Administrator my job is to process all new admissions to the school and nursery and maintain parent / pupil accounts. Whatever you say to me is, of course, always confidential and please remember, I am here to help. I am the first port of call for many admin and all financial queries from parents and, on the business side, I also deal with all our suppliers.

I am trained in the finance of government grants for our eligible nursery children and am happy to explain the intricacies of these so as to maximize the benefit to you and your child. I am usually in the reception office at the start and end of every day and you have to pass me, so please keep in touch!

Mrs Karen Hunt

Head of Nursery

I grew up in Torbay and after qualifying I took time out to visit Australia, returning to join Abbey School as a Nursery Nurse.

From the start of my career I recognized the importance of development in the earliest years of life and the vital role these years contribute to what lies ahead. Now, with children of my own, I understands even more the varying needs of individual children and how a stimulating environment expands the foundations on which all future growth depends.

I became Head of Nursery at Abbey School in July 2003 where I now put into practice all the skills, expertise and experience I have gained during a career in nursery education and whilst bringing up my own children. I was especially delighted to receive a long service certificate earned while at Abbey School and presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO during her visit to us in September 2003.

In my spare time I enjoy family pursuits and quality time with my husband and three children.

Mrs Viv Brown

Reception Class Teacher

As Reception Class teacher, my job is to ease the transition from Nursery to the main school. I focus on developing the children's confidence and independence, and ensuring that they feel comfortable and happy within the larger school environment.

Getting started on the basic skills and understanding required for Literacy and Numeracy is also very important during this year. At this stage much of this is achieved through songs, games, and practical multi-sensory activities, rather than formal written work. Interest, enthusiasm, a desire to have a go, and an enquiring mind will give the children a firm launch pad from which to begin their educational journey.

Miss Sue McCormick

Year 1 Class Teacher

After gaining a BA in Primary Education and a BSc in Early Years Development at Bristol, I returned to Torquay and taught both KS1 and KS2. I joined Abbey School in 2007, initially in the nursery and following the birth of my own son, returned to teach Y1.

The progress children make during this year is very exciting –it’s an amazing year to teach! The KS1 curriculum introduces a variety of subjects and topics, encouraging children to build self-belief and initiative. Above all, I don’t ever want a child to be frightened to make a mistake, after all, that’s how we all learn best!

I encourage children to put their newly learnt skills to the test and acquire a ‘have a go’ attitude as they begin to take steps towards self-assessment and an understanding of how to improve. Year 1 children follow a busy, flexible programme and take part in a variety of challenging activities, geared to creating happy and confident individuals. I believe that when children enjoy a breadth of learning experiences they grow to love learning, and this love of learning will support them throughout their future education and beyond.

Mrs Jill Opie

Assist Head KS1 and Year 2 Class Teacher

I’ve lived in Devon for most of my life and taught for almost 25 years. I love to see a child master a new skill or utter the words, ‘ah! now I understand’. Abbey is a very special place where children feel valued in a happy atmosphere that enables them to thrive and attain their potential.

Year 2 is an exciting and challenging year. It is a time for building on excellent foundations whilst also preparing children for the move into the Junior department. Many really blossom at this stage, developing a love of reading, story writing and problem solving. Some adults have bad memories of Maths lessons and one of my aims is to make Maths fun. I encourage children to take greater responsibility for their behaviour and provide opportunities for them to reflect on their learning. I’m a keen musician, play several instruments and enjoy singing.

Mrs Colleen Pomeroy

Year 3 Class Teacher

During my teaching career I have worked in a variety of roles in the primary sector including Class Teacher, Language Support Teacher, and County Advisor for Reading and Language Development. Additionally I have been employed as a BEd lecturer teaching art and craft at Middlesex University and also an Educational Development Tutor to NNEB students at Kensington and Chelsea College.

My present post as Year 3 Class Teacher requires a sensitivity to the anxieties that entering the junior school can present to some children. I provide a structured, happy, stimulating and challenging learning environment, carrying on from the excellent foundations of the infant school towards the increasing challenges demanded from junior pupils.

I have taught at Abbey School since 2005 and enjoy each day and the exciting teaching opportunities that working with primary aged children affords. I believe that all learning should have real purpose and a curriculum that challenges and excites children, at whatever academic or maturity level, leads to self-confidence, a pride in achievement, a positive attitude to learning and behaviour and above all, promotes maturing, independent learners.

Mr Paul Zaple

Year 4 & Year 5 Class Teacher

I have been in education now for 30 years. In the course of my career I have undertaken many roles from class teacher to Deputy Head, Advisory Teacher for SEN, to Headteacher. During this time many national initiatives have been introduced that have brought many challenges to the profession, some for the good whilst others have fallen by the wayside.

I have always held firmly to the belief that whatever strategy is the “fashion of the day”, at the centre must be the child and to this end have an holistic approach to a child’s development, academically and socially. I recognize that each individual has many strengths and talents in many varied areas. These should be built upon and extended whilst at the same time areas of weakness should be improved through explicit, challenging yet achievable targets. My aim is to work towards developing confident, independent learners who experience success at all levels.

Mr Nick Harrison

Year 6 Class Teacher

Following a degree from Leicester University and spells in both the personal and private banking sectors, I chose to teach and gained a PGCE from Gloucestershire University. After working in contrasting schools across Hampshire, Gloucestershire and Devon I settled in Torquay in late 2009.

Learning should combine challenge, reward and excitement. I provide the opportunity for my pupils to excel in their strengths and improve what they find difficult. It is particularly wonderful when enthusiasm for learning is shared between academia and extra-curricular interests. I encourage pupils to develop a positive attitude towards work and the school community, and embrace their passions in the wider curriculum, wherever this takes them.

My priority as a year 6 teacher is to support pupils through this intellectually and emotionally challenging year. I strive to help children become independent learners and adopt the responsibility for creating their own positive learning environment.

Mrs Sue Maloney

Secretary

I have lived in Devon since 1988 and joined Abbey School as Secretary in September 1995. I now have 3 children and as well as working in school, enjoy a hectic family life.

My work at Abbey School is always interesting and varied with no two days the same. Over the years I have been involved in many school events and the whole diversity of school life, which one day may include caring for a sick child waiting to be picked up by Mum or Dad, and on another helping to organize a royal visit for the opening of a new facility, as with the Jubilee Hall!

School life is always full of activity and I take pleasure in the daily bustle and the interaction with children, parents and teachers.

Nursery Staff

Laura Jones

Maria Brown

Mandy Nicol

 

 

 

 

Nursery Staff

Carrie Lee

Becky Hayes

Caryn Reynolds

 

 

 

 

Mrs Ann Retallick

Head of Catering and Domestic Services

My life at the Abbey School started in 1984 - little did I know then that I would be here today!  So many changes have taken place over the years and yet it still remains for me a busy, friendly school.

My basic duty is to feed the children so they have the energy they need to tackle their afternoon  activities.  Sometimes that can be a challenge - you all know how fussy your children can be at mealtimes. Well, multiply that by 150 every day and you get the idea! Whatever happens they will find something they enjoy from the fresh main meal prepared each day or the alternatives on offer. Healthy life-style choices are a big part of life here at Abbey. If you want to discuss your child’s requirements, my door is always open.  Or, follow your nose for the smell of the day!  Garlic, chocolate cake, roasts etc. - take your pick!

Lunchtime Staff

Lynda McNally

Lynette Allen

Judy Sofroni