On Wednesday, Priory said a fond and emotional farewell to Mrs Small, the much‑loved volunteer who has devoted her Wednesday lunchtimes to running our popular Japanese Club.
After almost five years of inspiring pupils with her enthusiasm for the Japanese language and culture, Mrs Small has now stepped down from her role - and she will be deeply missed by everyone involved.
For many pupils, Japanese Club has been a highlight of the week. Every Wednesday in MF1, Mrs Small created a warm, welcoming space where pupils from all year groups could explore Japanese language, traditions, crafts and even origami. Her gentle encouragement and genuine passion drew in pupils who might never have considered learning another language, helping them discover new interests and confidence along the way.
Her impact has been far‑reaching. Over the years, Mrs Small’s guidance has sparked a lasting love of Japanese among our pupils - with one former student going on to achieve a GCSE in the subject and others considering the same route down the line.
To thank her for her dedication, pupils presented Mrs Small with chocolates and a beautiful bouquet of flowers during her final session.
Mrs Scully, Head of Languages, shared her appreciation: “Mrs Small has brought something truly special to Priory. Her enthusiasm for Japanese language and culture has opened doors for so many of our pupils, giving them experiences and inspiration they will carry with them for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and kindness she has given to our school.
“Although we are sad to see her go, we are immensely thankful for everything she has contributed to Priory. Japanese Club was a space she transformed into a vibrant, inclusive and joyful part of our school community.”
