Great teachers are pride of Enfield

Despina Panayi, London’s best newcomer

Geoff Cumner-Price, distinction among best primary heads

Two great Enfield teachers have done Enfield proud this week at the prestigious London regional Teacher Award ceremony held in the Café Royal.

Newcomer to teaching, Despina Panayi of Winchmore Secondary School is London’s outstanding newcomer to teaching and Geoff Cumner-Price head teacher at Oakthorpe Primary School in Palmers Green was honoured with a distinction in the outstanding primary head teacher category.

Despina centre with final year

Geoff among his young admirers

Geoff and Despina are among 432 successful nominees from over 6,500 nominations from the public.

As a winner in her category, Despina moves on to the major celebration on Sunday 21st October, which will be televised from the London Palladium.

Cllr Glynis Vince, cabinet member for education, children’s services and young people, said, “This is so well deserved. Everyone will join me in congratulating these two professionals who have made such an enormous contribution to the children and families from their schools. We are extremely proud of their achievement.”

Geoff commented, “As a head teacher I know how important it is to have a great team of teaching and support staff, a first class governing body, interested parents and wonderful children to teach.

“This success is down to the teamwork of all these people and the support of Enfield Council. I thank them all for making my career so enjoyable in every way - and I just love being at Oakthorpe. I wish Despina every success in the national awards in October.”

Despina, added, “It has been a marvellous year for me. As a new teacher I have enjoyed the full support from all my colleagues and I know that I am at my happiest teaching. It is a great honour to receive this national recognition not just for me personally, but also for my school and representing London.”

Peter Lewis, director of education, children’s services and leisure, said, ”Great teachers are the future for all our children and these awards honour some very remarkable men and women who are able to give our children learning experiences that will be remembered all their lives.

“In Enfield we have many wonderful teachers and head teachers and we are very fortunate to have two people whose skill and determination is outstanding. Well done Geoff and Despina.”

Enfield’s chief executive, Rob Leak, added his praise, “Good teachers benefit the whole community. Clearly Despina and Geoff have given Enfield great service and I congratulate them both for their dedication to our young people.”

Council leader, Michael Rye, summed up, “I am truly delighted to add my comment to the praise for these true professionals. They have brought pride to our borough – but more than that, it is their teaching skill and the warmth that they bring to their work that is being honoured through these awards.”

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