Colleen Boyd (1952 - 2020)

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Mrs Colleen Boyd, former Head of Geography at St John’s College, on 12 September.

Colleen taught at St John’s College for more than 20 years, joining the formidable teaching team comprising Paul Turner, Cliff Midgley and Alan Wilcock in 1996.

Colleen took over as Head of Geography two years later under unusual circumstances. Two members of her Department were senior men, both of whom had been Heads of the Department that she was to inherit. Colleen took this in her stride and in her quiet and efficient way she took Geography to new heights at St John's.

Colleen exuded warmth and care and was well-loved by all who knew her. Her students respected her strict-yet-fair attitude and knew that she always expected them to give of their best. Her colleagues, especially those in her Department, valued her warmth and support as she led with an understated sense of calm and exceptional organisation.

The records will show that the Geography Department regularly managed to achieve excellent Matric results and that it was also a preferred choice subject when it came to the time for subject choices.

“The Geography community has lost one of the best,” said Mrs Bridget Fleming, her successor as Head of Geography. “I was honoured that she entrusted her beloved Department to me five years ago. I will never forget what she whispered in my ear at the interview: ‘look after my family’”.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her son Shaun, her family and all that knew and loved her.