Express & Star

Brewood School St Dominic's to name hall after former head Kathy Peakman

A school hall will be renamed in honour of a headteacher described as ‘an inspiration’ during a special ceremony.

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Kathy Peakman

St Dominic’s Grammar School, in Brewood, is renaming its main hall in tribute to Kathy Peakman, who also served as a governor.

She taught at the school for almost 30 years and continued to provide support and advice to staff and governors until shortly before her death two years ago.

Past and present students, staff, parents and friends are being invited to a ceremony and concert to celebrate her life and commitment tomorrow, event on Wednesday, October 11 from 7pm.

The event will include music from the school’s chamber choir, senior choir, soloists and a community choir made up of parents and friends of all generations.

Organisers say the concert will be a fitting tribute to Mrs Peakman, who loved the school’s performing arts traditions and the joy its students were able to share with others through music. Cash raised during the event will be donated to Compton Hospice, where she spent the last weeks of her life before she died aged 72.

Mrs Peakman, of Codsall, joined St Dominic’s as a teacher in 1975 and continued to devote her life to the school as deputy headteacher, headteacher and also as a governor for many years until shortly before her death from cancer in 2015, aged 72.

She was today described as an inspirational lady and a role model for many, including the current head of school Mr Peter McNabb. She wrote a book about the history of the school and presented Mr McNabb with a copy signed alongside the words “over to you Peter” when he was appointed head in 2015.

She served as a governor while Mr McNabb was deputy headteacher.

“She inspired me to keep going whatever the obstacles and to build on the school’s great traditions and all it has achieved,” said Mr McNabb. Mrs Samantha Kirwan, head of St Dominic’s preparatory school, added: “Mrs Peakman worked hard for the school right to the end.

“She supported and inspired so many people, including the current head of school, Mr Peter McNabb.

“With the launch of St Dominic’s as a grammar school it was thought fitting to have a service in her honour and re-name the main hall Peakman Hall after her.”

“Mrs Peakman loved the musical traditions of St. Dominic’s and the joy the children have shared with so many people in this way over the years.”

“All former students whose lives she touched are invited to come and attend this lovely occasion as well as current parents and students who have known the legacy she left ensuring growth in mind, body and spirit.”

Mr McNabb said Mrs Peakman had continued to take an active interest in the school following her retirement in 2003 and to give invaluable advice and support to teachers and governors even during her illness.

“The renaming of the hall will be a daily reminder to all of us of her contribution to the school and wonderful example to follow,” he said.

To attend the concert to contact the school on 01902 850248 to check whether seats are available.