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October 2019

Welcome to our 30th Robert Clack Alumni Association

newsletter – unfortunately brought to you in some incredibly

difficult times. In this edition we bring you the full report

from a very special day in Robert Clack history – Meghan

Markle’s visit to celebrate International Women’s Day in

March. We reflect back on alumni supported events in the

school prior to the changes required due to coronavirus, and

celebrate the fantastic work of our alumni tackling the global

pandemic – from fundraising and donating to hospitals, ‘tapping’

for the NHS, and our phenomenal former students who are

serving on the frontline of medical and community services

every day. To our ‘Alumni Army’ – we salute you all!

Update from the Trust The trustees were unable to get together for our planned

March meeting due to the global pandemic. We have remained in

touch though, and are looking forward to meeting again and

returning to the school soon. Our commitment to our thriving

alumni community and creating opportunities for Robert Clack

students remains as strong as ever, and we hope we can continue

to count on your fantastic support too.

We hope that you and your family and friends are safe and

well, and we look forward to seeing you back in school soon.

Issue 30

Robert Clack Alumni Association Newsletter

May 2020

2

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan

Markle, celebrates International

Women’s Day at Robert Clack

“Oh my god, that’s Meghan! I’m actually

going to meet Meghan!” This was one

student’s reaction as the Duchess of Sussex

surprised students at Robert Clack’s upper

site on Friday 6th March ahead of

International Women’s Day.

Excitement filled the air as Meghan got out

of her car and was greeted by Ian Pittaway

- Deputy Lieutenant for Barking and

Dagenham and Co-chair of the Robert Clack

Alumni Association. Many of the children

were speechless, while others gasped as

they set eyes on the Duchess who was stood

before them.

A few weeks earlier Ian had received an

email asking if any local schools would like a

visit from the Duchess. The theme of the

event was International Women’s Day and,

with Dagenham holding such an important

place in the history of women’s rights

following the Ford sewing machinists strike

which was instrumental in passing the 1970

Equal Pay Act, Robert Clack were

particularly keen to welcome such a special

guest. We were honoured to be selected and

set about making plans for the day with the

Duchess’s staff and security services.

After being introduced to Head Teacher

Russell Taylor and Senior Deputy Head

Teacher Steve O’Brien, Meghan smiled

broadly as she was presented with a bouquet

of flowers by Year 7 students, Fiona Addai

and Harvi Shehi.

Meghan was then invited to the

Information Centre where she was

welcomed by Assistant Head Izzy Eames

and her Year 9 students who were

working on a project about female poets.

The students had researched a variety

of female poets, studied an unseen poem,

and were busy creating their own poems

using their research as inspiration. The

Duchess was very interested in their

work and offered encouraging words

when students shared their poems with

her and the group.

Meghan then met Assistant Head Emily

Valentine and the Year 12 Debating

Society. Robert Clack Debaters have

rubbed shoulders with stars and

politicians over the years - but never

royalty! Miss Valentine shared her

experiences of the day:

3

She praised them for how articulate they

were and that it was clear that the moral

compasses they hold will enable them to

become world leaders when they complete

their education. A particular highlight of

our time with the Duchess was when she

was made an honourary member of the

Debate Society and students Lily and Yesha

presented her with her own debate jacket,

she said that 'her husband would be very

jealous'. It was an absolute honour for

some of our Debate Society to meet such a

warm, modern and personable member of

the Royal Family. It was a day that we will

never forget!”

Calling all Fundraisers!

Can you help to give the next generation of students a ‘helping hand’ and ensure that potential and not

background determines their future? We are looking for people to help us fundraise for the Alumni Association.

This will include helping us to scope fundraising ideas, develop relationships with businesses, identify and pursue

potential sources of income, and plan applications to grant awarding bodies. Perhaps you’ve got experience of

fundraising in another voluntary or professional capacity, have key contacts that may be able to help, or just

have some time to spare and want to get involved.

Whatever your experience (whether it’s lots or none at all), however much time you are able to give (from a

regular commitment to one off advice/support sessions) get in touch at emonk@robertclack.co.uk. We’d love to

hear from you and we’d love you to join us on our brilliant journey to helping Robert Clack students be the best

they can be.

“When Mr Taylor told me about the Royal

Visit from the Duchess of Sussex there was

no question about ensuring that our

wonderful debaters got an opportunity to

show off their skills, especially as the issues

that the Duchess holds close to her heart are

the same as those involved in the Debate

Society. What struck me about the Duchess

was that she was incredibly down to earth

and keen to hear the views and aspirations of

those taking part in the session. She

remarked on the fact that they were able to

discuss their future careers.

One example was embarking on work in

Gynaecology in the developing world, and how

student Aeesha was able link science and

debate effortlessly. She recognised that our

students have the ability to change the world

using their voices and encouraged them to

continue to have their voices heard.

Debater, Aeesah Anderson added, “The

Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is an

inspirational person not just to young people

from ethnic minorities and females, but to the

general population. I believe she has this

influence because she has already accomplished

so many great achievements in her life whilst

overcoming many difficulties thrown her way.

To have her join our Debate Society has made

all of us more proud of being part of the

Robert Clack Debate Society. Meeting the

Duchess of Sussex has given me personally

more confidence and assurance that my ability

to speak out can make positive changes and

help improve the lives of people for the better.

Her joining of our Debate Society has helped

solidify the fact that young people can make a

change in the world that we live in and that the

steps that we are taking to do this are being

noticed by many people from all around the

world.”

The Duchess made her final stop of the visit at

the assembly hall where she was keen to take

part in the Year 11 assembly which was themed

around International Women’s Day.

She was introduced to former student Miss

Hasika Bhudia, teacher of mathematics and

Head of Year 11, along with another honoured

guest - former student Geraldine Dear, a

retired Ford Machinist, who took part in the

Equal Pay Strike.

Students Rhyanna Williams and Renee

Palmer-Davies kick started the assembly

by speaking eloquently about the global

impact the female Dagenham Ford workers

made on women’s rights. The first strike in

1968 was a trigger in passing the Equal Pay

Act 1970. Geraldine was one of the ’13

rebels’ who took part in a further strike in

1984, in protest against the system that

graded women as unskilled workers.

Geraldine and her machinist colleagues

went on strike for six weeks before Ford

eventually agreed to their terms and they

returned to work on an equal footing to

the male skilled workers.

Year 13 student Olivia Collins then made a

heartfelt speech about her own

experiences as a woman and reflected on

where she thought life would take her.

Olivia said, “This visit is certainly one I will

remember, as the crucial celebration of

women and female empowerment was

recognised by a leading female figure in

public British consciousness. As I am from

a borough with issues surrounding gender

equality and the empowerment of young

people, I think that Meghan Markle

recognising our area and our school as an

important centre of change for gender in

our society and the role and status of

women is incredibly powerful.”

5

The ‘Citizen of The Week’ award was then

presented to student Charlotte Fleisher by

Meghan. A very excited Charlotte said, “It was

amazing to see Meghan in school. I couldn’t

believe it when she congratulated me for

receiving my award and shook my hand. This

memory will stay with me forever!”

The Duchess then addressed the assembly,

urging the boys in particular, to value and

appreciate the women in their lives whilst

setting an example to other men who may not

see things in the same way. “You have mothers,

sisters, girlfriends, and friends in your lives.

Protect them, make sure they are feeling

valued and safe. Let’s just rally together to

make sure International Women’s Day is

something that is not just for one day but

frankly feels like every day of the year.”

She then went ‘off the cuff’ and asked for a

male volunteer from the audience. The now

famous Year 11 Head Boy, Aker Okoye, was the

lucky student to be chosen! Aker approached

the stage to rapturous applause and cheers

from his peers and, shaking Meghan’s hand, he

said the words, “She really is beautiful innit!”

which has become his tag line and gone viral on

social media! Aker received a big hug from the

giggling Duchess who was clearly amused by his

reaction before speaking with confidence

about his views on women’s rights.

A very proud Miss Bhudia said “All in all,

the speeches from our pupils filled us

with nothing but pride on this special day.

The voice from today’s women of

Dagenham was held strong and we have

every faith in them to keep the fight for

equality alive through the generations to

come. Well done to everyone who was

involved and I am sure this will be a day

nobody will forget!"

This was certainly a day that will be

etched in the minds of all staff and

students at Robert Clack for many years

to come. The atmosphere around the

school was electric.

Here are a few quotes from some of the

students:

“I never expected to have such an honour

of meeting a royal, but there I was at

Robert Clack School meeting one of the

most special and important people today”

Fabio Petraru

“We were all waiting at our tables and

then we saw Meghan Markle through a

window the teachers forgot to cover! I

was honestly so excited because I was

getting this once in a lifetime

opportunity” Ula Lapinskaite

“It was amazing. We were all screaming

and crying in excitement. Seeing Meghan

Markle inspired me to try harder and be

the best me I can be” Popina Brennan

6

Head Teacher Russell Taylor reflected on the

day saying, “The visit of The Duchess of Sussex

was a truly great moment in the history of

Robert Clack School. As I listened to the

wonderful speeches given by Renee, Rhyanna,

and Olivia during the assembly, I found myself

feeling overcome with emotion. All I could think

was: this is what Robert Clack School is about.

This visit wasn’t about one individual; it was

about us, all of us, working together as one for

the benefit of all.

I’m sure you have seen the media coverage of

Meghan’s visit and I’m sure, like me, you cannot

fail to have noticed the look of shock,

exuberance, and unadulterated joy on our pupils’

faces. Meghan told our pupils - girls and boys -

that they matter, that they have a voice and

that they should use it. What a powerful

message! And the response on social media has

been nothing short of extraordinary, with so

many people from all over the world commenting

on our “amazing” pupils. I feel exceptionally

proud and privileged to be a part of our

community; I hope they all do too.”

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the

visit, especially our staff and wonderful

students. Special mentions to our VIPs, Ian

Pittaway, Geraldine Dear, the Mayor of Barking

and Dagenham, Peter Chand and his wife Ginger,

Chief Executive of LBBD, Chris Naylor, and

Leader of the Council, Darren Rodwell.

It was certainly a memorable day for us all!

Alumni inspire Year 11s and Sixth

Formers

Back in February and March, Robert

Clack were delighted to welcome three

former students - Hassan Habtoune

(class of 2015), Lewis Holmes (class of

2017), and Michael Soetan (class of

2015) – back to school to talk about life

in the workplace.

Hassan attended two assemblies to speak

to Year 11s and Sixth Formers about

career opportunities in the Civil Service

and being a ‘fast streamer’. After leaving

school, Hassan went on to study French

and History at Warwick University, with

a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. Following

graduation in 2019 Hassan is now part of

the Civil Service Fast Stream initiative –

a competitive programme that develops

people with the potential to become

future senior civil service leaders.

Hassan spoke about the opportunities on

offer through a civil service career, and

gave an insight in to working in this

diverse and exciting field.

7

Alumni inspire Year 11s and Sixth Formers

(Cont.)

Lewis Holmes and Michael Soetan, along with

their colleague Deborah Israel, spoke in Sixth

Form assembly about life as trainee surveyors

and being part of the apprenticeship scheme

at Cushman and Wakefield – a global

commercial real estate services firm. A

number of Robert Clack students have chosen

to pursue a career in surveying via this route,

and Cushman and Wakefield are always keen to

showcase the opportunities on offer to our

current crop of students.

Thank you so much to all of you for giving

your time to come back and share a first-

hand insight in to the world of work with our

current students. Hearing from former

students really does make a difference –

you are inspirational role models to them all!

Alumni support student to find their

‘Words for Work’

A huge thank you to all of our fantastic alumni

who volunteered to support this year’s Words

for Work – an innovative programme developed

and led by the National Literacy Trust, which

aims to improve student communication skills to

enable them to be successful in the workplace.

Special thanks go to Martin Wiltshire, John

Fordham, Sue Evans, Jeff Stafford, Kelly

Atkins, and Paul Spires.

Former Clack students donate

chocolate eggs and groceries to

hard working NHS staff

Robert Clack alumni Lewis Holmes and his

girlfriend Georgia Holmes recently gifted

over £650 worth of chocolate eggs and

groceries to Queen’s Hospital, Romford

and King George Hospital, Goodmayes to

show their appreciation for NHS workers.

It all started whilst they were out food

shopping and overheard a lady explaining

how her daughter, who was a nurse, had

been to Asda to get some essential items

but the shelves had been left empty by

panic buyers. Lewis and Georgia decided

to brighten up her day and bought some

chocolates for the lady’s daughter as a

small thank you gesture. When they

approached her and gave her the gift she

began crying and saying thank you - but it

was them who wanted to say thank you to

her daughter for working on the front line

during this challenging time.

The lady’s reaction had a big impact on

Lewis and Georgia, who then decided to

raise money to buy gifts for as many NHS

workers as they could.

“We went out to buy 60 Easter eggs, and

then sent messages to our colleagues,

friends, and family to ask for donations to

help us buy as many Easter eggs, fresh

fruit and vegetables as we could, all for

the local hospitals” said Lewis.

8

Former Clack students donate chocolate eggs

and groceries to hard working NHS staff

(Cont.)

In just 12 hours the pair managed to raise more

than £650 from Georgia’s work, Capricorn

Financial Consultancy, and Lewis’ work, Cushman

& Wakefield, as well as generous donations from

their friends and family.

Armed with a whopping 450 chocolate eggs and

250kg of fresh produce, they drove to the two

local hospitals to complete their mission of

reaching out to as many NHS workers as

possible and gifting them with items. “We wanted

to go there especially for the local nurses, critical

care staff and doctors caring for coronavirus

patients and those affected, as well as those they

care for in their day job who are critically ill”

explained Lewis.

“We had two fantastic helpers on the day, Katie

Nelson, a former Clack student who also works for

Cushman & Wakefield, and her cousin Courtney who

is currently in Year 13 at Robert Clack. They

assisted us by transporting all of the eggs and fresh

produce to the two hospitals.”

With the money they had left, Lewis and

Georgia continued their efforts and reached out

to hospitals in Newham.

A huge thank you to Lewis, Georgia, and their

supporters for these acts of incredible kindness

and generosity during challenging times.

Dagenham dancer ‘spices’ up salute

to healthcare workers with ‘Tap

for the NHS’ fundraising tribute

A dancer from Dagenham has created tap

for carers as a salute to NHS workers in a

bid to raise £1,000 for charity. Former

Clack student Andrew Faulkner had just

returned from touring with Spirit of the

Dance when the coronavirus pandemic

began.

He came up with the weekly tap-dancing

tribute after his mum Amanda praised

NHS workers for doing an amazing job.

Andrew said: “Clap for carers is a really

lovely thing to do, but I thought I could

spice it up a bit and add my own flavour to

it.”

The 23-year-old’s fundraiser Tap for the

NHS sees dancers from across the

country take part in a 50 second tap

dancing routine to a ukulele version of The

Wizard of Oz classic Somewhere Over

the Rainbow.

Andrew – who studied at Spotlight Stage

School, Kerry Jane Academy of Dance,

and Tiffany Theatre College – also has

personal reasons for the charity work.

“We all know the NHS is doing an amazing

job, but if it wasn’t for them, I would have

lost my mum a couple of Christmases ago.

She has breathing difficulties. With all

that’s going on, it’s been quite worrying,

but we’re doing the best to look after her.

Hopefully, [Tap for the NHS] will put a

smile on NHS workers’ faces” Andrew

said.

9

Dagenham dancer ‘spices’ up salute to

healthcare workers with ‘Tap for the NHS’

fundraising tribute (Cont.)

And judging by the comments on social media,

the live Facebook performances certainly

have been lifting spirits, and inspiring people

of all ages to join in with dancers as young as

eight following Andrew’s choreography.

“It’s been amazing. It’s nice that it’s had a

positive impact,” Andrew said.

And the project raised more than £400 for

NHS Charities Together towards a £1,000

target in the first week of the routine being

shown on social media. The plan is to repeat

the routine every Thursday.

On choosing a ukulele rendition of the song,

Andrew said: “I chose it because of the NHS

rainbow and because it’s a hopeful song.

Whereas the original version is like a ballad,

this version has a better beat to dance to it.”

To share the routine, the dancer enlisted

friend and fellow performer Leah Dane to

edit a video.

If you would like to donate please visit

justgiving.com/fundraising/tapfornhs

Courtesy of the Dagenham Post. Picture courtesy of TommyG

photography

Alumni Keyworker Heroes

During these very difficult and uncertain

times that we are all currently experiencing,

we have been focussing on some of the more

positive stories which have been sent to us

by some of our amazing alumni front line

workers. It is hard to put into words how

very proud we are of you all, putting your

own lives at risk by going out to work each

day, keeping the country running and

keeping us safe. We wouldn’t be able to get

through this without you.

On behalf of the school and Alumni

Association we applaud all key workers

working across the country but would

especially like to express our appreciation

to former students working on the front

line. You are doing a brilliant job and we will

be forever grateful.

(Pictures below from left to right) Julie Bateman, left Clack in

the early 1970s, Senior Staff Nurse, St Francis Hospice, Lisa

Childs, 2003, Clare Home, Suffolk, Steven Soper, 2012, Tesco

Fresh Food Distribution, Jaime Woolnough, 2012, second year

student Midwife working part time in a residential Care Home

whilst training, Dr Alison Berner, 2006, redeployed to Milton

Keynes University Hospital as a Medical Registrar covering a ward

for acute patients with COVID, Chloe Scott, 2015, fourth year

Medical Student currently volunteering at A&E, Kajal Ruparell,

2015 fourth year Medical Student at Imperial College London &

volunteering with her local GPs to help them with incoming

patients, Craig Emmery, 2013, Police Officer, Hannah Denham,

2006, Pharmacy Production at Queens Hospital making chemo-

therapy for cancer patients and noradrenaline for COVID19

patients, Jack Oxley, 2014, Emergency Response Officer,

Metropolitan Police, David Nash, 2015, Firefighter, Dagenham Fire

Station, Jodie Benson, 2014, HCA Kings College Hospital, London,

Simon Wilson, 2014, making and distributing medicine, one in

particular used for patients on ventilators, Kirsty Gardiner,2011,

Frontline COVID19 Nurse, Queens Hospital, Vicky, HCA,

Broomfield Hospital, Sarah Galvin, 2012, ASDA, Judith Petley,

1977, Frontline COVID19 Nurse, Sharon Waylen 1977, Frontline

COVID19 A&E Respiratory Sister, Dean Adams, 1985, known as

Digger, Ocado delivering to London and Essex. Special mentions to:

Hannah Foss, 2016, supplying pharmaceuticals to the NHS, Sally

Mifsud, 1988, SEN TA, Trinity School, Natasha Issa, 2002,

Trinity School, Debbie Metcalfe, Childrens Nursery, Rickie

Metcalf, London Under- ground, Dionne Metcalf, Special Care

Baby Unit, Southend.

10

A few of our Robert Clack alumni key

worker heroes

11

Spotlight on… Sarah Rennie (Class of

1980) Head of Human Resources for a large bus

operator in London, Sarah Rennie, is under

the spotlight in this edition.

Working life

Sarah started Robert Clack in 1974 and left

in 1980, after spending a year in the Sixth

Form, so from a school reunion point of view

she is actually the class of 1979. She is

currently Head of Human Resources for a

large bus operator in London and also has

additional HR responsibilities throughout the

UK. Sarah has worked her way up from office

junior to her current role, and is part of a

senior leadership team who employ

approximately 3,600 people over ten sites.

Sarah originally wanted to be a Police Officer,

but after a weekend induction course at

Hendon police training centre she knew that it

was not the career for her.

School day memories

The lessons Sarah enjoyed most through

school were Geography and PE.

Some of the teachers made a great

impression on her and 40 years later she can

still clearly hear the words of one teacher in

particular “You can achieve whatever you want

in life”. Over the years Sarah has often

reflected on these very wise words and her

fond memories of school.

One thing Sarah does wish she had done

differently was to stay on for her final year

in Sixth Form to complete her A level studies.

At the time, however, employment

opportunities were limited so she decided to

leave and take up a job instead.

Sarah’s thoughts on how school has

changed Pupils have a lot more opportunity these

days. The subject areas and how people

learn with technology are very different.

It was chalk and paper in my day!

Student expectations are probably higher.

Education is so much more versatile now.

There are lots of different ways to learn

and these, quite rightly, are actively

encouraged. I think education is much

more diverse and inclusive. Individual

talents are now recognised a lot more

which enables individuality to be

celebrated.

Sarah’s advice for students today

The school environment has so much to

offer – and not just academically. It’s the

place where you build lifelong friendships,

get to know what your strengths are, what

you need to work on, and you can practice

all of this in a relatively safe place. Your

social skills, how you interact with others

and work as a team, are all skills you

practice at school. These are crucial in the

world of work, so take every opportunity

to build on these the best you can.

12

If you would like to find out more

about events in the school that you

can take part in, or want to tell us

what you’ve been up to since leaving

school, please drop Ellen Monk a line

(emonk@robertclack.co.uk).

There’s always something going on and

always opportunities for you to get

involved

We’d love to hear from you and

welcome you back to school!

Support the Robert Clack Alumni Association Join us Sign up to the Alumni Association at:

https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/register/robertcla

ck

Volunteer Come back to school as part of one of the

many exciting events we run with current pupils

throughout the year. Contact emonk@robertclack.co.uk

Donate Alumni can make a real difference to current

pupils’ lives. You can donate at www.justgiving.com/rcdt

by texting RCDT08 to 70070 or contacting

emonk@robertclack.co.uk

Look out for our next newsletter in July 2020

Spotlight on… Sarah Rennie (Class of 1980) (Cont.)

As an employer, I look for enthusiasm, tenacity, innovative ideas and a great sense of

humour. Again, these are all skills you can pick up in school and they will certainly help you

throughout your career and in everyday life.

Life sometimes throws unexpected curveballs. You will experience sad and difficult periods

at times, but it’s important to believe in yourself - focusing on what you can achieve does

win through in the end.

And final words from Sarah are……take it from me, a Robert Clack start in life is a

great one!

Thank you Sarah for being ‘Under the Spotlight!’