A FAMILIAR face was missing when children and staff returned to Bishop Road Primary School for the new academic year.
As our young reporters Emeline and Myla outline below, longserving headteacher Gillian Powe is beginning her retirement after 21 years at the helm.
Mrs Powe led the school through a major expansion in the early years of the 21st century, maintaining high teaching and learning standards alongside a wide range of experiences and opportunities for all.
Mrs Powe told the Voice: “Primary schools have been at the centre of their communities all down the years as the youngest among us learn, grow and develop in their first phase of education. So many children have attended Bishop Road that it would be hard to calculate the sum of its influence across the families of Bishopston since it was built.
“It has been a great privilege to lead the school over my 21 years, and to have worked with so very many parents, staff, governors and well-wishers to make it the successful and happy place that it is. It is highly rewarding to see so many children gain the knowledge, skills and character they need to make the best of their futures.
“The key focus on quality books and developing a love of reading and writing has been so very exciting and I am very grateful for all the support and encouragement I received to establish and maintain the libraries, visiting authors and teacher expertise.
“As I retire, I take a myriad of memories with me of all the special little moments and wonderful busy occasions that make up day to day experiences at Bishop Road School. My aim was for children and all those connected with the school to have a similar reservoir of good thoughts and positive feelings so that together we would say ‘Primary School is a good, purposeful and rewarding influence in our lives’.
“I wish the whole community the very best for the future as the school moves on in its journey of serving and nurturing the children of Bishopston.
The school’s headteacher Joe Emissah said: “Mrs Powe has made a huge contribution to Bishop Road School for more than two decades. Her legacy of reading and English permeate our school culture and will continue to be the heart of the school.
“Mrs Powe has supported and inspired children and staff alike. Everyone at Bishop Road wishes her a happy retirement after many years of service.”
Share your memories of Mrs Powe. Email us at news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Dear Bishopston Voice,
Our names are Emeline and Myla. We are two former students who just left Bishop Road Primary and we love reading the Bishopston Voice.
We are writing to you about putting a story in it.
It’s about the retired Bishop Road Primary School headteacher,
Mrs Gillian Powe …
Mrs Powe has been at Bishop Road School for 21 years. Above the school’s library children across the school created a book sign in memory of the beloved head teacher who brought her infamous love of books to the school. Mrs Powe was given a fond farewell including everyone singing an adapted version of one of her favourite songs “Thank you for the music”. Additionally, two year six’s presented her with a hand-made book created by the children. Also as a part of her leaving celebrations she had a governors and staff tea party in which a group of year six’s sang her best-loved songs from her favourite plays. Mrs Powe was well known for her love of plays. Every year, each class puts on 2 plays, a summer play and a winter play, performed to Mrs Powe and the family members of the class. Along with the tea party, she also celebrated with a staff BBQ. Mr Joseph Emissah, previously the deputy head, is stepping up in September 2025. As the new head rises to the occasion, there is support and excitement from the students, staff and families. (Although probably less support from the kids!)
Mrs Powe will be truly missed and her legacy will live on every time they pick up a picture book!
