Very sad news.
Former head of Pillgwenlly Primary School Joan Todd died last night. She had been ill for some time at St Woolos Hospital Newport. Our condolences go to husband Neil and sons Brychan and Meirion.
Joan was an inspiring and gifted teacher. I have unforgettable memories of attending Assemblies at this relatively new school. They were a joy. The school is a rainbow mix of many ethnic groups. Half the children at prayer joined their hands together in the Christian tradition, the other half cupped them in the Muslim tradition. But Joan ensured they were saying the same prayer.
Pillgwenlly Primary School's personality was Joan's main lifetime achievement. Three Pill schools were combined and Joan was the first headteacher in 1988. It soon became one of Wales favourite schools with superlative inspectors' report. The Welsh Office selected the school for many major events. It was a unique blend of races and with hine mother-tongue languages. She retired in 2002 after 14 memorable years.
Many thousands of Newportonians will be saddened tonight. They benefited from Joan's work as a teacher and a headteacher. Their lives and characters were shaped by her example and exhortations. She won the respect and the concentrated attention of her pupils by the strength of her character and the variety and inventiveness of her teaching. Her idealism and socialism ran deeply.
Her many friends in Newport knew Joan as a tower of strength and a laughing lovely lady who charmed us all. She was always a lively good humoured companion and wise reliable friend.
Wife, mother, teacher and grandmother she lived a great life of warmth, duty and kindness.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to husband Neil and the rest of the family. Neil, Brychan and Meirion are indebted to the exceptional care and compassion of the staff of Holly Ward in St Woolos Hospital. Neil said that when he thanked them they replied that they were only doing their job. 'They went way beyond that' said Neil.'They gave Joan peace and solace in her final days.'
Rest in Peace, Comrade.
Funeral details
Joan's funeral will be at St Basil's Church Bassaleg
Friday 24th February
11.45 a.m.
Joan was a wonderful lady with a down to earth sense of humour and such a positive outlook. A necessary attribute for a teacher. The times spent with Joan and Neil are some of my very best memories. I will really miss her. The world will miss her.
Posted by: David Mayer | February 11, 2012 at 02:55 PM