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Richard Heaven, the current Deputy Head of St Clement’s School, is being promoted to Head Teacher from September this year.
He will be taking over from Sheila Ponomarenko, who will be retiring this summer after leading the school for just over a decade. Her teaching career also included posts in England and 17 years’ service at JCG Prep.
Mr Heaven, who was educated in Jersey at First Tower, Le Rocquier and Hautlieu Schools, became a teacher in 1993. His first job was at St Clement’s School but in the old building across the road. He has also worked in New Zealand and at St Lawrence School, and has been in his current post for eight years.
Mr Heaven said: “I began my teaching career at St Clement’s School and was delighted to return some time later as Deputy Head Teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past eight years working alongside Mrs Ponomarenko and am now looking forward to taking on the challenge of headship.
“St Clement’s is already a successful school with a great sense of community which is enhanced by the inclusion of the Total Communication Centre for profoundly deaf children. I look forward to building on the school’s many strengths, working collaboratively with the children, parents and staff to provide the best possible learning opportunities.”
Chief Education Officer Justin Donovan added: “I am delighted we have been able to appoint another candidate from within our existing teaching workforce to this important post in one of our primary schools. Mr Heaven has longstanding links with the school and is a welcome addition to the ranks of our head teachers.”
Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said: “St Clement’s School has been instrumental in supporting the deaf community in the wider sense so that all children and their families feel included, and that’s been driven by Mrs Ponomarenko who has led a skilled and dedicated team of staff. I’m sure they would all like to join me in thanking her and wishing her well in her retirement.”
