FORMER Churcher’s College Junior School headteacher Seona Rivett, was remembered during a memorial service after sadly passing away from bowel and liver cancer after 15 months of illness.

Mrs Rivett (right) had been head at the school for 20 years and a member of staff for 25 years, before she retired in 2013. She built the juniors from a small independent house and when it grew too big for its site, the school moved from Petersfield to Liphook in 2003. 

Despite having set high standards for her staff and pupils, she always had a smile on her face and lent a reassuring ear.

Her real passion was English, poetry and drama - in particular adaptations of  Shakespeare and she led the school performances over many years. 

Mrs Rivett was always keen to make education come alive for her pupils and loved a good dressing up day. Over her time pupils and staff had the opportunity to be heroes from books, villains, animals, and various historical characters.

Lead by Mrs Rivett the CCJS family celebrated national events in style – such as Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee. She spearheaded the creation of the school’s magical space - the sensory garden, a beautiful and changing outdoor enrvironment enjoyed by everyone today – one of her many lasting legacies.

The garden became one of the centre points for the school’s diamond jubilee celebrations, when Mrs Rivett asked all the “Elizabeths” in the school to help plant a jubilee rose as well as burying a time capsule full of memories for future generations to discover.

The whole school sat down to tea outside, and embraced the red, white and blue theme.

Mrs Rivett stood out with her enthusiasm to try a new challenge and she would never expect children to do something she would not do herself. She had a special relationship with them and always took time to listen to their opinions and ideas, remaining approachable and supporting them.

Her main aim as head was to provide each child with the opportunity to shine in something, to be able to take the time to find out what their strengths were, whether it be sport, music, the arts, academic subjects, leadership skills or an ability to nurture younger pupils. She gave many children the opportunity to grow, mature and thrive.

She leaves behind husband David Rivett and two children Jessica and Alex.