Motivational Monday - Pippa Whitby

 Pippa Whitby - PE Teacher/Gab's Housemistress

When did you arrive in Mayfield and where did you come from?

I arrived at Mayfield as a PE Teacher 16 years ago having previously been at Dunottar school in Surrey. I moved on site 6 years ago when I became Housemistress of Gab's (Connelly as it was then).

Your greatest influence growing up?

My parents - for encouraging me to do whatever was right for me without any pressure to follow the norm. They also spent hours transporting me to various sporting matches, practises and got up far too early to get me to riding in between, showing me that with good organisation anything was possible! There was also another lady - Mrs May who owned the riding school I used to go to, who placed good manners and integrity above everything else. It's stuck with me and probably my friends ever since. She also set up a primary school in her garden during the war for children who had been evacuated to the countryside and ran it far beyond the war being over until she was very elderly - it was a wonderful place to see and she dedicated so much of her life to helping others.

Best memory of Mayfield so far?

Gosh there are plenty - taking the girls to various sporting tournaments and competitions, Mayfield Day, seeing my Gab's girls dressed up for the Summer Ball and feeling so proud of them, the list could go on....

Why do you think Mayfield is so special?

The history, ethos, location but more importantly the opportunity to achieve in more ways than just exam results.

Advice you’d give your younger self?

Slow down and enjoy the moment!