A popular former headteacher of St Catherine’s School, Penrith, Richard Gaizely, has died following a short illness.
Born in Northallerton, the youngest of five children, the family later moved to Halifax and, after training as a teacher at De La Salle College, Manchester, Richard taught at St Malachy’s school in Halifax for 10 years before being appointed deputy head at St Chad’s School, Brighouse.
St Malachy’s was a designated educational priority area, recognising that some of the pupils were growing up in economically deprived circumstances and consequently were at a disadvantage in terms of educational progress.
Richard was instrumental in developing a small teaching unit within the school, where identified pupils could be taught by him in small groups and benefit from individualised programmes of study, an initiative which was a very new concept at the time.
After 10 years at the school, Richard was appointed deputy head at St Chad’s School, Brighouse, a position which he held for four years.
During his teaching career in Yorkshire, Richard grew to love the Lake District and Cumbria, leading school trips to Robin Cottage, at Askham, and Hawes End, Keswick.
When the vacancy for headteacher at St Catherine’s, Penrith, arose, he was delighted to be called for interview and to be offered the position, which he was to hold for almost 20 years.
He quickly became a popular head. He operated an open door policy for both parents and pupils and always found time to address concerns quickly. As head, he had a significant teaching commitment alongside the management of the school and had the support of a dedicated governing body.
Chairman of the governors of St Catherine’s, Denis Smith, said: “Richard brought his many skills, talents and faith to the role as head of St Catherine’s.
He used his love of language, music and great sense of humour to give all the children in his care the best possible start in their school years.
“His beloved border collie Peggy was a ‘pioneer dog’ in the school long before educational experts recognised the benefits that therapy dogs can bring to children,” he added.
Richard was committed to welcoming members of the travelling community as pupils at St Catherine’s and became a popular figure with both parents and their children.
He understood that the lifestyle of the Traveller community meant that at times their attendance at school was variable and he worked closely with the local authority to establish the appointment of a peripatetic teacher to work with the children at the traveller site, gradually easing their return to school when possible.
When Richard was at work he was never far away from his guitar and would wander around the school during breaks from the classroom, playing and singing whatever occurred to him at the time — from children’s choices to folk songs or occasionally a quick flamenco rendition!
In retirement, he enjoyed the company of his eight grandchildren whenever possible, buying an eight seater 4×4 to accommodate them when called to do so.
When he had more time available he became further involved with his love of and interest in the music scene, being a key member of a local session group which met regularly in a variety of locations over the years. He had a repertoire of hundreds of songs and was known for his talent for hearing a song only a few times before committing it to memory.
Above all, Richard loved family time and was proud of the achievements of his three daughters and grandchildren. He was married to Geraldine for 46 years and it was with great sadness that his family learned of his terminal illness in December, followed by his death on February 1. He will be missed by all who knew him.
