Lynn looks after Mary Immaculate sport with distinction
Very long and devoted service on the sporting front for the children of Mary Immaculate School in Haverfordwest was duly recognised at the Sport Pembrokeshire awards evening when Lynn Hart was chosen as ‘Primary School Teacher of the Year’ with regard to sport.
Lynn is the longest-serving teacher at the school, having been there since she set out in the profession in 1973. In the intervening 35 years her classroom work has always been highly regarded with all age groups and abilities but she has also consistently ensured success in catholic school competitions and in Pembrokeshire-based tournaments for all primary schools, especially in netball.
Superb Pembrokeshire ambassadors
Her squad of last season typified that excellence when they won the Pembrokeshire netball tournament, beating larger schools en route before picking up the silverware and earning a place in the national primary school finals at Aberystwyth. Again their commitment to regular training sessions paid real dividends against schools from Swansea, Newport and North Wales before they took on Marlborough School from Cardiff, who included some tall strong lads in their side to take on Mary Immaculate’s girls. Sadly, there was no fairytale ending since they lost narrowly but they carried the Pembrokeshire flag with distinction and were complimented on their approach to play and their attitude off the court.
Coaching all-rounder
Lynn clearly believes in getting involved in her school’s sport since she coaches the athletics as Sue Roberts works alongside her with the cross-country, and Lynn also takes the rounders, rugby, football, cricket and tennis teams for good measure. Over the years she has enjoyed having some very talented sporting youngsters pass through her hands and she regularly scans the local press to see how former pupils are progressing.
Talented youngsters
She is particularly delighted that two former pupils achieved international recognition as Linda James played netball for Wales and was selected for the Commonwealth Games, whilst Hannah Gover played through to under 18 level.
In recent years the school’s all-round playing strength has been boosted by the arrival of girls from the Philippines, joined by a young lad from the same country this year – and Lynn continues to enjoy the real satisfaction of running sport in her school, working happily with all ages and the full range of abilities. It means that she can inspire youngsters who might not otherwise gain pleasure from the wide range of sports she offers.
Former pupil
It is also worth reporting the fact that Lynn is a former pupil at Mary Immaculate School before going onto Tasker’s School and enjoying sport there as well. She then attended college in Manchester and has since been an avid supporter of Manchester United – and from college it was back to her former junior school when Sister Elsie, who was in charge of the school at the time, heard that she was looking for work and recruited Lynn’s services.
It was a sound decision and Lynn has been busy in sporting terms ever since. Even a fire a short while ago, when all the sports kit was burnt out, failed to stop her because Lynn contacted other schools and begged or borrowed enough equipment top keep Mary Immaculate going. It was typical of her determination to see the school doing well and again it highlighted the way that the school has often overcome serious challenges.
Silverware – and satisfaction
Over the years, Lynn has helped Mary Immaculate win its fair share of silverware but insists that it is seeing children develop their skills to their highest levels that keep her going. Parents and staff at the school sing her praises and were delighted when she received her lovely engraved glass trophy in recognition of her efforts. Lynn was quick to say that there other teachers as deserving and she may be right – but there is no doubt that Lynn Hart works mightily hard in Mary Immaculate School’s cause, and will continue to do so for as long as she can!
