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Susan Parkinson

13/10/2008

AN INSPIRATIONAL headteacher of Norden High School and Sports College, Rishton, for six years, Mrs Susan Denise Parkinson, has died aged 54 after a long illness.

Born in Stockport, she started her teaching career in Bury in 1976 as a science teacher and when her children were young taught part-time at Rochdale and Bury Colleges.

She went on to teach at Whitworth High School, Rossendale, in 1989, where she was later promoted to head of science and subsequently to deputy head of the school.

Always passionate about teaching and young people, she had a desire to improve the lives of pupils in every school in which she taught.

On her arrival at Norden she immediately set about improving the school.

She was a great believer in the importance of sport for young people and was very much the driving force in ensuring the school achieved sports college status in 2004.

Mrs Parkinson, who leaves husband Gerry, children Chris, Sarah and Rebecca and her parents, Monica and Les, was also responsible for successfully bidding for funding which enabled the school sporting facilities to be improved beyond all recognition, including the provision of a new sports hall, fitness suite and all-weather pitch.

A spokesman for the school said: "We at Norden High School and Sports College feel privileged to have known such a wonderful lady. Denise will be remembered as a colleague and a friend, as well as a headteacher.

"She was an inspirational leader, always concerned for the welfare of staff and pupils, and relentlessly focused on her vision for the school.

"Her catchphrase of ‘Standing still is not an option’ was a constant reminder of her desire to improve achievement at Norden.

"During her time at Norden, she was very much involved with the local community and many people will remember her with fondness and respect.

"She was the first female member of the Rotary Club of Great Harwood and Rishton, where she earned the admiration of her fellow-members.

"Her family and friends believe that Denise would not want people to focus on her passing away.

"She was always extremely positive and throughout her four-year battle with cancer surprised medical staff, family and friends with her resilience and optimism.

"It is not surprising then that she has requested that her funeral be a celebration of her life and specifically asked that people dress informally for the occasion."

The school is opening a book of remembrance on its website: www.nordenhighschool.co.uk for those who knew her to leave their comments.

The funeral will be held at Pleasington Crematorium, Blackburn, on Wednesday 15 October at 1pm. Family flowers only have been requested. Donations can be sent to the East Lancashire Hospice via the school if desired.