Susy Stone
(2025)
STAFF 1977-1980, PARENT GOVERNOR 1993-2001
What is your favourite memory from your time at JFS?
My tutor group who were smart, funny, engaging and lifted my spirits daily.
Can you share a funny moment from your school days?
The day my students spotted that I had accidentally put on one brown shoe and one black shoe, and I spent the rest of the day trying to hide my feet.
Were there any teachers, mentors, or classmates who made a lasting impact on you?
John Partridge was my inspirational Head of House and I was proud to be promoted to be his deputy. He taught me so much about how to be firm but fair, which I took with me into a teaching career of over 40 years.
What extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in, if any?
I arranged Israeli dancing in the playground for Yom Ha’atzmaut.
What was a typical day like for you during your time at school?
I had a busy timetable from Y7 to Y13 - early Fridays were particularly frantic. I remember teaching a challenging Y7r in the typing room with the head of department watching me from behind a glass, and the typewriters pinging as the children fiddled with them!
What path did you take after graduating?
After I left JFS, I took seven years off to be mum to my two boys, then went back into primary education. I became a SENCO, a Deputy and then Head - 18 years in two schools, the first a high-social-priority non-Jewish school, then 11 years at Akiva. I retired in 2019.
How did your experience at JFS shape your professional journey?
It ignited my passion for the profession that I have loved for almost 50 years, and particularly for the family of Jewish schools which are such a jewel in the crown of our community.
What are you currently doing, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I now do consultancy with PaJeS, supporting Heads and Governors. I am also Chair of Governors at Yavneh College and vice-chair of the MAT board. I sit on the Steering Committee for Pikuach and I do observations of students in training for LSJS. I love all this work because it takes me into Jewish schools and I feel I am contributing to ensuring that they continue to thrive.
What advice would you give to current students?
Make the most of every opportunity that your school years offer.
What do you wish you had known when you were a student?
That I am capable of much more than I believed.
What keeps you motivated and inspired in your daily life?
Family and good friends.
Do you stay in touch with any of your classmates or teachers?
I have not maintained close contact with colleagues from JFS but am always delighted to catch up with them if we meet.
Have you returned to visit the school since graduating?
Yes both at Camden and Kenton.
What does being an Alum of JFS mean to you?
JFS started me off on a journey which brought me success, joy and fulfilment, and I will always be grateful.
Did your grandparents or parents go to JFS?
My uncle, Alf Gilston was a student at the school in the 1920s after he arrived from Poland.
Did your Jewish journey at JFS impact your life?
I loved the Jewish life of the school and it ignited a passion for Jewish schooling.
Did your JFS connections come in handy when networking?
Yes, especially from my days as a Governor.