An Interview with Lisa Valla
Head Teacher of London Colney Primary School

How long have you worked in the village?
This is my third year

Where did you work before?
I worked as a Deputy in Prae Wood School in St Albans and also as a Deputy in Hatfield.

Why did you choose London Colney as the place to be a Head Teacher.
As soon as I came for a tour of the school, before applying, I instantly fell in love with the school and in particular the children. I had looked around a few schools before but as soon as I walked into London Colney Primary, I knew that this was where I wanted to work. After that first day of looking around, I got back into my car, phoned a friend and told them that I was sure that I was sitting outside my next school. Embarrassingly, I did beg at the interview but it worked!

Can you tell us anything about the history of your school?
The school is celebrating its 70th birthday this year. We have already had a big birthday party on the anniversary of the day the school opened. We also raised money for Children in Need this year by setting the hall up as an old fashioned cinema to watch ‘The Wizard of Oz’, as the film is also 70 this year. We have had many phone calls and cards with some fantastic memories from past teachers and pupils. We also have a Facebook page dedicated to the 70th celebrations, for all those interested in helping us celebrate this year. We intend to hold a HUGE garden party at the end of the year for pupils and staff, past and present. I will try and keep the village updated when we have more information on this event.
How is your school involved in village life?
Our children love singing and so always enjoy the carols during the switching on of the London Colney Christmas lights. We hold a stall at ‘Larks in the parks’, which I always enjoy, as it has helped me to get to know many other people in the village that I may not have met otherwise. Staff and parents have also generously given their time over the last couple of years to help raise money for local groups during the firework display.

The school has recently worked with Sainsburys, who have very kindly donated equipment to the school.

Where did you go to school and did you enjoy it?
I was raised in Harlow, Essex. I didn’t enjoy school but this experience made me want to become a teacher all the more. We all came from families that were not particularly well off and there seemed to be a feeling within the school that we would not succeed. Therefore, in my final year at school, our ‘Careers day’ consisted of being taken on a tour of the local factory! During my career interview at school, I told my tutor that I wanted to be a teacher. He convinced me that this would not be possible and talked me into taking a Nursery Nursing course, instead of A Levels. It took me a long time to get the qualifications needed to become a teacher, as I had to pay to take my A levels at a later date. Now I have a Masters Degree! There were many other pupils at my school made to feel that they couldn’t achieve their dreams including one close friend, Nihal, who is now a Radio 1 DJ! This experience has made me very passionate about helping children from all backgrounds to realise their potential and have the self esteem to go for it in life.

What part of your work gives you the most satisfaction?
Being with the children. Sometimes the phone calls and paper work can be very stressful but as soon as I walk out of my door, there is a child ready with a smile.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love animals. We have 3 dogs, a cat and 4 Giant African Land snails. I also love spending time with my son, who is 12 years old and my husband. I really love reading as well.
Have you any unrealised ambitions?
None. If you want to go and do something, go and do it!

Tell us about something that gives you pleasure.
Showing people around the school. We have done so much over the past couple of years that people who have visited the school previously are often shocked at the changes that have taken place. Visitors that are new to the school are always delighted with the children, they are a real credit to the school and make me very proud.

What television programme gives you the most enjoyment?
I love ‘Strictly come dancing’

Is there anyone, either a well-known person or a friend or relative, who you admire and why?
I greatly admire my brother, who is two years younger than me. He has dyslexia and came out of school with no qualifications. However, he has a great passion for music and was signed to his first record label at the age of 14. He is now a music producer and a DJ. As a DJ, he has traveled the world!

Is there anything you’d like to tell the people of London Colney?
I would just like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to all of the people that have come over and said hello, over the last two years. This has helped me to feel a part of the village community and settle in to my role as Head Teacher. I particularly enjoy listening to the stories from past pupils of the school and I am always sharing these with my staff. I am really enjoying being part of the village community and still hope to be for many years to come.

What piece of general advice from your own experience would you give to a young/ old person?
Always go for your dreams.

If you could change one thing in the village/ world/ universe, what would it be?
For all children to live in a safe and happy environment with access to a good education.