Farewell to Gabriela Valadas who retires after 45 years

Our lifelong Profª Gabriela Valadas retired after 45 years in the Physical Education department at SJS. Gabriela came to St. Julians School at the age of 18 years old and has pioneered St Julian's PE lessons and sport throughout her time here.

During her time at St. Julians School, Gabriela has taught all the age groups and different sports, even learning new ones such as rounders with primary staff.

Gabriela has supported students' physical development and cultivated the love of sport throughout her lessons and clubs. In her time she has not only seen the students grow but also the school and facilities. Gabriela has seen the building of the new gym, astroturfs, primary school building renovations and finally, she was able to see the covered courts which has been something Gabriela has fought for most of her career.

Gabriela has so many fond memories of her time at school from the Queen's visit in 1985, to the development and increase of teams, to the different headteachers. Gabriela said she got into teaching PE because she was never able to stay still and wanted the freedom to be outside and appreciate the SJS grounds, greenery and old trees spread out about the grounds. When I asked Gabriela what she will miss she said the practical lessons and being active with
the students and also the camaraderie in the PE department.

Gabriela intends to make the most of her retirement by travelling with her husband, spending time with her family, painting and appreciating time for herself.   

We wish her all the best and we know it is not goodbye as I am sure we will still see Gabriela in the upcoming years.

Maxine Small
Head of PE

Memories of a PE Teacher - Gabriela's memoirs

My career at SJS has not felt like I have been teaching for 45 years as I have managed to live each moment with so much intensity, my whole school career has been a learning journey, constantly changing and adapting.

PE is one the most important areas of children's development. We touch upon everything vital for students such as math, language, health, citizenship, sportsmanship.

There have been so many highs in my life, a lot more highs than lows. I was PE teacher from 1976 to 2022 where I was given the opportunity to be PE teacher, primary and Portuguese subject leader. However I also ran clubs, theater group and was fully integrated into all aspects of school community. When the school was small all the staff and students did everything and helped each other out. It was the best move I ever made working at SJS.

I always remember our first Sports festival tournament at SJS in 1980, I remember our  first seasons in 1980/1987 where we went undefeated in basketball. That was my first team of Year Seven and we won the Cannock district league and the district cup too, beating Denstone in the final.   That was an excellent team performance. Students at the time back then were ok with getting up at whatever time on a Saturday to play football.

I remember during the past cross country seasons it was normal for the PE staff to run every lesson with the students, some days we would run up to 6 times a day with the students.

One of my proudest achievements at SJS was keeping all student athletic records since 1980 that are still kept updated in the PE department.

I think that I have made a difference to the children I have taught, and that difference is only seen a lot later, I am fortunate to now teach the children of students I taught. Their love for the school has guided to place their children here.

A few memories from our Alumni:

Minha Querida Professora de Sempre ❤️
Nana Serras de Sá

Wow, seeing her picture is such a blast from the past!! ☺
I still remember PE lessons with her, especially when we used to use the small trampoline. We'd run along the hall, jump and land on a mat and she used to call me her Little Pigeon because I was so petite back then, I'd practically fly 😂 and I do think of this still to this day 🤗
Kirsty Lou

I taught with Gabriela for 4 fantastic years in the PE department.
Lisa Johnson

Excelente Professora! Um beijinho com saudades
Paula Magalhães Miguel

Minha querida professora, Hei-de lembrar-me sempre.
Um grande beijinho
Sónia Goés Palhete

How wonderful - Mrs Valadas was the Portuguese side PE teacher for so many years. Wishing her lots of health and happiness
Diana Rawes

Wishing her every happiness in her retirement and to say how I loved her son who had such a character.
Sarah da Costa

Beijinhos Professora Gabriela, são bastantes anos, mas a recordação fica sempre das suas aulas. Desejo tudo de bom!!! Beijinhos 🙏😘🌟
Carlos Feiteira

Uma grande amiga ao longo dos anos.
Maria José Magalhães

Beijinhos professora Gabriela , tudo de bom para si . Bjs
Nuno Silva