Page 115 - Herioter 2021

island. Yes – we could ask any questions we so and made a point of going to every department time Heriot’s pupils, we can both remember
desired, and we opted for this one. (Go on. Judge meeting in her first term as Principal, to make sure Mrs Franklin from years ago, and it’s safe to say
us. But you totally want to know the answer.) Faye she got to know how everything worked as soon that her cheerful disposition, sense of humour,
Mather is an obvious choice: ‘she’s just amazing, as possible. kindness and passion haven’t changed one bit in
and she does everything for me!’ And a slightly Staff and pupils alike have been open and all the time that we’ve known her. She is always
unexpected choice (but one that makes perfect welcoming, and she has had the opportunity positive, always willing to get stuck in and help
sense to every sixth year pupil): Natalie Kesterton. to get involved with pupils in new ways, such out, and always making sure she knows as many
‘She’s so positive and motivated all the time!’ We as through her S6 cooking interest class, which names as possible in a school with more than
have to agree – this is the truth. If anyone could brought her to one of her proudest moments at 1,600 pupils. She tells us that as the first female
recreate the plot of Castaway, it’s Mrs K. Also, as Heriot’s: when a group of pupils from the Class Principal she felt she needed to be a role model
a fitness fanatic and hockey coach of twenty-four of 2020 put on a charity dinner with renowned to the women of the Heriot’s community, but she
years herself, Mrs Franklin hopes they could be chef Ken Hom and raised more than £11,000 for proves time and again that she is a role model
desert island fitness buddies! (Anyone else want Action Against Hunger. Given one member of the to everyone, for she embodies exactly what this
to see this happen? Just us? Okay.) group had never opened a can before the start of school is about: Mrs Franklin works hard, is always
Having spent so many happy years with the the year, we can see why Mrs Franklin is especially kind, and always happy.
Junior School, we want to know how Mrs Franklin proud of this achievement! We too will be leaving at the end of this year,
found the transition into the Senior School. She When discussing proudest moments, we can’t so we will never experience a Heriot’s without
compares the attitudes towards assemblies avoid addressing the achievement of being Lesley Franklin, but we hope that those who
(Junior School seem a tad more enthusiastic the first female Principal in the school’s history. carry on her legacy in years to come will see the
to get involved!), and she misses the random We discuss the impossible situation that many pink chair and reflect on the twenty-six years of
moments of hilarity brought by the Junior School women face, of feeling guilty for not staying dedication and love that this woman has brought
pupils, such as recently when she was asked home with their children, but feeling equally guilty to our school.
if she was aware of the death of HRH Prince for not working if they choose the opposite. With For this, we thank her, and we wish her every
Philip, with a strong suggestion that given the two daughters (both FPs) now away at university, success and, more importantly, every happiness
recent passing of this ninety-nine-year-old man, Mrs Franklin has tackled this impossibility head on in her future.
Mrs Franklin was obviously destined to go next. and come out on top, with her successful career
Despite the comedic musings of the Junior School, and brilliance as a Principal proving that it really is Esther Arthurson and Sofia Macchi Watts
Mrs Franklin has loved the Senior School, too. She possible to do it all. (S6)
is glad she already knew so many of us so well, And what a brilliant Principal she is. As long Lesley Franklin left Heriot’s in July 2021.

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