CLARE GRIFFITHSA Derby head teacher who died on 19 July, 2008, after a long battle with cancer, was described as "an incredible, unique and lovely lady".Clare Griffiths was instrumental in setting up the 210-pupil Parkview Primary School in 1999 – the first school to be built in Oakwood.Along with Griffe Field Primary School, it was the first to be built in Derby for more than 20 years.Deputy head teacher Jane Calladine, who took over as acting head in Mrs Griffiths’ absence,said: "The whole school community is deeply saddened by the death of our much-loved head teacher."She made it her mission to create a school of which everyone could be very proud. She encouraged all to be the best they could be – from the very youngest to the oldest members of our community."Mrs Calladine said that this in turn created a very special and unique school family.She said: "Clare had excellent relationships with all who worked with her and inspired everyone with her enthusiasm, hard work and vitality."She was tireless in her search for new ideas to improve Parkview – and even went as far afield as Australia last year."Clare will always have a special place in the heart of everyone at Parkview and will be greatly missed."Mrs Griffiths started teaching in Birmingham in 1970 and worked for a number of local authorities before coming to Derby in 1988.She worked at both Nightingale Infant and Normanton Junior schools before becoming head of Overseal Primary in 1994.Stephen Baines, chairman of the Parkview governing body, said Mrs Griffiths had worked hard to develop the school.He said: "She was an excellent leader, who was dedicated to achieving the highest possible standards in all areas of the curriculum whilst maintaining a happy environment in which to learn."Clare was an incredible, unique and lovely lady who will be very sorely missed by all within the community."Fellow head teacher Mrs McRae, of Griffe Field Primary School, said: "Clare and I worked together as we set up our brand new schools and there developed a bond between Parkview and Griffe Field. She was a talented head teacher, completely committed to her school and a generous, compassionate and supportive friend. I will miss her."Councillor Les Allen, city council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "She was a constant inspiration to children and colleagues alike and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her."
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