Kingsley St John's Primary pupils honour beloved teacher

Much-loved educator Jean Cowell, who had worked at Kingsley St John's Primary School for more than a decade, sadly died on August 9 last year after a short illness, aged just 49. 

Since Jean's illness began, the school community has looked at various ways to support her and now, after her death, honour her memory.

And, working with head teacher Rachel Jones, children at the school have designed and created a garden of spirituality dedicated to Jean, described as a strong, Christian member of staff.

Thanking the community for donations and contributions to completion of the garden, Mrs Jones said: "Jean was such a calm and inspiring member of our team.

"She brought peace to our school and guided us all in our spirituality. This garden allows us to always have her guidance with us, steering us to always take time, reflect and connect."

Jean Cowell (Image: Kingsley St John Primary) The garden has been fenced to create a dedicated space, with a latched gate allowing entry. Within are two prayer huts, containing bean bags and prayer stimuli.

Special features, such as metal hearts, a robin bird feeder, and other plants surround a bench for pupils to sit on and reflect.

Pupils at the school came up with the name 'Jean's Oasis Garden' and have agreed rules to ensure it is respected and used with a clear purpose.

Two other nearby schools also bought plants in memory of Jean – a fig tree and an olive tree, which are symbols from the Bible and uphold the Christian distinctiveness of Kingsley St John Primary.

Parents, pupils, staff, and governors are delighted with the completed garden.

One pupil said: "It is the perfect place to come and find peace, to say prayers, or just to think.

Pupils worked together to design and create a garden of spirituality at the school dedicated to Jean Cowell (Image: Kingsley St John Primary) "I love shutting the gate and just feeling I am in a different place."

The spiritual garden will allow Jean's memory to live on at the school, and her family have also donated key materials and features for its completion – including a Winnie-the-Pooh statue.

Among the other ways the school community has supported Jean include raising awareness of The Stroke Association and The Walton Centre.

An annual cross country running event with other Cheshire schools commemorated Jean with purple t-shirts bearing her name, while more recently Kingsley St John's pupils carried out 40 acts of kindness for Lent – a project Jean herself led the school to honour.