After 38 years of dedicated service at St John's College, including just under 9 years as Headmaster, Mr Shaun Moody is retiring this summer. Mrs Rees and Mrs Holland sat down with Mr Moody to talk about his experiences and memories of St John's.

Tell us about life before you started working at SJC?

Throughout school, I always had a keen interest in art, particularly drawing and painting. When I was 15, a teacher took me to Newport Art College, which inspired me to complete an Art Foundation Course before studying Fine Art at Exeter University.

After graduating, I wasn't sure what to do next. After two years in Banking and Finance, a careers advisor recommended teaching, Design and Technology, to be exact. I completed my PGCE in London, where I thrived as a DT/Art teacher in a challenging economic environment. I am proud to say that Stephen Lawrence was a student of mine during that year. Eventually, I decided to return to Cardiff to apply for teaching jobs. In the 1980s, that meant opening the Yellow Pages. I applied to the first ten schools I found, one of which was St John’s College which had just changed from De La Salle. I was interviewed at Greenway Road by Dr. Neville and asked to bring some of my paintings. I was offered the Art teaching position, which I later discovered also included DT and PE.

You first walked through the doors of St John’s in1988. Looking back over nearly four decades, what are some of the most profound changes you’ve witnessed in the school’s landscape, and what has fundamentally stayed the same?

The school has undergone so many changes during my time here, from its name to its location. I was able to help establish the Art and DT department, set up new systems, and see the construction of the Sports Hall, the glass extension, and the Pavilion at Began Road. My role evolved over the years, moving from Head of Art & DT to Exams Officer, UCAS coordinator, Head of R16, Assistant Head, Deputy Head, and finally, Head Teacher. While much has changed, the school’s core purpose remains the same: we have staff who truly care about the pupils and go out of their way to ensure they flourish.

Spending 38 years at one school is an incredible achievement. Did you ever imagine when you first arrived as a young graduate that St John’s would become all of your professional life?

I never imagined that my entire career would be spent here. Fundamentally, if you are happy in your job, there is no need to move. I was promoted and given new opportunities that kept the challenges fresh and exciting. Setting up a department from scratch meant I was deeply invested in the school. Both of my daughters joined the school as pupils, and I had the privilege of watching them learn, even if I was told not to talk to them in the senior school! Being Headmaster is my greatest professional achievement, a role I am immensely proud of. The process of heading to London for the first of three intense interviews was difficult, but worth it. I still remember Jan hugging me before I went upstairs for the final interview, accidentally leaving a make-up mark on my suit.

Are there any projects, student artworks, or design pieces from your teaching days that still stand out in your memory?

I have been fortunate to teach many talented pupils who have gone on to fantastic careers. I was passionate about ensuring pupils chose four AS levels, allowing them to study Art alongside subjects like Medicine, Dentistry, or Engineering. Pupils have told me that during their medical interviews, they were able to discuss the importance of Art in their lives. I believe this is truer than ever; students need to pursue things that make them feel fulfilled alongside their academic commitments. I am also very proud of the work produced in the Art and DT room. I remember one pupil who designed the path and railings for the bus stop as an A-Level project. Being able to provide pupils with real-life experiences was and still is very important to me.

We all know school life comes with plenty of unpredictable moments. Are there any lighthearted, funny, memories you can share with us?

It is hard to choose just one! A pupil once turned up in a wig and glasses, pretending to be a new student for the day. I once found six kittens in an Art room cupboard, they were all rehomed. Another time, a former pupil sat an English GCSE where the comprehension passage was about his well-known father. We also used to have a burger van arrive every lunchtime to feed the pupils and staff.

Finally, there was 'Operation Sponge Ball'. After too many injuries on the yard, I introduced sponge balls and a dartboard to keep the older boys out of mischief. I found that when you find something they enjoy and spend time with them, it builds trust, loyalty, and respect.

One of my most treasured memories was a special gift presented to me by Linda Brown - an old wooden desk that carried far more than its years of history. The desk had a deep personal significance as it came from De La Salle school. A place that marked the beginning of my journey. Even after many years, it remains a cherished link to my early days of my time at the school and the people who made that journey so special. It is still used in the Art room.

St John’s is celebrated for many things. What milestone or achievement during your tenure are you personally most proud of?

Serving as Headmaster of St John’s College is what I am most proud of. While I cherish all the memories from my 30+ years here, the Headship has been incredibly special. Leading a school is a big responsibility and I have always tried to make decisions from the heart and not just policy. It is also very important to spend as much time with the pupils as possible. COVID-19 was a difficult time, but I am proud of how we pulled together as a school, ensuring that the pupils still had fun. We have a wonderful group of staff who continue to develop the school. I am proud of our F1 results, the choir's commitment to the Cathedral, our stage productions, and the countless opportunities for pupils, from weekly trips out to STEM projects and sports fixtures. From Nursery to Sixth Form, I truly believe we provide our pupils with incredible academic and extra-curricular opportunities, and that is something we should all be proud of.

Come September, what aspect of the daily routine at St John’s do you think you will miss the absolute most? (And honestly, what won’t you miss?)

I have been trying not to think about it. The first term of the school year is always exciting, and it will be difficult not to be here to witness it, especially as the children prepare for Christmas and the festive celebrations. I think I will miss it all.

Finally, what does retirement look like for you? Will we find you back in the art room, travelling, or taking on new creative projects?

It is a bit daunting to think about. You never truly know if it is the right time to leave, but I was advised to 'leave while you still miss the job,' and that is how I feel. A long list of DIY projects awaits me, but I am definitely looking forward to more time with family, as well as trips and holidays. I will certainly continue to paint and draw, and who knows, you might see me pop up as an Art teacher again or taking Wales into the next World Cup!