MY BURFORD -MRS Z LAING - RECEPTIONIST

Our Receptionist Mrs Z Laing reflects on her role and time at Burford School as part of our new 'My Burford' series.

This feature series aims to shine a spotlight on the superb staff team at Burford who make it possible for us to offer 'the best of education' to our students.

Since September 2019, I have been working as a Receptionist at Burford School. As this term concludes, I will have completed my fifth academic year.

Throughout my time here, I've had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with some amazing individuals. While it's always sad to see someone leave, the sense of community and unity at Burford ensures we celebrate the successes of others. For example, when Mrs Dennis left the office a few years ago, I was fortunate to start working with Mrs Hill. Over the past year, she has brought new energy and fantastic ideas into our working day!

During my first term, as I was a Year 7 parent, I joined the PTA and became Secretary shortly afterwards. The PTA is continually changing and evolving, this year has seen the incoming of a new Chairperson, Treasurer and Vice Chair. All our members bring ideas and energy with the goal of supporting every child in school. 

On a personal level, it’s brought about new friendships and I enjoy being part of events that my son is involved with. The PTA meet once a term and arrange fundraising functions, as well as providing refreshments at school events. I particularly enjoy the social aspect of the PTA, being at school events, running the bar and getting to meet and chat to all the parents and other audience members at the performances that our amazing Music and Drama departments put on.

During my first year I also joined The Burford Institute of Music Community Choir and have been lucky enough to be part of the Christmas Miscellany performing at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford as well as other shows both in the school and at Burford Church. I haven’t been part of a choir since my own secondary education, back home in Aylesford, Kent. I love being part of a choir again, with regular rehearsals and participating in performances that include students, staff and parents.

My daughter has now left school, and my son will be starting Year 10 in September. He is looking forward to starting his GCSE subjects, especially Music, as he is part of a band and plays piano. I’ve been lucky enough to see him perform at school and in Fat Lils in Witney with Rock School.

Before joining Burford School, I was an Estate Agent for four years. A part of my job I enjoyed was visiting clients in their homes and guiding them on the long and sometimes difficult journey of buying and selling property. It was always a great feeling seeing how happy they were on completion day.

I would describe Burford School as happy, caring and dependable.