Helena Honeybone | Local Hero

Following Helena recently being voted for in the Top Ten Depictions of DN, we had a fantastic conversation over Zoom, where Helena shed more light on the incredible work she and her team at Town Field Primary do and her thoughts on her nomination and win.

Helena, a mother of two teenage boys, is married to a Detective Sergeant in Doncaster. She moved to Doncaster when she was 12 and has always been very musical and spoke fondly of the arts opportunities Doncaster has to offer for young people. In 2010 Helena started working at Town Field Primary School as Deputy Headteacher. Later in 2017 she was appointed as Head Teacher.

Helena describes her job as being “not really a job, I think it is a sort of a chosen way of life” and “a huge privilege”.

Helena spoke proudly of the children in the school and said just how polite and well mannered they all were. The behaviour code they have adopted at Town Field Primary is the Three C’s – Calm, Careful and Considerate.

Helena was keen to take this opportunity to shout about the incredible team at Town Field Primary. “They carried on putting the needs of the children first and foremost throughout the pandemic. Huge credit to them for all their commitment. It is a privilege to lead such an amazing group of teachers and support staff and everybody played their part, including parents. Our parents are incredibly supportive of school and we had so many positive messages from them throughout.”

We asked Helena why her role was important to her. She said: “First and foremost, to me it's about making a difference. Making a difference to children's lives, and the lives of families because, yes – school is obviously first and foremost about education. We know that, but the agenda is so much broader now. We really are the hub of the community and it is our role to support families who might be struggling in whatever respect and it's about making sure that we have those valuable links with our professional partners. As a team at Town Field, being able to make a positive difference to a child is incredible.”

“That's what's really important; making sure that every child feels valued as a special individual and has got that best possible start.”

The school website even offers a function to view the pages in 42 different languages, to support the diverse group of children who attend the school.

Helena shared a story with us which represented the last year for her and the school. She said “The pandemic has brought school and the community so much closer together. Unfortunately, one family was struck badly by Covid, whereby both parents had to be taken into hospital. The school and the community (supported by professionals) ensured that the children were cared for during this time.

Clothes, books, food, medicines, and treats were all gathered and taken to support the children and the very kind family who were looking after them. We maintained daily contact throughout the period. Luckily both mum and dad recovered well and a happy reunion was had.”

Thank you for chatting with us, Helena, and congratulations on placing in the Top Ten Depictions of DN! You and the team at Town Field Primary are true local heroes!

You can read more about Helena and Town Field Primary on their website here: https://www.townfield.doncaster.sch.uk 

Our Top Local Heroes have taken part in a film shoot with artist James Lockey as a way to profile their work and celebrate their achievements. Along with a beautiful film score composed by Hayley Youell, the film was featured in this year’s DN Festival of Light.

Watch the Depictions of DN Film by James Lockey here:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyzO1E-FF6Y

Right Up Our Street