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Wishing you all the very best for your next journey.
Thankyou for being such a kind inspirational teacher to our boys.  I was always quite jealous of the amazing projects they got to do in your classes and their pieces are still proudly on display in our home. We still let our home out as a filming location and we have been asked a few times by directors and stylists where the pieces can be bought!! 😂
You sowed the seed to inspire Jake to successfully follow an art history degree at Cambridge.
Many thanks for everything you have taught them and us.
With lots of Love
Carol, Tim Jake and Doug Wood xxx

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Oh Jo. So many happy memories of working together. A friend when in need and a friend in deed. Stay in touch and enjoy this next phase of your artistic career. Jean x

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Hi Jo, wishing you all the best for an amazing life of art, sea and (occasional!) sunshine. Lots of love, Ant & Lou. Xx

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Hi Jo, wishing you all the best for an amazing life of art, sea and (occasional!) sunshine. Lots of love, Ant & Lou. Xx

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You where the first teacher that truly inspired me, encouraged me to pursue what makes me happy, and to be wildly creative! You are an awesome woman and I am so lucky to have had your influence upon me when I was a little sponge. You made anything seem possible, and proved it with the amazing library project - that huge dragon and so much more! I remember so clearly the Art Club's first life drawing session of Maisie's mum against a beautiful back drop! A shame I didn't see you on my recent trip to Newton but I did stumble across ole Bruce Bogtrotter I remember making. I hope you have amazing next chapter!! All the love,
Ruby Gaskell

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Jo! So many memories! Mostly from Flanagan’s. Those Friday nights, spilling our hearts out. Newton has been such a big chunk of your life. You will be missed so much! Take care. Be happy, Betty xxx

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Dear Jo,
From the moment I entered Newton Prep, the range, breadth and quality of the artwork shone out.  Your energy, love and passion for the subject coupled with your deeply caring nature combined to make the art department such a strength of the school.  You will be sorely missed, but there comes a time when you have to think of yourself and not about next year's curriculum.  Enjoy your retirement and relish that first week in September when you can just do whatever you wish!  David K

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For all your kindness, care and inspiration to successive children and families, whatever the artistic ability and interest. You have touched the hearts and imaginations of so many as you will continue to do with your own full-time practise. Much love and all the best. SC x

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Miss Delafons! I can barely even begin to describe the passion, love and inspiration you ignited in myself and so many others at newton prep. You gave me confidence to continue exploring art and opened my eyes to such a colourful and wonderful world! The friday after school art classes are some of my best memories of that time and walking into the incredible art room with all of the amazing big pieces like the lion mask and the giant dragon are truly unforgettable. Thank you for everything, we all wish you well and send so much love - Saffron, Amber and Tallulah Le Bon

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Dear Jo, It's hard to imagine a Newton without a Miss Delafons but you've certainly done your time and will be leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. Not only were you an inspirational teacher by encouraging us to express ourselves freely, use our imagination and get messy in art lessons, but you were an inspirational role model particularly for the girls (beyond the tampon sex ed class you led!) You're also to thank for giving my mum an amazing opportunity and a friendship that goes beyond the art room. Enjoy this well deserved next chapter. Izzy x

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Dear Jo - who’d have thought when two little girls were brought down to Ilfracombe to visit their Aunt Maggie. Who was directing the summer season there that one day, one of them would be Head of Art at a prestigious Prep School when Aunt Maggie’s ASM turned up as an English teacher? I have so many happy memories of you at Newton - particularly of watching you inspire children to produce amazing art work in both the old Aladdin’s Cave of an Art Room and then the shiny new penthouse suite! And then there were the plays!!! And the wall paintings! And the hanging decorations in the Library. And which past Year 5 form teacher or English teacher can forget the Bird Project!!!??? One of the things i can never thank you enough for is letting me into the secret as to where the secret key was kept!  Saved my sanity many a time, that key did! And of course the evenings
In the Pub!
Most important though and something I will never forget was your unfailing kindness and compassion when dealing with our pupils - you were a model for us all!
So all my love and best wishes, my dear - do keep in touch!  Magda xxxxx

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Tribute to a creative and supportive friend and team mate

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Tribute to a creative and supportive friend and team mate

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Dear wonderful Jo, how fantastic it was to have someone with your vision to work with during my time at NP. No idea was too crazy or out of re ach! I wish you every success and happiness in the future and hope to see you sooner than later. Take care, enjoy the new chapter x Xxx Eimear

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Thank you so much for everything. I will always remember how much I loved art because of you and how much fun I had, thank you!

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Miss Delafons you were an incredible teacher. Our art lessons were always so exciting and inventive and we were made to feel as though we were “artists” not just primary school children. I really looked forward to double art on a Monday -best lesson of the week - and still have gargoyles and a paper mache flamingo to show for it! I will always remember crowding around the triangle and everything about art at Newton very fondly. I have gone on to do both gcse and A level art partly thanks to the inspiration you provided during my time at Newton. Thank you very much and good luck with the next chapter.
Sophie Sargent

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How Ms Delafons,
I just wanted to say a quick thank you for everything you taught us. I didn’t appreciate it much then, but I do now. You were such a good teacher and thought about your students More than yourself. I respect and look up to you for having been an outstanding role model.
You will be missed xx

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Jo, you've always been a big part of my memories at Newton. I remember how welcoming you were when I first joined and how giving you are of your time and care. The amazing work you have inspired in the children is incredible and I'm not quite sure how they'll ever be able to replace such an amazing teacher like you!
My favourite memories have to include the amount of work you always put into helping stage the school plays and of course your fabulous stories in the pub! I still cry with laughter when I think about your rendition of the incident with the tennis net! 🤣
Wishing all the very best as you embark on the ne t stage of your life! Stay in touch!
Love Jodi (Clayton/Hogan) xx

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Jo, I will never forget walking into the millennium hall for my interview and being blown away by the huge wall hanging and all the other amazing pieces of art work, it made the school seem so warm and inviting. You are such an amazing teacher, so passionate and focused on the children. But more than that, you were a great colleague - always there to make us belly laugh in the pub as you retold your stories and that is why we bloody loved working with you! Lots of love on your next adventure, maybe you’ll make it down under to visit us at some point?! Hannah and Chris xxx

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Dearest Jo,
Congratulations on your many years of inspiring the pupils and teachers of Newton Prep with your talent, knowledge and passion for art! I know that I was certainly drawn to working there by the amazing gallery you made of the school, as I am sure were other teachers, parents and pupils and cannot imagine the school without you in it. My favorite memories of working with you were the art tours- you whizzing around a gallery like an enchanting Willy Wonka, mesmerizing all by your insights and providing much humour along the way- I always noticed the look of envy by those who eavesdropped but couldn’t join the adventure. The standard of art produced by Newton children was a true testimony to your talent and I feel so honoured and blessed to have worked with you  and even more so to call you one of my very dearest friends. I’ll be so sad to not be able to visit Newton and your art room in order to see your latest projects when we meet next. However, I know that this is going to be an amazing move for you and I look forward to seeing what a success you’ll make of it. Lots of love always, Corinna Buckley xxx

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Hi Miss Delafons - I want to thank you for being such a great teacher. Your lessons were always so fun and interesting and engaging and I owe you for giving me a lifelong love of art. Good luck with what you decide to do next. From Anna Dark x

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Good luck Jo in whatever you are moving on to. I loved working with you on the hat projects. I felt very honoured to be witnessing your inspirational teaching at such close quarters. Im sure you will be greatly missed. Love Emma Caderni

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Many great memories from my time at Newton, you and your Art studio included.
Your passion for your subject and profession was an inspiration not only to fellow staff members but to the students as well.
All the best!
From Ben Hort

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Jo, wishing you lots of love and luck as you move on from Newton and into a new, exciting life chapter. You were a pleasure to work with, always had time to stop and chat regardless of how ridiculously busy you were and forever smiling too! I'll remember with much joy the fun 'sessions' we had in the pub next door too! 😉Masses of love,
Mary (Harding) xx

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Jo, so many memories, so little time. To be fair, many of the memories can’t be aired publicly until the Statue of Limitations has passed!
If it wasn’t Flanagan’s, it was the other one (it’s been a while. They were always very grumpy in there anyway!) or was bar 161 (or whatever it was called that week)! Having thought about this, it would appear that most of the memories revolve around a bar or a party. Anyway, all great memories of a great colleague and friend. Enjoy pastures new. F x

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Jo, you are not only the most fantastic art teacher, you are also the most committed, most inspired and with the most forensic attention to detail. I almost didn't want to ask for your help sometimes, because I knew how much you cared about only delivering the best possible result and I worried that I was just adding to your workload and stress - but I'm glad that I ignored that tiny moment of conscience most of the time because your help was ALWAYS invaluable and always spot-on. You have such a beautiful eye and I wish you ALL the best in your amazing artistic endeavours! xxxxS

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What an inspiration you are. Your art was always so beautifully done. You could transform any child into an artist. Your art rooms were always a hive of activity that the kids loved and looked forward to going to each and every week.
I am thinking of you as you prepare for your next adventure. Newton is indeed a wonderful place and you will always look back with very fond memories. It certainly was the highlight of my teaching career so far.
Best wishes for all that lies ahead
Ang James

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Jo
what an absolute ledgend you are. you have given so much. to so many, thousands of children have had the priveledge of your amazing art lessons. inc my 3.
homes all over London snd further are filled with some of the amazing projects you  taught....
the white plaster giacometti staues, the batik works, the self portraits, the gargoyles, the egyptian tombs in clay, the battersea power station paintings, the indian dolls (clay and collage) clay and papier mache painted bowls. the pollock paintings. the epic head sculptures. to name just a few. what an exhibition. Thankyou to you for everyhing.. your love of teaching art hammers home the essence and truth in
Bob and Roberta Smith’s famous letter
to Michael Gove.
Enjoy the rest, and look forward to seeing your next creations.
sammy dent. x

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Dear Jo, I was touched when I left Newton by the very personal presents you created for me including a hilarious statue of me with lift the flap skirt to reveal spotty knickers underneath as indeed I had done in the staff people around as much as I leapfrogged over the people on fourth post and came crashing to the floor! You are an amazing teacher and you transformed the art work of generations of children at Newton and made the site fizz with creativity. In my house now I have framed artwork that Emily did with you and even the skyscrape canvas hangs in my very smart office in Kent . Enjoy your new life away from the pressures of school and create, create, create. Love Jill

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Wow, Jo!  Not sure Newton Prep will be quite the same without you.  I remember the plays, most, which, I am sure were the absolute bane of your life.  The months spent sourcing Shakespearean costumes (that episode really did nearly send you over the edge), the amazing cartoon classroom for 'Wayside' and the Warholesque pictures for 'Straight From the Fridge, Daddy-o.'  Happy days (or not)!
Lots of love and luck in your exciting new adventure.
Kate xxx

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Where ever your next adventure Jo, you are sure to bring warmth and smiles to both your pupils and colleagues. Spread your humour and sincerity my friend. I’m now enjoying doing art with my own girl at home, often inspired by your creativity. Have fun and lots of love Tina xx

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Jo you are the most brilliant art teacher I have ever known and one of the most lovely people. I am sorry to have lost touch over the last ten years and really hope that you have a peaceful and fulfilled future. Xxxx

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Your art class was alway my favourite lesson. I didn’t enjoy much at school but the way you taught really connected with me and allowed me to express myself! Thank you so much for all you did whilst at Newton, I’m sure everyone agrees how lucky the school was to have you! I hope you have a well deserved rest and whatever you do next is a massive success 😊 thanks again! X

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I still vividly remember our art lessons and have kept all the things I made. From the blue swimming people to the paper maché dancer to the bird - they are all such found memories nearly 10 years on! Thanks for everything you taught me x

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Still on our kitchen wall - so many memories of wonderful imaginative teaching that enthused all four Quarry children.  Thank you Jo for helping them understand the power of creativity

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Still on our kitchen wall - so many memories of wonderful imaginative teaching that enthused all four Quarry children.  Thank you Jo for helping them understand the power of creativity

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Wishing you happiness in whatever comes next for you
Jill

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Have an amazing time after Newton! Thank you for all you did for me! I will always remember painting the power station!! Gwyn xx

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What a blast from the past. Jo, you always lit up a room and were super friendly in your room up high. Thank you for happy memories from a long time ago and good luck in wherever life takes you next. Love, Emma (Laing)

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We had a school filled with extraordinary teachers, and Jo, you were a star amongst them. Commitment, passion, talent. You turned the whole school into an art gallery. Anyone connected with Newton will know that it was a privelege to work with you and a privelege to have been taught by you.Enjoy the next part of your life; you have earned every minute of it.

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Dear Miss Delafons,
Thank you for all the endless inspiration and incredible teaching that I received throughout my time at Newton and helping so much with getting an art scholarship! It not only enhanced my interests in art but made me so much more confident in myself. Art will never leave my life thanks to you. Wishing you all the best and forever thanking you for all the help and inspiration you gave us all!

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Dear Jo,

I can’t believe it’s 22 years ago that I first stepped into your art class! Your teaching at Newton Prep has been a major inspiration in my creative development. Despite it being many years ago now, I can still vividly remember many of the innovative and exciting projects that you devised for us: carnival manikins, shoe design, model houses and Escher self-portraits, to name but a few.

With your help I won my first art prize for school children across the country. This gave me a huge amount of confidence to peruse art. I have since gone on to study art at Oxford University and I am now a film director. Without your wonderful teaching I doubt very much I would be where I am today.

Thank you eternally,
Louis-Jack X

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Dear Jo,

Can it really be ten years ago that we first saw the wonderful art work the children at Newton had produced under your inspirational tutelage. Its what first lured us to the school. Thank you so much for all your care, patience and commitment to our children’s artistic creations. We were sad to hear you are leaving, but very excited for you that you can now fully pursue your career as an artist. We wish you all the very best wishes for your future career and will follow it with interest.

Goodbye and good luck.

Lots of love,

Liz, James, Archie, Elfie and Raffi Day

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Dear Jo,
Seems so long ago that I left Newton Prep but I still have fond memories of your art studio and the work your pupils produced. I have always felt the course of my life would have been different if I'd had a truly inspiring and talented art teacher. I'm sure you've had that impact on so many children's lives. Good luck for the future. Geraldine x

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Dear Jo,
Good luck in your next adventure. We were all lucky to have known you and worked with you. The art you elicited from the lovely kids at Newton was always inspirational; only yesterday, I was describing the beautiful cubist work with instruments as the subject to the art teacher at my current school in Melbourne. Goodbye and good luck xxx

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Dear Jo the bird of time has swept you up in her arms and carried you from Newton Prep to another landscape on your journey. It was a pleasure to know you and to see you working your magic with the Newtonian youth. My wee (not so wee now) boy among them. As a colleague you were irreverent and witty ... you could tell a good story as well. What will happen when all the vocational teachers are replaced by the professionals? Goodbye and God Bless.

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Dearest Jo, my children will be forever transformed by the introduction to art they had under your care. Every class project and museum visit is a cherished memory in our household. You were never “just a teacher” to them, but instead tutor, mentor, and inspiration— the person who affirmed that it was okay to nurture a creative sense of self. Our time at Newton Prep was made all the richer because of you! Best wishes, from John Major (Chelsea, Dylan and Rosie)

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Unbelievable talent!  Jo Never to forget the hours of labour you went through doing that wonderful painting on the enormous playground wall. All the best my lovely friend❤️

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Dearest Jo
A very kind, friendly talented lady. The ability to welcome anyone with her genuine, kind manner. A very interesting person to talk to and definitely someone you can rely on. I have many fond memories of Newton Prep and Jo is right in there. Xxx

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Dear Jo,
Thank you for welcoming me into your home when I started teaching at Newton; it was great to have a friendly face at school that I could ask any questions to, and I thoroughly enjoyed being your housemate as well as your colleague. You were an inspiration to me - the artworks the students created under your discerning eye were just amazing and I was always slightly jealous that I wasn’t a child in your class!
All the best for the next chapter of your life.
Natalie xxx

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Dear Jo,
Many years ago I had the privilege of being inspired by one of the most amazing teachers I have ever met.  As a young inexperienced teacher I was always amazed by the way you interacted with the children and your colleagues.  The work that your students produced were magnificent and you clearly saw your job as a calling.
I wish and hope all the best for you as you start a new adventure in your life.
Adri x

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Caroline, Julian, Emma, Tom and Katie Mercer

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Caroline, Julian, Emma, Tom and Katie Mercer

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Dear Jo,
Thank you for your endless patience and perseverance with our 3 scarily unartistic children. They loved your art lessons and you are a seriously gifted teacher. We wish you lots of love and happiness xxxxxxxxx