Tributes have been paid to the "best and most loving" head teacher who left a "lasting legacy of excellence, faith, and commitment" after her death. Sister (Sr) Anne Marie Niblock SND, who led Notre Dame Roman Catholic Girls' School in Southwark for 35 years, died on Sunday, June 21. She stepped down in 2023, having taken over in 1988.
Career and school background
The girls' school in Elephant and Castle caters to 11 to 16 year olds and was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1855. It became an academy in 2022 and is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark and the South East London Catholic Academy Trust. Sr Niblock’s death was confirmed via a message on the school’s website.
The message reads: "We are sorry to let you know that Sr Anne Marie Niblock SND died on June 21. She retired from the school as Executive Headteacher on August 21, 2023. Sr Anne Marie was head teacher here for 35 years, making a tremendous contribution to education in the local authority and the Diocese. She attended Notre Dame High School in Glasgow. Please keep her, her family and the Notre Dame community in your thoughts and prayers. RIP."
Instagram tribute and community response
The school also posted a tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of the former head teacher. It reads: "It is with great sadness that we remember Sr Anne Marie Niblock SND, who passed away on June 21. Sr Anne Marie dedicated 35 years of outstanding service as head teacher of our school, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, faith, and commitment to education. Her leadership touched countless lives and made a tremendous contribution to both the local community and the Diocese."
"Although she retired as Executive Headteacher in August 2023, her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. We keep Sr Anne Marie, her family, friends, and the entire Notre Dame community in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 'Well done, good and faithful servant. – Matthew 25:23'. May she rest in peace."
Personal tributes from former pupils
Tributes have also flooded in on the school’s Instagram page. Pupils as far back as the 1980s took to the page to share their fond memories and offer their condolences. One person wrote: "To the best and most loving godmother, but most importantly the legend of Notre Dame. Your generosity and giving nature will never be forgotten, and I just cried a tear thinking I would share some comments from this page with you, forgetting for a brief moment I cannot speak to you anymore. If only you knew how nearly a 1000 people have liked this tribute. Your impact on Notre Dame will long live on. Fly high SAM and thank you for the countless opportunities you gave me allowing me to get to where I am today. RIP."
A second remembered the late teacher for her commitment to education: "Rest in peace Sister Anne Marie. Thank you for your years of efforts in ensuring quality education & encouraging steady growth for all." A third remembered Sr Niblock as one of the best headteachers around: "Omgg! May your soul rest in peace Sister Anne Marie. One of the baddest headteachers in the game."
