Katharine joined the governing body of Withington Girls’ School in 1995 and chaired it from 1998 – 2006. This piece of writing is from the Founders’ Day speech that I made as headmistress in 2006:
‘I cannot let this opportunity go of publicly stating my thanks to Professor Katharine Perera, first of all for appointing me in 2000 and for her constant support and encouragement thereafter. If chairing skills were subject to assessment, Katharine would gain straight A*s. She will be remembered for her intelligence and wisdom, her ability to keep sight of the woods through the trees and her persistence in making sure that everyone gathered around her table had the opportunity to contribute, while sticking to task.
Katharine also ensured that every decision taken was in the best interest of the school, especially of the pupils; she set the highest standards in all respects and actively supported school events in spite of numerous commitments elsewhere. She was often accompanied by Suria and his palpable pleasure in pupils’ performances in plays and concerts was itself a joy to behold.’
I will also remember Katharine for her integrity, humour, style, warmth and selfless kindness. She was an excellent role model for us all.
Janet Pickering, headmistress of Withington Girls’ School from 2000-2010