We are sorry to report the death of Tony Thacker, former Head of Mathematics and Computer Science at Habs Girls' School. Tony died on 13 June 2023 and his funeral was held on 14 July at Chiltern Crematorium. 

The following excerpt from the 2001-2002 edition of the school magazine describes a well regarded and committed teacher and colleague. Our thoughts are with Tony's family including his sons David and Andy. 

Tony Thacker was appointed to Head of Mathematics in September 1982.  At this time the sum total of school computers consisted of several rather primitive machines along the side bench in room 125. Ten years on, he moved to full time responsibility for IT in the classroom. Mr Thacker has always had a passion for computing and he was soon embarking on an expansion programme. Room 123 was designated as a computing room and this was equipped with the latest Acorn machines which, at the time, were the leading computers for educational software. In fact the Acorn remained his great love, despite the trend towards ICTs, PCs, laptops and a whole new generation of technology. Computer courses were always popular due to his sense of humour. The girls learnt theory and also how to apply the technology which proved very useful, after school finished, in the work place.

Mr Thacker was an excellent teacher of Mathematics who was particularly good at explaining the most difficult concepts in Pure and Applied Mathematics in the Maths and Further Maths syllabuses. He really enjoyed thinking about the subject and was happiest when working with candidates preparing for Oxbridge. He always managed to excite such pupils with the beauty of "good" solutions as opposed to "ordinary" solutions which required more work.

Mr Thacker's contribution to the school included not only his teaching but also his tremendous commitment as leader of summer camps. For many years he, and often members of his family, ran a two-week activity camp for Lower School girls and members of their families. When the major building programme started the summer camp sadly had to be abandoned; but it was much missed. Mr Thacker is still to be found at Habs, taking part in the staff badminton club which he set up some years ago. Although he may not be quite as quick around the court as he used to be, what he lacks in speed he makes up for with the precision of his drop shots. We wish him a continued happy and active retirement.