THE headteacher of a Synod Inn primary school has admitted taking cash from her school’s Christmas card fund and leaving IOUs in its place.

Helen Hopkins (pictured), former head of Ysgol Gymunedol Bro Siôn Cwilt, took money collected at the school’s eisteddfod, which was set aside to pay for cards and books.

She admitted leaving IOU notes in the school cash box, but denied taking the money for personal use.

Mrs Hopkins – head of the school since it opened in 2010 – admitted seven counts of misconduct at a Cardiff hearing this week. But she denies using teacher research funding to pay for her two children to visit Ireland in 2012.

She also denied acting dishonestly or that her behaviour constituted unacceptable professional conduct, during the Education Workforce Council hearing.

The hearing organised by the Education Workforce Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee continues.

In March, the Cambrian News reported how Mrs Hopkins had handed in her resignation, after being off work for about a year.

She had been headteacher at Bro Siôn Cwilt since the 149-pupil school opened in January 2010 and was previously headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Llanddewi Brefi.

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