This afternoon I attended our annual Headteachers Retirement Event at the Haley's Hotel ...

My colleagues Helen Ford and Iram Mir had worked hard to organise and manage a lovely afternoon for nine colleagues who have made an incredible difference here in Leeds.

• Peter Bell from Hollybush Primary School;
• Maggie Brown from West Leeds High School;
• Anne Clarke from Benton Park High School;
• Bridget Forbes from St Phillips Catholic Primary School;
• Cecilia Hyland from Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School
• Anne Matthias from Oakwood Primary School;
• John North from East Garforth Primary School;
• Colin Richardson from Cockburn Community College;
• Peter Woodhead from St Peter's CE Primary School.

These nine colleagues have worked for 288 years including 140 years as headteachers serving some of the most challenging and rewarding communities here in Leeds.

The glass bowls we gave each of these wonderful colleagues were engraved with the message "thank you for everything you have done for children, young people, their families and their communities here in Leeds."

We will miss them all.
Chris