This afternoon I attended the annual Headteachers Retirement Celebration in the Jacobean Room at Weetwood Hall...

Thia is always a sad time as we say goodbye to some remarkable colleagues who have given their lives to serve children, families and communities across Leeds. The headteachers retiring this year have given nearly 300 years service in schools and over 100 years of headship experience is leaving with them. They have touched so many lives and generations of children and colleagues owe them a debt of gratitude. Their influence as mentors, colleagues and friends reaches out across Leeds, the region and the country and they will all be sadly missed. These wonderful colleagues are:

• Sue Steward, Broomfield SILC;
• Pauline O’Connor, Holy Family Catholic Primary School;
• Janet Poynting, Southroyd Primary School;
• Paul Tindle, Highfield Primary School;
• David Wisnia, Fieldhead Carr Primary;
• Andy Syers, Colton Primary School;
• Steve Kelsey, West Leeds High School;
• Kath Andrews, Armley Primary School; and
• Jane McMillan, All Saints C of E Primary School.

Pauline O’Connor, Janet Poynting, Paul Tindle, David Wisnia and Andy Syers attended the meal with Cllr Richard Harker, Dirk Gilleard, Dorothy Smith and I and received their engraved glass bowls. Sadly, Sue Steward, Steve Kelsey, Kath Andrews and Jane McMillan were all unable to attend the ceremony but we will ensure that they receive their bowls over the next week. It was a wonderful way to thank these colleagues for their leadership, passion, commitment and hard work over a lifetime of teaching and learning.
Chris