Dear Parents, Carers, and Wider School Family,

I write today to share the news that I am retiring at Christmas this year. I actually informed our Chair of Governors of my decision on 16th January, formally giving notice then. I wanted to give a long notice period in order to give governors plenty of time to recruit a new headteacher and have an effective transition period, and also because I wanted to see school safely through the next OFSTED – and then, lo and behold, we “got the call” from OFSTED on February 3rd! Therefore, that has all worked out nicely – I now know that I won’t be leaving school awaiting an inspection.

Rest assured that Mr Marsden and the other governors have already started the recruitment process for a new headteacher. All is safely in hand.

By the time I retire, I will have worked at St Paul’s, first as deputy and then as head, for 14 years - and this school truly has meant more to me than any of the other schools I’ve worked in. Our children are a delight and I am constantly so proud of them. Also, parents, I would commend to you our hardworking governors and absolutely fantastic, dedicated, skilled staff. They are a wonderful team – please continue to look after them when I’m gone!

I’m pleased that Christmas will be my final term. In a church school, Christmas is a magical, moving, spiritual time. I always love our carol service on the last day in December – and I’ll probably enjoy it even more this year if I can pass the organisation to Mrs Cregg! I don’t think she’ll mind me taking it easier that last afternoon.

Of course, Christmas is a long time away and, until then, I can assure you that I will be working as hard as I always have, continuing trying to find ways to make our lovely school better and better for our precious children.Thank you for your support, the playground chats, the helping out at school events over the years, everyone – and, until Christmas, it’s business as usual!

Thank you for your support, the playground chats, the helping out at school events over the years, everyone – and, until Christmas, it’s business as usual!

With my warmest wishes,

Julie Wood

Headteacher