Headteacher's Welcome
After 16 years as your headteacher, and 24 years leading schools, the time has come for me to say goodbye.
Writing this feels stranger than I expected. A newsletter column is such a familiar thing, I have filled this space with term dates, celebration assemblies, reminders about school uniform, and the occasional plea regarding the car park. To be writing it for the last time is, a little difficult to believe.
When I arrived at this school, I made a promise to myself, that every decision I made would start and end with what was best for the children in our care. I have not always got that right. Leadership over 24 years teaches you, that you learn something new from this job every single day, often from the most unexpected people, including, frequently, the children themselves.
What I can say with complete confidence is that this is a very special school. Not because of any league table, any inspection outcome, or any external recognition - though I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together - but because of the community that surrounds it. You, the families who trust us with your children each morning, are the reason this school is what it is.
To the children, past and present, you are why all of it has mattered. I hope that whatever you remember of your time here, you carry with you the knowledge that you were known, valued, and believed in.
I am not stepping away from education entirely. I will be continuing to work with schools in Somerset as a School Improvement Partner, so in a sense, the lessons I have learned here will travel with me and, I hope, benefit other children and communities too.
I leave the school in the very best of hands. The staff of this school are exceptional, dedicated, talented, and deeply committed to every child who walks through the door. Mr Braund is fortunate to be coming to work with such a wonderful group of people. Please continue to support them as generously as you have supported me.
Thank you for all of your kind words, cards and gifts, they are very much appreciated. They will help me to cherish the many wonderful memories of my time at Somerset Bridge and remember it with enormous fondness.
With my best wishes,
