As we approach the end of term three, or half term in the previous holiday system, it is time for me to say "farewell" as I make the final preparations to leave St Catherine's and begin retirement.
It has been an honour and a privilege to work with and alongside hard-working students who have given their all to help us improve standards and achievement; a loyal, dedicated and committed staff that has faced unbelievable challenges but always puts our young people first and has been at the forefront of driving improvements; members of the Governing Body who have provided excellent support and challenge; parents/carers who have been behind us and had faith in our determination to succeed; and members of the wider community who have recognised the obstacles we have faced and helped us to establish our position within the community we serve.
Having been in education for over 30 years, I can honestly say that my four years at St Catherine's have been an incredible learning journey – I can now vouch for the fact that we are never too old to learn! I have enjoyed some fantastic times that have more than compensated for the roller coaster ride the school has experienced. It goes without saying that there have been challenges which have ranged from the drive to improve results and standards to the fight for the school's future. Some we win and some we lose. Whatever happens, I know that St Catherine's will leave a legacy that won't be forgotten. No one can take away the fantastic, best ever, exam results we achieved last summer and no one can deny the school's caring and supportive ethos which stems from the people within it.
Leaving will be a wrench after such a demanding but highly rewarding period of time in my life but I am now ready for, and looking forward to, a slightly less frenetic pace of life, where I can spend some quality time with my family (particularly my elderly Mum, whose support helped me develop my career), engage in voluntary and charity work – hopefully some of which will be with my local church— and see a bit more of the world with my husband.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for the future, and pray that the Good Lord will watch over you and guide you on the path that He has set out for you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you over the weeks and months ahead and I will, of course, be following the news to keep pace with developments at St Catherine's.
Mrs Sheard
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