The Lovely Tributes Paid to Headteachers Leaving This September
At the annual School Leaver's Service we said farewell to four of our Headteachers. As part of the service tributes from their friends and colleagues were shared. You can read the tributes below.
Dr Sue Mitchell – Headteacher of St John the Baptist High School, Aberdare.
Dr Mitchell has been Headteacher of St John’s for 18 years. Dr Michell has enabled the Christian ethos to flourish under her leadership and has ensured that the faith of pupils and staff have been strengthened through fellowship and laughter. Dr Mitchell always speaks of St John's as a family and I know that the whole school community will miss her compassionate leadership style.
Dr Mitchell always speaks of the values of our school. She carries out fully the values of care and compassion daily in her role and the successes of the school are down to her tolerance, wisdom and love. The gospel values are close to her heart and I know that the school community will miss her empathetic acts of worship and her love of God.
Dr Mitchell always says how the pupils should be the best version of themselves. She has encouraged many pupils over the years with examinations and to do the very best that they can. Dr Mitchell is proud of the school she has continued to grow and we promise that we will continue that growth in the future.
One of her proudest moments was being awarded an MBE for her dedication to education and meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace. She is a talented and hard-working professional and has achieved so much since joining us as Mrs Mitchell nearly two decades ago before gaining her PHD. I know that she will continue to enjoy her hobbies and interests such as tennis, walking her beloved dog and supporting her favourite team- Swansea City.
We are sad to see Dr Mitchell leave but we are so proud of her and thank her for her service to St John's. We wish her all the best for her new role and know they are lucky to have her. Remember St John's and St John's will always remember you. We will continue your work as we fulfil our motto 'Our future through faith'.
Au revoir, Dr Mitchell, from all the St John's family.
Ceri Hoffrock – Headteacher of St David’s Church in Wales Primary School, Colwinston.
It is with a mix of gratitude, admiration, and a touch of sadness that we bid farewell to Ceri Hoffrock following her retirement last December from St. David’s Church in Wales Primary in Colwinston. We celebrate her incredible 28-year career in education and her remarkable contributions to the school and wider community.
Ceri has guided St David’s school for over 12 years; with faith, wisdom, and compassion. She has represented the core values of the church and school, nurturing the minds and spirits of our children and fostering a community grounded in love, respect, and integrity. Your passion for education and your genuine care for each member of your school community has left an indelible mark on all of us.
Your dedication to education has been nothing short of inspirational. You have tirelessly worked to ensure that St. David’s school was not just a place of learning, but a place where every child felt valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Your efforts created an environment where faith and knowledge go hand in hand, shaping our children into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to face the future with confidence and a strong moral compass.
Ceri, you have so many wonderful memories to take with you…
Accompanying pupils on residential trips where you caved, canoed and climbed. Always putting on a brave face for the pupils. Camping in the school grounds and sleeping in your car as part of a special treat for the Year 6 class.
Fighting for a brand-new school and overseeing the building of the new school and the demolishing of the old! … And all of this through a pandemic. Being instrumental in setting up a Hub for children of keyworkers during Covid. Establishing a new nursery. Dressing up days – your costumes always bringing smiles to the faces of the children…and parents too. Introducing and implementing so many new curriculum changes and initiatives. Cheering on in sports day and attending school concerts.
The list goes on and on …
Under your guidance, St. David’s school has flourished. You have championed innovation in teaching, fostered a culture of inclusivity, and ensured that every child feels valued and supported. Your door has always been open, and you have been a source of wisdom and encouragement for both colleagues and pupils alike.
John Tarran Headteacher of Archdeacon John Lewis, Bridgend.
After eleven years of dedicated service, John Tarran, the Headteacher of Archdeacon John Lewis, Bridgend, has decided to take early retirement. He has worked tirelessly towards growing the Christian ethos of the school and has helped to forge lasting links between the school, the Church and the wider community. He has led the school with compassion and concern for the welfare of staff, children and their families. He has always shown care and empathy for those who may be going through difficult times. Fond and special memories of his school worships and his fine singing voice, to his gamesmanship of being sponged at the school summer fetes, will remain in the minds and hearts of the whole school forever.
We would like to wish you a very happy retirement with your wife, Karen, and to say a very big thank you for your kindness and service over these past eleven years.
Clare Werrett Headteacher of Aberdare Town Church in Wales Primary School, Aberdare.
Mrs Werrett has been Headteacher of Town Church Primary for 10 years. For a whole decade she has led our school and helped us to evolve and grow. Under her leadership, we have achieved many things in this time, academically, spiritually and even a new building!
She has always led by example promoting our vision and values, not just to our wonderful pupils but to staff and our whole community. Our open door policy quickly grew into an open arms policy for all our Town Church family, guiding us all with love, care and concern.
Mrs Werrett has a great many talents and loves. She has been passionate that the children become the best they can be, and she always refer to them as her, “Shining Stars.” Her musicality is well known, her piano playing echoes through our walls. Our choir has gone from strength to strength performing regularly with local choirs, brass bands, charity concerts, the BBC and The House of Parliament to name but a few. Her direction of Christmas Concerts is legendary.
Clare has always valued family and her faith, we have been blessed to have her leading our school family. From Taize to Celebration our worship has been integral to who we are. We are very proud of Mrs Werrett and of all that she will achieve in her new role. We know she will go on to show her care, love and dedication, enabling everyone to flourish. Thank you Mrs Werrett form all your Town Church family, we will miss you.