Thank you and what an absolutely lovely song and send-off. You children are a brilliant example of the spirit of the school that has kept me working here for so long – in fact for 27 years – that’s nearly 3 decades and to put it into perspective there are one or two of your parents here who I remember as pupils at this school.
Back in 1998 when I first walked into this job, I thought ‘this will be a nice, relaxed and quiet job! Oh how naïve I was! I quickly discovered that the school office was not like my previous jobs. I was asked at the interview ‘How do you prioritise your tasks’ ‘ Oh easy I thought - thinking of previous roles where you just worked through your list in a calm oasis of potted plants, coffee machines and long lunches! Well I got the plastic plants – but that’s where the similarity ended!.
I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of working here with this wonderful group of staff, with the parents and of course you children. Every day is unique and with all your scrapped knees, your forgotten lunchboxes and your funny quirky stories, you children just make each day even brighter.
And I have just been as lucky working with you, their parents. Thank you for being so supportive, for your patience and your kindness. We may only meet across the reception desk, but some of you I have known for many years and feel like friends.
And our wonderful staff. They really are the best. Thank you for the laughter, the teamwork and all the small moments that make each day so special. I am looking forward to retiring – especially the lack of an early morning alarm, the cheap holidays and the extra time I will have for family and friends – but Wallace Fields Juniors is a community to be proud of and I will certainly miss you all.
Thank you, Mrs Linda Boddy, Office Administrator for 27 years!