PUPILS of the Tavistock Church Schools Federation bid a fond farewell to their deputy head teacher this month, who retired after more than a decade at the schools.

Susan Weatherhead retired on December 16 following 16 years of service at St Rumon’s Infant School and St Peter’s Junior School.

To mark the occasion, a tea party was held at St Rumon’s earlier in the month, which previous students, parents and colleagues attended.

Mrs Weatherhead was presented with gifts and a bouquet of flowers and the Tavistock Church Schools Federation choir sang a song they had created specially for her.

Head teacher Chris Connors said: ‘Sue has been at St Rumon’s and then Tavistock Church Schools Federation for her entire teaching career and, during that time, has progressed from a newly qualified teacher to the federation deputy head teacher.

‘In all that time she has shown the ultimate care, compassion and commitment to our children and many of the adults walking around Tavistock today have passed through her classes.

‘She has always shown a great passion for improving the lives of children. Her amazing attention to detail, along with her warmth, make her a delight to work with and all her colleagues have benefited from working alongside her as much as the children.

‘We will all miss her and hope that she enjoys being able to walk around without a letter sound or number pinned to her top!’

Mrs Weatherhead will be replaced by Jo Arscott, who will be joining the federation in January from her current role as senior teacher at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School and brings with her a wealth of experience and new ideas.