As is sometimes the case as we approach the end of term, we have to say goodbye to some members of staff. Sadly, one of the people we are saying goodbye to this time is Mrs Gardiner, our Deputy Headteacher. She has decided not to return when her maternity leave finishes in the Summer.

Mrs Gardiner wanted to say a few words:

“It has been a great privilege to have been a member of staff at Monks Orchard for the past 15 years. It is where I began my career as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2008, and where I have been the Deputy Head for the last 5 years.

I am proud of the relationships I have built with our families over the years and will miss seeing you all at the gate, every day. Monks Orchard is part of who I am and has taught me everything I know about teaching, and that is something I will never forget. I will leave with great memories of staff, children and parents that I will cherish forever.

Thank you to the school for giving me the amazing opportunities. I will miss you all greatly and wish the school every success for the future.”

It is hard to believe Monks Orchard will be without Mrs Gardiner in September! She is such an important part of the school, and it is difficult to imagine what Monks Orchard will be like without her.

Mrs Gardiner is planning to visit on Wednesday 12 July, to say goodbye properly. But we want to say a huge thank you to her for her dedication, her hard work, her determination to provide the best education possible for all the children in our school, and for her vital contribution to making Monks Orchard the fabulous school it is today. We wish her all the best for the future.