As I predicted in my last blog this week has passed in a blur and not only is it the end of term but also the end of my working life. I have thought about this day over the years and I feel totally different to how I imagined I would. I cannot quite believe that it is all over and I do not think that I will realise that it is until September when I do not have to start a school year again. I just hope I do not get in the car and drive over here –that would be embarrassing!

I have had a lovely week though and I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make it that. It actually started last Friday when I was presented with my lovely gifts from the parents at the school Summer Event. It was a lovely surprise and I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards my presents. I received some lovely jewellery, some wine, chocolates and a John Lewis voucher. During this week I have had a lot of people that I used to work with dropping in to say goodbye which has been lovely. Then yesterday I was treated to a wonderful assembly when all the classes put on a little act to say goodbye to me. It was really touching and a lovely thing to do and has given me another lovely memory of Little Heath. This was followed by the annual Teachers versus Year 6 Rounders match and I am really pleased to say that the teachers won this year – that is certainly a good memory for me to take with me.

I have touched upon the Year 6 and I think that it is important for me to mention them because today is their last day as well and we will be sad to see them go. Last night they treated all their families and friends to their end of year performance which was called ‘We’re all Going on a Summer Holiday.’ They really did themselves proud and I know everyone who watched it thought it was an excellent performance. This morning we had their ‘Leavers Assembly’ which was even more poignant than usual for me because it will be the last one that I will ever see.  At the moment preparations are in place for the ‘Leavers Parade’ when the whole school come together to clap the Year 6 off the premises and I will be joining them this year because I am leaving – I just hope that I do not get too emotional as I pass through all of the children.

All that is left for me to say, for the last time, is that I hope you all have a wonderful summer. It has been an absolute pleasure to work at Little Heath but I am ready for the next chapter of my life. I wish you all every success for the future and I leave happy knowing that I am leaving the future of Little Heath Primary School in the very capable hands of Mr Gradwell.

 School has been a hive of activity today as preparations have been taking place for our PTA Summer Event this afternoon. The children have been very excited all day in anticipation of this event and I know that they will have a good time this afternoon when school has finished and they can go and try all of the activities. We were worried at the beginning of the week as to how the event would be as the weather forecast was not good but thankfully it has not rained which always helps to make it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone attending.

I am sure that, like us, you are all in countdown mode as it is only one week until the summer holidays and I am sure, like us, you are looking forward to the break. For me it will be my last week as a head teacher so it is going to be tinged with some sadness but I am determined to enjoy it because it will be the last time I have the end of term experience. It is so busy in school though that I am sure the week is going to fly by.

Next week is all about the Year 6 as it is their last week with us. On Wednesday they are performing their end of year production for the school before they perform it to their parents on Thursday night. On Friday morning it is their Leavers Assembly which is always an emotional experience where we share their experiences and memories of Little Heath with the whole school. After that they have their Leavers Party to look forward to on Friday night. It is always sad when our Year 6 leave us but we do hope that they feel well prepared for the next stage of their education and that they take lots of happy memories of Little Heath with them.

I hope you have a great weekend. I do not know what your plans are but for those of you who are sport fans there is a lot to watch what with the Wimbledon finals and England football team being in the final of the Euros – something we did not think possible a couple of weeks ago. We may all be celebrating on Monday morning if we do win –I know that there will certainly be big celebrations in my house if that happens. As you know we are having a soft opening on Monday and the children do not have to be in until 10.00am although we will still be open at the usual time. Let us see what the weekend brings.

 It has been a bit wild in school today because it has been ‘Break the Rules Day.’ I have seen many infringements of the school uniform rules but it has all been for a good cause because everybody who broke a school rule had to bring in some wine or chocolate for the PTA summer event next week. We now have a big pile of goodies in school ready for next Friday. I must make sure that I do not break any more rules by sampling some of them before next week.

We also had a lovely end to the week because we had the Reception class assembly this morning. This is always a much loved event because it is their first assembly and is looked forward to by all their families. The assembly did not disappoint and the Reception children put on a very good performance – especially when you consider that it was their first one. With all the singing and dancing it was like watching a West End show. I would like to thank them for giving us such an enjoyable end to the week. I would also like to thank Mrs Sheehan and all her staff for helping them put together such a good assembly.

Last week on this day the Year 6 held their Apprentice event and I am delighted to tell you that they managed to raise £652. The winning stall was Fun Time who sold some pocket money toys and coloured the children’s hair with chalks. The charity they have decided to donate to is Cancer Research and it is certainly a very worthy cause to support.

As it is very close to the end of term there is a lot going on in school as you will see from next week. On Monday we have our final Sharing assembly of the year when all the children who missed their Sharing Assembly throughout the year can present their learning to all their families and friends. On Wednesday Year 2 and Year 5 are going to Frinton and then on Thursday most of Year 6 will be visiting their new secondary school whilst in school our current children will be spending some time with their new teacher for next year.   We will also be visited by our new Reception and Nursery children. In the evening our current parents will be able to meet their child’s new teacher at either 4.30pm or 5.30pm. If you cannot make it the class teacher will put their presentation onto their blog - they will not be able to do individual meetings for parents who cannot make it. We will be ending the week on Friday with the PTA Summer Event which runs from the end of school until 5.30pm.

With all that to get ready for we will certainly need a weekend to help us rest before next week. The England football team are also playing over the weekend but at least the match is on Saturday so if they do not do well we will have Sunday to get over it. I look forward to seeing you all again on Monday morning.