Retiring head teacher says farewell after 17 ‘wonderful’ years
A MUCH-loved headteacher has celebrated his last day with a beach party and picnic to mark the end of his 17-year stint.
Neil Loftus was bidding farewell to Newhall Infant and Nursery School as he heads for retirement.
He said: “I have loved working in this fantastic community in Newhall and South Derbyshire for the past 17 years. It has been a wonderful experience with some amazing children and their families. I have worked alongside some awesome members of staff who have helped me to give our children the best possible start to their schooling.
“Whenever I show people around the school they are overwhelmed by the friendly and welcoming children and staff and the bright, stimulating learning environment. They are also blown away by the superb resources and equipment both inside and out.”
Prior to taking the helm in Newhall, the 64-year-old was deputy head at Burton’s Victoria Community School for five years and also taught in the forces for seven years in Germany, where two of his three children were born. He later moved to London.
Mr Loftus, from Newark, a staunch supporter of Nottingham Forest, said one of his most memorable moments at Newhall was creating an inclusive playground for all children regardless of their abilities.
He said: “There have been many highlights including the building of an inclusive area called Macie’s Playground in 2018. This was a project to raise £25,000 to build an inclusive playground where one of our pupils, Macie Boden, could play alongside her friends. With the support of our staff, families and the local community this target was reached and the playground built.
“Over the 17 years I have been able to develop the learning environment within the classrooms and on the playground. Visitors often comment on how well resourced the school is and what an amazing school it is.”
He is also well known for his amazing memory as he learns every pupil’s name – along with those of their siblings. He said: “My educational philosophy has always been school is a place to learn, a place where children come to learn to read, to count, to share among many other things, but it is also a place where you can have fun.
“I know I will be remembered for my love of dressing-up days, my Christmas performances and my love of my favourite football team
Nottingham Forest. But I hope I will be remembered for giving all the children who have come through the doors of Sunnyside in my time the best possible start in their learning – academically, socially and emotionally.”
He added: “This is going to be an emotional week and I am going to miss everybody so much. I would especially like to thank all the staff who have supported me during this time. We have survived a series of Ofsted inspections and the coronavirus epidemic and we have come out smiling! But it is time to put my feet up, get out my tennis racket and golf clubs and watch Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.”