Head Teacher of the Year

RETIRING after 29 years at Whitechapel Primary School, Michelle Bouabida has been an exemplary head teacher, leading the school with love and positivity, even through challenging transitions. Michelle started out as a NQT Early Years teacher and progressed to a Y3 teacher before becoming assistant head, then acting head and finally full time permanent head teacher of two combined schools. Michelle loves the children of Whitechapel – and they love her, too! Always thinking of what is best for the school, she creates a warm, positive atmosphere. This approach has proven extremely successful, as even in the most difficult situations Michelle has been able to get through to her pupils and help them. Michelle is greatly appreciated by her staff, giving them all the help they need - but also giving them space to grow and express themselves freely as educators. With the school merger in 2011, Michelle’s workload increased dramatically and her hours were filled with additional meetings, split sites, building details and more. She handled the challenges effectively and with good humour, leading the way and helping to create a fantastic school. Despite losing such a great head teacher Whitechapel Primary School will continue to thrive, as it builds off of the strong foundations left by Michelle. The staff and students are very grateful for all that she has done, and are very sad to see her go. They are confident that whatever Michelle does next, whether that’s just enjoying retirement or taking on smaller projects, she will have the same success and positive effect on those around her and hope that she sees this award as a small token of thanks for all that she has accomplished.