CELEBRATIONS Head teachers bid a final farewell

FIVE long-serving head teachers said goodbye to their schools for the last time this end of term.

Cardiff head teachers Huw JonesWilliams, from Whitchurch High School, Julie Morris, from Severn Primary School, Colin Skinner, from Roath Park Primary School, Paul Catris, of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School and Janet Comrie, of Grangetown Primary, have all now retired.

Together the five teaching stalwarts have served Cardiff schools for more than 100 years over the course of their careers.

Huw Jones-Williams was head teacher of Fitzalan High School for three years from 2005, before taking on the top role at Whitchurch High School in 2008.

He is also a former chair of the Cardiff Conference of Secondary Headteachers. “The last couple of weeks have felt quite surreal, looking around at the faces and places of Whitchurch High School which has been so dear to my heart,” Mr JonesWilliams said.

Severn Primary School head teacher Julie Morris, and deputy head Judith Allen, are both retiring from their roles. Julie Morris was recently awarded an MBE for her services to education.

Janet Comrie is stepping down from her role as head teacher of Grangetown Primary School.

She described her time there as “the happiest in my 30 year career”.

Head teacher of Roath Park Primary Colin Skinner said he would “certainly miss all of the children who are so amazing”. He leaves his role after more than 38 years in the profession.

Paul Catris has been a teacher at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School since he qualified in 1980.

He said: “The last 38 years have been so memorable, both as a class teacher and head teacher of St Patrick’s School.

“The children taught, the colleagues worked with and friendships developed will always be cherished and hold a special place in my heart.”

Cardiff council member for education Sarah Merry thanked the five for their hard work and dedication to education in the city.

Cllr Merry said: “I have had the pleasure of meeting many head teachers over the years, including them, and although the role comes with its challenges, you can see that it is also enormously rewarding, so the decision to step down couldn’t have been as easy one to make.

“I wish them all the very best, and a long and very enjoyable retirement.”