Two head teachers, two deputy head teachers, three teachers and two support staff enjoyed emotional "goodbyes" on the last day of term, which they've shared with the Herald.

St Mary's

GORDON SCHOFIELD retired as head teacher of St Mary's Primary School in Cobden Road, Worthing, after 15 years.

His retirement was marked with a surprise international-themed event. Anita Shelton, Mr Schofield's PA, described him as "one of the best leaders I've ever worked with".

She said: "He's a lovely person who puts the children first. Whatever he does, he does for the children.

"We're upset to see him go, but we understand that he wants to move on. We are disappointed and we will miss him."

Mr Schofield said: "I feel just a little apprehensive about leaving. I've been 30 years in the business, 20 years as a head teacher in two schools, and 10 years as a teacher.

"I am looking forward to free time, but I will be doing other work part-time, in private coaching and working in other schools.

"The thing I will miss most is the spontaneity of the children and working with them, their freshness and openness."

Palatine

PALATINE School suffered the biggest loss, with head teacher Duncan Clough, deputy head Mick Baldwin, teachers Trish Stratford and Aline Kay, and special support assistants Jo Grim and Debbie Waller, all leaving.

Mr Clough, who has been head of the school for 17 years, but worked there for 25 years, and Mr Baldwin, deputy for 16 years, have retired and are looking forward to back-packing together across New Zealand.

According to Mr Baldwin, the time is right for both to leave.

He said: "We are going to tremendously miss the school and it has been our lives, but the time is right to retire.

"I have many happy memories and it has been a privilege to work here."

Mr Baldwin said he remembered his first visit to the school and thinking it was old and something needed to change.

"I sat down with Duncan after I started and we said by the time we retired, there would be a wonderful new school," he said.

"And this has now happened."

Mr Clough added: "I won't miss the bureaucracy, but I will miss the children, parents and staff."

Nick Dry has been appointed the new head at Palatine and Nicky Parsons will become deputy.

Trish Stratford, a teacher at Palatine for more than 20 years, is retiring and Aline Kay, a teacher for six years, is moving away.

Jo Grim is emigrating to Canada and Debbie Waller is moving to the north of England.

A special farewell event was held in the award-winning Palatine gardens to wish fond farewells to the staff leaving.

Davison

BALLOONS and cards filled the office of Margaret Symonds, who retired as Davison's deputy head, after 19 years.

Mrs Symonds also took centre stage at a special leavers assembly.

She is looking forward to her retirement but it certainly will not be relaxing – she plans on teaching theology for the diocese, doing work for her church, St Leonard's in Horsham, taking lots more walks, learning German, going to New Zealand with her husband, helping him with his archaeological ventures and improving her photography.

Mrs Symonds is also doing a sponsored walk to raise money towards a refurbishment at her church, where she is a reader, and to raise money to help educate girls in Africa.

So far, she has raised more than £900. To sponsor her, contact Pip Fuller on 01903 233835.

"I am sad to be leaving it behind, but I am excited about the future. I have many happy memories and many funny ones as well."

English Martyrs

AFTER 32 years' service, Linda Ledger, a teacher at English Martyrs Primary School, in Derwent Drive, Goring, decided it was also time to hang up her whiteboard pen.

More than 140 past pupils, colleagues and parents gave her a send-off. There were speeches and dances and songs to ensure all her talents and contribution to the school community were recognised.

During this summer term, many of her efforts were directed towards building a new wildlife pond.

She said: "I have many happy memories of English Martyrs."