AS another school year drew to a close, one well-loved headteacher rang the bell to end her career.
Jenny Woodward left St Christopher’s Academy in Gorham Way, Dunstable, on Friday after 17 years in the job.
She was presented with a ‘book of memories’ by each class and every child had contributed their own page. There were even some memories from ex-staff and former pupils.
Originally from Keighley in Yorkshire, Mrs Woodward trained in Watford in 1972.
She joined Watling Lower School in Dunstable in 1982 and worked at many schools across Bedfordshire over the years. She was deputy head of Lark Rise in Dunstable before taking the headteacher role at St Christopher’s in 1995.
Mrs Woodward told the Gazette: “It’s been an absolute privilege working with everyone here. The governors have been very supportive and the children are fantastic.
“Today has been absolutely fabulous. I’ve had hundreds of cards, flowers and presents. I’m very sad to leave. It’s been a very emotional day. I’m going to miss everyone.”
Mrs Woodward enjoyed a staff dinner on Saturday, July 14 and was treated to an assembly in her honour on Tuesday of last week.
She is now looking forward to travelling with husband David, starting with Norway this summer, and spending more time with family including grandchildren Dylan, three, and Hayden, one.