Over 40 years of teaching comes to an end at a Shropshire school
Between them they have clocked up more than 40 years of teaching in Shropshire - but four teachers have taken their last register at Thomas Adams School.
Maths teacher Lesley Atkinson has retired after 23 years at the school, English teacher Mike Mundy has taught at the school for 15 years but is now moving to Liverpool and Alice Morton and Emma Sargent, who teach English and technology & catering, are leaving after one and two years respectively.
The group were given a fond farewell at the school in Lowe Hill Road, Wem, at a leaving ceremony on Friday 17 July.
Mrs Atkinson, 59, has taught about 750 students GCSE maths and many grateful A level students since joining the school in September 1992.
She was also head of year for a number of different year groups for 10 years and said it would be very strange not going in.
She said: “I have loved my time here at Thomas Adams School.
“It is a wonderful place to work with such brilliant staff and pupils.
“I have seen many people come and go over my time, I never imagined I would stay here for 23 years but here I am.
“I just feel it is the right time to retire now. I have many great memories which I will treasure.”
During her last day Mrs Atkinson was presented with a cheque and a bunch of flowers at a leaving ceremony.
Mr Mundy, 38, began in September 2000 and is now moving to Liverpool with his wife.
He added: “It is a big change for me because this has been my home and workplace for many years.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have been privileged to teach so many pupils.
“I am going to enjoy the next chapter and remember Thomas Adams School for many great reasons.”
The school will have new teachers starting in September to fill the roles left vacant because of these four departures.
Head teacher Liz Dakin said it was an exciting time for the staff leaving and those starting.
She said: “All four of these teachers have served our school well, be it for a short period or a long time.
“I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to have worked with them and I know there will be many students, both present and those that left many years ago, who will remember being taught by them.
“They will say they were just doing their job but they have made a difference to a lot of people’s career prospects and helped build them as a person.”
