WESTBURY Leigh Primary School is saying goodbye to headteacher, Mary Murray, who is retiring after 10 years at the school.
Staff and friends wished Mary all the best for the future at a celebration on Thursday 2nd December in the school hall.
During her headship, the school has moved from its old Victorian building in School Lane to the current site in Sandalwood Road. One of the highlights in her time at the school was meeting Prince Edward when he came to open the school.
Mary said, “I took up the headship in September 2000. When I came in there were six classes and about 170 children in an old Victorian building in School Lane. Five years ago we moved to a new site and we now have 400 children and 14 classes!
“The actual procedure and process of planning and the building of the school was a huge highlight, and the fact the architect was so co-operative was great.”
Mary said working with the children and staff are what she has most enjoyed about her job. “At times it has been very challenging and very rewarding,” she said. “I think I enjoy most the daily surprises and the interaction with the children, and nurturing the staff to what is now a very happy place.”
Mary started teaching in the mid 1970s in London. Her first position in Wiltshire was at Chapmanslade Primary School, and she also was head at Bratton Primary School for five years.
Mary now has plenty of plans for her retirement. “Initially I’m going to relax, and then my options are open,” she said. “I will be doing some consultation work and then look at which charity I’m going to support.”
Mary is also going to do some travelling, with a trip to Kenya already planned for next year.
Picture: Headteacher Mary Murray cuts the cake at her retirement celebration.
