LONG-SERVING Crompton House School master Jim Upton has sent a ‘thank you’ message to former staff and pupils following his retirement.
In the December Correspondent we reported how the 64-year-old dad-of-two had called time on his 21-year career at the school.
Now, Saddleworth-based Jim has responded to the best wishes and gifts as he hung up his teaching gown for the final time.
“I would like to thank all the staff, pupils, parents and governors who sent best wishes and gifts to me on my retirement,” he said.
“I would also like to thank everyone who donated a total of £400 to the fund set up for the replacement of the school hall piano.
“This now stands at over £2,100 which includes ticket money, raffle and donations from the Christmas concert.
“I shall treasure the Book of Best Wishes which Mr Newell (Head Teacher) presented to me and also the rewriting of the school hymn by two Year 11 pupils.
“But most of all I shall enjoy the memories of all my years in teaching, both at Crompton House and at the Roan School in South London.
“I would like to particularly thank the staff who taught my children Thomas and Freya and have given the best start to their adult lives that we could have wished for.
“I would like to put on record my thanks to my wife Erica who has supported me in all I that I have done while at Crompton House.
“I wish everyone at the school every success and I know Mr Newell will lead the school into the future with care and determination.
“I shall still keep in touch with the school and I looking forward to seeing the shows and concerts, as well as singing with the Chapel Choir in Rome in the summer.”
Meanwhile, the Rochdale Road school has confirmed the departures of more teachers at the end of the autumn term.
Other teachers leaving for pastures new include: Kate Franklin, Dr Laura Knight, Miss Judith Skelton and Christopehr Welch.
Mrs Franklin taught HE & Food for 10 years and is taking a break from teaching, though she will be continuing her work running the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Dr. Knight left the Science Department after 10 years as a biology teacher and has a new post teaching biology at Clarendon College in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Dr Knight has been instrumental in starting the small animal handling visits, getting pupils and teachers to conquer their fears of snakes and cockroaches.
Miss Skelton started at Crompton House in 2010 as a newly qualified teacher and is leaving as Head of Religious Education.
During her time there she was instrumental in helping pupils achieve some of the best exam results in the school.
She has also run the New Generation group, and taken many trips to Taize in France.
Miss Skelton is taking up a post in the Manchester Pupil Referral Unit, while Mr Welch departs after a year teaching maths.