For Andrew

I wrote the poem below for Andrew Jones, Deputy Headteacher of Meldreth Primary School on the occasion of his retirement at the end of last term.

Jonesy the time has finally come, To put away white board and pens, No more marking or planning or data to do, Just time for family and friends.

Your years here at Meldreth, have helped to shape lives, Giving youngsters the chance to learn more, With your charm and good wit, you have helped them to blossom, And their talents were able to soar!

From your classroom is heard, lots of laughter and fun, As you toot the recorder or act, Through imaginative play children learned all the skills, And you’ve taught them many a fact.

Dressing up is your forte and playing a role, Such as Babar or the BFG From Saxons to Romans to Egyptians and Greeks, Your bed sheets have seen it all!

Who can forget when we listened intently To Olaf’s adventures anew, With a real camp fire risk assessment compliant, And no casualties that day – phew!!

The children have loved all the school trips you’ve planned, Outcomes educationally considered with care, They remember with fondness what they bought from the shop, And who they sat next to in-order to get there!

Many a change education has seen, Since the day that you first became sir, From chalk boards to banders, National Curriculum and SATs, They have passed by in a bit of a blur.

Thankfully though the children remain, The energetic infuriating bunch, With magic a moment of “I get it now sir!” As you leave for a bite of your lunch.

So what will you do now your days are all free? No more Ofsted to worry about. Bird watching or art, walking camping with mates, Or maybe the odd beer or stout.

Whatever you choose relish the time, You deserve after all of the years, Of marking and planning and rushing about, So to you we all give three cheers!

Lesley Pemberton

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