Schools' sad farewells to their heads

2:32pm Thursday 28th December 2000

TWO schools said farewell to their headteachers just before Christmas.

Heather Clements, of St Paul's C of E Combined School, Wooburn Green, has left after 11 years but will continue working in education.

Mrs Clements, who has two children, is sad to leave the school, saying being a headteacher has been more than just a job. "I feel so proud of all that we have achieved in the past decade," she said.

"I won't miss the stress that parental and government expectations put us under. I won't miss never having enough resources to do the job easily."

She is looking forward to working closely with 22 schools in the area, developing the primary curriculum across the county. The new headteacher is Ruth Goddard.

Headteacher Sheila Doig was showered with leaving presents from pupils and staff at her retirement party.

Mrs Doig, 60, has been head of St Mary and All Saints C of E Combined School, in Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, for almost 17 years. She received cash to spend on a digital television or computer and a music stand because she plays the accordion. She also received a quilt made by all 150 pupils. It was made of individual squares which each child drew his or her face on using fabric crayons.

She said after a party on Thursday: "I don't like to be the centre of attention but this was done so nicely. Some really lovely things were said."

She will work two or three months at a time as a volunteer with an ecumenical religious community on the island of Iona in Scotland and will also use her new free time as an opportunity to foster children. Until a new head is found, Mrs Doig will be replaced by Margaret Wright and Colin Legood.

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