Pebsham School's farewell

School assembly on the last day of summer term is a special occasion in any school.

At Pebsham Community Primary School Tuesday afternoon had added significance.

Not only was the school saying goodbye to its Year 6 leavers but to two popular teachers.

Assembly which started with a hearty rendering of the Pebsham School Song "We are the children of Pebsham School..." ended with an action-packed YMCA - retiring teacher Sue Targett's favourite number.

Paul Girardot's long-held ambition is to fly in a helicopter. When he was invited to untie a cord a model helicopter dropped from between ceiling drapes. In it was his farewell gift - a ticket for a flight.

A day which had started for the Year 6 leavers with a service at nearby St Michael's church, conducted by the Rev David King, ended with their shirts being signed by their school friends.

An exchange of cards is an end-of-term tradition at Pebsham and budding artists had been hard at work.

There were cards aplenty for leavers of all ages and "No. 1 Teacher" sashes for the departing staff members.

Chairman of governors Jeremy Betts said of Mr Girardot: "He has worked really, really hard. He is leaving to be deputy head of a school in Oxfordshire.

"You have done tremendously well so our sincere congratulations and best wishes for your future and thank you for all you have done for Pebsham School."

In turn Mr Girardot announced a gift for the school. Soon a giant chess set would be delivered, an educational aid he hoped they would all enjoy.

"I just want to say thank very much to everyone I have worked with and all I have taught because this is such a lovely school."

The chairman explained that Mrs Targett was moving to live near her family after having taught at the school since soon after it opened.

He told her: "We are going to miss you terribly. We thank you for everything you have done for us ."

Presentations included flowers and a wicker basket packed with gifts.

Headteacher Pat Strickson said of Mrs Targett: "She has been so supportive of our school for so long.

"When I came to the school three years ago she told me 'You have got to really LOVE it...'

"And I do - what a lovely place and what lovely children we have. We are going to miss her greatly.

"Thank you for everything you have done for all of us."

Summing-up her 40 years of teaching, Mrs Targett said: "I decided I wanted to spend my days having fun in a school with lots of children ... I want to thank you all. The whole purpose of being a teacher is being with children - and you have been wonderful children. We are in a beautiful place with wonderful people to help you and a fabulous headmistress."

Her presents for school Kestrels and Wrens classes were boxes of maths games.

The Year 6 leavers went home with lasting mementoes of their time at Pebsham School, their art work framed and signed and the words of Mrs Targett's favour ite school prayer ringing in their ears.