A CHERISHED Middlewich head teacher was emotional as she talked of her retirement after 16 'wonderful' years leading her beloved school.
Sandie La Porta, who retires today, Friday, was full of praise for staff and governors, and the 1,300 children who have passed through Middlewich Primary School since she took up the reins back in 2007.
The school held a special two-hour outdoor assembly on Thursday, July 20, where pupils from every year group contributed with music, drama performances, and memories.
Staff and friends also paid tribute to Ms La Porta’s high expectations, which they say have made the school a wonderful place for students and staff alike.
The 64-year-old says being a head teacher is a very special job, as where teachers plant a seed in children and help it grow, head teachers do the same, but in younger or less experienced teachers.
She said: “Being a teacher is a wonderful job: Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
“When I first finished my degree, I worked in a children’s home for a few years with some very vulnerable children.
“I soon realised the only way for them to have a different future was through education, and I realised that it was something I could help them with.
“It’s given me a career where I’m told I’m beautiful every day, and that I’m the best headteacher ever.
“The children say ‘we love you’ all the time. I don’t think there are many jobs where you get that. I’m really going to miss it.
“When you’re busy in your job, you don’t always realise how appreciated you are, but I really felt it yesterday. It was a bit overwhelming, but absolutely lovely.
"We had a wonderful final assembly. The children, staff, and everyone is this community have been amazing. I’m so lucky to have worked at this school.
"I’ll miss my friends and colleagues among the staff and governors, and of course, I’ll miss the children. I’ll also miss the wonderful community of Middlewich. It’s a very special town."
Miss La Porta said she hasn’t had time to think about what she wants to do in retirement, but with encouragement from children and the school’s music teacher, Melanie Biggs, has recently taken up the cello.
She also has a growing interest in long-distance walking, and plans to do a charity walk for East Cheshire Hospice, after pupils at the school raised £6,000 earlier this year.
Cheryl Bertoni, who works on the school’s pastoral team, said: “The school blossomed when Ms La Porta came to work with us. She’s delightful.
“She has such big heart, and every child matters. I believe a little bit of her has marked every single child that’s gone through this school.
"We're going to name the new library after - the La Porta Library - which she didn't know about. She's really enriched the curriculm through her love of books, so we felt it was would be a good way of always making sure there is a part of her still here."
Ms La Porta's pupils also joined in the tributes.
One said: "Ms La Porta you are the heart and soul of our school. You have touched our lives and transformed us in many ways."
Another added: "She makes us believe in ourselves and to celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they are.
"Even when we are having a rainy day, Ms La Porta helps to turn this into a rainbow day with her positivity."
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