AFTER chalking up more than 30 years in Hull and East Riding schools, an "inspirational" headteacher has said a fond farewell to pupils.
St John of Beverley RC Primary headteacher Theresa Rogerson has retired after eight years in charge at the school, where her skilled leadership has been credited with transforming the primary.
Chairman of governors Pat DuBoulay said: "Theresa Rogerson has been an inspirational headteacher who with infectious enthusiasm and skilled leadership has engaged with staff, children, parents, local authority, parish and diocese and other schools to create a dynamic and inclusive learning community.
"She has transformed the school and it has been a privilege to work with her.
"We will miss her but wish her a long and happy retirement."
Mrs Rogerson, 59, said she was honoured to have been the school's headteacher.
She said: "When I arrived in 2004, I inherited a team of people who were very enthusiastic. They have given me more than 100 per cent."
The school has expanded in recent years to accommodate a growth in pupil numbers.
Mrs Rogerson said: "When I arrived, the school had 119 pupils and only five classrooms. We have expanded the school and now have 179 pupils and seven classrooms.
"We have raised the profile of the school in the parish and the community.
"Being a Catholic school, pupils come from a wide area.
"We are a feeder school for all the Beverley secondaries and St Mary's College in Hull."
The school was founded in 1860 and for more than 100 years was on the site of the parish church in North Bar Without before moving to Wilberforce Crescent 50 years ago.
The school's Golden Jubilee this year was celebrated with an historic occasion at Beverley Minster. It was the first Pontifical Catholic Mass at the minster since the Reformation.
The celebration was held at Beverley Minster because it holds the Shrine of St John of Beverley, after whom the school is named.
Mrs Rogerson said: "We all have occasions in our lives when we feel privileged to be part of something truly special.
"The Golden Jubilee of our school was one of those times. I wanted to be here for the Golden Jubilee of the school and also the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
"I think now is an opportune time to retire."
Mrs Rogerson, who was born in Ireland, has spent the majority of her teaching career in East Yorkshire schools, after qualifying in Nottingham.
She said: "I started my career in a Catholic school in Nottingham and have ended my career as headteacher in a Catholic school, which to me, being Catholic, is a big privilege."
During her career, Mrs Rogerson taught in eight schools across Hull and the East Riding, including Walkington Primary where she was deputy head.
Mrs Rogerson has many happy memories of St John of Beverley RC Primary.
She said: "It has been a very good journey, not without its ups and downs and its stresses and challenges.
"There has never been a day when we have not been able to make a difference to someone somewhere.
"I will miss the daily contact with the children, the staff and the parents. I must also pay tribute to the PTA and governors, the parish community, the Diocese, the East Riding and our local cluster of schools for their support."
The mother of two, whose husband Mike Rogerson is vice- principal at Wyke College, said she is looking forward to learning Spanish and the piano in retirement.