SHE had not planned to be a headteacher but it proved to be a good move for Tickton CE Primary's Linda Cholewa.
Retiring after 12 years in charge of the village school near Beverley, Mrs Cholewa admits she had never envisaged becoming a headteacher.
She began her teaching career in 1976 in secondary education as a home economics teacher in Hull.
But when a reorganisation of schools saw the end of the junior high system, Mrs Cholewa made the switch to primary teaching.
After taking a teaching post at Tickton CE Primary School in 1990, she never looked back.
Mrs Cholewa, 58, said: "I never envisaged becoming headteacher, it just evolved that way.
"I became the headteacher in 2000.
"I have been very lucky because I have been able to manage living and working in the community, I have thoroughly enjoyed it."
The pupil roll has almost doubled under Mrs Cholewa's headship, from 120 pupils to 220.
Mrs Cholewa said: "The biggest challenge has been managing the change from what was a small primary school.
"It has almost doubled in size since I became head.
"I have loved helping to develop the school building so it is fit for purpose for the 21st century."
Mrs Cholewa believes in having a curriculum that encourages children's creativity.
She said: "We feel creativity is the key to children engaging in their learning. It encourages them to reach their potential, gives them challenges and ensures they enjoy their primary education."
Mrs Cholewa said she will miss working with the children and their families.
She said: "I have enjoyed the fact that every day is different.
"You are working with so many different individuals and when you're working with children there's always something that will put a smile on your face.
"It's the children that make you realise why you are in the job.
"I have also really enjoyed fostering positive relationships with parents, we have managed to create a friendly atmosphere where no matter what we have to deal with, we can do it with civility and come to a resolution.
"I won't miss all the external demands and pressures."
Mrs Cholewa will be succeeded by her long-serving deputy Chris Brown.
She said: "I am delighted Chris Brown will be the head.
"I believe the school will continue to flourish without losing what is special about Tickton.
"It will change but I feel there is something of the legacy that will live on with Chris as the headteacher."
Mrs Cholewa, who has two grown-up children, is looking forward to retirement with her husband Stan.
Mrs Cholewa said: "We will do some travelling and enjoy living life at a slower pace."
