Dear Parents and Carers,

As the school year draws to a close, I would like to say a final farewell to all of you as my time at Brooklands comes to an end.

What a great year we have had with so many outstanding achievements by our pupils and so many great events outside the classroom.

For me the last couple of weeks have been incredible. A great night out with the staff at La Mon, when I was delighted to share the evening with Mrs Margaret Garrett, an amazing classroom assistant who is also retiring after 30 years' service in our nursery. Thank you, Margaret, for everything that you have done for our school, and I wish you a long and healthy retirement!

Last Friday I enjoyed one final assembly with the whole school and was honoured by the presence of many retired staff and was particularly touched by the attendance of Mr. Maginnis, the principal I started with in Brooklands back in 1987. 

Last Thursday evening at the Hub was quite simply a night I will never forget. It was the ultimate walk down memory lane and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with so many players from past Brooklands Primary School teams and catching up with parents, grandparents, friends of the school and past pupils. It was a great event, and I have to say a very competitive match!!

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the kindness that has been shown to me over recent days. Your cards, warm wishes for my retirement and very generous gifts mean the world to me and I honestly can't thank you enough.

I have been privileged to spend my entire teaching career in Brooklands Primary School. As soon as I started here, I never wanted to work anywhere else. Brooklands is an amazing school with the best pupils anywhere, set in the heart of the most incredible community which has always given the school and me incredible support. Your kindness to me will never be forgotten!

Finally, I would like to pass on my very best wishes to Mrs. Smart as she begins her time as principal. I have worked closely with Mrs. Smart for over 20 years, and I could not have done this job without her beside me. She will be an amazing principal, and I know that under her leadership the school will go from strength to strength!

I hope you all have a great summer and I will be thinking of you all when school reopens in August and I don't have to set my alarm!

Thank you for everything and goodbye,

Jeremy Armstrong