Sarah Watkins, who has been the Head of School at Kings Caple Primary School for 18 months and has worked for the Federation for eight years, bid farewell to the school on Friday, April 12th. In her time at the school, which she attended as a child, she built strong friendships with the pupils, their parents, and her fellow members of staff, many of whom have contacted the Ross Gazette to express their sadness at her departure.

Reverend Tim Starling told the Gazette: “Since arriving in Kings Caple it has been such a joy to join Mrs Watkins, staff and children at the Kings Caple Primary School Academy at a variety of occasions. Mrs Watkins really creates a fantastic environment for the children to grow, learn and build friendships. I am so saddened to be losing such a talented head, but I am sure that all she has built will be a wonderful foundation for the school’s future. And I know Mrs Watkins will do extremely well in her new role.”

On Sarah’s last day, the children had an Easter assembly at Church in Kings Caple, where they danced, sang, and read out poems they had written; it ended not only the half term on a high, but Sarah’s time at the school.

Parents told the Gazette how saddened and dismayed they felt at the news of Sarah’s departure.

Sarah Dean said: “We have a lovely small school and her leaving feels like the loss of a family member. She came into the school with masses of enthusiasm and has worked (well outside the normal work hours!) to provide the best ‘school day’ for all the children, every day. She is kind and supportive and will be missed.

“We all hope she is happy in her new position and want her to know that she will be welcome back for all the events and activities that she can bear!”

Sarah Watkins said: “My last working day was Friday. I’ve worked for the Federation for eight years and I’ve been at Kings Caple for 18 months. 

“It was wonderful to be Head of School at the school I attended as a child. I would like to say a huge thank you to the parents and the wider community for making me so welcome.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.