Head calls time on 40-year-long career

Maureen Fletcher was presented with a plaque by Paul Fisher.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School head Maureen Fletcher will step down from her post next week.

The school, in Dewsbury, organised a special mass and presentation ceremony in honour of Mrs Fletcher’s seven years at the school.

Pupils, staff and family members took part in the ceremony which featured a tribute from former St Joseph’s priest Paul Fisher.

Mrs Fletcher, 60, said: “The ceremony was very moving and touching.

“I’m sad to be going and I have mixed feelings because I have such wonderful memories of staff and children at the school.

“The school is like a family to me.”

Mrs Fletcher started her teaching career in Leeds at St Anthony’s School in Beeston in 1977.

She also worked as a teacher in Leeds at Holy Name Catholic Primary School, St Francis of Assisi and Rothwell Primary School.

Mrs Fletcher, who lives in East Leeds, will retire next Thursday.

She said: “It’s been a privilege to be a headteacher and I will miss the simple things that children do - I’ll miss watching them grow up from reception to when they leave and seeing the confidence they have gained.”

She said she is looking forward to spending time with her family and getting a season ticket to watch Leeds Rhinos play in Headingley.