Fir Ends School holds party to welcome new headteacher

By Kelly Eve Education reporter

Last updated 10:43, Friday, 26 September 2008

Pupils at a Cumbrian primary school have held a party to welcome their new headteacher.

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Sue Hatt has joined Fir Ends School at Smithfield.

It is a return to school for Mrs Hatt, who in recent years has worked as a school workforce development officer for the local education authority.

She was previously headteacher at Hallbankgate School.

Parents were also given the chance to meet the new staff and governors at the school, which recently had a £30,000 refurbishment.

Mrs Hatt said: “I’ve been in school before in my previous job and I was appointed last Easter but this was the first opportunity to speak to the parents.

“They were also invited to the celebration.

“We introduced our celebration assemblies this term. We’re going to have them every week and children will find out if their names are going in our ‘golden book’. It marks significant milestones that could be in behaviour or achievement.”

Mrs Hatt also praised the new governors at the school. David Hewat was elected chairman at their annual general meeting last week.

Mrs Hatt added:“Many of the governors are new but they are incredibly committed and enthusiastic. I’m looking forward to working with them.

“I’m also looking forward to all the individual sections of the school that may have been working independently before coming together.”

A new era has begun at Fir Ends. For the last two years, an acting head has been in post.

Mrs Hatt said: “It can be very difficult for them to make decisions and the school has been treading water.

“Now we’re looking forward. We’ve got some new staff who are very young yet committed.

“We’ve already had a lot of cards and well-wishers. People have a huge affection for this place and I know how vital a small school like this is to the community.

“Working for the local education authority has been beneficial to learn about the inner workings of the council but I wanted to get back to the children.

“Once you’ve been with them you get the bug and want to get back.”

Fir Ends is also celebrating its 40th anniversary.