Saintfield High principal plans for retirement

Saintfield High principal plans for retirement

12 October 2016

SAINTFIELD High School’s principal will bring her teaching career to a close at the end of the year.

Having fulfilled her vision for the school, Ms Vivien Watt said she has confirmed her plans to retire after 12 years at the helm.

The popular head mistress penned a heart-felt letter to parents last week, announcing her plans, and promising to cherish the memories the children had given her.

She yesterday spoke of the honour of being entrusted with the care of the school’s pupils for over a decade, but said she felt it was a good time for her to leave as she had accomplished what she had set out to do when appointed.

She said her greatest joy had been the school’s pupils and said she was privileged to be part of their lives.

She said they had been her inspiration in creating a school environment with the opportunities for children to achieve their own unique individual excellence.

“When you are appointed principal of a school, you have the responsibility of educating all of those boys and girls whose parents have entrusted them to your care. That is a huge responsibility,” she said.

“I wanted a school for the boys and girls where the children and everybody in the school felt safe and happy to learn and that they would be given every opportunity to be their best and to do their best. It was as simple as that and that included teachers, pupils and the entire school community.

“I recall how, all those years ago, I set out a clear vision for the future of our school community, and take delight in the knowledge that all my endeavours have been accomplished, including a new sports hall, high standards of academic excellence, attendance, pastoral care and uniform and glowing inspection reports.

“When you set out with a vision, you know when you have achieved that vision.

“That is not why I made my decision to retire, but it did help confirm the decision I had made.”

In her letter to families associated with the school, Ms Watt thanked parents and careers for their “constant support” of the school and her leadership.

“I never took it for granted, being very mindful of the trust you placed in me to deliver a high quality educational experience for your children,” she said.

“I want to reassure you that the governors of the school are most earnest in their endeavours to appoint a principal who will be wholeheartedly committed to securing the continued high standards of educational provision at Saintfield High School, with the needs of our pupils central to their vision.”