The happiest days of her life

Jul 28 2010 By Hannah Williams , Buckinghamshire Examiner

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A HEADTEACHER has waved goodbye to her pupils after a quarter of a century at an Amersham school.

Angela Hartt, 63, retired from her post as headteacher at St George's Infant School last Wednesday.

Mrs Hartt was presented with a DVD of pupils recalling their favourite memories of her - one said they remembered her dancing to T h e Beatles'

Hey Jude in assembly - and a book of pictures to remind her of her time spent at the school in White Lion Road.

On Monday, a tea party for pupils and their parents took place, with the highlight being a balloon race for which Mrs Hartt released the balloons.

She was also given a cake depicting school scenes.

The mother of three grown-up children led the school for 10 years, after joining as a teacher and then becoming deputy head.

She said her job has been her life.

She said: "I couldn't imagine a more satisfying job. I have just been pleased to know I've been able to make a difference to the lives of the children.

"I am very sad to be leaving. It has been an emotional rollercoaster the last few weeks. I have had absolutely brilliant staff, lovely parents and children, and governors who have supported me, and the PTA have been wonderful."

She added: "I've always liked infant schools and infant education - I think it gives the children a happy start to their education and I think it's important they feel positive about education from the word go. Having a happy and safe school environment is especially important."

Mrs Hartt, who lives in Amersham, plans to spend more time with her family, including her children, Emma, James and Gini and four-week-old grandson, Luke. She also plans to spend more time indulging her favourite hobby, bridge.

And she hopes to see more of the world with her husband and go backpacking - something she experienced for the first time two years ago when she visited her daughter and travelled across Guatemala, Cambodia and Belize.

She added: "They say the happiest days of your life are your school days and I've certainly spent a lot of mine in school and enjoyed them."

Toby Long, who was appointed as a teacher six years ago by Mrs Hartt, will return to the school as its new headteacher in September.