18/07/2025
A final goodbye…
Thank you to everyone has been with me on this wonderful journey as headteacher of Settle CE Primary School. I could not have been prouder to have served as your headteacher for these last 21years.
The words that I come up with will likely seem inadequate as an expression of how truly grateful I am to have had this opportunity to work for so long in such an incredible community. But I shall try …
The school will forever have a special place in my heart. From the current school logo, which was designed by my dad (as we were a bit strapped for cash at the time - and I reckon he did a good professional looking job) , my two children who went through the school from nursery to year 6, and my wife who currently teaches in the school in reception - you could say that Settle Primary has become very much a part of my family.
I love our wonderful school and I will always want it to do well. But it is the right time to leave as I’m starting to blend with the fixtures and fittings. It needs a new leader to take things forward and I need a new challenge to keep the fire burning. Plus doing two schools at once is tough (and I am getting on a bit!)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gifts, cards , beautiful messages , hugs and handshakes. It has been overwhelming and I will try to personally thank as many of you as I can.
Thank you to all the brilliant staff , past and present who have been on the journey with me. I am fortunate to have worked with so many talented and dedicated colleagues who I am proud to consider friends.
I know how hard everyone works behind the scenes. And though I am the headteacher and people have been very kind to me, I would have achieved nothing without my fantastic team which has included two great deputies in Mr Macpherson and Miss Thompson, all the truly brilliant and exceptional teachers, support staff, sports coaches and extra curriculum teachers, including music specialists and bushcraft experts.
Our wonderful kitchen team led by the wonderful Mrs Ralph and the best North Yorkshire cleaning and caretaking team of Mr and Mrs Saunders deserve special mention AND I must not forget the wonderful admin support of the incredible Mrs Elliott who I love as both a colleague and a friend and has been by my side for all these years through all the good and challenging times, and Mrs Aldridge who has been an absolute professional in all her duties, diligent and hardworking (and to both ladies thanks for all the laughter - it helps to have a joke when you are getting through so much paperwork!)
I could go on describing all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with over the years - just know that I appreciate you all and am grateful to have been on this journey with you. Some of the most talented and inspiring people ever, work in school. FACT.
Thank you to all the governors past and present for putting up with me, and working with me to enhance the school and I reckon over 21 years we have had a good and successful run.
Long may this continue with the new leadership of Mrs Roberts. Please make her feel welcome and if she receives the same support and consideration as I have been shown by parents then I am sure the school will continue to go from strength to strength. She is very fortunate to be joining such a special community.
Thank you to the parents who have supported and helped the school over many generations - you have been brilliant and very kind to me. I have loved getting to know you and working with you.
But above all thank you to all the children, past and present - it was lovely and a genuine honour to have known you and been part of your childhood. Thanks for your good company and for many happy, fun times. I wish you well. Thanks for the great memories!
Best wishes and lots of love, ❤️
Mr Wright
Executive Headteacher
