Au revoir but not Adieu

So, the term has ended, the children have left, the staff are drifting away before returning for the party this evening, yet it feels as if nothing has changed.  Another term has ended, and the new term will start but I will not be returning to work at CPS; instead Erika and I will be in Kent amongst new pupils, staff and parents.

Today was hard.  The children's spontaneous standing ovation in the final assembly brought tears to my eyes.  Thereafter I wandered around the school trying to see people as they left, hoping to be able to say another goodbye but I missed so many children.  People were leaving in all directions and I could only be in one place.

Now the school has fallen silent; all that remains of the term is the unclaimed "Lost Property"pile, including about thirty pairs of nearly new shoes of every description, the odd pencil case or school bag, an occasional blazer or two and the balloons form Wednesday night's school disco.

My Study is full of gifts and cards, mostly from the children.  This really is a bitter sweet moment.  While we will not be moving until early August, I have now spent my last day at CPS with the children here.  When they return it will not be with me as their Head.

I wish everyone associated with Chesham Prep, all the very best for the future; children, parents and Staff.  Au revoir!