Hundreds of schoolchildren will be saying goodbye to some of the Island's most loved educators later this month when a number of long-standing senior teachers leave the classroom for retirement.

Headteacher of Whitney Institute Middle School Gail Graham is stepping down after serving 30 years at the school, and even more in education.

St. David's Primary School principal Edward Wright has taken the decision to put his feet up after serving students at the East End community school for no less than 36 years.

He began there as a teacher in 1966, working his way up to the top post in 1982. He said he would not have wished to work anywhere else.

Head of Spice Valley Middle School Patricia Holder is taking a well-earned break after 41 years in education, and Northlands Primary Deputy Principal Helen Alban is retiring after more than 30 years.

And the students at Victor Scott Primary will be saying a big farewell at the end of June to one of their more experienced teachers Judy James, who is standing down after about 40 years in the system.

Mr. Wright, 60, who was pictured while preparing to go on an annual camping trip with some of his year six students, said he will be sad to leave, but is sure to be dropping by from time to time.

He said: “I have been in the same school for 36 years and I must admit, I think it will be strange to leave it.

“St. David's Primary is unique. It's a community school and is almost self-contained, but because of that we have had the most fantastic support from everybody over the years.

“Whether people's children attend the school or not, they help wherever they can, and I would say we have had some of the strongest supported Parent Teacher Associations on the Island.

“We have had some terrific results at the school and I have had a lot of good times. I will miss it.”

Mr. Wright said he planned to spend more time with his family and hoped to be able to do more travelling, farming and fishing.

He added: “I basically want to do all the things I have not been able to do for the last 20 years.”

Chief Education officer at the Ministry of Education Dr. Joseph Christopher said it was always sad to see experienced staff leave.

He said: “The Ministry extends warmest thanks to all our principals and deputies who are retiring this year.

“We are grateful for the dedication and commitment they have all displayed during their careers and their considerable experience and expertise will be a significant loss to the system.

“They have brought many different skills and different points of view to their jobs and their questioning and determination to find the best solutions for their students has helped us to keep the Ministry on the right course. They will be missed.”

But Dr. Christopher said finding replacements had been a priority, so the transition period could be managed smoothly.

He added: “I am pleased to say that appointments to the principals' positions will be announced very shortly. The process for filling the deputies' positions is also well underway.”

Chairman of the Association of School Principals Livingston Tuzo last night paid tribute to his three headteacher colleagues and wished them well.

He said: “Between the three of them, I don't know how many years we are talking about, they have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the system that is going to be difficult to replace.

“It's a lot of experience to lose in one year. They all have different strengths that they bring to the table and they will be missed. I know the middle school system is going to be particularly impacted by their departures.

“I wish them well. To be honest, I think I'm quite jealous.”