Inspirational headteacher retires from Sheffield school

Teachers, pupils and parents thanked a retiring Sheffield headteacher who devoted nearly 40 years to teaching.

Alan Dewhurst retired as headteacher of St Marie’s Catholic Primary School in Fulwood and has taken up a part time role with the Diocese of Hallam.

He began his career in Slough, Berkshire, in 1978 and moved to in Sheffield in 2009.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Altogether he spent 37 years in Catholic schools, with 21 years as a headteacher.

At a thanksgiving Mass for Mr Dewhurst, the new headteacher at St Marie’s, John Fernandes, said: “Like everyone at St Marie’s we can’t imagine the school without you.

“In the short time you have worked here we have all learnt so much from you and have so much to thank you for - our encouragement, your trust, your support, your friendship, your faith and your leadership.

“Our very recent outstanding RE inspection report sums you up perfectly - the inspirational headteacher is passionately committed to providing an outstanding education for every pupil in an inclusive, nurturing and happy environment shaped by Gospel values.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He went on to tell Mr Dewhurst that he will be missed by all at the school.

“We will all miss your calm, controlled presence in school. On behalf of all the staff and children may God bless you in your semi-retirement,” he added

Mr Dewhurst received a papal blessing on his retirement from St Marie’s, which has children from four - 11 years old.

A school spokesman said: “It is a Christian community where the gospel values of truth, justice, love, peace and forgiveness are taught.”