Serving God in the heart of our community since 1881

St Andrew's Church, Taunton

Farewell from St. Andrew's School Head teacher

Nigel Bright

10 December 2006 - first published in the December 2006 issue of Heartbeat the St. Andrew's Church magazine.

This is my final article in the St. Andrew’s church magazine. My first comment must be to thank all those at St. Andrew’s church for their continued support and prayers for us at the school. This support is vital for the care and development of the school community. Church schools do have an added advantage in having the supportive link with a church community.

Where have the 9 years that I have been at St. Andrew’s gone? When I started, my eldest daughter was about 7 years old and my youngest had just started school. Now I have a daughter who has just started doing A’ levels and one who is in year 9 thinking about options for GCSE. When I said that I was going to move schools they were very disappointed with me. They have also grown up St. Andrew’s. They have got to know the staff, the buildings etc. It will seem very different for them as well. 

I will leave St. Andrew’s with many strong and fond memories. It is a special place, as many people have found. There is a very strong, caring and loving community that the children who go to the school are so lucky to be part of.  The long tradition that this school has provides the continuity for the community.  It is always good to see how many people return for the past pupils’ party each year and how happy are their memories of each other and the school.

The school and the church together are going to go through a period of change. This can be an exciting and also disconcerting time. The next head of the school, Paul Sheehan, will continue the tradition of care and support.  I know that he will feel and appreciate the care that the link with the church will provide. I wish you all the best during this year as you decide on Julian’s replacement.