The headteacher at St Catherine's Primary School in Sandyford, Newcastle is set to retire this week, after 27 years in the role.
Michael Ewing, 59, is stepping down from a position that he was very successful in, leading St Catherine's through six positive Ofsted inspections which resulted in the school being named in the body's Top 200 Primary Schools in the country.
Jen Tattles, the after school club leader at St Catherine's has given her thoughts on the impending retirement of such an important figure at the school.
"I have been at St Catherine's for 24 years myself, and I have seen many teachers come and go in that time, but Mr Ewing has been the one constant throughout my time here."
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"All of the staff are so sad to see him go, as are the pupils but also their parents and families, it is clear to see how many people's lives he has touched. I feel like over the years he has done so much to help not just the school, but also this local community", she said.
Michael is retiring next Thursday, at the end of the term and he has been reflecting on his time at the school and the fact that he is now leaving after such a long stint as headteacher.
"It feels like it's passed by in a flash. I was 32 when I was appointed, making me the youngest headteacher in Newcastle at the time. I thought maybe I'll be here at most 10 years, but that soon turned into the last 27 years of my life."
"I pride myself on being a big part of this community, and that won't change after I've retired. My favourite thing about the school is how diverse our community is. St Catherine's is a catholic school but we welcome people of all religious backgrounds and we are much better off for that."
"There have been lots of changes at the school since I took over. I must have appointed every member of staff that works there now which is crazy. Obviously this has been such a big part of my life as I have spent so long doing this job that I love", he said.
"I have been overwhelmed by the amount of messages that I have received and it hasn't really sunk in yet. I have to keep my headteacher hat on for one last week first. Most of all, I'm really looking forward to being with my grandkids, walking them to school and being on the other side of the fence for once."
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