Pupils are top of classafter secret send-off

When it comes to keeping secrets, children at Holy Trinity Primary School in Tattershall really are in a class of their own.
The retirement at Tattershall School EMN-161201-092604001The retirement at Tattershall School EMN-161201-092604001
The retirement at Tattershall School EMN-161201-092604001

Teaching assistant Amanda Wood has retired after 15 years’ loyal service at the school.

She was a popular member of staff and children wanted to give her the best possible send off.

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For several weeks, they practiced a specially written song - without Mrs Wood managing to discover what they were planning.

And, on the big day, they surprised her with their very own rousing rendition.

Headteacher Stephanie Liley said: “Mrs Wood really was popular with the children and they wanted to do something special.

“We came up with the idea of the song but we didn’t want Mrs Wood to know anything about it.

“We wanted it to be a complete surprise.

“We swore the children to secrecy.

“ They rehearsed for weeks without saying anything.”

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On Mrs Wood’s final day, the children waited for her to arrive and then sang to her in the playground.

Ms Liley said: “ It was amazing - and totally unexpected.

“Mrs Wood was taken by surprise and was overwhelmed by the whole thing.

“The children deserve praise for not giving anything away. It can’t have been easy.”

Ms Liley also thanked parents who were in on the secret .

On the day, even the Horncastle News photographer had to hide before Mrs Wood arrived - so as not to give anything away!

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Ms Liley described Mrs Wood as a ‘valued and popular’ member of staff and said she would be missed by everyone at the school.

She added: “She has been a help to so many of our pupils over the years.

“All the children really liked her and she will be missed by everyone.

“It will be almost impossible to replace her and everyone wishes her a happy retirement.”

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Mrs Wood, who lives in Woodhall Spa, worked mainly with children in years five and six. She was a key figure in the school’s mathematics programme.

Staff held a collection to pay for a pamper day at Centre Parcs.

And plans for the next retirement? They are a closely guarded secret!