THE Dean Academy in Lydney has said farewell to one long-serving member of staff and is preparing to welcome a key appointment.
Jan Wildin bid a fond and emotional goodbye when she hung up her apron after 27 years as a catering supervisor.
The academy is also preparing a new ‘head of school’ who will take over from acting-head John Barrett.
Jan, who started at the school in 1989, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the school and have seen lots of changes such as the brilliant introduction of healthy eating for children and I have seen many generations of students come and go over the years.
“I will really miss the children and the girls in the restaurant but I am looking forward to starting my retirement and spending time with my family.”
School catering manager, Nicky Harris, added: “Jan’s contribution to the running of the school restaurant over the last 27 years has been invaluable and she will be really missed.
“I hope Jan enjoys her retirement and gets to do all the things that she wants to do now she has the time.”
The new head of school has been announced as Mr Tom Beveridge.
The post was advertised nationally and the appointment was made after two days of selection tests including meetings with students, parents, staff, governors and members of the Athelstan Trust of which the academy is a part.
He will visit the school and spend time with staff during the summer term before taking up the post in September.
Tim Gilson, chief executive of the Athelstan Trust, said: “We were very impressed with Mr Beveridge’s passion, enthusiasm and energy, and his vision and drive for taking the school forward, building on the improvements to date.
“There is no doubt that he will lead the whole school community forward ensuring that every student will experience excellent education at our school and is very well prepared for their next steps.
“We are delighted that he will be our new head of school and we look forward to working with him, for the benefit of all of our present and future pupils, in the years to come.”