Newport headteacher retires

A HEADTEACHER whose door was always open “for stickers, plasters, certificates, advice or a chat” has retired.

Jane Detnon taught at Newport Primary School for 15 years and had been head for the past five years before her final day on Friday.

She has moulded the school into a high performing establishment during her time in charge.

Mrs Detnon said: “I couldn’t have wished to work in a better school. The team was wonderful, as were the parents and children.

“It was a privilege to have contributed something towards its development.”

Mrs Detnon said her proudest moment as headteacher was to see the children’s behaviour ranked as ‘outstanding’ in the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection.

“When I first went to the school the behaviour was anything but – it was not even rated good. Within five years it had got to outstanding,” said Mrs Detnon.

“Being a manager a lot depends of the staff you work with – I was lucky to have staff who were always willing to make changes.”

Mrs Detnon said she will spend her retirement catching up with old friends and tending her allotment.

“There will be things that I miss – but I certainly won’t miss Ofsted or the paperwork,” she joked.

Acting headteacher John Howett paid homage to Mrs Detnon, saying it was a “pleasure and a privilege to work with her”.

“She is adored by the children and respected by staff and governors,” he said. “We wish her a very happy retirement.”