WITH the summer holidays now here, the end of term marked the end of an era for several schools in Times Territory. A number of headteachers have had to say goodbye to staff and students, with some retiring and others taking on new challenges.

WITH the summer holidays now here, the end of term marked the end of an era for several schools in Times Territory.

A number of headteachers have had to say goodbye to staff and students, with some retiring and others taking on new challenges.

Sue Jennings from Swallow Dell, Julie Connelly at Our Lady, Brian Martin of Templewood and Alison Witchell of Welwyn St Mary's all retired at the end of this year's summer term.

Mrs Witchell, who has been head at the London Road, Welwyn, primary for almost 14 years, said: "I'm going to miss the people here the most.

"The staff and the children make a wonderful team and the parents have been very supportive."

She will be replaced by Mary Westley, who is moving from St Michael's Primary in Woolmer Green. Another switch involves WGC schools Swallow Dell and Rowans.

Clare Hollingsworth will be moving from Rowans to take over from the retiring Mrs Jennings at Swallow Dell, in Blackthorn Road, WGC.

"I'm genuinely very sad; it's like leaving home," Mrs Hollingsworth said.

"But it's the right time to go, and the school is in a really good place for me to leave."

Other departures include Ann Keen from Creswick Primary and Nursery School in Sir John Newsom Way, WGC.

"It has been a huge privilege to be part of the Creswick community for the past six years," said Mrs Keen, who is taking on a school advisory role for Herts County Council.

"I have met so many wonderful children, staff, governors and families and wish everyone all the very best for the future."

Christine Hall, head of St John's in Lemsford, is leaving after four years, to become headteacher at a school in Broxbourne.

"This will be an exciting challenge and I will be able to take with me the many great things that we have achieved at St John's," she said.

And after 14 years in charge at The Park Extended Education Support Centre, which has

centres in Hatfield and Potters Bar, headteacher Gill Dunton is also retiring.