Sir,

In a few weeks time I shall be leaving Netherwood School where I have had the privilege to teach for over 30 years, almost half my lifetime. It certainly has been a privilege. Not only have I met many remarkable teachers, very supportive and caring parents, but also many gifted and talented children. The education at Netherwood under the two headmasters I have served has always been of the highest quality, the interests of individual children the focal point of the work carried out there. I have taken great delight in the achievements of the pupils, whether sporting, academic or in the world of music and drama, and been proud of the high standard achieved in so many instances. Most important of all, Netherwood is a school where every child's talents are recognised and nurtured, so that individuals realise their true potential and where all children are treated as equals. However, Netherwood has many more qualities that have kept me there, the outstanding beauty of its location, the peace and safety of the environment, and most of all the 'family' atmosphere that pervades every classroom and area of the school, where teachers and pupils become friends, where everyone knows everyone, where pupils keep in touch years after leaving. I still remember the names of my first class and know exactly what they have achieved in life and what they are doing today. I receive cards and letters from all over the world, as do many other teachers. How rewarding it is when they come back, reminding you of your strictness, but thanking you for the fairness, the care and the valuable support you gave them. They all remember the school with pride and pleasure. Netherwood has provided me with much more than a mere job; it has become an intrinsic part of my life. On the day of my interview in September 1977 with Mr. Bob Cope, I met my future husband (we married 10 weeks after our meeting) and for over 30 years he has had to 'share' me with the school, as I spent weekends boarding, weeks producing the annual Year Book, holiday times painting classrooms. He also played a part, his Christmas Post Box, made for December 1977, still proudly takes in the seasonal post. My son was also educated at Netherwood, so you can see why it has been such an important pat of my life. Now it is time to say goodbye. I do this with sadness. I shall miss the parents and staff who have supported me over the years, but most of all, I shall miss the hundreds of pupils it has been my privilege to teach, from the clever to the not so clever, from the good ones to the naughty ones, they have all meant something special to me, have enriched my life and taught me as much as I have taught them. I shall never forget them and the wonderful school in which I have spent the happiest years of my life.

Moya Phillips, Senior Mistress.