Four long-serving members of staff will be leaving Chater Junior School.

The staff members, including headteacher Peter McEntee, will be retiring or moving on after a combined 72 years of service at the school.

Headteacher Peter McEntee

Headteacher Mr McEntee joined the school in 2000 as deputy headteacher and was appointed to his current position in 2004.

He is leaving after 19 years to become an educational consultant and saw the school the through many changes including three outstanding Ofsted reports.

He said: “The school has grown in terms of good reputation within the community.

“My favourite part about working in a primary school is the joy of working with young people. The children’s enthusiasm and positivity are always such a breath of fresh air.

“Giving children access to an exciting curriculum and broadening their horizons and aspirations has always been my main ambition as head.”

Midday supervisor Barbara Sears

Barbara Sears who attended the school as a child will be leaving after 20 years at the school. She began working at Chater in September 1999.

Mrs Sears is a senior midday supervisor who looks after the children during the lunchtime period and is also a teaching assistant for years 3 to 6.

She said: “My role as supervisor at lunchtime can be challenging but also satisfying. There is always plenty to do as our focus is to keep children safe and happy.

“Although a difficult decision I have decide that now is the right time for me to step down. I will miss working in this school so much as it has been a big part of my life.”

Business manager Sheena King

Sheena King will be retiring after 22 years of looking after the school’s finances, health and safety, HR, premises management and resources.

She said: “A highlight for me was finding an artist to design and pain a mural on the library wall. The children were asked to choose characters they liked to read about for the artist to paint.

“This included dragons, scientists, detectives and wizards. It is beautiful and still looks as good as the day it was painted.

“I shall miss working with such friendly and supportive staff, and happy children who love to learn. Chater Junior School has been a fabulous place to work and I really appreciate the friendships I have made.”

Rosemary Billett

Rosemary Billett has decided to retire after 11 years and has worked at Chater since 2008.

Mrs Billet spent her time as Teaching Assistant and considers her most enjoyable moments to be Cuffley camp experiencing the outdoors with the children.

She said: “It has been amazing journey, the nurturing and support from all the staff has been great. The children are incredible, and it truly has been some of my best working years.”