Dear Parents, Carers, Children, Staff and Governors

And it’s goodbye from me!

Working at Porter Croft has been a truly unforgettable experience and it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to say ‘goodbye’ to you all. The journey we have all been on has been amazing and it has been my privilege to serve this wonderful community as your headteacher; the years here have been the best of my life.  Thank you for having me, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement, thank you for accepting me and always making me feel so welcome.  Thank you all for your cards, generous gifts and well wishes too. 

This is a special community and leaving it is not at all easy. A piece of me will always be here.  I walk away feeling proud because ‘Together we are Porter Croft’ really means something – it’s a place where all are welcomed and I hope this never changes.  Our community is something to treasure and I will miss how it pulls together, how people look after each other and the warm smiles that greet me from everyone whatever their age.  I can honestly say I will miss you all – your humour, your kindness and your challenge.

Our journey together has been a rollercoaster in the best sense, from humble beginnings to the dizzy heights of being called ‘outstanding’. The Ofsted results was, of course, wonderful but the real highlights are the day to day things – children fired up about learning, growing in confidence to the point that they can show it in so many different ways.  I have learnt so much in my time with you and hope that we can keep in touch as the school moves forward to an exciting future, led by Cath and her team who will bring so much excitement in the years to come – even greater things are on the horizon for Porter Croft.

Thank you again – to my staff for their tireless approach and dedication and for their support both personally and professionally, to my Governors for providing steadfast support and guidance, to our parents and families for their encouragement and many kind words and most of all to our children, whose positivity and spark make coming to work a joy.

I wish you all the very best for the future and hope that we do not lose touch.

Yours gratefully

Jim Dugmore
Headteacher