A new story begins

As students count down the days until the end of the year, one teacher is counting down to the end of an era.

Lee Coles has spent the past 29 years growing young minds but now, she says, it is time to concentrate on growing her garden.

She says that it is with great sadness that she has decided to leave her "second home" at Stratford Primary School but feels hopeful about the future.

Lee is looking forward to some of the things she hasn't always had time for while teaching such as dancing, needlework, painting and even travel. "I would love to head over to Ireland and visit my daughter."

Lee, who is a grandparent of six, says she will still be connected through the school by her grandchildren and looks forward to spending more time with them.

She adds however, that it will be hard to let go of her life with the school. "Stratford Primary is a school with a remarkable history, tradition and culture and I am so proud to be a part of its journey, but now it is time for my own journey."

As well as being a teacher at the school Lee was also a part of the senior management team and director of English, as well as a soccer coach. "The school team played the AMI Cup competition and in all the years we participated we were beaten only once."

Lee is also proud of her involvement in the school speech competitions. "Public speaking can teach students valuable life lessons and it has been wonderful seeing so many students grow from it."

She has fond memories of principals John Ridley and Kelvin Squire, something that Kelvin reciprocates. "She was a great asset to have in the school as she made a big impact on the students that she worked with."

He adds that Lee "has a real passion for ensuring that even the most reluctant of readers can still access literature". Kelvin says Lee is a real asset to the whole community and looks forward to still seeing her around Stratford.