Teacher Jackie retires after 40 years at Werneth Primary School

After an incredible 40 years of service to the staff, children and school community of Werneth Primary School, Jackie Hodgkiss retired from her role as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and member of the teaching team, at the end of the Autumn term.

Jackie’s knowledge of the Werneth community, its families and the history of the school will be irreplaceable.

Jackie has taught some of the current parents and has a knowledge of families and community over several generations and her absence will be keenly felt by everyone connected to the school.

Werneth children and families put their trust in Jackie because of her warmth, humanity and love for those families - very often in their most challenging moments - and Jackie has helped countless families to overcome huge challenges in their lives and be able to thrive.

Jackie has been at the heart of Werneth’s wonderful pastoral offer and is rightly recognised and very well respected by colleagues working in Social Services and external agencies for the work that she has done in going above and beyond to help others.

This was reflected in how many former Werneth staff, Governors and professionals from outside of school gave their time to come to Jackie’s leaving event; showing the levels of respect, admiration and gratitude that everyone that works alongside Jackie has for her.

At the retirement celebrations, Jackie was thanked for her inspirational commitment to her work, the school and local community.

Many friends, colleagues and family attended to wish her well and good luck.

Jackie was presented with the trust’s first ever Exceptional Long Service Award, awarded to those who have spent 35 plus years in service to their school and community, upon retirement. 

Jonathan Bell, Principal at Werneth Primary, said: “Jackie has been a pillar of our school community throughout her 40 years at Werneth Primary School.

"From grandparents to three-year-olds, Jackie knows our families like no one else. Jackie always goes above and beyond for our families - advocating for our families and working tirelessly to get our families the support they need and deserve.

"Jackie has been the beating heart of our school and we wish her a very long and happy retirement - Jackie absolutely deserves it! ”

Jackie’s love and commitment to Werneth can be seen in her agreeing to stay connected to school through a role as a co-opted Governor, and it speaks volumes for Jackie's love of the school that she has agreed to take on this role after 40 years of service.

She more than embodies the school's values of “Care, Aspire and Persevere” through all that she does. 

Everyone connected to Werneth Primary School and The Pinnacle Learning Trust are so grateful for everything that Mrs Hodgkiss does and has done and wishes her nothing but happiness. 

Jayne Clarke OBE, CEO of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, said: “We are so lucky to have had Jackie working with Werneth Primary School over the last 40 years. 

"It really is exceptionally long service and in her role as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Jackie has made such a significant positive difference to so many pupils and their families.

"She has also supported her colleagues in the safeguarding team across our trust, having an impact well beyond the school.

"We wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

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