Last bell for Irene, a role model head

FAREWELL. . . Surprise guest the Mayor of Oldham makes a presentation to head teacher Irene Barratt with (from left) deputy head boy Fehzaan Ahmed, head boy Taseen Miah, Youth Mayor Marouf Ahmed and next year's head girl Fathimah Ali

AN "iconic" head teacher was given a special send-off as she ended her 30-year career at an Oldham school.

Irene Barratt has invested half her lifetime at Alexandra Park Junior School, progressing from deputy to head teacher during that time.

The dedicated and committed role model was honoured by pupils, staff, governors and parents alike as her time came to a close yesterday.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer, made a surprise visit during a full-school assembly to mark the occasion.

He said: "We are here to say a really big thank you from the whole of Oldham and especially the St Mary's community for the massive work that you have done for this school and Oldham as a whole."

Irene (61) first joined Alexandra Park Junior School in 1987 as deputy head teacher.

The opportunity presented itself after her husband Philip Barratt (55) spotted the vacancy during a visit to the school.

Irene said: "My husband had been asking children at Alexandra Park to take part in a production at Oldham Theatre Workshop. He said he had visited this fantastic school where there was a deputy vacancy. Thirty years later I can tell you he was absolutely right.

"It is a fantastic school and it feels like yesterday that I arrived here. I'm just so proud of everyone. I have been blessed.

"Everyone here will be in my thoughts every day, whatever I am doing."

From her first teaching job at Cheetwood Community Primary School, in inner-city Manchester, to her retirement from Alexandra Park yesterday, Irene said the most important aspect to her job has been inspiring people.

Deputy head teacher Jenny Seabright, who opened the full-school assembly, said: "We are here to celebrate and share our respect and love for our iconic headteacher.

"Irene has worked with Oldham Collaborative, supported the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), supported teachers and staff, and encouraged and praised every child at this school.

"It has been a privilege to stand by her side for the past 10 years and I really do thank her for everything I have learnt."