Wishing a very happy, healthy, relaxing and well deserved retirement to my old school nemesis, the legendary, Mrs. Salter. Or "Mrs. In-salter" (insulter) as I always used to call her! Who is now retiring after seven years since taking over for Mr. Phipps as headteacher of Bower Grove School (after I left school).
Despite our ups and downs in the past, and as much as my 12-13 year old self - otherwise known as Mean Mikey - would hate to admit this, you were always a massive inspiration to me back at school. I still and will forever cherish the memories of you as my assistant head in Year 7 and Year 8, even those on and off days! We may have not always seen eye to eye back then, but behind our love-dislike relationship (I certainly wouldn't use the word hate), I always had a soft spot for you. Strict, serious and disciplinary on the outside you may have been at times, but generally sweet, innocent, loving, caring and understanding on the inside. A beautiful human being inside and out, with a great sense of humour and a smile that lights up every room. And not to mention, a born leader. Seeing as you're the same age as the school, there was certainly no one else worthier to take over for Mr. Phipps as headteacher! You'll always have a special place in this heart of mine. Despite my poor studies and bad behaviour at school, you never once lost faith in me and always believed in my potential. I couldn't have gone on to achieve all I have achieved during the last seven years since leaving school without your continued support. I hope I've made you proud and made up for all the school work I never did!
I will do my very best to continue to make you and the school proud. Have a great retirement. You deserve it!
Lots of love your most favourite and least favourite ex-pupil,
Mikey x
PS: Why couldn't you have waited another four years before retiring?! Now I'll never get the chance to sing The Beatles song "When I'm Sixty Four" to you at what could have been your 64th birthday assembly!
📸: Councillor Derek Mortimer, the Mayor of Maidstone
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