Landed

 With a day of not much ahead I went into the kitchen with the sudden brainwave that I could make pancakes and set about making the batter. Then I had a go at making bread. I'm usually very unsuccessful at this and last saturday was no different. Massive failure. That evening was my last boarders dinner and I was pleased it was off site, something a bit different and a place I'd never been to. After 6 years Blantyre still has a few surprises up her sleeve. I was given a T-shirt as a goodbye gift. I was also given the tricky job of reading names from mugs to give to children, without my bifocals and covered in plastic. What a contrast to this Saturday. 

And then my final few days, I really didn't feel like there was much more I could do, taking things off my notice board, passing on the last few things and documents. Some meetings and emails. I was almost happy that there was a small fight between two boys at break time, a very rare occurrence at SAIntS and gave me something to do for a little while. 

As I was teaching my last lesson with yr 9, my yr 12 group walked up the hill towards the Dudley studio, I was teaching outside. "What are you all up to and why aren't you in your lesson?" I asked, as they grinned and got closer. Then Ulunji spoke for the group "you didn't think you were going to just get a hug from us did you?" and I was presented with a bag and a handmade card. Wine and chocolate and beautiful words. I felt so special. So I told yr 9 to get on with it and me and my lovely group had cuddles and pictures and a final goodbye. And over those last few days I got cards and thank yous, chocolate and love. 

The last school day I did a final pack up, took my laptop to Kelo in IT and had several cups of tea. And then into final assembly. I had plenty of tissues in my pocket and was ready to feel very emotional. Sarah began proceedings with the usual praise for the year gone by and gratitude to everyone. Then the goodbye to students leaving and staff, as is tradition in every school I've worked in, it starts with the least time in the school to the longest. And this year I knew that would be me last. 

Sarah said some very kind words and the students all cheered me - chanting Doherty over and over and a load of them gave me a standing ovation. I was given flowers and I was already crying. Then Sarah announced they had put together a little video in my honour, and on the big screen I saw it, and I was laughing and crying. It was so silly and lovely. I felt so loved and special - it was such a kind thing to do. And then onto the prizes. A got the silver award for House points, only 3 in her year group achieved that and she finally got her Bronze DofE. 

Then at the end I was kind of escorted out (slightly odd but much nicer than that sounds) and the whole school stood for me, cheering me and clapping as I walked through the hall. I was full on crying then. Then the staff party and speeches, I had so many gifts and a beautiful book in which the staff had written their thoughts on me as a leader and how much I mean to them, I will treasure it and the school always. I think I did ok on my speech, happily flanked by BIgA and A who helped me get through what I wanted to say. Lots of drinking and eating and laughing, singing, and more crying. And that was the last day of school. 

Thursday I had a thick head.

We had to finally pack up everything and get rid of the last bits and pieces. Keith came over and left with a huge box of spices and herbs that, despite my attempts, we hadn't managed to use. 

A went to say a final goodbye to Bruno and met up with friends for lunch. And then out with Keith again for dinner. Bombay Palace - an excellent curry.

Friday morning was the last of the last give aways. We had so much still. It is quite unbelievable really. But finally bags packed and weighed and in the school bus to the airport. We used the last of our kwatcha to spend the wait in the lounge and then we flew to Addis. It's all familiar now, the expensive food and terrible service. And then the next bit, a bit delayed but not to bad and then this morning I've woken up over Greece. Waiting for breakfast and the few hours until we're back in London. I can't send this yet, obviously but when I get wifi I will. Because we're home. 

For good

And now we've landed. 

Looking forward to seeing you