Pupils and staff at a primary school have said goodbye to their "wonderful" headteacher as he prepares to retire after 30 years of service. Christ Church Ainsworth CE Primary School and Nursery held a celebration on Friday, July 5, to say goodbye to “well-respected” headteacher Mr David Gerrard. Mr Gerrard, 63, began teaching at the Tommy Lane school in 1994 as deputy head teacher before progressing into the headteacher role a year later.
In an emotive speech, he shared anecdotes from his time at the school and expressed gratitude for his colleagues and for the pupils he has taught across the decades. He said: “Although it’s the right time for me to leave, I’m going to miss the day-to-day interaction with you all. "Thank you for your support and loyalty throughout the years.
" Mr Gerrard shared fond memories including numerous school trips and one occasion when he was reading to a classroom and his chair slowly collapsed, leading to “hysterical laughter all round”. The Bury FC fan studied at Derby High School before attending Edge Hill university. He taught at Lowercroft Primary School for 10 years before moving to Christ Church.
The event was well attended by his current and former colleagues, parents, governors, guests from the community, family members and friends. His daughter Rachael Gerrard-Taylor, 28, said: “We’re proud of all my dad has achieved in his career. “I’ve grown up seeing him in a job where he made a big difference to the lives of not ju.
