My time at St Stephens is something I will always look back on with great fondness and respect. When I first started, I was a wide eyed and eager to experience teaching in a new country. The plan was to stick it out for a few months and then head home to Canada with the experience under my belt. Along the way, I was placed as a supply teacher at St Stephen's and from there I've never looked back. I stayed because the school community is so loving and supportive. I stayed because the children are so down to earth and eager to learn. I stayed because I knew I'd found a place where I would be able to learn and would have people there for me if I tripped up. I stayed because it felt like home.  

Looking back, there isn't a single day I regret and I know that I did the right thing by staying as long as I did. I know that everything I've learned and experienced at St Stephen's will help to guide me through anything I come to face in the future and that no challenge I face in Canada can be as hard as a call from Ofsted. I would like to thank every single one of you who I crossed paths with. It was you who made me feel so welcome. I also have to throw out a special shout out to Charlotte Warburton and Jessica Morrison who were my first year group partners; they showed me the ropes with such kindness and patience. Also, I would like to thank Sian Brown for making my last year here incredibly special. Lastly, I would like to thank our fearless headteacher, Liz Bachour, for seeing a light in me that at times I didn't see myself. Thank you so much everyone and good luck to all the children moving up the school!

To all the wonderful students and my lovely colleagues at St Stephen's, I wish you a fond farewell. As I bid farewell to the familiar rhythm of school, I am excited to embark on my new chapter as an Education Welfare Officer in the borough, while holding close and treasuring all the memories I have made here over the years. 

To all the children that I have had the privilege of teaching, I say a big "THANK YOU". For when I teach, I also learn and you have taught me so much. A little bit of each of you will always remain in my heart. Always strive to be the best that you can be and pursue a life of happiness. 

With love, 

Mrs Tomlinson

It has been a privilege to work at St. Stephen's for the last eight years, it really is a lovely school. During this time I've enjoyed seeing the children with whom I've worked grow in confidence and ability. I have so many wonderful memories, some of my favourite have been from school trips such as the Buddhist Temple in Wimbledon and perusing Greek artefacts at the British Museum. I find on such trips that the children are relaxed and their personalities really come out. I will be sad to leave such wonderful colleagues some of whom have become lifelong friends.

I will no doubt see some of the children out and about in St. Margaret's, probably in Tesco! Hopefully they will still say hello!