Primary school headteacher steps down after 34 years
Staff and pupils at a Black Country school are set to bid their headteacher a fond farewell when she retires after 34 years.
Melanie Gee has been teaching in schools in the Sandwell borough for her entire career since she gained her teaching degree in 1984.
She will retire from her post at Sacred Heart Primary School, in Tipton, at the end of this week.
Her career began at Old Park Primary School, in Wednesbury, before moving to Wednesbury Oak Academy and then to Hateley Heath Infant School in 1997.
Following a merge of Hateley Heath infant and junior schools, Melanie was promoted to deputy headteacher.
In January 2009, Melanie was appointed as acting headteacher at Sacred Heart for one-term initially – before being given the permanent role in September 2009. At the time, it was the smallest school in Sandwell with less than 100 pupils.
Sacred Heart moved into their new state-of-the-art building in 2017 and the school now has more than 335 pupils.
Ms Gee said: "As I reach the end of my teaching career, I would like to say that I have always been very proud to say that I work in Sandwell, and it has been a privilege to have served the children and families of Sandwell for 34 years."
Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children's services, added: "Throughout her career Melanie will have taught thousands of children in Sandwell.
"I want to thank Melanie for her hard work and dedication to schools in Sandwell."
