|
|
 |
| |
Wendy Baum bids farewell to children at Eleanor Palmer Primary School on her last day |
It’s a rap! Teacher’s farewell after 33 years
THERE was an emotional end to the year for children at Eleanor Palmer on Friday when they said goodbye to the primary school’s longest-serving teacher.
Wendy Baum spent the day surrounded by youngsters wearing specially printed T-shirts with her picture on as she brought the curtain down on a 33-year career at the Lupton Street school in Kentish Town.
Ms Baum, who was awarded an MBE in 2005, was surprised with a 45-minute assembly, in which the children told the story of her life before performing a special rap entitled Wendy Baum – We Luvver A Lot.
The much-loved teacher, who lives in Hampstead, said: “At the moment the fact that I’m leaving hasn’t really sunk in, it just feels like the summer holidays are starting as per usual.
“For almost 40 years I’ve lived with a teacher’s diary. In July I’m used to clearing out my desk and taking my posters off the wall.
“I don’t really think it will hit home until September when I can hear all the children making their way to school.”
Recalling her favourite memories from her time at the school, Ms Baum, 59, added: “To be honest there have been so many. One of my fondest times was when I used to take a group of infants to Westgate-on-Sea.
“We use to get on the train with our teddies and go and spend the week having fun at the seaside, building sandcastles and looking for shrimps and shells.
“It was great, and fantastic for helping the children bond. It was a lot of work, but getting the chance to see the children as little people in a new environment was brilliant.”
Ms Baum said she hopes she has left a fitting legacy not only at the school but with those who have passed through her classroom.
“Along with teaching the children standard subjects like English and maths, I hope I’ve given them a little awe and wonder about the world,” she added.
No sooner had Ms Baum thanked all the school governors, the staff and children for a wonderful send-off, she was already planning her return visit.
She said: “I’ve been invited to go on a trip with the children in September and I jumped at the chance to say yes. I’ll still be popping into the school whenever I get the chance.” |
 |
|
|
|
Your comments:
WONDERFUL to be interviewed and photographed by Steve, who I taught and also most of his family. Well done steve, it was fantastic to meet up with you again.
W. Baum
IT was wonderful having Wendy Baum as a Teacher although it was very sad to see her leavng.
Ellie
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
