YOU must be doing something right if you stay at the same place of work for 37 years and get a farewell like the one received by Colin House.

The 61-year-old headteacher at Dove House School Academy, for children with learning difficulties, received an emotional send-off recently from parents, pupils and staff.

Dove-shaped balloons were released into the air and Mr House received a guitar to play in his retirement.

The end-of-term ceremony was a fitting tribute to a man who joined the school as a newly-qualified teacher in 1978, having moved from a career in banking.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-one said he was inspired to teach at the school because his brother and sister have learning difficulties.

Mr House rose through the ranks and has led the school for pupils with learning difficulties since 1996.

His passion for the job is clear to see in our interview with him on page three of today’s paper, in which he describes himself as “fortunate to have worked with some of the best teachers in the world”.

Mr House added: “These children can achieve. It’s not the children who are special, it’s the school. Our kids are just like any other child.

“They all need help, love, encouragement and that’s what the school does. It’s very much part of our ethos.”

Such words are a reminder of why Dove House School Academy is so highly-regarded, and with Mr House planning on remaining as a school governor, the future continues to look bright.

Everyone at The Gazette would like to wish Mr House a happy and well-earned retirement.

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