Headteacher celebrates 'rollercoaster' 15 years at school
Adam Shearman has been the headteacher of Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School, near Builth Wells, for 15 years, but is heading to another school in the county in September.
Llanelwedd deputy head Satu Haikala said staff and pupils 'brought Disneyworld to Llanelwedd' as a way of giving Mr Shearman a fitting send-off at the end of term.
Members of staff planned a special surprise to honour Mr Shearman's love of theme parks with a surprise roller coaster ride around the school grounds.
The playground was decorated as a theme park and a special cart had been designed as a 'rollercoaster', where children in Year 6 pushed Mr Shearman through specially decorated theme lands that included references to his favourite theme parks; as well as to the other schools that he has supported over the last 15 years.
All the pupils wore Disney-themed outfits and lined up in rows for Mr Shearman to be pushed through. They waved, cheered, threw streamers and joined in the fun.
Mr Shearman had no idea that staff and pupils had conspired to organise the leaving party. 'I didn't have a clue,' he said.
'Bearing in mind we have 113 children, not one of them said a word. They knew it was a secret.
'When I walked into school I was met by our deputy headteacher, dressed as one of Snow White's dwarves.
'I then walked into assembly to see the whole school dressed as Disney characters. The staff were dressed as Snow White and her dwarves.'
Another teacher, Paul Walby, who is also leaving this term, was dressed as Snow White herself.
Ms Haikala, the school's deputy head, said: 'We had a collection and didn't make enough to send Mr Shearman to Disneyworld, so we brought Disneyworld to Llanelwedd.'
The children also sang songs from their recent production of the Wizard of Oz.
Mr Shearman joined the school in 2010, when it had just 43 children; he now leaves the school with 94 pupils, with a further 19 in the school-based pre-school setting.
On the school's Facebook page he said: 'I find myself reflecting on the journey we've shared.
'Llanelwedd school has never been just a place of learning, it has been a living, breathing community where curiosity is encouraged, resilience is built and compassion is celebrated.
'Together, we've weathered challenges (and flooding), embraced change and created a culture that values both academic achievements and empathy.
'Over the years the school has grown and developed, but at its heart is the children. The children at Llanelwedd are like family.'
The was described as 'thriving' by Church in Wales inspectors who visited just before Easter.
'The true legacy of a school lies not in its buildings or measured by the awards it wins but is in the hearts and minds of those who pass through its doors,' added Mr Shearman.
'As I move on to new adventures, I leave with immense pride and unwavering hope for the future of this remarkable school.
'I know the school is in very safe hands with the new headteacher, Ms Haikala, and the wonderful staff team here.
'I would like to thank the whole school community for their support, good wishes and contributions. It has truly been an honour to serve as the headteacher of this very special place.'
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