Today pupils and staff said goodbye to Mrs Kath Priest (formally Mrs Kath Green), who has been teaching ballet and dance at Vernon Lodge School for 29 Years.

At the end of her final class, Mrs Priest was presented with gifts from current parents and staff and former colleagues.  She was delighted to accept a framed picture of the school with the names of all her past pupils listed on the back and a Thomas Sabo pearl bracelet with a silver ballet shoes charm.

Over the years, she has been a dedicated friend of the school.  In addition to dance, she has also taught gym to both boys and girls and been an excellent choreographer at school productions.  Always willing to step in when needed, Mrs Priest has covered classes and even stepped in as school secretary!  She always willingly gave her time, often coming back during the evening to help behind the scenes at concerts and to join in herself!

Many of our pupils have gone on to continue dancing at her Wolverhampton Dance School, and one former Pupil, Beth Peach Robinson, takes up a place at the Royal Academy this Autumn.

She said a moving farewell to her pupils and gave them each a personal gift to remember her by.

Kath is about to emigrate to join her son and family in Australia and we wish her well.