Dear Parents /Carers, For the last 39 years I have served the children of Barking and Dagenham, over 30 of which have been at SRS. I am one of the lucky people who have always enjoyed coming to work each day and feel very fortunate to lead a school it is so easy to be proud of. SRS has become part of my DNA but now I am writing to inform you of my decision to retire at the end of this academic year. Whilst it is incredibly difficult for me to leave SRS, the time is also right for me to enjoy retirement. 30 years is a long time and I would not want to outstay my welcome! I have been so incredibly proud to be the Principal of SRS. The school has been on an incredible journey and through many changes. I have taken great pleasure in seeing hundreds of children develop and flourish as confident, successful young people and I am very proud of the part I have played in making SRS the Outstanding and thriving school that it is today. It has been a great privilege but the time is now right for someone else to take over the reins and lead the school forward on its next exciting chapter. I am delighted to inform you that Clare Cross, one of my Vice Principals, has been appointed as Acting Principal. Ms Cross has very much been part of the school’s journey and I know I will be leaving SRS in very safe hands. I am confident that the school will have a successful future under her leadership. She will be ably supported by a very strong leadership team and very many brilliant staff who are passionate about improving the education and well-being of our young people. I must end by saying a big thank you to you all for the support that you have given me over the years. This school enjoys an excellent reputation. This is attributed to the positive attitudes and exemplary behaviour of our young people, your support of us and the quality of care and education provided by all the Staff. Sydney Russell will always be a special place for me and I wish Ms Cross and the team every success for the future in the certain knowledge that they will do everything in their power to continue the quest to improve the life chances of every SRS young person. We have a great deal to do over the remainder of the term to ensure that our current group of students achieves as well as so many that have gone before. I can assure you I will remain focussed on ensuring that we continue to provide the high standard of education that you, as parents, would expect from us. Yours sincerely Janis Davies Principal Read the full letter here