Peter Murray was popular with all the students at De La Salle Primary School Picture: ROB CURRIE (01011938)

THE head teacher of De La Salle College Primary School has retired after eight years at the helm.

Peter Murray (57), originally from Manchester, moved to Jersey with his wife, who is also a teacher, in 2002.

On Monday the boys said goodbye to Mr Murray with a ‘This is Your Life’ presentation of a scrap book in which every pupil had written a message or drawn a picture to map the popular teacher’s eight years as their head. And a goodbye party

would not be complete without a cake – which was large enough for every staff member and pupil to enjoy a slice.

Mr Murray was head teacher of a school in Stockport, Cheshire, before he moved to De La Salle eight years ago. He and his wife, Jane, who has been a supply teacher at Bel Royal and FCJ, will move back to the UK next week but hope to return to the Island some day to visit friends.

‘I have worked with some great teachers and the governing body of the college,’ said Mr Murray. ‘The teaching staff and support staff have all been brilliant and, of course, the boys have been fantastic.

‘It has been a marvellous journey for me. Jane and I have had a great time during our time in the Island.’

As well as the special leaving assembly, Mr Murray also enjoyed a goodbye dinner with the De La Salle College governing body.

He has been held in high regard by parents as well as teachers and students over the years, and last week the school’s PTA organised a tea party in his honour. ‘I was given some lovely gifts by the parents and the boys,’ said Mr Murray.

‘I have had lots of send-offs in the last couple of weeks. It is a mix of emotions as I leave the college. Over the last eight years I have got to know the boys well. I will miss the college and the Island very much. I also want to express my thanks to the Primary Head Teachers Association for all their support.’

• Read more features in our Islanders in Friday’s Jersey Evening Post