‍

It was a joy this week for Bishop Richard and the diocesan Education Service to be at St Francis' Catholic Primary School, Caterham, where the whole school gathered together to give thanks for the leadership of Maria Wheeler, Headteacher.

Maria is retiring after 21 years and she was joined by family, deanery colleagues, Xavier CET and the diocesan Education Service in celebration of her service to Catholic education.

St Francis' School has been educating children in Caterham since its foundation in 1880, by the Rev. Canon Francis Roe, then Parish Priest of Caterham. The school's motto is "For it is in giving that we receive" and its vision is to "provide an excellent education and wider opportunities where all members of our school community will grow and realise their potential through encouragement and perseverance in a safe environment.

"In God’s love and inspired by our faith, we respect, reflect, achieve and grow together."