A NEWBRIDGE headteacher is retiring after 42 years of teaching in Gwent June Havard, head at Tynewydd Primary School for 16 years, spent her last day at the school yesterday.

Mrs Havard, 64, started her teaching career in Blackwood.

She then went on to become deputy head at Ty Graig School in Abertillery and was then head at Pentwynmawr School before joining Tynewydd.

Mrs Havard, from Pengam, is also district secretary for Caerphilly National Union of Teachers, a role she will continue in her retirement.

Rugby has played an important part in her life and she is district secretary for under 11s lslwyn rugby.

Teacher Nicola Davies said: “She’s never played rugby but she has had a huge interest in rugby by encouraging primary age boys to play rugby as it impacts on their learning.”

Rugby star Shane Williams is the headteacher’s idol because of his involvement in the Read a Million Words project across Wales and Mrs Havard received a signed photograph and video message from him wishing her all the best in her retirement.

Mrs Havard also had a party at the Celtic Manor in Newport on Friday with past and present colleagues from the school and the local council.

Mrs Davies said: “She is an outstanding headteacher and provides all the pupils with an exceptional opportunity to learn. She’s going to be missed dreadfully.”