TWO primary school headteachers in the Isle of Man will swap job roles after the half term break in October.

Riss Forrester, the head of Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey, and Sue Mowle, the head of Manor Park, will swap schools due to a problem with Riss's eyesight. 

Since taking up the position of headteacher at Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey in April 2010 Riss has developed a problem with her sight which makes driving in the dark, in areas without street lighting, almost impossible. The job swap will allow her to work much closer to where she lives.

Riss said: "I am very sad to be leaving Scoill Phurt le Moirrey where I have really begun to put down roots over the last four terms.

"However I am also excited about the prospect of leading Manor Park and working with its community and I am delighted that department has been able to make this opportunity possible."

Sue, who has been the head at Manor Park for the last five years, said: "When the department approached me with the request that I consider a move and explained the circumstances I was left with a difficult decision to make.

"I love the job as head of Manor Park and I think our children are among the best on the Island. However I am sure the school is passing into good hands and that Mrs Forrester will provide the leadership it needs into the future.

"I am looking forward to getting to know a new school community and facing the challenges that any new headship brings."

Martin Barrow, director of education in the Isle of Man, said: "The department is pleased to have been able to facilitate this move.

"While I am sure both school communities will naturally have some concerns about the change I have every confidence that both these successful headteachers will quickly establish themselves in their new settings and rapidly establish good relationships with pupils, parents, staff and the wider community."

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