Dear Families,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Miss Annie Sanderson, our school’s very first headteacher, at the remarkable age of 98.
Miss Sanderson opened Seaburn Dene Primary School in October 1969 and led our school with dedication and care until her retirement in 1986. Her vision and leadership laid the foundations of the nurturing and inclusive ethos we continue to value today.
Many of you will fondly remember her visit during our 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2019, where she reminisced about the early years of our school and shared her joy at seeing how Seaburn Dene had flourished.
Her legacy lives on in the hearts of families and the wider community who had the privilege of knowing her.
A committal service will take place on Tuesday 21st January at 3pm at Sunderland Crematorium, followed by a celebration of Miss Sanderson's life at Fulwell Methodist Church at 3.30pm.
We know Miss Sanderson will be fondly remembered by many of you, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.
Warm regards,
John Howe
Headteacher

CAP: Here is Miss Sanderson (right) at the official opening of our school in 1969.