I enjoyed Judith's character but can understand why she was written out. She no longer had any children after Edward left and the principal role could easily be given back to Donald. Had Donald left the previous year with Marilyn then I could see Judith sticking around as she would at least have purpose being the principal.
As for Joel and Natalie I don’t see why they didn’t just write them out together earlier, instead of breaking them up and Natalie leaving and then returning later for them to leave together.
I love how Pippa got a proper send off in her return guest appearance, it really made up for her dreadful exit in 1998.
The biggest shame was Judy Nunn not being able to play Ailsa in her return to her childhood home storyline, due to Judy Nunn's real life illness.