Years of service at an end for teachers

Long-serving school workers in the Black Country and Staffordshire have been bidding a final fond farewell to pupils and colleagues.

While today marks the start of the summer holidays for thousands of pupils and staff, many have been saying their last goodbye to colleagues and friends.

Seven members of staff from Cheslyn Hay, with 190 years of service between them, all retired on the same day.

Teaching assistants Kath Brooks, aged 59, and Anne Healey, 64, have each given 25 years service, as well as examinations manager Robin Woodward, from Rugeley.

Site supervisor Michael Rushton, 61, from Pelsall, has worked at the school for 33 years. While head of music Patricia Collins, 58, from Handsacre, retires after 24 years.

Andy Plant, 57, from Codsall, has been at the school for 26 years as a learning support unit manager, and deputy headteacher Dave Ryder, 61, from Cannock, has worked at the school for the past 32 years.

Headteacher John Martin said: "Between them they have a total of some 190 years service to the school.

"This is a massive achievement and a major testament to their wonderful commitment and great loyalty to the young people of Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School, to their families and to the local community."

Austin Cheminais, who has served Walsall pupils for almost 40 years, has also said a fond farewell to teaching.

Mr Cheminais has been in charge at Rushall JMI School in Walsall for more than 16 years.

The 57-year-old began his teaching career at Harden Primary, Goldsmith Road, in 1975. He then taught at Delves Junior, Bell Lane, then moved to Leighswood Primary, Aldridge, where he was deputy head before being appointed head at Rushall.

"It has been a privilege and the best job in the world. I have been a teacher in Walsall for 36 years. There have been changes in teaching and will continue to be, but it's all about the children," he said.

"It's really nice to meet former pupils who I taught in the past when I'm out and about."

And he said he was thankful to be able to walk after being run over by a van in the school car park a year ago. He was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham and made a good recovery after initial fears he may lose the use of his legs.

He and his wife Jane, a retired teacher, plan to move to a new home in Llangollen, Wales, where they will be closer to three of their four children who are based in Merseyside.

Other retiring heads in Walsall are Elaine Stringer, of Fullbrook Nursery, Bell Lane, Delves; Jan Taylor, of Leighswood Primary, Broadmeadow, Aldridge; and Mike Wheeler, of Salisbury Primary, Salisbury Street, Darlaston.

Marilyn Eales is preparing to take a well earned rest from Woodfield Infant School in Wolverhampton where she has worked for 25 years.

She said bidding farewell to the children and staff had been "very emotional."

The part-time Year 2 teacher joined the school 25 years ago.

"I'll really miss the children and staff," she said "The children make the school and the staff help to make it."

Mrs Eales, who lives in Pattingham, said she would be spending her spare time down on her allotment and doing arts and crafts.