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Three long-serving members of staff at Keith Primary School retire


By Jonathan Clark

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A GAP will be left at Keith Primary School after the retiral of three long-serving members of staff.

Teachers Wilma McGettrick and Jane Connelly, who have been at the school for 20 years and ten years respectively, are retiring along with classroom assistant Carol Sheard, who has given 23 years of service.

All three were presented with flowers last week.

Keith Primary School Headteacher Susan Buchan (Second Right) with retiring teachers, from left, Wilma McGettrick, Carol Sheard and Jane Connelly. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Keith Primary School Headteacher Susan Buchan (Second Right) with retiring teachers, from left, Wilma McGettrick, Carol Sheard and Jane Connelly. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Mrs McGettrick's Moray teaching career spanned 40 years. She started working at Portessie Primary in Buckie, where she lives, before moving to Applegrove Primary in Forres.

A career highlight came with a teaching exchange to Australia in 1991 when she worked at Taabinga State School in Kingaroy, Queensland.

Likewise, Jane Connelly's teaching career in Moray has spanned a little more than 40 years – after she moved north from Dundee in 1979. Mrs Connelly, who lives in Tomintoul, has spent most of her career in the nursery sector, before spending a decade at Keith Primary.

Carol Sheard, who lives in Keith, started at the school in 1995 as a parent-helper and became an education auxiliary in 1996.

In 2000, Mrs Sheard became a classroom assistant, a job which she has done since.

Keith Primary School Headteacher Susan Buchan (Second Right) with retiring teachers, from left, Wilma McGettrick, Carol Sheard and Jane Connelly. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Keith Primary School Headteacher Susan Buchan (Second Right) with retiring teachers, from left, Wilma McGettrick, Carol Sheard and Jane Connelly. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Keith Primary School deputy head Suzanne Ross, who has been in her role for 11 years, said: "They were all really dedicated and went above and beyond in their job.

"That's typical of our school – everybody helps one another and it's an inclusive and supportive environment.

"It has been a pleasure to work with them and I have enjoyed their professionalism, dedication and friendship. I will miss them hugely.

"We usually have a night out, or a meal, when people leave, but we couldn't imagine having something like that and being two metres apart. We will celebrate in style after lockdown."

Head teacher Susan Buchan, who started at the school last year, said: "They have been very loyal servants to us. It's a big school but there is quite a strong community feel and they contributed to that sense of community.

"The staff have been great since I came here and I have been made to feel very welcome. I wish these three all the best."

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