TWO TEACHERS who started work together in the 70’s are due to retire on the same day.
Audrey Roberts, 58 from St Asaph and Christine White, 57 from Rhuddlan, started at Ysgol Llywelyn in Rhyl in 1976.
More than three decades later, the pair celebrated their retirement with a school party on July 17.
Mrs Roberts said, “We started at the same time and we’re ending on the same time!”
“I have mixed feelings because it has been a part of my life for so long. But I feel it’s time to let the youngsters take over.”
Mrs Roberts said that she had seen many changes over the years, including the introduction of the national curriculum in 1988.
“It’s nice because we’ve been here so long that we’ve taught two generations of families. It’s nice that we know the background of the area.”
“I’ve always felt close to the community because of that. We know a lot of people in the area and a lot about the area itself.”
Mrs Roberts said that she’d enjoyed teaching because every day was different and there are no two lessons the same.
She said: “When the children go to the high school they can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it. We’ve even taught same of the current staff! We’ve had people come and teach with us who were pupils here.”
Gareth Williams, Headmaster of Ysgol Llywelyn, paid tribute to the two teachers in a special service last week.
He said: “Mrs Audrey Roberts and Mrs Christine White have been valued members of the staff at the school since 1976. The teachers are of exceptional quality and have broadened the experiences of generations of children in their care.”
Mrs Roberts specialised in the subject of Welsh while Mrs White taught languages.
She said: “When they come to us, the children often have no Welsh, or very little. And they do love the language and it’s so easy to teach them because they are like little sponges!”
“We have some really nice memories and they stay with you forever.”