A TEACHER has retired after completing almost four decades working at the same Abergele school.
Lynne Bellis, 60, began work at Ysgol St Elfod in 1971 and was continually employed by the junior school until it broke up for the summer holidays last week.
Miss Bellis has taught hundreds of pupils, including different generations of the same family, having become a familiar face in the Abergele community.
Speaking as she prepared to leave Ysgol St Elfod for the final time, Miss Bellis said: “I have really enjoyed all the time I have spent teaching at Ysgol St Elfod. It will seem strange to no longer be working here.
“There are many happy memories of my time here. It has been a pleasure to teach so many hardworking children over the years and I have worked with four different headteachers.
“I have seen many changes in my time here but it has been a very happy time. I am feeling a few things as I leave but it is definitely emotional.”
The entire school teaching staff has changed since Miss Bellis joined the school shortly before it moved to its current premises on Ffordd y Morfa in 1972.
As well as her regular teaching duties, Miss Bellis has been the co-ordinator of Religious Education at the school.
Originally from Wrexham, Miss Bellis has been involved in leading an international project to Slovenia and has combined her teaching with gaining higher education qualifications.
In her retirement, Miss Bellis is retiring to Dolgarrog but intends to keep in touch with Ysgol St Elfod and visit the school on an occasional basis. Much of her focus will be on her role with Soroptimist International Rhyl and District, where she is the current president.
Miss Bellis was thanked by the school at the annual awards ceremony when the year ended. Rowan Boardman and Chloe Foams received awards for their all-round achievement throughout their school career and Emma Gizzi received the KJ Williams Trophy for making an outstanding contribution to school life.
Elliah Frain-Walker was presented with the Citizenship Award for making exceptional progress.
Gwyn Vaughan, headteacher, said: “The school has had another successful year in all areas and it has been a pleasure to reward individuals who have excelled.”