Three much loved staff members at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills are celebrating a total of 60 years of service between them.
Midday supervisor Jackie Stanton and Teaching Assistants Mel Hibbert and Julia Wass are each marking 20 years of working at the school.
All three said what makes Saint Mary’s such a special place is the feeling that the school community is like an extended family.
Mel said: “I have always loved coming to work at Saint Mary’s. I love the atmosphere, the positivity of staff and the opportunities to learn and develop my own skills. There is a warmth and welcome in this small family school that makes me feel at home.”
Julia said she enjoys coming to work every day.
She said: “Each day is different as we are supporting pupils to learn and grow. I love creating learning environments which adopt to the needs of our pupils. Staff and parents are like an extended family.”
Jackie said it was the children who made the job worthwhile.
She said: “The school is definitely like a family; I think any job is about the people and in a school it’s also about the children. Every day we smile and giggle and it’s the children that make it worthwhile.
“I always see ex-pupils in the street, it’s lovely. I am just a midday supervisor, but when you talk to people that’s when you realise that you are part of their memories of school. Some of the best times they had involved the fun they had at dinner.”
Headteacher Patricia Chapman said that all three members of staff had made an invaluable contribution to Saint Mary’s over the years.
She said: “Julia, Jackie and Mel have played such important roles in the life of our school. Over two decades, each one of them has supported our pupils’ social and emotional development, offering friendship, encouragement, reassurance and a listening ear when children need it most.
“They have all formed wonderful relationships with generations of Saint Mary’s pupils. Their calm, caring and approachable nature has helped countless children to develop confidence, learn how to play and socialise together, resolve disagreements and enjoy their time with friends. The bonds they have created with our pupils are a wonderful reflection of the care and compassion that are at the heart of Saint Mary’s.
“We would like to thank all three of them for everything they do, every day, for our children, their families, our staff and the wider Saint Mary’s community. Their contribution is truly valued, and they should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in the lives of so many children.”
Left to right Mel Hibbert, Julia Wass and Jackie Stanton with children at Saint Mary’s.
