After 33 years of service, nursery teacher Mrs Wendy Priest is saying farewell to The Priory Primary in Wednesbury.
Wendy Priest has clocked up more than 40,000 teaching hours at the school, which was first known as Joseph Edward Cox Infants before it became The Priory Primary.
The school marked Wendy’s retirement with a special assembly where she was presented with flowers and messages from pupils.
Wendy, who is 55 and also a talented artist, presented the school with an original piece of art depicting the festivals and celebrations the school marks throughout the year.
She said: “I hope the school will display it and remember me when they are celebrating festivals throughout the year. I shall be at home thinking of them all.
Wendy, who lives in Wednesbury, added: “I enjoyed teaching at the school so much that I stayed 33 years. I am now teaching the children of pupils I first taught earlier on in my career at the school.
“It’s with great reluctance I am retiring but I am hoping to carry on working with children on a voluntary basis. I also hope to have more time for my painting and gardening.”
Headteacher of The Priory Primary School, Phillip Butcher paid tribute to Wendy. He said: “Wendy has continually prided herself on creating a nurturing ethos for all our pupils and is exceptionally approachable, kind-hearted and altruistic.
“She will be a huge loss to the school family as a result of her relentless approach to child-centred practice. I know that Wendy will miss the pupils dearly as they have always played such an important part in her life.
“She will wave goodbye to The Priory Primary School with her head held high, knowing that she provided so many children with a positive and happy experience of school.
"She is a well-respected teacher to so many people that have, over the last three decades been involved with the school.
"I applaud her dedication and loyalty and consider her retirement as a celebration of the impact she has had on many children’s lives.
“On behalf of all staff, parents and pupils, both past and present, I would like to wish Wendy a very happy and purposeful retirement.”
