MEMORIES and photographs of a much-loved teaching assistant at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Coventry were shared as she retired after almost 25 years.
A ‘This is Your Life’ staff briefing was held in tribute to Margaret McNally and the whole school gathered in the playground to form a guard of honour for her before she was presented with cards and gifts.
Prayers of thanks written by the children were also attached to balloons which were released in Margaret’s honour.
Margaret first became a governor of the school, which is now part of the Romero Catholic Academy, in 1995 when her own children Christopher and Sarah attended St Gregory’s.
She then took up her role, providing one-to-one support for children with special educational needs as they progressed through the school
She then changed posts, becoming a teaching assistant for years five and six.
Margaret has worked with five Principals throughout the years and taught generations of the same families as those she has worked with have grown up and had children of their own.
Margaret said: “It’s been hugely rewarding working at St Gregory’s and I can honestly say that I haven’t had a single bad day.
“The children I have worked with throughout the years have been fantastic and it’s been lovely to see them progress and grow – some have even gone on to have children of their own who I’ve been lucky enough to teach.
“There have been some outstanding teachers and support staff over the years who have all worked towards the same goals of making the children happy while providing the best education possible.
“There have been so many highlights over my time at St Gregory’s, including some brilliant residential trips to Alton Castle.
“My role as governor, which I will continue until the end of August, has also given me an insight into the inner workings of the school and how decisions are made around elements such as finances, policies and recruitment.
“I’ve made some great friends who I know I will keep in touch with in the future, and I would like to thank them for a fantastic last day.
“I now look forward to having more time to relax, seeing my three lovely grandchildren a bit more and visiting my family in Ireland.”
Interim Head of School Megan Scullion added: “Margaret is a much-loved member of staff who has made a difference to the lives of so many children throughout the years.
“She will certainly be missed by everyone at St Gregory’s and we wish her the very best for her retirement.”
