Retiring teacher given tribute by pupils

TdaNews Direct
Published: 20 August, 2008

A teacher from Berwick who is retiring after 38 years at her school was given an emotional send-off by pupils and fellow tutors, it has been reported.

Angela Johnston, who retired at the end of last term after nearly four decades at her job in Norham school, was treated to a Scottish country dance written especially for her after she taught children the activity during her time at the school.

The dance, called Miss Johnston: Pride of Norham was written by the headteacher, Julie Grainger, with a group of children learning the dance in secret to keep it a surprise for their "much-loved" tutor.

Mrs Grainger highlighted the dedicated work of Miss Johnston and said: "Angela devoted her working life to Norham School, the children, the families and the wider community.

"It is with much love that we all wish her a long, happy and successful retirement."

In related news, dancing is now part of a new school-based anti-knife scheme, Too Smart, which also uses sport, music and drama to make the message relevant to students, the Colchester Gazette revealed.