A CHRISTMAS-MAD teaching assistant has bid farewell to a dale primary school after almost 25 years of service.
Carolyn Murtagh began working at Cotherstone Primary School in September 2000 and immediately made a mark with her seasonal jokes and wardrobe.
Her love for yuletide and her dedication to the school was celebrated during a special assembly before the mid-term break when she was given retirement gifts, including a Christmas calendar complete with seasonal jokes.
Deputy headteacher Richard Batchelor highlighted her various passions.
He said: “I know she likes very poor Christmas jokes… sorry excellent Christmas jokes… that we are subjected to every morning during December. I know that Mrs Murtagh likes Christmas earrings in October and November. Christmas dresses normally make it by November.
“I know Mrs Murtagh absolutely loves guinea pigs. And we know that Mrs Murtagh likes a drink that starts with the first four letters of Guinea pigs (Guinness).”
He added that Ms Murtagh worked as his teaching assistant when he first started at the school, during his newly-qualified teacher year. He noted that this year had been particularly difficult because the headteacher had an extended absence through poor health.
Mr Batchelor said: “I have told Mrs Murtagh over the years she got me through that first year, and this is an opportunity for me to say thank you.
“I know that Mrs Murtagh has also helped every single one of you children here as well and you all have fond memories of her as well.”
Tributes were also paid by teacher Jennie Lee who commended Ms Murtagh for her hard work and dedication to the children.
Parent Evie Bark presented Ms Murtagh with a special teddy bear mascot made out of old school uniforms.
Ms Bark said: “Some of us are old pupils. You were here when I was here. This is a thank you from the parents for the hard work you have put into our children. It has been fantastic.”
Among the gifts given by the children was a scrapbook of her time at the school, a special poster message made with popular chocolate bars spelling out what she means to the school. An emotional Ms Murtagh said: “The gifts are so personal to me. The Christmas calendar is amazing.
“Every morning at the breakfast club in December – because I am a bit Christmas mad – and tell them a new joke. And poor Mr Batchelor walks through the hall and groans when I tell him the morning joke.”
