WHAT started out as a temporary job has turned into a 30-year career that higher level teaching assistant Karen Stewart has no plans to give up any time soon.
Mrs Stewart joined Ramshaw Primary in 1989 and to celebrate her three decades with the school, a special surprise assembly was held, during which she was presented with cards, flowers and presents.
Originally from Evenwood, Mrs Stewart attended the village primary and Staindrop School before gaining nursery nurse qualifications while a teenager. She spent two years working as a nanny in London before an ill-fated adventure to the south of France for a job which didn’t work out.
“It was then I got a call from the head here at Ramshaw asking if I was interested in a temporary position and I have been here ever since,” she said.
“I love it here. The children and families are just amazing. Because it is a small school, it is like a big happy extended family.”
Mum-of-three Mrs Stewart, who now lives in West Auckland, joined the school under the headship of Maureen Simpson.
She is now on her fourth head – Dominic Brown, who led the surprise assembly to celebrate her anniversary.
She told pupils she could remember her first day at the school and that it is pretty much the same today as it was back in 1989.
“We did not have uniforms back then and there are a lot more pupils than there used to be, but it is still full of wonderful people,” she said.
Revd Brian Whitley described Mrs Stewart as part of the school’s foundations, from which it had flourished.
“All of these children you have met over the years that you have seen and who have grown up – they are your children,” he said.
“They will remember you for the rest of their lives.”
