A CARETAKER who has retired after 33 years at Church Hill Middle School says she is “very sad” but “looking forward to the next chapter” in her life.
Staff organised an afternoon tea party for Christine Harbone, aged 66, last week to celebrate her long years of service.
They got together and enjoyed a selection of hot drinks and cakes whilst they reminisced over the positive impact she had.
Mrs Harbone said: “I don’t think I have any more tears left to shed, it’s been an emotional week.
“Students came up to me and said their goodbyes too which was really hard but meant so much to me.”
Whilst she enjoyed every single year at the school, there are some things that Mrs Harbone won’t miss.
“It was always quite sad to see teachers and pupils move on from the school – mainly because you spend years building up relationships.
“I think there is only one teacher left at the school who started around the same time as I did, so I will miss her greatly.”
“But I want to thank all the staff, past and present, who made my time so special.”
Mrs Harbone officially retired on July 25 and says she is now looking forward to gardening and spending more time with her husband, Charles.
