Allison Henderson, support for learning assistant, retired at the end of last month after spending 27 years supporting pupils at the Polmont school. She had just celebrated her 65th birthday two days prior.
The beloved staff member received a heartwarming send off with a special assembly which saw the school community come together to wish her farewell.
Her assembly also featured a personalised song, organised by the school’s music teacher.
Three of the Primary 7 girls that Allison worked with wrote her a heartfelt poem which they read aloud during the farewell.
“The poem was lovely, I couldn’t believe they had written that for me. I worked very closely with these girls everyday, so I’m definitely going to miss them.”
Reflecting on her time with the school, Allison said: “The children are all really nice to work with, the staff were really great and all the teachers are brilliant.
“I’ll miss it. I’ll miss the children especially.”
Allison wasn’t quite prepared to leave the school, but due to health problems she decided it was time to retire.
She said: “I wouldn’t have left quite so early if I hadn't had to.”
However, once she’s on the mend Allison plans to spend her retirement travelling, something that she is looking forward to as she hasn’t been on holiday since 2007.
HJ Snedden, headteacher at St Margaret’s Primary School, said: “Allison Henderson has served the St Margaret’s community for 27 years and during this time she has supported hundreds of pupils across the school and across decades.
“She was a much-loved member of the staff team, by pupils and staff alike. Latterly she demonstrated her commitment to the children of St Margaret’s through showing great resilience and working through deteriorating health – a real trooper!
“The St Margaret’s community celebrated her lengthy service to the school through a final farewell assembly and singing her a personalised song to her favourite band Abba. We wish her all the very best and wonderful retirement.”
5. Allison's farewell assembly
Three Primary 7 pupils that Allison worked with wrote her a heartfelt poem which they read aloud in a moving moment during her farewell celebration. (Michael Gillen). Photo: Michael Gillen
6. Allison's farewell assembly
Allison hopes to spend some of her retirement travelling when her health improves, as she has not been on holiday since 2007. (Michael Gillen). Photo: Michael Gillen
7. Allison's farewell assembly
Allison 'couldn't believe' the pupils had written a poem for her, and said it was 'lovely'. (Michael Gillen). Photo: Michael Gillen
8. Allison's farewell assembly
The St Margaret's community got together to sing a personalised song, inspired by Allison's favourite band Abba, during the assembly. (Michael Gillen). Photo: Michael Gillen