FAMILY, friends and staff all gathered at Woodlands Primary School, in Grimsby, to bid a fond farewell to one of their much-loved teachers.
Melanie Thompson, 60, of Worlaby Road, in Scartho, has decided to retire at the end of the school year after 36 years of stellar service.
She began teaching at the school in 1977, the same year she got married, and in that time the educational establishment has gone through four name changes and she has served under nine different head teachers.
Her time has predominantly been spent in the early years stages of nursery and reception, with the latter being her "favourite".
The mother-of-two said: "The last 15 years of my career have been the happiest.
"There has been ups and downs but each year we've seen an improvement in the pupils' attainment, so we must have been doing something right.
"I love teaching reception because the children are like sponges.
"They come to you willing to learn and wanting to learn – they absorb everything. I'm going to miss the children and a lot of the parents, too, because you develop a great relationship with them, even once the pupils have moved on."
The move to retirement was largely accelerated by Mrs Thompson's deteriorating health and she has difficulty standing and walking, which is quite important when teaching the little ones.
She says that she was sad to leave the old school building and see it being taken down but that the school's current home is "fantastic".
Now she can look forward to more time with her family.
"I've been really positive about my retirement, it's time to do things for me," said Mrs Thompson.
"I've got all sorts of projects that I've started and not been able to finish because I've been working. I just want to enjoy life and see all the friends I don't get to spend enough time with."
Her two daughters, Bethan and Cathryn, were in attendance to raise a glass to their inspirational mother who fills them both with immense pride.
Bethan, 33, said: "She has put everything into her job at this school and she's really given me a drive in my career."
Cathryn, 31, said: "It's going to be quite strange with her not being at work but we just want her to enjoy her time as much as possible now, with dad and her friends – she deserves it."
The pupils compiled video messages that were played at the party.
Head teacher Catherine Job said: "A lot of people are very grateful for having worked with her, as well as all the appreciative pupils and parents – she'll be missed."
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