Aberlour Primary School staff celebrates 26 years of service
Aberlour Primary School is saying a fond farewell to long-serving member of staff Mrs Hester Allan, who is retiring this October after 26 years at the school.
Hester has been at the heart of school life for more than a quarter of a century, working as a Classroom Assistant, Lunchtime Supervisor and Playground Supervisor.
She has mainly worked with children in P1 to P3 and has helped generations of pupils settle into their early years at Aberlour Primary.
Throughout her time at the school, Hester has been a familiar and reassuring face for children and families, always ready to offer kindness, care and encouragement.
To celebrate her contribution to the school, pupils and staff held a special Dress As You Please Day on Thursday 8 October, along with a whole-school loose parts play session.
Hester received gifts from the school community and a special picture created by the current children of Aberlour Primary School.
The school marked her 26 years of service by bringing together one of its current P1 pupils, Aila Walker, with Grieg Donald who was in P1 at Aberlour when Hester first started at the school. The two generations of pupils represent the many children Hester has supported during her time at Aberlour as they presented Hester with gifts.
Mandy Inkson, Headteacher at Aberlour Primary School, said: “Hester has been a very special part of Aberlour Primary School for the past 26 years. During that time, she has supported so many children through their first experiences of school and has always done so with great kindness, patience and care.
“We hope our celebrations showed Hester just how much she means to everyone here and give us the opportunity to thank her for everything she has done for generations of Aberlour children.”
Head of Education at Moray Council, Vivienne Cross, commented: “Hester is clearly a much-loved member of the school community and will be greatly missed by pupils, staff and families. We wish Hester a very happy and well-earned retirement.”
Hester thanked the school community past and present and presented the school with a bear made from old Aberlour Primary School uniforms, symbolising the many lost uniforms she’s reunited pupils with over her 26 years.