After giving almost 20 years of his working life to the school, Dalziel High’s head teacher is retiring.
After a hugely successful spell serving the secondary, spanning more than three decades, Robert Birch has decided to call time on his career.
Mr Birch has been a huge influence on both pupils and staff alike at the high school since he first joined the staff roll there in 1997, as principal teacher of Mathematics.
He was promoted to the role of assistant head teacher in October 2000, before rising to become the head teacher of Queensferry High School in September 2006.
He wasn’t to know at that time, but he was to give yet another decade of service to Dalziel High.
His time away lasted less than five years and he returned to the North Lanarkshire school he knew so well, taking up the post of head teacher in February 2011.
Both of Mr Birch's daughters attended Dalziel High.
And it was at another North Lanarkshire school that he first cut his teeth as a teacher.
His career in education began at St Margaret’s High in Airdrie 30 years ago. Since then he has taught generations of youngsters across the local authority area, as well as his spell at the Lothian comprehensive school.
During his illustrious career, he has devoted his time not only in selfless service to his students, but has also become an integral part of the community.
A spokesperson for Dalziel High said: “Mr Birch will be greatly missed. He has been a force for great good in the school. Mr Birch has been inspirational for pupils and staff alike. We wish him a long and happy retirement.”
