Pupils and staff at St David’s Primary in Plains bid a fond farewell to their beloved head teacher, who hung up her chalk and duster for the last time on the final day of term.
Isabel Agnew, known as the “belle of St David’s”, was in charge at the school for more than 16 years, reaching the pinnacle of a career which spanned more than four decades in Monklands.
After graduating in 1979, Isabel taught at St Serf’s Primary School for more than 20 years before securing the head teacher post at St David’s in 2003.
She took on joint headship at both St David’s and St Andrew’s primaries in Burnfoot for five years ahead of returning to St David’s in 2014.
During her tenure at St David’s, Isabel introduced an annual school holiday and took Primary 5-7 youngsters on a week-long break to destinations as far afield as London, Scarborough, Lourdes and Holland.
Daredevil Isabel participated in tree climbing, canoeing and abseiling activities during the school’s residential trips to Kilbowie outdoor centre in Ayrshire each year. A spokesperson for the school said: “She was highly respected by staff, pupils and parents and has nurtured and supported families at St David’s and the wider community.
“The kind-hearted teacher provided days out and childcare for bereaved children, allowing their parents time to make funeral arrangements for their loved ones.
“Isabel’s fun-loving nature came to the fore at the school discos, where she was the first to step onto the dance floor with her pupils.
“She was also instrumental in organising a number of extra curricular clubs, including cross-country and Bible quiz groups.”
And, in honour of their much-loved head teacher, the school’s junior classes performed their own tribute in a show entitled “Farewell Mrs Agnew”, recalling fond memories and singing songs, with senior students performing scenes from Isabel’s favourite show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
At a thanksgiving mass in St David’s church, Isabel was reunited with John Reilly, 94, her former head teacher at St James’ Primary in Coatbridge, along with pupils from her first class at St Serf’s Primary.
She was presented with a diocesan medal by St David’s parish priest Reverend Thomas Trench for her 40-year service to the Motherwell diocese.
Hundreds gathered at a special retirement celebration in St David’s church hall, where colleagues past and present and Isabel’s husband Mark, daughters Jennifer and Gillian, friends and the Plains community honoured her time in education.
Isabel also threw a party for the children in the school who were treated to ice cream and cakes before dancing to traditional ceilidh tunes and playing party games.
To mark her special day, Isabel was presented with a “best head teacher” trophy by members of the parent council and tucked into a celebratory lunch.
Afterwards the school tweeted: “We wish our wonderful head teacher Mrs Agnew a very long, happy and well deserved retirement!
“Your St David’s family will miss you.
“Thanks for so many happy memories.”
