There was a bag of mixed emotions for the St Bride's Primary School community in Bothwell on the last day of term.
Not only was it the start of the much anticipated summer holidays, but also the final day of school for three much loved and respected members of staff.
Headteacher, Denise Pacitti, school janitor and football coach, Maurice Collins, and nursery early years worker, Sadie Paterson, all said a fond farewell to fellow colleagues and children as they embark on their retirement journeys.
With a combined 50 years+ working at the Bothwell-based school, the trio have been key figures and friends to many families over the years, caring for every child as their own.
Denise is retiring after 11 fun-filled years in St Bride's and 33 years in teaching, in recognition of which Father Hughes presented her with a Diocesan Medal at the recent leavers mass.
The medal was awarded in recognition of Denise's service to Catholic Education.
All three staff members enjoyed a week of celebration in their honour, with pupils in each class hosting parties to share poems and songs, alongside some special treats to make sure their last week was filled with fun and laughter.
P7 pupils took the opportunity to go one step further by taking charge of a surprise assembly on 'takeover Tuesday'.
Although the school couldn't gather as they normally would because of the pandemic, the children live-streamed the assembly to the rest of the school so every pupil had the chance to share in the highlights of Denise's time at St. Brides.
A school spokeswoman said: "Denise will be remembered for the positivity, dedication and joy she brought to St Bride's and the whole school and nursery community wish her a long and happy retirement.
"Maurice will be remembered as school gardener, football coach and DJ, while Sadie will always be the dancing queen and remembered and loved for her sense of fun and the devoted care she gave to the children.
"The community of St Bride's are missing them already but we wish them a well-deserved long, happy, healthy and music-filled retirement."
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