A primary headteacher is handing over after 39 years – to a former pupil she first taught in P1.
Irene Smith was one the first pupils at Bell’s Brae Primary, Lerwick, Shetland, when it opened in 1957 and returned 19 years later as a teacher.
In her first ever P1 class in 1976 was a girl called Jennifer Wadley.
Jennifer herself went on to be a teacher at the same school and is now taking over the top job at Bell’s Brae from Irene, 65.
Irene, who became head in 1994, said: “She was a good student, they were a lovely class that first class
“She was a very conscientious pupil. She had a lovely smile, I remember that.”
Irene added: “It’s lovely to see former pupils having the same commitment to teaching.
“There is a bond there – an understanding and familiarity.
“It’s so nice to think you’ve had some impact, that they’ve wanted to go into the same career as you.”
An 1976 class picture shows Irene standing proudly next to the class, with Jennifer beaming out from the front row.
Jennifer remembers fondly her time in P1, saying: “Irene was always a very calm person.
“She has such a lovely way with words.”
She added: “I always wanted to be a teacher, right from the very start, and that was down to the fact that all of the teachers were fun and caring and supported you.
“I never wanted to do anything else.”
She recalls returning to her old school as a part of work experience programme, and Irene’s words of encouragement: “If this is what you want, go for it!”
“I’ve learned so much from her”, she added.
Mrs Wadley also nominated Mrs Smith for a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Scottish education awards.
As part of the nomination process she gave a glowing report of her former teacher.
“She will cover a class with an engaging lesson at a moment’s notice, supervise at breaktime, referee a football match, dry tears, sort out disputes, ensure a lost child gets home, organise a school trip, spend a sleepless night in the local outdoor centre, search for a missing jacket, be a DJ, take the role of a Victorian headmistress…the list is endless!”
Irene took home the lifetime achievement award at a ceremony on June 10.