Primary school legend set to retire 67 years after first day
A PRIMARY school receptionist is retiring 67 years after she first walked into the classroom.
Christine Arnold, 72, was one of the first pupils to start at the newly opened St Julian’s Primary School in Newport, south Wales, in 1953.
She enjoyed her school days so much that she went back to work there – spending another four decades helping generations of pupils as an assistant and receptionist.
Christine said: “I loved it, loved seeing the children grow up. My own children and grandchildren have been here too, so that’s how much I love it.
“I’ve made so many
Exciting
friends there over the years. The has been my life.
“When I started as a little girl the school had just been built and I was one of the first pupils. I’ve spent my life there really.
“It was an exciting time because it was a new school.
“I went back when my children started school. At first I was a member of the PTA and would go into the classrooms to help out. school
But then I was offered a job as a midday assistant.
“After a couple of years I was senior midday assistant and then when the lead receptionist retired I took over from her and went to work in the office.
“That was in 1993 and I’ve been there ever since. I must have seen thousands of children come through over the years and I feel like I know everyone. It’s going to be strange for a while. I’ll miss them, all the children and the parents.”
Headteacher Luke Mansfield said Christine was a “local celebrity” having nurtured thousands of children through primary school. He said: “Mrs Arnold will be extremely missed by pupils, parents and staff alike.”
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A class act... Christine was called a ‘local celebrity’
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