‘Inspiration’: Tributes paid to retiring Fife head teacher

Tributes have been paid to a Fife head teacher, described as an inspiration by his staff, who is retiring after nearly 40 years in education.

Craig Mitchell, head teacher at Donibristle Primary School in Dalgety Bay, made the announcement in an emotional email to parents and pupils.

He said returning to Donibristle, where he started out as a young probationer in the early 1980s, to take the head teacher role had been a “dream job”.

He had a three-year stint teaching in Egypt before he returned to Fife.

He became deputy head at both Donibristle and Methilhill primary schools before later being appointed head teacher first at Lochgelly South, then Dunnikier Primary School in Kirkcaldy

He also conducted a number of roles with Fife Council at strategic level and was an associate assessor for HMIe.

He said he had enormous pride in the education and experience he and his team at Donibristle had given to children and families.

He said: “Being able to see our children develop and grow as they pass through our school has been hugely rewarding.”

He said the school was now facing extraordinary times and the time was right for him to step back.

Alison Green, deputy head at Donibristle, said Mr Mitchell has been an inspiration for staff as well as pupils.

She said: “We have been overwhelmed with messages wishing him well and talking about the positive influence he has had throughout the community. He has touched the lives of so many staff, children and families here.

“He will be sorely missed.”