Fond farewell to Kaeo teacher
Kaeo Primary School Deputy Principal Glenys Grace has been farewelled after 30 years of service.
‘‘It’s the community I grew up in, the same school I went to, but you’ve got to do stuff for yourself as well. It’s always been a neat place to work.’’
She says the children she has taught over the years have been a highlight of her time at the school.
Several events and tributes have marked her retirement including an emotional haka, a Facebook tributes page from former students and even a Mrs Grace themed float in the Kaeo Christmas parade.
She says she had the opportunity to thank everyone at the recent prizegiving.
Her teaching career began at Kaikohe West School in 1972, before working in Auckland for two years before ‘‘coming home, so to speak’’.
After taking time off to raise her children she started teaching new entrants at Kaeo Primary School in 1986 before moving to the senior school and taking the post of Deputy Principal.
‘‘The kids haven’t really changed but they have become a lot more aware. Things we did back in the day are coming back into vogue.’’
She says she has a special passion for outdoor education and fondly remembers camping and hiking trips with the students.
Grace says she will also be kept busy in her retirement as a Justice of the Peace, a member of the women’s service club in Kaeo and as a supporter and grandparent at Kaeo Primary School.
In the last week leading into Christmas she had two weddings and a funeral in her role as a marriage celebrant, she says she will definitely be keeping busy.