Teachers hang up boots

STAFF and students at St Patrick’s Primary have farewelled two of the school’s longest serving teachers.
Ann Ferguson and Dorothy Rowlands have hung up their teaching boots after a combined service of almost 60 years.
Mrs Ferguson began her career in the Catholic teaching system at St Patrick’s Primary in 1978, while Mrs Rowlands began working at Catholic schools in 1962 and started at St Patrick’s in 1981.
Mrs Ferguson taught Grade 4 and Grade 6 students for the first 10 years, with her three children attending the school.
She then moved on to specialist teaching in the 90s, including music. She has spent the last 17 years in the school library, where she has loved sharing her love of reading with the students as well as introducing them to the world of computers.
Mrs Ferguson has run the Junior Red Cross and stamp club at school since 1999, and is often found playing chess with the children during lunchtime.
Mrs Rowlands spent most of her time teaching in the junior school. In more recent times, she has been the school’s literacy co-ordinator.
Mrs Ferguson has moved to the other side of the State to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She is also looking forward to travelling with her husband Ian.
Although Mrs Rowlands has retired, she will still be involved in the St Patrick’s school community, volunteering her time at the parish office.
Two of her grandchildren also attend the school.