A MUCH loved head teacher has said an emotional goodbye to Larkfield after 30 years working in the area - as she prepares to embark on a new career as a humanist celebrant.

Catriona Miller was given a special send off by Aileymill Primary’s staff and pupils yesterday as they thanked her for many years of service to the school and the local community.

The 57-year-old has ended a 31-year career that began with her first teaching post at Dalmarnock Primary in Glasgow, before she moved on a year later to work at the former Ravenscraig Primary in Greenock.

She stayed there for 17 years before joining Aileymill when it was formed in 2010, and served as its depute head before taking on the top job.

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The departing head told the Tele she and her staff had worked hard during her eight years in charge to make the school a success, despite mounting pressure due to cuts.

Greenock Telegraph: Aileymill head teacher Catriona Miller steps down after a 31 year career

She said: “We grew the school together, the team and I, and we wanted it to be the heart of its community, which I genuinely believe it is.

“It’s a massive thing to be leaving but it’s definitely the right time for me to go and do something new.

“I’ve seen the impact of things like the shipyards going and IBM going and families have really struggled, we’ve had a foodbank here in the school for the last four years.

“But the community of Larkfield is really strong and I think we’re a really important part of that.

“We’ve got great relationships with the families here and that is one of the things I think I will really miss.

“I’ve got teachers on my staff that I taught as children, there are countless parents that I have worked with.

"It’s a big thing to have been part of people’s lives for such a long time and I am incredibly emotional about it.

“A lot of the time you think you’re just doing your job but teachers change lives, that’s a truism.

“It’s a tough job and the cuts to core services are making this job nigh on impossible.

“We have such limited support from social work, from the NHS, from children’s mental health services and that is all coming back on education and on schools.

“That makes it really hard, and it makes it all the more important that schools are filled with people who love our children and we absolutely do.

“That’s what makes Aileymill a special place.”

Catriona’s colleagues and pupils pulled out all the stops to ensure her departure was marked in style.

The youngsters put on a talent show on Monday before gathering for a special assembly on the last day of term. 

Staff held a social bash last Saturday and also gifted Catriona a presentation book featuring photos taken throughout her career.

Catriona says her house and office have been filled with cards and gifts sent by colleagues and parents of pupils as she embarks on her new career as a humanist celebrant.

She added: “I’ll still be able to do something that really means something to a lot of people but I won’t have the responsibility for nearly 500 human beings on a daily basis, which is a lot to have.

“I’m looking forward to not sitting up at night worrying about things.

“I love the kids and their families and we’ve worked really hard to build this community.

“It’s lovely to see how grateful they are.

“We’ve created a school that’s full of love and full of children who get the opportunity to achieve no matter their circumstances."